man i just can't get over how powerful Carl's vocals are, they give reality and the feeling of actually being there, I can't explain it very well but I can feel everything that he's singing about so "real" is the only way i can describe it.  Amazing all the way around with every other aspect, I'm always taken on a wonderful journey with each new track

The message has been received... brilliantly interpreted... 🌍  ☮︎  👍

great track! these vocals are amazing too

A profound musical statement, Carl's lyrics are true poetry!  Fine work on the music, the string movements in the middle part are powerful!  Everyone pulled together here extremely well, great work guys!

Hey guys, from the very first notes, the melody grabs you. Carl's voice and lyrics grab you and give you chills. The arrangements you bring to it complete this remarkable work. For me, this song is the best you've ever done. It has something extra that I can't explain. It brings tears to my eyes because it touches me so much and I'm so happy for you.

Hey Josh friend, what you have all created here together proves again that you are first class. I think it's great that you use the double bass, a very special instrument for me, and if you play it all the better.I don't know many who have such an emotional and pithy voice like Carl, very magical. It's great what Ken and the other members have contributed again. Especially from about 2:37 onwards has moved me very much. Hey EC, thank you for existing. Best regards and a good start to the week. 🙂‍↕️

High drama and high color. I love how you all have featured Carl's passionate vocal in the mix. And I do love the sound of a double bass!

a great track! emotional, forward driving and perfect delivery!

Silent Light

Recorded in Modesto, Ca.  Featuring Vibraphone solo. Gibson 335 Electric Guitar solo. Selmer Soprano Saxophone solo. Stand-up Acoustic Bass. Fender Rhodes Electric Piano Rhythm. Gibson L6 Electric Guitar Rhythm. Acoustic Drum kit Full set. Percussion, Ago Go Bells. Mark Tree Chimes, Zildjian 22" Ride & Crash Cymbal.

Carmel

Close to You

Close to you

"Cold" - A retro -futuristic, romantic track about coming out of the colder days of your life.
May you always have a warm and safe place next to your loved ones!
Big hugs, Jordana and Tom aka MOON AND ARIES.
 
"It's cold, and it's too late but I see the light 
It's cold, in the middle of nowhere I watch it all go by 
If I can't save you 
No one else will save you 
And I don't wanna leave you behind 
If you can't believe me 
Then you'll never see me 
And I'm not about to lie 
It's cold, hold my hand and we'll cross the line 
It's cold, dark and lonely as we come back to life
If I can't love you 
No one else will love you 
As much as I 
And I will be here 
Is there anybody out there
Silence pulses thru the night 
It's cold - It's cold 
From the frozen depths of my sins 
Coming to the surface I'll face my soul 
In the mist I pray for a better day, crystalize,  and escape from the cold
It's cold and I know that now is the time 
It's cold and I want your comfort right by my side 
If I can't love you 
No one else will love you 
As much as I 
And I will be here 
Is there anybody else there 
As we come back to life 
It's cold - It's cold..."

COLD (2025 Remastered)

If You Must

Recorded in Modesto, Ca.   Featuring Gibson 335 Electric Guitar solo. Selmer Alto Saxophone solo. Harmonica solo Hhoner Blues Harp. Fender Electric Bass. Roland 880 Synthesizer Bass. Steinway & Sons Acoustic Piano. Gibson L5 Electric Guitar Rhythm. Hammond B3 Electric Organ Rhythm. Acoustic Full Drum kit set. Percussion Tambourine, Ago go Bells. 22" Zildjian Ride & Crash Cymbal.

