A miscellany of songs I've completed over the past 30 years. The only thematic thread is that they're complete, really -- I've begun hundreds, but have been lax in finishing things: an ailment I'm trying to heal. So here are songs of varying styles and genres, infused with a love for Leonard Cohen, REM, Jane Siberry, Guided By Voices, and many, many others. More volumes to follow!

cover image: detail from 'The Nativity', by Pierro della Francesca, on the cover of The Penguin Book of English Madrigals, ed. by Dennis Stevens, 1967

Wayward Troubadour Vol 1: 7 Demos

Composed, arranged, and performed by Joel Giroux on an ancient HP ProBook. 
Rough mix recorded with NCH MixPad software v. 11.06, on a Casio Privia SX-1000, a Squier Classic Vibe 60s JB, and a Harley Benton VT Series bass 6.

Don't Let Me Go (Song for a Flutterfly)

Initially written on bass guitar, all changes, splash of melody. Transposed to piano and completed in the weeks prior to a monthly poetry and music series here in Kingston, ON, called 'Quirks of Human Nature'. 

Composed, arranged, and performed by Joel Giroux on an ancient HP ProBook. 
Rough mix recorded with NCH MixPad software v. 11.06, on a Casio Privia SX-1000, a Squier Classic Vibe 60s JB, and a Harley Benton VT Series bass 6.

Ballad of The Lovers and The Sea

Wrote almost all the changes, verse, chorus, melody, and the lyrics for the first verse over 20 years ago. Revisited it with my brother Marcus -- a great rock singer whom I like to call 'Pipes' (he works HVAC for his dayjob) -- back in November of last year. I finished all the verses the night before we were supposed to record it. While recording, we both realized simultaneously that it needed a bridge, so I wrote one in the moment. I opted to work on the song some more, transposed it to piano, and added a few things, then recorded it at home, as per. Not sure if this song gets finished without working on it at Marc's place with him. 

Composed, arranged, and performed by Joel Giroux on an ancient HP ProBook.
Rough mix recorded with NCH MixPad software v. 11.06, on a Casio Privia SX-1000, a Squier Classic Vibe 60s JB, and a Harley Benton VT Series bass 6.

A Fawning Ghost

Written, arranged, performed and recorded by Joel Giroux on an ancient HP ProBook, using MixPad by NCH Software. Piano is a Casio Privia SX-1000.

A Long Little Lifetime Ago

Originally written on a Seagull 12-string in 1993/95, finally unearthed and recorded over these past 10 days. So far, the oldest song I've brought out into the light. Just tryin' to give'er, over here. 

I think of this as a mash-up (not a term in the common parlance back then, but whatever) of REM, Jane Siberry, and Leonard Cohen. I think. That's the heaviest trifecta from adolescence on, though there are many, many other influences abounding. 

Written, arranged, and performed by Joel Giroux on an ancient HP ProBook with MixPad software by NCH. Piano is a Casio Privia SX1000, bass is a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz, and guitar is a Harley Benton VT Series Bass 6.

Open and Close (Song for the Great Mother)

Enough to Say

Written, arranged and performed by Joel Giroux on an ancient HP ProBook with MixPadMasters software by NCH. Piano is a Casio Privia SX-1000, bass is a Squier ClassicVibe 60s Jazz, and guitar is a Harley Benton Bass 6.

Redheaded Poet Of My Dreams

A cover of The The's fabulous "This Is The Day". When a precocious 20-something genius writes and sings this song, it's a cautionary tale, and full of sardonic cynicism. When a 56 year old singer-songwriter and poet who's never really met up with his potential gets ahold of it, waxing nostalgic, but also trying to pull himself out of the past, can it actually become anthemic? I'm foolish enough to believe so. In the very least, a loving homage to an artist who's been alive in my heart and mind since I was a lad, with much gratitude. 

As per, I'm the sole performer and arranger of all parts in this recording. Piano is a Casio Privia PX-S1000, bass is Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz, rhythm guitar is a Harley Benton VT Series Bass 6. Recorded on an ancient HP ProBook with NCH MixPad software.

Joel Giroux

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