The Chris Shiel Show: Recent Episodes
Chris Shiel
"Rocket Man" (officially titled as Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)), is a song composed by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and originally performed by John. The song echoes the theme of David Bowie's 1969 song "Space Oddity" (both recordings were produced by Gus Dudgeon), but according to an account in Elizabeth Rosenthal's book His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John, the song was inspired by Taupin's sighting of either a shooting star or a distant airplane. The account goes on to relate that the notion of astronauts no longer being perceived as heroes, but in fact as an "everyday occupation", led him to the song's opening lines: "She packed my bags last night, pre-flight. Zero hour: 9 a.m. And I'm gonna be high as a kite by then."
"One Day I'll Fly Away" is a song performed by American jazz singer Randy Crawford, from her fourth studio album, Now We May Begin (1980). The song was written by Joe Sample and Will Jennings and produced by Sample, Wilton Felder and Stix Hooper. It received generally favorable reviews from music critics. The song was a commercial success in the international market at the time, reaching number one in Belgium (Flanders) and Netherlands, while peaking at number two in the United Kingdom. "One Day I'll Fly Away" is Crawford's highest charting single, and has been covered by many artists, most notably by Nicole Kidman portraying the character of Satine in 2001 motion picture Moulin Rouge!. In 2013, Girls Aloud member Kimberley Walsh released a cover of the song as the lead single from her debut studio album, Centre Stage. More recently the song has also been covered by British Electronica trio Vaults which was featured in the John Lewis 2016 Christmas Advertisment.
"Green Onions" is an instrumental composition recorded in 1962 by Booker T. & the M.G.'s. Described as "one of the most popular instrumental rock and soul songs ever", the tune is twelve-bar blues with a rippling Hammond B3 organ line by Booker T. Jones that he wrote when he was just 17. The guitarist Steve Cropper used a Fender Telecaster on "Green Onions", as he did on all of the M.G.'s instrumentals. The track was originally issued in May 1962 on the Volt label (a subsidiary of Stax Records) as the B-side of "Behave Yourself" on Volt 102; it was quickly reissued as the A-side of Stax 127, and it also appeared on the album Green Onions.
This version is based upon Jools Holland's version (With his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra) first recorded live at MEN Arena Manchester in 2008.
"Just Can't Get Enough" is a song by the English electronic music band Depeche Mode. It was released in September 1981 as the third single from their debut album, Speak and Spell (1981). It was recorded during the summer of that year at Blackwing Studios, and was the band's first single to be released in the United States, on 18 February 1982. A riff-driven synthpop song, "Just Can't Get Enough" was the final single to be written by founding member Vince Clarke, who left the band in November 1981.
As ever, Yamaha DGX-505, Cakewalk Sonar and Audacity
It took a year (more or less) ...
Recording single tracks over time and then recording 2 tracks at a time, bouncing to a single track and using as a background guide.
14 tracks in all - A couple of bits go slightly awry but, it's near as dammit !
As ever - Yamaha DGX-505, Cakewalk Sonar and Adobe Audition.
"Fernando" the song by the Swedish pop group ABBA. It was the group's first non-album single and was released in March 1976 through Polar Music. Solo parts were sung by Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The song was to become ABBA's best-selling single of all time, with 6,000,000 copies sold in 1976 alone. It is one of less than forty all-time singles to have sold 10 million (or more) physical copies worldwide, making it one of the best selling singles of all time.
Yamaha DGX-505
Cakewalk Sonar, Audacity and Adobe Audition 3.0
"Cavatina" is a 1970 classical guitar piece by Stanley Myers and best remembered as the theme from The Deer Hunter.
The piece had been recorded by classical guitarist John Williams, long before the film that made it famous. It had originally been written for piano but at Williams' invitation, Myers re-wrote it for guitar and expanded it. After this transformation, it was first used for the film The Walking Stick (1970). In 1973, Cleo Laine wrote lyrics and recorded the song as "He Was Beautiful", accompanied by Williams.
Following the release of The Deer Hunter in 1978, Williams' instrumental version of "Cavatina" became a UK Top 20 hit. Two other versions also made the Top 20 in the same year: another instrumental recording by The Shadows, with an electric guitar played by Hank Marvin, released on their album String of Hits with the name "Theme from The Deer Hunter" (number 9 in the UK singles charts and number 1 in The Netherlands); and a vocal version (using Cleo Laine's lyrics) by Iris Williams.