Lover's Point

Cabin Fever

Cast of Characters:
Paul Young — PRS SE semi-hollow body electric guitar
Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 – Upright double bass and organ
K2 and the Three [and the Four] -- @k2andthe3, @k2-kara –Ken–drums

TexMex Shaman–@texmex-shaman –Stephen– Earl Scruggs custom banjo, production, mix, and mastering
Cgmaness – @hiddenhands-760647700 – Chris – electric guitar
This is a song that Josh and his cousin Paul came up with on Thanksgiving night, after everyone went to bed. They were working on a much longer composition, but got stuck in the jam after looking at each other and wordlessly saying, "this is the magic, stick with it." We were playing an electric guitar and a stand-up bass to a looper disco beat when we recorded this. So, of course, Josh asked Ken if he'd add some real drums, which he did as though he were in the room jamming with us. Then josh laid down some organ to go with the jam. Chris even popped by to do that thrilling intro guitar part. Josh and Stephen also had the idea to add some banjo in here, which Stephen did like the excellent musician he is. He also managed to mix this live recording hybrid with exceptional skill. 
  This is an example of two musicians who are intimately familiar with each other, and each other's playing and sensibilities, accompanied by two other musicians who have become nearly as familiar over the past few years. Happy belated Turkey Day to everyone. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed making it.

The Ice Melted (Eclectic Collective with Paul Young)

from the EP "Funny Days"
available on
open.spotify.com/intl-fr/album/10…3Ds20LZwmXCscjae
music.apple.com/us/album/funny-days-ep/1822802207
www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8WMUk78ieCvdKBsnjLuVg

recorded in Area 52 Studio, Saugerties New York
Steve Rust on Bass, Harvey Sorgen on Drums and percussion, Barbara Browning Vocals  & cello, 
Imre L. Vocals, Guitars, Hammond organ

SOME ONE SOMETIME SOMEWHERE
A WHOLE LIFETIME TO SHARE
OR JUST A LAZY AFTERNOON
UNDER THE SILVER MOON

SOMEWHERE SOMEONE SOMETIME
A BRAND NEW SUN TO SHINE
A DIVE IN A SLEEPY LAGOON
LOVE IN A SILVER SPOON

AAAAh
				
KNOCK KNOCK MAY I COME IN ?
MERRY GO ROUND
MERRY GO ROUND`
MERRY GO ROUND..........

MERRY GO ROUND 25 (Lyrics & notes)

A powerful blend of raw emotion and haunting melodies, Hushed captures the internal struggle of finding peace within chaos. Deep, atmospheric layers of sound ebb and flow like a distant storm, guiding you through a journey of solitude and reflection. With its bold, heavy beats and subtle intricacies, Hushed speaks to the heart of those searching for strength in silence.

Listen, feel, and let the quiet moments speak louder.

Hushed

In this extended version of Old Saint Nick we finally added all the things we wanted from the start but didn’t have time for. There’s a lovely intro by Mauro using Omnisphere, some backing vocals from Tom who handled production and mix, and a final instrumental section to put the cherry on top of this amazing musical cake created by the awesome Joe Stroffolino (https://soundcloud.com/joseph-stroffolino/old-saint-nick), of which we carved out a delicious Chiptune slice (https://soundcloud.com/beatingedge/old-saint-chip-instrumental-chiptune)!
Enjoy! We’ll be back in a week with one of our own songs. You can find the teaser here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPFKANVV9Us

©2025 Beating Edge & @Joseph-stroffolino

Credits:
Main Vocals, music and lyrics: Joe (@Joseph-stroffolino)
Guitar & Backing Vocals: Mary
Backing Vocals: Tom
Synths: Mauro
Bass & Synth Bass: Davide
Drums & Percussion: Valerio
Mixed & Produced by Tom

Lyrics:

St Nicholas was born in Turkey in the fourth century AD.
He became the bishop of Myra, and was known for his generosity.
They say he tossed three bags of gold into a poor family's dwelling,
And he raised three boys from the dead — it’s a legend, but it sure sounds compelling.

How did a man who lived in Turkey,
In a land that’s warm and sunny,
End up in the North Pole with flying reindeer
If you think about it, it’s kind of funny.

Nicholas died of old age in Myra in the year three forty-three.
They buried him in a tomb expecting him to rest eternally.
The years went by, the tales grew taller and his legend continued to grow,
And it was a fact that relics of a saint could earn you quite a bit of dough.

It’s good to give gifts to family and friends,
And people in need,
But sometimes it feels
Like we’re being manipulated
To buy things we don't need.

In 1087, there were sailors in two cities, Venice and Bari.
They decided they wanted St Nicholas's bones so they raced across the Adriatic Sea.
The sailors from Bari got there first and they took those bones by force and deception.
They brought them back to Bari and they were greeted with a heroic reception.

