feels floaty and free but never feels as if it hasn't got a focus or goal. Great work Graham

I'm getting a hint of Vangelis's Bladerunner, quite appropriate really

Lovely touch with the rhythm of minimalist music like John Adams working well here.

I was just thinking that this piece needed some up tempo jazz rhythms and you deliver. Very cleverly eclectic. 

This is a standout/stand-alone piece with the epic guitar work and that infectious rhythm.

The sound of the oars and the water brought me literally back down to earth. 

Sweet melody to end with, one that will stay in my head. Thanks for the gift of this epic journey without leaving the comfort of my chair. Very original approach as you avoided so many clichéed pads and textures that are out there! Love your guitar style and sound and it is  EPIC enough to take the listener to another world. Thank you for all the work my friend, Mark

Just wrote this song and did a one take demo.

Bless Me Father - Words & Music: Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel

Bless me Father I have sinned again
Tried so hard but took her name in vain
Then there was that big moon
Shining through the window pane

Thought the bitter dust had settled down
Didn’t quite know that it was still around
In a flash it fell upon me
And brought me to the ground

I’m down on my knees
At the altar of the Beast
Old waters flow
The dark lights still glow
Angry gods surround me
And they refuse to speak 
An empty silence my reward
A mortal at her feet

Is this the hour the stones arise
Is this the moment all nature cries
Mourning deep and terrified
When a spirit dies

All the blessed holy saints have failed
None of them could hear the wail
None of eyes nor of ears avail
Just icons from a sale

I’m down on my knees
At the altar of the Beast
Old waters flow
The dark lights still glow
Angry gods surround me
And they refuse to speak
An empty silence my reward
A mortal at her feet

I carry flowers to an unmarked grave
Here lies the lost unsaved
The Keeper beckons me to gaze
So deep the abyss lay

Bless me Father I have sinned again
So deep the abyss lay
Bless me Father I have sinned again
So deep the abyss lay



Bless Me Father

MILLIONS THANKS to Mark for this fantastic collaboration!!
This track is the last track of this Open Project soundcloud.com/fugaaa/sets/crazy-modern-jazz-orchestra
Now the project is finished! 
Gianni Fuga - Composition, Keyboards, programming drum&bass, mixing
Mark Bennett - Lyrics and Vocal https://soundcloud.com/markjbennett

CRAZY HAPPYNESS
Crazy happiness.
Being in love,
Is the most,
Sublime feeling,
In the World.

Insanely in love.

Unbridled passion,
Like it's goin' out of fashion.

Being in love,
Is the most,
Sublime feeling,
In the World.

Who wants sanity,
When you can have love?
Crazy... Crazy... Crazy... Crazy... 

Unbridled passion,
Like it's goin' out of fashion.

Crazy...

photo by me: Greece summer 2014

FREE DOWNLOAD

CrazyModernJazzOrchestra - Crazy Happyness - (Gianni Fuga and Mark Bennett)

Another song to add to our collection of 'Songs from the Sea'. As before, Dan offered a slow celtic air, which had such a beautiful melody that it felt like a 'boat song'. I was inspired to write a lyric about the herring fishing industry that was once so important to so many nations. Dick and Dan added some more lyrics, then the tempo had to quicken to convey the joy of the fishermen returning home and once it had all three of us singing, it began to really take shape. Thank you for taking the time to listen and comment.

Original Music, All Other Instrumentation, Vocals, Additional Lyrics, Final Mix - @dan-lockhart
Guitar, Violin, Vocals, Additional Lyrics - @oorlab
Vocals, Lyrics and Artwork - me
The image, I believe to be of 'Herring Girls' in Scarborough, North Yorkshire but I can't be sure and unfortunately I have no source to thank and credit either.

Sunrise on the horizon,
Beyond tired and cold,
Dawn begins to brighten,
Homeward if this course we hold
'Til we roam again

Homeward, 
Landward,
With our nets full,
Of the silver darlings

With only wood and nails,
Between us and peril,
With the wind in our sails,
And herring for the barrel,
'Til we roam again.