The song by English musician David Bowie, written by Bowie and Brian Eno. Produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, it was recorded in July and August 1977, and released on 23 September 1977. A product of Bowie's "Berlin" period, the track was not a huge hit in the UK or US at the time, but has gone on to become one of Bowie's signature songs and is well known today for its appearance in numerous advertisements. In January 2016, following Bowie's death, the song reached a new peak of number 12 in the UK Singles Chart. ""Heroes"" has been cited as Bowie's second-most covered song after "Rebel Rebel".
My version, took a little longer than expected but, it's here now.
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"December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)" is a song by the Four Seasons, written by original Four Seasons keyboard player Bob Gaudio and his future wife Judy Parker, produced by Gaudio, and included on the group's album, Who Loves You (1975).
Yamaha DGX-505, Adobe Audition and Sonar.
A song written and first recorded by The Valentine Brothers, John Valentine and Billy Valentine, and released as a single in 1982.
It was covered by the British pop/soul group Simply Red in 1985. The Valentine Brothers' version peaked at #41 on the Billboard R&B charts, while the Simply Red single went to #13 on the UK charts in 1985 and #28 on the Billboard U.S. pop chart in 1986. It was Simply Red's first UK single. The song was also an international hit, reaching the Top 40 in several countries.
"Don't Bring Me Down" is the band's second highest charting hit in the UK where it peaked at number 3 and their biggest hit in the United States, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also charted well in Canada (number 1) and Australia (number 6). This was the first song by ELO not to include a string section.
The drum track is in fact a tape loop, coming from "On the Run" looped and slowed down.
The song ends with the sound of a door slamming. According to producer Jeff Lynne, this was a metal fire door at Musicland Studios where the song was recorded.
The song was dedicated to the NASA Skylab space station, which re-entered the Earth's atmosphere over the Indian Ocean and Western Australia on 11 July 1979.
On 4 November 2007, Lynne was awarded a BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc) Million-Air certificate for "Don't Bring Me Down" for the song having reached two million airplays.
As ever, Yamaha DGX-505, Adobe Audition and Sonar
"Albatross" is a guitar-based instrumental by Fleetwood Mac, released as a single in November 1968, later featuring on the compilation albums The Pious Bird of Good Omen (UK) and English Rose (USA). It was a major hit in several countries and became Fleetwood Mac's only Number 1 hit in the UK Singles Chart, spending one week at the top. It was re-released in the UK as a single in 1973, and peaked at Number 2 in the charts. The piece was composed by Peter Green. The single has sold over 900,000 copies in the UK.
Yamaha DGX505, Cakewalk and Adobe Audition, as ever
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"Saint Louis Blues" is a popular American song composed by W. C. Handy in the blues style. It remains a fundamental part of jazz musicians' repertoire. It was also one of the first blues songs to succeed as a pop song. It has been performed by numerous musicians of all styles from Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith to Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Guy Lombardo, and the Boston Pops Orchestra. It has been called "the jazzman's Hamlet". Published in September 1914 by Handy's own company, it later gained such popularity that it inspired the dance step the "foxtrot".
This version by Ron Smith is in the style of Duke Ellington. Played live on his Yamaha Clavinova and recorded via midi. Emailed to me and played through my Yamaha DGX-505 and recorded using Cakewalk, Adobe Audition and Audacity.
Cheers Ron
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"Boom Boom" is a song written by American blues singer/guitarist John Lee Hooker and recorded in 1961. Although a blues song, music critic Charles Shaar Murray calls it "the greatest pop song he ever wrote". "Boom Boom" was both an American R&B and Pop chart success in 1962 as well as placing in the UK Singles Chart in 1992. It is one of Hooker's most identifiable and enduring songs and "among the tunes that every band on the [early 1960s UK] R&B circuit simply had to play". It has been recorded by numerous blues and other artists, including a 1965 North American hit by the Animals. Following the success of The Animals' cover version, Hooker re-recorded and re-released the song in 1968 on Stateside as the B-side of "Cry Before I Go" under the longer title "Boom Boom Boom".
Inspired by a great night with Mal Wichelow at Yellow Arch Studios, Sheffield, April 2015.
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In the decades since its release it has been covered by many artists. The Etta James version, with its passionate vocal and sweeping orchestration, is often chosen for weddings and wedding receptions
"Wouldn't It Be Good" is a song by the British singer-songwriter Nik Kershaw. It was released one month prior to his debut studio album Human Racing. The release was Kershaw's second single, and features the non-album track, "Monkey Business" as the B-side, which was also released as a bonus track on 2012 re-release of the album.
First attempted this 5 years ago (2009) with very basic results. After finding my way around various progs and indeed the keyboard, I rerecorded it a couple of years ago.
Now, more poignant after hearing of the sad passing of Joe Cocker.
