Category: Music
Rosings
The latest track for Argent is now live at bandcamp.
I recorded this song very differently. Musescore, the composing software I use, will playback the song. Instead of just writing melody and chords, this time I notated an orchestral score. What you hear is the computer playing the sheet music, and a vocal track I laid over. I feel like my experience with notation, reading and writing, might be my greatest strength as a musician. (Since I’m so very amateur at guitar, lol.) Anyway, here’s the simplified music. The orchestral score is an immense file, so I won’t post it.
you If you were my bell If you were my well but you’re you A voice like clear water a face like a star my tongue turns to butter whenever you are you you If you were my clerk If you were my park but you’re you you why can’t I talk to you If you were my lake If you were my fate but you’re you A voice like clear water a face like a star my tongue turns to butter whenever you are you
Get Lucky
and your youth is spent,
you’re not wealthy
and you’re too smart to be content,
get lucky
When he’s so irksome,
keeps talking of Kent,
been rejected,
but he’s safe and independent,
get lucky
Here he comes on fire
and you meet him in the lane,
not by accident
it’s not a romantic moment,
but just the same,
it’s better than alone.
You get your own home.
When she’s troubl’some
and doubts your judgment,
feels above you
but she still lives with her parents,
get lucky
New song available for Ardent at bandcamp. From Elizabeth’s perspective, Charlotte is foolish for accepting Mr. Collins’ proposal. For Charlotte, though, it’s a lucky opportunity.
Oops! I originally called this song “The Scheme” because that’s how Charlotte thinks of her encouragement of Mr. Collins. The song itself suggested another title, though, and “Get Lucky” is the official and proper name.
Paint It Red
paint it red
When the dance card makes you mine
paint it red
O my heart isn’t here
It’s at home with a good book
where I’m safe
I swear I could stab you
if I had my netting hook
but you’re safe
It’s not here either
When the gossip oozes brine
paint it red
When the clock chimes only nine
paint it red
CHORUS
When my family starts to shine
paint it red
When the carriage’s last in line
paint it red
Don’t worry, I’m fine.
Track Three is now available at bandcamp.
In Danger
Will she dance with me?
I believe —
The line of her neck as she reads ‘cross the room
… honey won’t taste as sweet.
I believe —
Does she tease me?
I believe —
The form of her hand in her glove as she waves
… I’m alive in the heat.
I believe,
were
it not for her
inferior
mother,
I’d be in danger.
Second song from the ongoing Ardent album now live at bandcamp.
Her Wit Flowed Long
Last week I published a new album at bandcamp, Ardent. More songs are coming (the second is in final recording), but for now here is the art for the first track.
And here is the one-sheet music:
Ardent
I’ve dropped a new album (so far with only one track). Based on Pride and Prejudice, the concept is for each track to be a moment from the novel. The next track is being recorded now!
Desert Lullaby
A period Western, Fort Defiance is a screenplay that no longer exists.
Written in the 90s, it was shopped to actors’ agents and production companies, generated interest, and then failed to move forward. Over the years I’ve tinkered with it, trying to bring new life into a project that came oh-so-close.
Here’s what I want to say about my personal white elephant: She was a good piece of work. Since creating Fort Defiance I’ve become a better writer, and I have the skills to make this a better script . . . but it’s not possible. Any project is of a time and place. Who I was, how I thought, what the world and society considered taboo, can’t be revisited. Let the project go. This is my farewell to a lifelong story.
Recording this song reiterated that lesson. On my album Heart of Iron I had an experienced instrumentalist and recording partner. All I had to do was sing. This time, although I’ve been blessed once again with an excellent sound engineer, I had to wear every musical hat and my expertise is paltry. I wish I could present a smoother version of Desert Lullaby, but the most important thing is to get it out now, while it’s of the moment. I will get better, and the pressure of publication is part of that improvement process.
Listen to Desert Lullaby at bandcamp.