March 2026 Challenge Response – DermotM

[Dermot M]

Hi all.

Running a bit late with this one — my Active Melody March 2026 challenge entry finally made it out! 😅

Played the rhythm part on the backing track (you’ll probably spot that straight away — and a few fluffed notes for good measure), then layered the lead on top. Funny how it’s always easier when that red light isn’t rolling, eh? 🎸😆

Can’t wait to check out everyone else’s takes — and as always, big thanks for all the encouragement and kind words.

Till next month, folks!

Dermot

[Michael Krailo]

That rhythm part was really good. Would have liked to see you playing it. Your lead keeps improving, so I’m happy with your performance.

Go slow and practice correct technique, and your abilities will dramatically improve.

[Dermot M]

Thanks Michael. Yes. Sorry I was just back from hols and didn’t leave myself enough time for the video set up etc. Will work on it for next month. Thank you for commenting.

[AndréM]

Good rockin’ vibe.
Your video is a bit dark, we can’t see what your are playing.
Excellent challenge.

AndréM

AndréM

[Dermot M]

Thank you Andre. Apologies for the dark video. I had to record it early in the morning and I usually do it in the evening to reduce the contrast. Thank you for commenting.

[JoeD1]

I thought your backing track was very well done and at first thought maybe you found it online somewhere! Your lead playing is really good and is definitely showing improvement!

Joe

The sight of a touch, or the scent of a sound,
Or the strength of an Oak with roots deep in the ground.
--Graeme Edge

[Dermot M]

Hi Joe. TBH I did get the backing track with the drums online and then added my own rhythm part – along with some authentic fluffed notes 🙂 Appreciate you taking the time to post and for the encouraging feedback.

[John H]

Well played Dermot
This is one of your best submissions. Way to stay with the tempo. This has a great groove to which you apply some tasty lead licks. Great stuff!

John

[Dermot M]

Thank you very much John. I enjoy the challenges and learn lots from them . Appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[sunjamr]

Well played, Dermot. Sounds like you put in the time on this one!

Sunjamr Steve

[Dermot M]

Thank you Sunjamr. I did but need to get to the recording stage a bit earlier. Always takes more time than you think. Appreciate you taking time to comment.

[JoLa]

That’s a pretty good jam track, Dermot, it must have been a lot of work! You stayed with it pretty well playing the lead, getting better and better 👍

🎸JoLa

[Dermot M]

Hi Jola. I heard your name recently mentioned in dispatches by Brian. Congratulations on your amazing steak! An inspiration!

Really appreciate you taking the time to comment and for your encouragement.

[Michael L]

Nice Dermot! This came together really well for you. Great driving rhythm and a good lead on top. Well done!

[Dermot M]

Thank you Micheal. It was better before I pressed record :-))) Apprreciate you taking the time to post and for the encouragement.

[Alan L]

Nice development of your ideas, that progress and layer. The minor licks are especially fitting on that track. 😎

[Dermot M]

Thank you Alan. I had a couple of shapes in my head and them just tried to feel my way – one or two missteps but I’d call them intentionally jazzy. :-)))

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated.

[Dieter]

Sounds good.

Dieter

[Dermot M]

Thank you Dieter for replying and for the encouragement.

[Author]

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