Homeward, 
Landward,
With our nets full,
Of the silver darlings

Neptune and Saint Peter,
Bring us to the shore,
Bounty from the ocean
Harvest the sea once more
'Til we roam again.

Homeward, 
Landward,
With our nets full,
Of the silver darlings

Homeward, 
Landward,
Home

The Silver Darlings (with Dan Lockhart & Dick Vestdijk)

This song has taken almost a thousand years to get on to the cloud.
Originally it was written, recorded and posted on SC as a rock song, around 2 years ago. Subsequently I thought that it might work as a ballad, and so, set out on a lengthy journey that took many twists and turns, with contributions from Phil Gladman, Lee Lucas and Chris O, but it just didn’t sit right with me somehow. There came a point I lost heart and, to be honest, beginning to grossly dislike the song. After months of traumatic toil it finally died of neglect…….
Out of the blue, about a year or so later, Chris emailed me “remember that song “A Thousand Years”, I’ve recorded a new vocal, what do you think?” Well, I thought it was stunning! And it rekindled my interest. Then, Lee added the Hammond in the chorus and under the solo. Absolutely wonderful it just lifts the whole thing.
Normally, I’d say what a pleasure it was…….and working with such great talents, and thoroughly nice people to boot, as Chris, Lee and Phil has been a real pleasure, even if the song has been a nightmare. There are some wonderful performances here, from Chris’s beautiful heartfelt vocal, to Phil’s subtle but driving bass, to Lee’s fabulous keyboard playing and outstanding production, and artwork! This recording owes so much to these performances, without which it wouldn’t have risen from the ashes. So, I owe a great big thanks to Chris, Lee and Phil for everything……..
More of Chris, Lee, and Phil’s outstanding music can be found here:

https://soundcloud.com/lee-lucas

https://soundcloud.com/chris-okunbor

https://soundcloud.com/phil-gladman

A Thousand Years
Music and Lyrics – Allan Lyon
Vocals – Chris Okunbor
Guitars and drum programming – Allan Lyon
Bass – Phil Gladman
Keyboards, production and artwork – Lee Lucas

A Thousand Years.

Would it take a thousand years to say, all the things I need to say.
Would it be so hard to find, the words to say what’s on my mind.
And if we were to part, surely it would break my heart.
Not to have you at my side, no-where to run and hide.

Through the sad times, you stood tall at my side.
And I will give myself to you, if it takes a thousand years.

Would it take a thousand years to do, all the things that you want to.
A thousand things you want to try, never seem to find the time.
And when your time is through, will anyone remember who.
Tried so hard to make a life, but left no legacy behind.

Through the sad times, you stood tall at my side.
And I will give myself to you, if it takes a thousand years.

Would it take a thousand years to walk, the long and twisted road.
The path that leads down from your door, ending at an unknown goal.
And if you were to stray, surely you would lose your way.
Find the heart to carry on, find the path to stir your soul.

Through the sad times, you stood tall at my side.
And I will give myself to you, if it takes a thousand years.



A Thousand Years featuring Chris O, Lee Lucas & Phil Gladman

Hand of Glory : Napier's Bones July 2015

Included as a bonus track on the 2015 Edition of "The Wistman Tales"
Free Download Link : 
https://napiersbones.bandcamp.com/album/the-wistman-tales-2015-remaster-bonus-track

Our latest offering is based around the 18th Century story of "The Stainmore Hand", well-known in Northern English folklore.

The song's events are centred on the remote Spittal Inn, its landlord, George, the maid, Bella, and a mysterious traveller seeking shelter from the ravages of an early Winter storm.

More background can be found : http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/england/cumbria/occult/the-spital-inn-and-the-hand-of-glory.html

Dramatis Personae: 
Nathan : The Storyteller, The Traveller, The Gang
Gordon : The Landlord, The Chorus, The Gang

Are you sitting comfortably?
Put another log on the fire, bolt the door, pour yourself an extra large helping of your favourite beverage and let us take you on a Napier's journey.
Maybe give the candlelight a miss though, eh?