RIP Joe
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Written by Mercury at the piano, "Somebody to Love" is a soul-searching piece that questions God's role in a life without love. Through voice layering techniques, Queen was able to create the soulful sound of a 100 voice choir, with that of only three voices: Mercury, Brian May and Roger Taylor. John Deacon did not sing on the album's track. Mercury's fascination and admiration for Aretha Franklin was a major influence for the creation of this song.
Four versions of the libretto of Anything Goes exist: the original 1934 libretto, the 1962 revival libretto, the 1987 revival libretto, and the 2011 revival libretto. The story has been revised, though all involve similar romantic complications aboard the S.S. American and feature the same major characters. The score has been altered, with some songs cut and others reassigned to different scenes and characters, and augmented with various Porter songs from other shows.
As usual, Yamaha DGX-505, Cakewalk and Adobe Audition
Beautifully played by Ron Smith (24th June 2014).
Yamaha DGX-505 and mastered using Adobe Audition
"Love Is a Stranger" is the fifth single by the British rock/pop duo Eurythmics. Originally released in late 1982, the single was commercially unsuccessful, but it was re-released in 1983 when it became a hit, reaching the UK Top Ten. The single was re-released again in 1991, to promote Eurythmics' Greatest Hits album.
Yamaha Portable Grand DGX-505, Cakewalk Sonar and Adobe Audition
"Black Betty" (Roud 11668) is a 20th-century African-American work song often credited to Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter as the author, though the earliest recordings are not by him. Some sources claim it is one of Lead Belly's many adaptations of earlier folk material; in this case an 18th-century marching cadence about a flintlock musket. There are numerous recorded versions, including a cappella, folk, and rock arrangements. The best known modern recordings are rock versions by Ram Jam and Spiderbait, both of which were hits.
As ever, recorded using the Yamaha DGX-505 and edited using Cakewalk Sonar, Adobe Audition and Audacity.
Requested by Sarah White - Just remember .... It's keyboards I play... Not guitar
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A sleepless night last night, a boring wet afternoon today.
Usual Yamaha DGX-505, Cakewalk Sonar and Adobe Audition 3.
Don't go changing, to try and please me
You never let me down before
Don't imagine you're too familiar
And I don't see you anymore
I wouldn't leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times
I'll take you just the way you are
Don't go trying some new fashion
Don't change the color of your hair
You always have my unspoken passion
Although I might not seem to care
I don't want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard
I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way you are
I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone that I knew
What will it take till you believe in me
The way that I believe in you
I said I love you and that's forever
And this I promise from the heart
I could not love you any better
I love you just the way you are
Started this about 9 months ago and left it alone until last week. Been playing it for years but, never recorded it as such.
Not sure about the Sax.
As usual, Yamaha DGX-505, Cakewalk, Adobe Audition.
Full version.
First played about with the full version 4 years ago - Without much luck. Re-Recorded using Cakewalk Sonar (It's getting easier the more I find out about it) and re-mastered using Adobe Audition 3 and as ever on my Yamaha DGX-505.
A 1967 song written by Cat Stevens, originally released by P. P. Arnold in the spring of 1967. Stevens' own version originally appeared on his album New Masters in December 1967.
The song has been widely covered and has become a hit single for four different artists: P. P. Arnold (1967), Keith Hampshire (1973), Rod Stewart (1977) and Sheryl Crow (2003).
Firs played it years ago - Tried recording it a few years ago and finished playing with it a few months ago. Found it again today.
The usual tackle ...
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I would have given you all of my heart
But there's someone who's torn it apart
And she's taken just all that I had
But if you want I'll try to love again
Baby I'll try to love again but I know
The first cut is the deepest
Baby I know the first cut is the deepest
But when it come to being lucky she's cursed
When it come to loving me she's the worst
I still want you by my side
Just to help me dry the tears that I've cried
And I'm sure going to give you a try
And if you want I'll try to love again
Baby I'll try to love again but I know
The first cut is the deepest
Baby I know the first cut is the deepest
But when it come to being lucky she's cursed
When it come to loving me she's the worst
I still want you by my side
Just to help me dry the tears that I've cried
But I'm sure gonna give you a try
'Cause if you want I'll try to love again
Baby I'll try to love again but I know
The first cut is the deepest
Baby I know the first cut is the deepest
When it come to being lucky she's cursed
When it come to loving me she's the worst
The Blade Runner soundtrack was composed by Vangelis for Ridley Scott's 1982 film Blade Runner. It is mostly a dark, melodic combination of classical composition and synthesizers which mirrors the futuristic film noir envisioned by Scott.
