Something’s Gotta Give (master mix)

GOIN BACK, Byrds Version Cover

Where I'm Comin' From

Time (LANDR MASTER)

This great Moody Blues song is still relevant today.

THE STORY IN YOUR EYES Moody Blues Cover

This song written by Wendy Jean Garrison 
Arranged by Bert Keith Guitar and Vocals
Julia Amirova on the piano.

Reborn-The Movie Soundtrack Version

"Xmas Blues" by The Doonesbury Band is a heartfelt and evocative song that blends traditional blues elements with a holiday theme. The track captures the melancholy and reflective side of the Christmas season, offering a poignant counterpoint to the often overly cheerful holiday music landscape.

Musical Structure:
The song follows a classic blues structure, characterized by its use of the 12-bar blues progression. This familiar framework provides a solid foundation for the song, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics and the instrumental performances to shine. The tempo is moderately slow, enhancing the reflective and introspective mood of the track.

Instrumentation and Arrangement:
"Xmas Blues" features a rich and well-balanced arrangement. The instrumentation includes acoustic and electric guitars, piano, bass, and drums. The guitar work stands out with its expressive bends, slides, and vibrato, typical of blues music. The piano adds a layer of depth and warmth, while the bass and drums provide a steady and grounded rhythm section. The interplay between these instruments is seamless, creating a cohesive and immersive sound.

Vocals and Lyrics:
The vocals in "Xmas Blues" are raw and emotive, perfectly capturing the song's themes of longing and melancholy. The singer's voice has a soulful quality, with a slight rasp that adds to the authenticity and emotional impact. The lyrics tell a story of someone reflecting on past Christmases and the feelings of loneliness that can accompany the holiday season. Lines like "The lights are shining bright, but my heart feels cold tonight" encapsulate the duality of the festive period—its outward joy and inner sorrow for some.

Production Quality:
The production quality of "Xmas Blues" is high, with a clear and polished sound. The mixing is well done, ensuring that each instrument is distinct yet part of the overall blend. The use of reverb and slight echo on the vocals enhances the song's atmosphere without overwhelming the listener. The dynamic range is well maintained, allowing the quieter, more intimate moments to contrast effectively with the more intense sections.

Emotional Impact and Theme:
"Xmas Blues" succeeds in conveying a deep emotional resonance. The combination of the minor key, bluesy guitar licks, and soulful vocals creates a sense of yearning and nostalgia. The song speaks to the universal experience of feeling alone or missing loved ones during the holidays, making it relatable to a wide audience. Its honest portrayal of these emotions sets it apart from more conventional holiday music.

Potential and Appeal:
The song has significant potential to resonate with listeners who appreciate blues music and those who seek more depth in their holiday music selections. "Xmas Blues" could find a place on holiday playlists that cater to a more reflective and mature audience. Additionally, it has the potential to be featured in holiday-themed films or TV shows that explore the more complex aspects of the season.

Conclusion:
"Xmas Blues" by The Doonesbury Band is a beautifully crafted song that stands out in the crowded holiday music genre. Its blend of traditional blues elements with heartfelt lyrics and high production quality make it a compelling and memorable track. The song's emotional depth and relatability ensure that it will leave a lasting impression on listeners, making it a valuable addition to any holiday music collection.

XMAS Blues

Xmas Blues (Christmas release)

Vicksburg Call

Jet Set (Sigh)

There's A Hole

Fooling Myself

Our Last Goodbye

Welcome to the Doonesbury Band. A complete library of all our songs finished and under development - outtakes, studio recordings, early versions - everything, why not - See you on the road

Recent albums:
Slow Down (You're on Creek Time)
Joe's Bench. 
Christmas Blues with The Doonesbury Band

Original Singles:
Slow Down
Sailing Away
Moma, I'm Home
Where's Joe
and more see soundcloud

Gerald Shaffer Bio.

Founder of the Doonesbury band Gerald is a Canadian musician and writer, producer, and performer. He is 56 years old and lives a rural life in roberts creek bc with his family.

His songs are alternative rock - inspired by southern blues, english blues, rock and roll, trance and 70's 

Today Gerald produces his own music under the Shaffer Music label. He sings and  plays keyboard, guitar, harmonica

For live performance bookings or sync work please email gjshaffer@gmail.com 

demo tape on request

all music on this site is protected under international copyright protect and may not be used without written permission from Gerald Shaffer of Robert's Creek BC gjshaffer@gmail.com 
.

Xmas Blues (Christmas release)

#Doonesuryband

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