*** The 4000 character limit imposed by SC means we can't print all the lyrics -> follow this link to our FB page  
https://www.facebook.com/napiersbonesband/posts/1621592221433272:0
***
____________________________________

The Storyteller :
A mile or more beyond the town where Roman beacons burned
A long established hostelry, it stands all alone
The track that marks the entrance, often missed from the road
The turnpike has fallen quiet, none will call here tonight
As the dizzy whirls of sleet announce the storm

Bella the maid dims the lamps and bolts the door
The landlord George smiles and counts his takings after Bowes Fair
The roof creaks and groans as the wind bears down from Stainmore
Alone, enclosed, they won't see another soul
As they say their prayers to save them from the storm

Waves of rain and snow spiral down
Consumed by fear & darkness, heartbeats quicken now
They're deafened by the howling screaming sound
Then it's broken by a knocking at the door
A feeble cry of "Help me" then no more

The Inn's occupants :
Who stands outside? A wet bedraggled old woman bent double no less
Come quickly inside! Dry clothes, warm milk, our Bella will help you undress

The Traveller :
"Nothing I can say can repay you for your kindness sir
I lost the track as day turned into night
A pauper's widow I, can no longer pay my way
My daughter waits in Brough for me, I'll leave you at first light"

The Occupants : 
Sit by the Fire! No payment required when we answer a traveller's distress
Before we retire - we'll see that you're well, now take what you need and God bless

The Traveller :
"Let me say again, I don't want food or drink
Despite my situation, I still retain some pride
Now talking tires me so, I beg you let me rest
Don't touch my cloak or clothing! Just take yourself to bed!"

Let all who rest be drawn into the deepest sleep
Let those who dare to stay awake, unerringly their vigils keep
Hand of glory, keep their heavy eyelids closed
Revealing hidden riches whilst your magic taper glows

Stolen from a gibbet corpse, wrapped in a funeral shroud
Dried out with saltpeter, I command thee now
Hand of Glory, Shining Bright
Guide Your rightful owner to their rightful spoils tonight

The Storyteller:
Though she feigned to sleep, Bella watched the stranger's movements
Disturbed by their growling voice and the hood that hid their face
Surprised to see new riding boots on a pauper's wife
Then the trav'ler rose to six feet tall and slid the bolt from the door
From the folds of a steaming cloak withdrew a dead man's wizened hand
Lit the candle in its grip then the ritual began

The Traveller:
Hand of Glory where Roman signal beacons burned
I call on age-old wisdom, let the dead man's fire return
In the house where your light burns, in vain the sleepers turn
The killer's hand holds them tight, alive will be as dead tonight

From the gallow's pole to High Stainmore
Hand of Glory, do all I desire tonight





Hand of Glory :  Album Download Link in Notes

Stalker (1993)

This is the 9th track in our Thin Lizzy tribute project, this time we’ve chosen the mean & moody “The Sun Goes Down” from Thin Lizzy’s Thunder & Lightening album. This song was requested by Graeme (Vortexia) a while ago, so it seemed highly appropriate to invite him to play bass on it. I’m delighted that Graeme agreed, and an absolutely sterling job he has made of it, he has captured the feel and the bass sound so well that you’d swear that Phil Lynott was playing it, a top, top job!

A big mention once again to Lee Lucas for his great work here, a totally brilliant vocal, a superb production, and a piece of artwork that suits the piece so well. Lee has worked with me on many of my original pieces, as well as these songs for our Lizzy tribute. As well as his undoubted prowess as a musician and producer, Lee is always generous with his time, advice and encouragement, and over the years he has become a great friend. It is always a pleasure and an honour to work with him.
Lee and Graeme both have a wealth of great music to listen to on their respective clouds, they can be found here: 

https://soundcloud.com/lee-lucas
https://soundcloud.com/vortexia

I hope that you enjoy the offering……..