Started playing about with it (and the keyboard sounds and effects) a couple of years ago. Yamaha DGX-505 using Cakewalk Sonar and Adobe Audition for recording.
Released on October 6, 1978, the soundtrack to Midnight Express was composed by Italian synth-pioneer Giorgio Moroder. The score won the Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1979.
Quickest recording ever (gotta love sequencing) - 2.5 hrs.
As always (until I win the Lottery)DGX-505, Cakewalk Sonar and Adobe Audition 3
From "Les Misérables"
God on high
Hear my prayer
In my need
You have always been there
He is young
He's afraid
Let him rest
Heaven blessed.
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home.
He's like the son I might have known
If God had granted me a son.
The summers die
One by one
How soon they fly
On and on
And I am old
And will be gone.
Bring him peace
Bring him joy
He is young
He is only a boy
You can take
You can give
Let him be
Let him live
If I die, let me die
Let him live
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home
Been over to a friends today to record him playing. Initially I was supposed to be showing him how to record and edit midi formats but, as you can hear, he doesn't need midi !
Recorded live, mastered later by me - I give you Ron Smith, Sheffield, UK.
First started a couple of years ago - Sounded terrible so, abandoned and left alone.
Had a play about with it just before Christmas (2013) and it worked out easier using Sonic.
Enjoy
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Started last Summer (2013) and put aside. Finished over Christmas. Enjoy
Yamaha DGX-505 and Cakewalk Sonar
First played this around 1997. Recorded it about three years ago - Remastered just now.
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It was christmas eve babe
In the drunk tank
An old man said to me: won't see another one
And then they sang a song
The rare old mountain dew
I turned my face away and dreamed about you
Got on a lucky one
Came in eighteen to one
I´ve got a feeling
This year´s for me and you
So happy christmas
I love you baby
I can see a better time
Where all our dreams come true.
They got cars big as bars
They got rivers of gold
But the wind goes right through you
It´s no place for the old
When you first took my hand on a cold christmas eve
You promised me broadway was waiting for me
You were handsome you were pretty
Queen of new york city when the band finished playing they yelled out for more
Sinatra was swinging all the drunks they were singing
We kissed on a corner
Then danced through the night.
And the boys from the NYPD choir were singing Galway Bay
And the bells were ringing out for christmas day.
You´re a bum you´re a punk
You´re an old slut on junk
Lying there almost dead on a drip in that bed
You scumbag you maggot
You cheap lousy faggot
Happy christmas your arse I pray god it´s our last.
And the boys of the NYPD choir's still singing Galway Bay
And the bells were ringing out
For christmas day.
I could have been someone
Well so could anyone
You took my dreams from me
When I first found you
I kept them with me babe
I put them with my own
Can´t make it out alone
I´ve built my dreams around you
And the boys of the NYPD choir's still singing Galway Bay
And the bells are ringing out
For christmas day.
Jona Lewie - Re recorded and expanded. I'll upload the original recording from a couple of years ago if you care to compare.
Yet another blast from the past. 1983 I think.
Sung by Italian synth pop artist Ryan Paris. It was released in October 1983 as a single. The song was composed by Pierluigi Giombini, the same composer, producer, arranger and keyboard player of "I Like Chopin" and "Masterpiece".
I'm sure I posted this on YT a few years ago ?
Never mind - It's here now and obviously, I'm keeping a theme of "I'm A Celebrity" going on.
Enjoy !
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For Mr John Cox.
Tried several tempos and arrangements. I presumed you wanted the Piano version ?
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I'm sure I've uploaded this before ?
Anyhoo - First played by me in 1992 when I was trying new equipment. Re-recorded around 2002 and just uploaded (via the Yamaha DGX-505) tonight for Nevio
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Howlin Wolf, Rolling Stones... Whoever you think the best.
I am the little red rooster
Too lazy to crow for day
I am the little red rooster
Too lazy to crow for day
Keep everything in the farm yard
Upset in every way
The dogs begin to bark, hounds begin to howl
The dog begin to bark, hounds begin to howl
Watch out now people
Little red rooster on the prowl
If you're about to see my little red rooster
Please drive him home
If you're about to see my little red rooster
Please drive him home
Ain't had no peace in the farm yard
Since my little red rooster's been gone
Self explanatory really. First recorded in 2010 and edited this morning at 5.00am (Zzzzz....)
Started last year (2012) as a test for different instruments on the keyboard and usingAdobe Audition for editing the finer aspects of a track.
Not a lot will know it I'm sure but, it was a memorable hit from the 80s.
As ever, Yamaha DGX-505, Adobe Audition 3 and a bit of jiggery pokery.
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