Court Jester's Waltz-Original

[Johnbee58]

It's been a while since I wrote something in a 3 or 6 bar, but here finally is one.  I tentatively called it "Court Jester's Waltz" thinking it would be like a "working title" till I found something better, but I decided to keep it and develop the concept of a guy being kicked around by a lover, bad friend or just a rotten person with the attitude like "OK, if it makes you feel good to make me feel like a clown I'll play along.  What have I got to lose"?  And the  "waltz" bit?  Well, I just get a kick out of a jester waltzing around by himself.

Piano & drums by Toontrack.  Bass by Trilian Bass Module. Soprano sax solo by Garritan Jazz & Big Band.  String Ensemble by NI Session Strings Pro.  Occasional laugh track by YouTube.

https://johnbowen.bandcamp.com/track/court-jesters-waltz

?John B

 

 

Edited March 12, 2019 by Johnbee58

[SPAK]

It's really sad .... but musically the song works for the whole concept. The mix felt right as well ( to me ) and I do like it, 'cause it's lyrically great ... just thought it had a sad vibe .....

[InstrEd]

I like the arrangement and the lyrics too.

[daryl1968]

Great vocal on this one John - sounds like you are really in your element. Also the vocal treatment fits the song perfectly - love the dry, upfront verse.

[Wookiee]

One of your better vocals John, though all your vocals are far better than mine  mix comes across well here.

[Johnbee58]

Thanks SPAK, InstrED, Daryl and Wookiee.

It took a lot of effort to get those vocals as good as they are.  Let's just say that Melodyne has earned it's place in my equipment cache. ?

?John B

Edited March 16, 2019 by Johnbee58

[PhonoBrainer]

Those are some chords. Very nice jazz structures.

I liked the vocals, and especially in the chorus where it was effected.

 

For some reason, when I listen your melody choices, I end up picturing your sung lines as if played by a really good trumpet player. I think as an instrumental, with soloing trumpet, it would be great as well.

 

Then I realized your singing style invites this comparison, as you choose a lot of "falls" at the end of your lines. It's a very cool style, but my only qualm is that you might be using those falls just a bit too often in your vocals? That's such a personal thing, a style thing, but for a comment, maybe worth considering.

 

Your melody lines work, and especially, kudos for fitting the melodies to those very solid jazz chords. Impressive.

 

cheers,

-Tom

 

 

[Johnbee58]

1 hour ago, emeraldsoul said:

Those are some chords. Very nice jazz structures.

I liked the vocals, and especially in the chorus where it was effected.

 

For some reason, when I listen your melody choices, I end up picturing your sung lines as if played by a really good trumpet player. I think as an instrumental, with soloing trumpet, it would be great as well.

 

Then I realized your singing style invites this comparison, as you choose a lot of "falls" at the end of your lines. It's a very cool style, but my only qualm is that you might be using those falls just a bit too often in your vocals? That's such a personal thing, a style thing, but for a comment, maybe worth considering.

 

Your melody lines work, and especially, kudos for fitting the melodies to those very solid jazz chords. Impressive.

 

cheers,

-Tom

 

 

Thanks Tom.  I sang the song as I felt it.  It's kinda like I created a character and was delivering a dramatic performance.  The song is from the viewpoint of a person with a broken spirit and giving up on trying to look like anything other than an idiot that the person he's addressing seems to want to treat him as.  That would, as I see it, be the cause of the vocal "falls".  When a person is depressed and has given up his/her voice is subject to that kind of inflection.

?John B.

[ABull]

I particularly like the music and arrangement in this ambitious piece, John.  Very creative. -- Allan

 

[Lynn Wilson]

John, you often take the road less traveled, and that's exactly why I like this tune.  I like nearly always being surprised by you, and I share your taste in music.  I've noticed that most people who've been coming to this site and the old one for any length of time just keep getting better.  I look forward to your next song!

[freddy j]

I echo the comments above.  This is indeed an interesting composition --- complex, interesting arrangement, good lyrics, and your vocal presentation complements all of this.  Nice one!!!

[Johnbee58]

ABull, Lynn and Freddy-Thanks so much.  I appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment.  And thanks for liking the tune.

?JB

[mcmd]

Very cool song, arrangement and performance.

[Johnbee58]

On 3/21/2019 at 8:49 PM, mcmd said:

Very cool song, arrangement and performance.

Thank you, mcmd.

?JB