FLYING TURTLE

Many thanks to eddyoffline for inviting/daring me to contribute some saxophone to his highly original and groovy track. I hope you enjoy listening to the results.
Please check out his Soundcloud page.

https://on.soundcloud.com/DKd4HAtEQcLR8KVW6




Artwork-photo of intangible #form art installation by Shohei Fujimoto at Illuminate Adelaide 2024

Mikey McFaffington and eddyoffline 24.WAV

Cast of Characters:
Joe Stroffolino-- @joseph-stroffolino -- Taylor 114ce acoustic guitar, main vocals, harmony vocals, lyrics, composition 
Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – Fender HSS Telecaster electric guitar
TexMex Shaman–@texmex-shaman –Stephen– Tom Anderson Custom T electric guitar, mix, mastering, and production
Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark – piano
K2 and the Three [and the Four]--@k2andthe3, @k2-kara -–Ken–drums
Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)–@josh-clary-1 –- four string Fender Precision Bass with a plectrum 
 
This song began as one of Joe's, lyrically centered songs, which he wrote and filled in with VST instruments. He came up with the lyrics by sharing ideas with fellow SoundCloud musician Michele Ansani.
   Knowing that Josh is a fan of his work, Joe offered this song to him in hopes that he'd share it with the rest of the band. Of course, Josh jumped at the opportunity to work on his song, and immediately shared it with the rest of the group. 
  Ken went to work first, adding his driving, excting drums. Josh was having a hard time coming up with a good bass line for it, until Ken suggested that he use the power of the 1/8 note to propel it. Tez was up next with his clever fills you hear throughout the first half of the song. Stephen came along right after and matched Tez's energy for the guitar fills in the second half of the song. 
  It was still missing a solo in the designated spot, though, so Mark stepped up with his innovative piano solo you hear in the middle. If it sounds a little mechanical, that's because he's using an arpeggiator to achieve the effect. We thought it sounded good in a song about AI, though. 
  Once all the parts were dialed in, and Joe had gotten all his vocals tuned up, we asked one of our resident pros, Stephen, to mix it for us. He did that and mastered it, too, expertly, as always.
  This is the first song we've ever done with Joe, and don't expect it to be the last. We all really enjoyed putting together, in no small part because Joe is such a competent, receptive, and gracious collaborator. We all hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed creating it. 
Original lyrics by Joe Stroffolino (and Michele Ansani):
When I was thirteen I picked up my first guitar
it was my mother's, it only had one nylon string 
I tried to play it like a rock star
I learned to play the Coca-Cola jingle
So I could teach the world to sing
When I was fourteen, I put on six new strings
I learned to play Beatles, I learned a Bob Dylan song
I sounded out of tune but I tried to carry on
At fifteen I wrote my first original tune 
So bad it sounded like it might have been written by a baboon
When I was sixteen, I got a new guitar for my birthday
The metal strings sawed through my fingers 
But I continued to play
And the calluses formed and every day I learned a brand new chord
I was obsessed with that guitar and I never grew bored.
I wrote songs every day and most of them were a mess
But I believed that through hard work, I could achieve success
Malcom Gladwell wrote a book that said it takes ten thousand hours
To become and expert at your craft
But now all it takes is two commands and an enter
And in two minutes you have ten versions of the same damn new song,
You just have to choose the type
folk, rock, rap, pop, metal, jazz, trap or blues.
You don't even need to write the lyrics, 
your push a few buttons let the AI choose.
And people will think your songs are great even though you didn’t write or play a single note.
When I was 20, I did my first concert, it was time
it occurred in a village square
there were four cats all friends of mine
I was still using the plectrum and sometimes I got the chords wrong
at thirty I finally wrote what I thought was a decent song
It had a very well thought out structure
And a catchy vibe and beat
It was overly verbose but when I played it people tapped their feet
In my forties I stopped wasting my time
Work was more fun I was doing just fine

AI Sucks! (Eclectic Collective with Joe Stroffolino)

