Nova Scotia Adventure story finished!

I just put the finishing touches on my Nova Scotia adventure story this weekend.  Just printed out the first two paper copies.  It will be interesting to see who volunteers to read it, and what the reactions will be.  I gave it my best...now we'll see what the critics have to say! 

The first reading opportunities go to family and friends.  One hopes they will be diplomatic.  Then we'll see if anyone else is interested!

Next, a conspiracy story is in the works.  I'm having fun!

New Creative Works

You haven't heard from me for a while because life has been taking all my energy and focus recently.  When I have had the chance, I've been working on writing two new books!  I can't give details right now without giving too much away, but I can tell you this much.

One is an adventure about a 12-year-old boy, based on my time living in Nova Scotia.  It's a short novel for kids around that age, using lots of local history and geography.

The other book is non-fiction for an adult audience about negotiating through the challenges of life today.  It's sort of a guide book, (I don't want to say "self help for dummies"), but that sort of idea. (I had to live the experiences before I could write about them, so I suppose that makes me the original dummy!)  Anyway,  I'm enjoying the writing process.  Once I'm done both books, I'll be interested to see if anyone wants to read them! 

Volunteers?

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

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

Yamaha S80 Tips Website Revived!

I have recently put my Yamaha S80/90 tips website back online.  It has been on hiatus for a few years while I was reworking other parts of my life. This will be of absolutely no interest to anyone who doesn't own an S80 or an S90.  It will be invaluable to anyone who wants to figure out how to use all the amazing features but is frustrated by the manual. Neither the manual nor the screen display are user-friendly.  The S80 tips site contains notes of mine and notes shared by other users who have been willing to share their hard-earned discoveries.

Those who have heard my alt.pop music are hearing the Yamaha S80 in combination with acoustic guitar, electric guitar and flute.  Pretty much every other instrument sound was created on the S80, apart from the digitally recorded orchestral instruments.  Now you know!

Yamaha S80 Keyboard Beginner's Reference

Geoff's music on CBC Radio 3 & Sirius Satellite Radio 152

Now you can listen to songs from my album in progress, "Songs From the Edge" on CBC Radio 3, which can be found on Sirius Satellite Radio 152.  Go to http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/search/?q=Geoff%20Bell where you can listen to the program currently playing on Sirius 152, or choose instead to listen to the songs on my list.

Either way, you'll hear something that you can't hear many other places!
(Yes, there's a reason for that... it's because the singer/songwriters involved are putting our music out there so people can hear it and choose what they like!)

I'm still working on building a fan base to share my music with the world.  If you find a song you like, please feel free to let other people know where they can hear more!

:-)
Geoff

TEDxCalgary

I just spent a fascinating afternoon at TEDxCalgary.  The Calgary Folk Music Festival Hall is still under construction, but they managed to host the event nonetheless.  The washrooms were in a trailer outside, (-20 degrees, but hey, we're Canadian!)  The conversation inside was hot enough to keep everybody warm and focused.  We had some impressive speakers who challenged us to think differently about the conference topic, "Volunteer . . even better."

I've got a lot to think about now, and am pondering an idea to meet the "3 things you can do" challenge.

More later ...