You can take all the bad parts of the story that happen in real life,
Remove the uncomfortable dark parts and keep only the light.
We sing our Christmas carols and say it’s the most magical time of the year.
For a few days we ignore all the bad stuff as we spread the Christmas cheer.

Old Saint Nick, Old Saint Nick, he tried to help those in need.
Old Saint Nick, Old Saint Nick, now he’s a mascot for corporate greed.
Old Saint Nick, Old Saint Nick, he tried so hard to help the poor.
Now he’s a giant plastic figurine who smiles as you walk into the big box store.

As we sit there ripping the paper off our presents underneath the Christmas tree,
It’s good to remember there are people out there who are less fortunate than you and me.
Maybe we can be a little bit more like Old Saint Nick — maybe we can.
Maybe we can be a little bit more like Old Saint Nick.

Old Saint Nick Extended Version

Cast of Characters:
The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl — vocals, lyrics, acoustic guitar and composition
Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark –- VST strings and mellotron 
Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – upright double bass, plucked and bowed
K2 and the Three [and the Four]--@k2andthe3, @k2-kara –Ken -- drums
J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – piano
TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen — Tom Anderson custom T model electric guitar, Danelectro baritone electric guitar, and e-bow
Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – production, mix, and mastering
 
Carl came up with this song at the beginning of November on his acoustic guitar, and shared it with the rest of us shortly after. Carl is a songwriting supernova, in case you're unfamiliar with our newest addition to the team. We're always excited and grateful to get to work on his music. 
  Mark was first to add his parts, although he tweaked them throughout the process. His work can be heard in the dramatic string arrangement and mellotron at the crescendo. Josh was next to jump in, adding his new upright bass to the song. He played not only the plucked part, but the bowed part in the strings section, too. Ken came along next with his perfect drums to complete the rhythm section. JJ wanted in on this, too, so he added the foundational piano you hear throughout. Last, but not least, Stephen dropped in his electrifying guitar solo and the accompanying textural chords using is Danelectro baritone guitar, followed at the very end by his magical e-bow part. 
  Once it was all in the bag, we asked Tez to produce and mix it for us, which he did in his always expert fashion. 
  This is our latest song of which Carl is the author. He's been making music with us for the past half a year now, and we can't get enough of his abundant creativity. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it.
  Also, Carl had this to say about his lyrics, "Labels and putting each other in a particular box is causing big problems on the planet. The song's meaning is born from trying to take labels out of our lessons. In a polarized world, the song pines how we will likely learn lessons properly if we leave ego out of what we are trying to learn. Maybe our art has more relevance for future generations if we do that instead of bolting it to the current people or ideas causing us problems."
Original lyrics by The Beautiful Dark:

Let's play cards
You lying runt
Word poker perfect
A joker to hunt
Motor makeup mouth
Dadless brain itched
Orange sith can shout
Cycle of old child bewitched

Leave out the names
Remove their power
Lessons find refrain
Fake turned to flower

All liars die
'As honest tongue
Dinnseanchas signs our true right and wrong
Transmutation
Time understood
Truth trump card for hate
More blossomed love

Leave out the names
Teach tomorrow's hour
Lessons find refrain
Pure honest power

Lies from power
Carry hidden agenda
Justice can save us from these malady members
Unless they break our sacred norms
They've changed the game with iron fisted porn

Leave out the names
Control our stream
Lessons mute ego
Brutes turn to dream

The system protects us from crazy one
One system collective
Agreement by sum
Normals described
Standards of power
Transmutation of evil
Never named gives real flower

Let's label our love
Let's teach that today
Let lessons of dove
Show us our way

Leave out the names
Remove their power
Lessons find refrain
Fake turned to flower

Leave out the names
Teach tomorrow hour
Lessons find refrain
Pure honest power

Leave out the Names (Eclectic Collective)

Remixes

Secret Language of Birds (Remix 2025)

"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

Leave out the Names (Eclectic Collective)

Entheogenic Psychonaut (Josh Clary)

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