“The Sun Goes Down”
Words and music – Phil Lynott
Guitars, synths & drum programming – Allan Lyon
Vocals, production & artwork – Lee Lucas
Bass – Graeme Robertson (Vortexia)


Allan Lyon & Lee Lucas - The Sun Goes Down  Ft  Vortexia

Another track from an earlier album, Parallels.
Thanks for listening.

Arranged and produced by, Mike Hilton © 03/01/16

Instruments

Washburn D11 acoustic 6-string
Fender Stratocaster
PRS Custom 24
Washburn MG30
Midi - Acoustic Bass, Midi- Percussion, Synth and effects.
Cover-art -  hippies.com, composite image.

Ricochet

The story of Grace Darling to me as a child felt like the ultimate example of female heroism imaginable. This year celebrates the bicentenary of her birth. For more information on her life please visit these links –
http://www.gracedarling.co.uk
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Darling
http://rnli.org/aboutus/historyandheritage/museums/Pages/Grace-Darling-Museum.aspx

This song was different from most of our other collaborations in the way it developed. It started from a lyric for almost all of the song from myself, which Dick added to, especially in the chorus as well as coming up with the music and vocal melody. Dan came on board later with backing vocals and more instrumentation as well as the final mix.

I’d like to thank Dan and Dick yet again for their patience and creativity and for enabling me to realise this piece. I’d also like to thank some other fellow Soundclouders from the North of England for some invaluable advice whilst we were researching this subject -
https://soundcloud.com/the-secret-red-orchestra
https://soundcloud.com/sciencebase
and https://soundcloud.com/gibson-j-4-5

Mark J Bennett – Lyrics, Vocals, Artwork
https://soundcloud.com/dan-lockhart – Backing vocals, Mandolin, Bass and Final Mix
https://soundcloud.com/oorlab – Music, Additional Lyrics, Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Drums and Video.

Videolink - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V31JV3Bqz8&feature=youtu.be

Witnessing the wreck from her window,
Showed her mettle when facing peril.
With her father, she braved the storm
Little thought of fear or harm.
Survivors clamour for dear life,      
On half a ship as if cut by a knife.
Grace be brave, daughter of the lighthouse.
A ray of hope, when all else fades.

Rowed a mile in a Northumbrian coble,
Was an act so selfless and noble.
They rescued four men and Sarah Dawson,
Too late for the vicar and her children.
Newspapers clamour for her story,
And bathe in her reflected glory.
Grace be brave, daughter of the lighthouse.
A ray of hope, when all else fades.

Eighteen were saved from the sixty-two, 
Gifts and donations they did accrue,
From circus, Duke and even the Queen.
Such fuss, they could not have foreseen.
Artists clamour for her likeness,
Yet something faded from her brightness.
Grace be brave, daughter of the lighthouse.
A ray of hope, when all else fades.

Unwanted celebrity was hard to maintain,
The pressures of fame, proved a strain.
Already reclusive on her island retreat,
Her admirers became indiscreet.
Visitors clamour for a token,
Grace’s calm, forever broken.
Grace be brave, daughter of the lighthouse.
A ray of hope, when all else fades.
Grace be brave, daughter of the lighthouse.
Grace be brave, daughter of the lighthouse.


Grace Be Brave (with Dan Lockhart & Dick Vestdijk)+Videolink

The Story of “Arachnid Spackle” (narrative prose) by Len Rice
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The spider stirs as hazy beams of warm sunlight stream through weathered panes making glitter of the dusty air.

Descending from the safety of the lofty web to explore the vast universe of the decaying Victorian home-

It ventures cautiously into the unknown with speed & stealthy stillness endeavoring to evade detection by enemy & prey.

Soon faced with a perilously wide expanse of bare wooden floor speed is its only option.

Nearing the safety of the opposite wall a fiendish cackle announces discovery by the most feared foe:  the old woman.

A frantic frenzy of sadistic stomping & striking with all at hand befalls the spider as it deftly dodges each blow on its way to the wall.

Halfway up with speed failing to elude the assailant it resorts to stillness as a rolled newspaper finds its target.

