Sunday, January 22, 2012

New music from Geoff released on Bandcamp.com

In 2005 I released "On Being Human" as a limited-edition CD for friends and family.  It was created in my home studio after I purchased my Yamaha S80 synthesizer.  I wanted to put both the synthesizer and the studio  through their paces to see what they could do.  I also wanted to push my own musical limits to see what I could create. The result is an eclectic collection spanning a variety of musical styles.  Yes, that's me playing every imaginable instrument and singing the vocals, with Pat Tufts as a guest vocalist for "Fencing Boy."

The performances and recording are not up to professional standards; this is my pre-production demo of the songs that came from my explorations.

I have decided to release this collection to the online community with the hope that somebody else will enjoy listening to my songs, rough edges and all.  Anyone can now listen to "On Being Human" at:
http://geoffbell.bandcamp.com

Since then, I have also been creating electronic instrumental soundscapes, suitable as soundtracks for film, television and moody alternate realities. I have decided to release these as well, in a brand new 2012 collection called "Electronic Soundscapes."  You can hear these too at:
http://geoffbell.bandcamp.com 

Of course, taste in music is a very personal thing.  You are invited to explore the music I have posted.  I hope you find something you enjoy!

Geoff

Friday, January 6, 2012

Big Band version of Single Life! (Are you ready Dan Hill and Michael Buble?)

OK, it's finally happened!  I have just finished writing and recording the Big Band version of "Single Life."  It all started as a challenge from Canadian songwriting and recording legend Dan Hill.  He heard my original pop version of Single Life and liked the lyrics, but not the pop style. He said, "I really hear this as a blues song," and did a quick rendition of the chorus accompanying himself on the piano.  After my initial shock and dismay, I took this on as a personal challenge.  I wanted to see what I could do to reinvent the song as Dan Hill imagined it.

The gutsy blues version is still waiting for its turn to be recorded, but as I was working it out, I kept imagining it being performed by Michael Buble with a big band.  So, I wrote the big band score in Finale, recorded it using Garritan Jazz & Big Band 3, overdubbed the vocals, tenor sax and trombone solos, added some piano licks for good measure, and adjusted the final mix.

You can hear the results at:
http://noisetrade.com/geoffbell

Have fun listening!  (And next time you bump into Michael, please let him know I have a song for him!)
:-)

Geoff