Cast of characters:
TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen– Taylor T5z acoustic guitar, Tom Anderson Custom T electric guitar, Gibson Earle Scruggs banjo, Eastwood MandoCaster mix, mastering, production, and composition
J.J. Terrell-- @j-j-terrell—JJ-- organ
K2 and the Three [and the Four]--@k2andthe3, @k2-kara –Ken–drums 
Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Fender Precision four string bass, played with a plectrum 
Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark – harmonica, jaw harp, timpany, hambone percussion, and production editing     
This song began with Stephen, who recorded it on his acoustic guitar and bass to a programmed drum track a few months ago. We were all thrilled to work on it, even though it sat in BandLab as a project for almost a month before Stephen separated the tracks, thus allowing us to trickle in our parts. JJ was first to jump on it, because he could before the tracks were separated, as his part is completely his idea. He added the organ that really set up the entire sound of both dominant sections of the song. 
  Ken was first up to the project once the tracks were replaceable, making the wild, driving beat his own. Inspired by both JPJ and Michael Ivins, Josh laid down his bass line, trying to match Ken's energy. Last, but not least, Mark jumped in with the rumbling timpani. He also added the flavorful harmonica, and unique jaw harp you hear throughout, as well. 
  At that point, Stephen also got the idea to add the hambone percussion at the very end of the song, which we all consider a treat, and after showing us how it's done, Mark volunteered his percussion skills to give it a go. Stephen wasn't done with it, though, and still had some magic to sprinkle. He went in and added the howling electric guitar you hear prominently in the second main section. Also, he added the tempting intro with his acoustic guitar and electric mandolin that looks like a Telecaster guitar. 
  Once it was in the bag, we thought it appropriate for our master mixer Stephen to put it to bed, which he did in his always expert manner. Mark did help with the production, though, as he's very good with editing and spotting mistakes that need to be corrected.
  This is a gift from Stephen to all of us, and you, too. It took a lot of teamwork to make the dream work, as always for Eclectic Collective. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Country Ham (Eclectic Collective)

DEAD_INSIDE

Cast of Characters:
Cgmaness – open.spotify.com/album/42qOeOxPcclsxwxlPynFfL – Chris – Gretch bass, Guild Pelora electric guitar, SoundStone on a Harley Benton electric guitar, vocals, composition, mix, and production
Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark – organ
Llanpsych–@llanpsych –Tez– Fender Stratocaster electric guitar
K2 and the Three [and the Four]--@k2andthe3, @k2-kara –Ken–drums
Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Roland Phantom synth
TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen– Gibson Les Paul custom electric guitar

This song began as a mostly fully fleshed out idea from Chris. He presented it to the rest of Eclectic Collective as a bass line with a rhythm guitar chugging the goove. Awesomely powerful groove, but pretty stripped down compared with the final version.

We did this in an odd order this time, for no particular reason. Probably because Chris' bass groove was so strong, Mark was able to first add his ripping organ throughout, inspired by Deep Purple. Tez, again surprisingly, was able to add the fiery solos at the end and the intro, even before the drums were up. Although, we didn't have to wait long for that, because Ken filled them in perfectly, as he always does. Once the structure and rhythm section was complete, Josh decided to add the synth solo in the middle, at the crescendo, which he really enjoyed doing. Stephen came last to the party, but replaced Chris' rudimentary rhythm guitar with a fierocious, but more riff oriented, and less chordy line throughout.

Once it was in the bag, Chris was the natural choice to mix it, since his productions are always top quality, and it was his song to begin with. During the production, he also decided to add the guitar, including the an e-bow like device called a SandStone that sounds a bit like a synth, and vocal tones to the middle and end. He also added the vocalizations you hear in those parts, as well.

This is an example of an Eclecitic Collective song started by Chris, whose music we adore and with whom are always excited to work. His music is all amazing; check out his page if you haven't already. He is also on Spotify, which is where you'll find his new album, which is amazing! We hope you enjoy listening to this song as much as we enjoyed creating it.

The Collective - (Eclectic Collective) song by CGManess

Cast of Characters:
Didier Burli-- @didierburli — acoustic guitar, main vocals, composition
Llanpsych–@llanpsych –Tez– Fender Stratocaster electric guitar, mix, and production
K2 and the Three [and the Four]--@k2andthe3, @k2-kara –Ken–drums, percussion 
Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Roland Phantom organ, Roland piano, Paul Reed Smith cutom SE electric guiar, Warwick four string fretless bass, vocal harmonies
TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen– Tom Anderson custom T model electric guitar