With a stifled scream the spider becomes a permanent part of the crumbling plaster wall.

 ~ 

Roused by their mother’s death cry her offspring begin to emerge from scores of spherical silken eggs to seek & avenge her fate.

Nourished by rage they grow overnight to gargantuan proportions instinctively forming bushido battalions at first light.

The sound of marching shifts her slumber from dream to drowsiness until daylight’s horrific horde makes wide her eyes.

In slippers, robe, & disbelief her retreat from revenge is soon blocked by back to wall.

Their steady advance becomes a focused fury of web spinning entombment.

With a suffocated scream the old woman becomes a permanent part of the crumbling plaster wall.

-

Copyright 2016 All Rights Reserved

-

Arachnid Spackle (click HERE for horror story) 🕷

I'm a day-dreamer and I love to watch both day and night skies and just let my imagination take flight ... deep sky diving.

This collection of space-themed tracks is built around the simple concept of an imaginary journey into space, sparked while gazing at a clear, star-filled sky on a cold, crisp November's night.

Fireworks explode into the 'bonfire night' sky, November 5th. and myriad rockets stream skyward and dissolve and morph into an imagined fantasy flight ... a virtual journey to the stars and back again ... thinking is the best way to travel!

The journey extends deeper into the cosmos and the consciousness, experiencing the wonders of many universes ~ only to drift slowly back, homeward bound to reality once again and the panorama of an ever-changing sky ... life is but a dream ...

'Stepping Stones To The Stars' ~  *Complete Album (Lavallin)

Hi all,
I just play by ear ... guitar and synths, occasionally attempting a vocal ... making recordings just for the sheer enjoyment that making music gives you.
All the tracks here were recorded & mixed using GarageBand, but I'm slowly exploring Logic Pro X ... so hope to improve the quality of recordings over time ;-)
SoundCloud's real strength I believe is it's loyal community of contributing musicians and I've been privileged to work with several of those fine musicians on many of the tracks here ... here are links to their SoundCloud pages which I hope you might find time to visit and check out their great music :

https://soundcloud.com/lee-lucas 
https://soundcloud.com/markjbennett
https://soundcloud.com/cinderman
https://soundcloud.com/4th-eden
https://soundcloud.com/distant_earth
https://soundcloud.com/puppywolf
https://soundcloud.com/aedificium
https://soundcloud.com/mark-howard-2
https://soundcloud.com/fugaa
   
My main guitar is a 90's Fender USA Strat with Dave Gilmour pick-up set ... a Vintage Peter Green/Gary Moore 'Lemon Drop' Les Paul for those rich bluesy tones hopefully ... acoustic guitars are an Ovation Applause and a Lindo, both with an onboard tuner for open tunings.
Guitar amps are a Fender Cyber Deluxe and a little Vox Brian May 'Deacy Amp'.
Guitar pedals are Boss ME70 and a Yamaha Magic Stomp loaded up with Charlie Hall's 'Echoes Of The Past' Delays.
Onboard guitars/pedals in GarageBand and Logic accessed via an Apogee Gio pedalboard interface.
Synths used just lately are Roland Jupiter 50; Korg Kronos X; Korg Karma loaded up with Vintage Instruments and Karma Soundsets.
Korg X5D and EMU vintage Pro modules hooked up to the Jupiter and Kronos via midi and into Soundcraft analog mixer and into iMac via Roland Sonic Cell interface.
VSTs/Software: Arturia V2 complete and Arturia Analog Experience The Laboratory with Keyboard (main software controller); EWQL Complete Composers collection ... I'm a complete technophobe so it takes more of my time trying to learn the software than ever it does making music ... frustrating but at my age it ain't going to get any easier:) 
My musical preferences and influences cover a whole range of genres ... so hope you'll find something to enjoy. I always appreciate any comments or feedback, if you have the time ... it's all good fun ;-)

Peace ... Graham :-)

'Stepping Stones To The Stars' ~ *Complete Album (Lavallin)

Lavallin

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