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Bright Ideas - Vol 2 Released June 2015 Tracks: Air Conditioner Wandering Eye Ferris Wheel Black Eyes Availabe at CD Baby |
This came from listening to Albert Collins' song Ice Pick. It's more of a tribute than a lift. That's why the title has something to do with cold and the A and C for his initials. I did have a little fun with it and even put the capo on the 8th fret (the song's in C). This is actually a Version 2, since the first one I did was a straight 12-bar found here. Version 1 was the first to be recorded; Version 2 was the last to be recorded. Albert is still my all-time favourite electric blues guitarist. I didn't really have to but I used the Tele, with the capo on the 8th fret for both rhythm and lead guitars. I used my Les Paul Studio with the capo on the 8th fret for the organ pedal. The pedal needs higher input and the humbuckers output more than the Telecaster's pickups. The bass (Fender Jazz), organ guitar, rhythm guitar and drums were all one take. I guess so was the rest of the percussion. I went through a few takes for the guitar solo and I think attempt 2 was the keeper. Wandering Eye
This started as "Quick In G", and I didn't think I'd keep it since there were a couple of other songs that I started that I liked better, but didn't fit with the other 3 songs. This one did and I made up words pretty quick. They're not that deep but it's about going out with a girl who has a literal wandering eye (so, no, she's not a slut). The bass line (Fender Jazz) is the guide track, the Tele is the rhythm and lead, and the Les Paul Studio is the organ again. I love that organ pedal. Ferris Wheel
Yes, I listen to a lot of Jimmy Smith. I almost wasn't going to keep this because, to me, it sounds too close to his version of CC Rider which is exactly what I wanted, but I wouldn't have minded a more original "theme" (I almost called the song GK Rider, but thought that was kind of silly). And listening back to both, they ended up being different enough. Originally it was going to be one big organ solo but I redid another track to leave room for the other solos. The Les Paul Studio is the organ guitar and also the clean guitar solo. And, what I got to use record for its first time, is my Gretch lap steel for the slide solo. Pretty fun. Black Eyes
I would say this song could be potentially offensive...if you don't have a sense of humour. Anyways, the words fit perfectly after almost 2 weeks of trying to think of what I can do with another two chord song. And they just came out. When I was trying to figure out how I would try and sing it, the words came out and I laughed a little. Done. This song will not be played at any feminist rallies or softball tournaments. It started out on the Jazz Bass, and yes, the guide bass line is what made it to the song. Actually so was the rhythm guitar (Tele), Organ guitar (Studio) and drums (obviously). It's sloppy but it fits together and it's as "live" as it gets. I tried a few different solos and the one with the SG3 won (I don't comp solos). Vocals and the tamborine were recorded last. Pretty fun stuff this time around. And that's what I love about doing "blues" songs is that, with the exception of coming up with lyrics, is that you can do a whole bunch in all one day and it still sounds like fun. It was so much fun that I'm already planning on starting another 4 songs for July. Back to Discography Back to News and Letters