This song began with Didier coming up with it on his acoustic guitar. However, when he first sent it to Josh, he had played electric guitar, bass, keys, and drums on it, because he is a very talented multi-intrumentalist. This song passes the stool test, though, which is the question of whether it sounds good with someone just sitting on a stool with a guitar, playing and singing it. So, when we asked him to give us a version that we could add to, it was already a great song that he sent us with just him singing over his acoustic guitar. 
  Tez was the first one up on this one, adding the fiery fills throughout, as well as the co-solo at the end. Ken entered the fray next, adding his rock solid, dynamic drums. Once the drums were down giving him something to play against, Josh added his fretless bass to the song. Being very excited about this one, he also added piano, organ, and eventually the lead guitar solo at the end. He also went in and added all the vocal harmonies throughout. Stephen then brought up the rear with some really cool textural guitar throughout. 
  Once we had it in the bag, we asked Tez to produce and mix it for us, which he did in his usual expert fashion. 
  This is our first song with Didier, but we hope it's just the beginning of his new inclusion into the Eclectic Collective family. He has a lot of great music on his page, which is worth checking out, too. We hope you enjoy listening to this song as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Original lyrics by Didier Burli:
I wish I could stay awake but I need to sleep
Thunder is on it's way but I don't hear it
I don't fear the ghouls, and I don't fear the creeps
And with this dancing zombie, I don't know what to do with it
And I just get too much information....
in the middle of the night, when everything is silent....

(chorus) And the noise rises up
From all those things, that mankind does, that makes you want throw up

(chorus) And the noise rises up
From all those things, that mankind does that makes you want dream of

(chorus) And the noise rises up
From all those things that makes you scared of

(chorus) And the noise rises up
From all those things that mankind lost

And I just get too much information....
in the middle of the night, when everything is silent....

The Noise Rises Up-Didier/Eclectic Collective

idea

Above (2025) Remastered

©music and lyrics by Hans-Michael Albers, vocals by suno 4.5+

something from the 2000s on one of the most difficult things in the world: indecision

Every morning starts the same
Chasing whispers in the frame
Little choices call my name
Whisper loud or stay the same
 
In the mirror stands my fight
Half a shadow half a light
Every step’s a line to cross
Every pause could mean a loss

Do it do it or leave it
Take it or break it
Face it or fake it
Do it do it or leave it

Dance it, dance it, don't doubt it
Feel it, reveal it
Chase it or waste it
Live it, believe it

Do it or don't

Pulled between two distant tides
Walking roads where truth collides
Voices echo in my mind
Seeking peace I'm yet to find

Tears unspoken, fears untold
Hearts divided, growing cold
Paths diverging in the mist
Each choice wraps tighter like a fist

Do it do it or leave it
Take it or break it
Face it or fake it
Do it do it or leave it

Dance it, dance it, don't doubt it
Feel it, reveal it
Chase it or waste it
Live it, believe it

Do it or don't

Beneath the stars, a silent plea
To find the strength inside of me
As the world pulls me apart
I search for balance in my heart

Bound by chains of doubt and fear
The unknown paths that lie near
Yet, hope's whisper guides me through
Mending what feels torn in two

Do it do it or leave it
Take it or break it
Face it or fake it
Do it do it or leave it

Dance it, dance it, don't doubt it
Feel it, reveal it
Chase it or waste it
Live it, believe it

Do it or don't

Do it or leave it

     Howdy everyone and I hope everyone had a great Labor Day, without laboring of course!😂 This is another of my instrumentals, which actually had lyrics but the vocals were not recorded too well so I made it into an instrumental. It's about having that Las Vegas experience which I'm sure nobody can afford anymore with this economy unless you're a billionaire! I've been to Vegas many times and most times I've lost, hence the title "Lost Wages"! I'm not a gambler, so when I lose a couple of hundred dollars I start sweating profusely!!😂 It's a fast paced song and I played like a boogie-woogie synthesizer on it and a rock guitar. Charlie played a groovy harmonica on it too! I've decided to drop an instrumental and a cover song every month from now on besides my normal songs and videos. The video is the high-light so please check it out on YouTube.

VIDEO - https://youtu.be/DwZ-ISbz2g0

     The video was a lot of fun to put together and it's all about Las Vegas, the gambling, the show girls, the drinking, the excesses, pretty decadent stuff! There's is a lot of eye-candy here for the grown-ups to enjoy! It drops tomorrow on YouTube! The original song with lyrics was called "My Neck Of The Woods" so if Charlie and I rerecord the vocals, I'll make a video of it as well. I hope everyone enjoys this song and video and remember, don't gamble unless you can afford to lose a ton of money and are rich because it is an addiction! Last time we went to Las Vegas, back before the pandemic, it was for about a week and all we saw were the shows and never gambled, that was my favorite trip because I didn't lose a dime! But guess what? We're going back to Las Vegas in December 2025 to watch the new "Wizard Of Oz" spectacular in The Sphere! Check out the clips on YouTube, it's really mind-blowing! No gambling!! Take care and good luck! 😎✌🏼

"LOST WAGES" (Inst) [Video - https://youtu.be/DwZ-ISbz2g0]

"Magic is what we do. Music is how we do it." -- Jerry Garcia

Welcome to my page, my peers, associates, friends, and musical family. I'm a lifelong, multi-instrumentalist musician who records prolifically and joyfully. You'll hear me play guitar, bass (regular four string, and four and five string fretless), mandolin, banjo, keys (piano, organ, synth), lap slide, sitar, and sing on my recordings here. I've been in a few dozen bands in my life, playing everything from bluegrass, jazz, rock, jam band, reggae, funk, afrobeat, Middle Eastern, traditional Irish, singer/songwriter, pop/covers, to experimental/avant garde. 
  Since I found SoundCloud a couple years ago, I've found many talented, creative people with whom to create music. However, in the summer of '23 I formed a band called The Eclectic Collective with some of my favorite musicians I've met through here. It started as a loose collective of musicians and coalesced into a core group of musicians who find other musicians with whom we'd like to make music, then run their songs through our process, and in effect add a full band. That core of The Eclectic Collective includes Tez (Llanpsych), J.J. Terrel, Ken (K2 and the Three), Stephen (Texmex Shaman), Chris (cgmaness), and Mark (mistermark). A couple of other musicians are frequent collaborators, as well, including Artur of Surfers Like Us, and Steve Vervaet of Steve's World. More recently, we've been joined by Carl of The Beautiful Dark fame. 
  The magic of music is amplified exponentially by each person adding to it. So, we really try to add our sorcery all kinds of music from all kinds of artists. Sometimes, we keep it within the group, but a lot of what we do is collaboration with other artists. Therefore these days, 100% of what I do is collaboration, within the group or with other artists on the side.
  I, and we, are also available for hire if you have a song or lyrics and you really want to add bigger instrumentation or a band and good production to it. 
  A small sampling of the artists whom I consider primary influences, and whom you will hear coming through my fingers include Phish, The Flaming Lips, The Grateful Dead, Radiohead, Rye Cooder, Steve Earle, Miles Davis, Fela Kuti, Arcade Fire, Mikey Dread, Yellowman, Purpleman, The Meditations, Michigan and Smiley, Lee Perry, Dillinger, Django Reinhardt, Impossible Recording Machine, The Allman Bros Band, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Cream, Bela Fleck, Les Claypool, Sam Bush, David Grissman, John Prine, Talking Heads, Beastie Boys, MMW, Moe., Morphine, Ween, Steve Lukather, Michael McDonald, John Abercrombie, Dave Holland, John Scofield, Victor Wooten,  Cannonball Adderly, Thelonious Monk, Flea, Parliament Funkadelic,  Frank Zappa, Prince Paul, Pete Rock, Thievery Corporation, Amon Tobin, Chet Baker, Joao Gilberto, Stan Getz, Astrud Gilberto, Carol Kaye, Tame Impala, Mumford and Sons, Japanese Breakfast, LCD Soundsystem, Beach House, Sean Lennon, and Billy Strings, but of course there are many more. I also really like and am influenced by traditional Iranian, Palestinian, Indian, Sri Lankan, Sudanese, Mauritian, Somalian, Egyptian, West African, and Syrian music. I welcome anyone who plays non-western music to contact me for a collaboration, too.
 I'm overjoyed to have found my community on SoundCloud. This is a truly unique forum where everyone is sincerely trying to build each other up. The profoundly supportive and positive SoundCloud community has really opened up an exciting new world of collaboration for me. That is the main reason I'm in the Cloud, actually, to connect with other musicians and make music that I enjoy listening to, and hopefully others do, as well. I am ALWAYS looking to collaborate with interesting musicians, mostly though BandLab, which is where I record almost exclusively. It's a solid, free digital audio workstation hub where you can share recording projects, even if it's not where you make your recordings.
  Everything I do is live instrumental, not programmed, and using no computer beyond my phone. That's not to say that I would be opposed to using that kind of tool, it's just not my preferred medium with which to paint. If you like my music, please share it. If you want to collaborate, my BandLab handle is @bingo_pajama. Feel free to contact me at cornbreadband@hotmail.com, as well, even if you aren't on BandLab.
  If your music is primarily AI, please don't come around my page, as I'm not at all interested in complimenting a machine.
  Here's a link to music I've recorded live with a group of musicians here in Pittsburgh called The Northumberland Street Ramblers.
Check out The Northumberland Street Ramblers on #SoundCloud
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/fU4Me

AI Sucks! (Eclectic Collective with Joe Stroffolino)

Entheogenic Psychonaut (Josh Clary)