When Lee Lucas posted a collaborative version of this song before Christmas https://soundcloud.com/lee-lucas/lee-lucas-mark-j-bennett-the-parting-glass, he suggested that I put out an open invitation for anyone to collaborate with the original stem. Of course, I appreciate that grafting any type of arrangement on to an acapella vocal track isn't easy but I'd welcome any approach. This is an Irish traditional song but it may well withstand a modern arrangement. The vocal stem has lots of reverb and echo on it but should you need a drier stem to work with, just message me and I can send a naked version. Also feel free to take some liberties with this should it lend itself in any other treatment. 

I raise my glass to those brave enough to listen to me tightrope-walking and also to those who might consider taking on this challenge. Cheers!


Of all the money that e'er I had
I have spent it in good company
And all the harm that e'er I've done
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

Of all the comrades that e'er I had
They are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call
Good night and joy be with you all

A man may drink and not be drunk
A man may fight and not be slain
A man may court a pretty girl
And perhaps be welcomed back again
But since it has so ought to be
By a time to rise and a time to fall
Come fill to me the parting glass

Good night and joy be with you all
Good night and joy be with you all

The Parting Glass - Open Collaboration

My second collaboration with Jimena and Chris Kinsey.  The song began with a few chords played on a midi keyboard using ‘silky string selection’ in Logic to work out the structure.  I added Guitars, Bass and Drums and asked Chris to add some ‘Kinseyfication’ on Piano and Organ, then, it was over to Jimena to write the lyrics and record her amazing vocal tracks. Once I had all the constituent parts, I set about the final mix and mastering; this is the result.
A huge, huge thanks to Chris and Jimena for their outstanding contributions which have elevated the song to another level.

Credits:-
Jimena:- Lead and backing vocals, lyrics, vocal composition. https://soundcloud.com/jimenaarroyo
Chris Kinsey:- Pianos, Organ, musical composition. https://soundcloud.com/chriskinsey1
Dairv Dubbleyew:- Guitars, Bass, Drums, String Synth, musical composition, production.


Mind Maze

Caught in a nightmare
From which I can’t escape
I gulp in foul air
And mortal dread takes shape

No recollection
Of joyful memories
Sheer desolation
No more victories

The throes of delusion engulf me and swallow me 
It’s getting too hard to wake up from this dream
And all the confusion that toys with my sanity
Invites me to let out a blood-curdling scream

Someone please save me
There’s no way out of this mind maze
My heart betrayed me
And now I’m all lost in this mind maze
Mind maze

Running blind in the wilderness
Chased by unfounded fears
I’m fleeing from the emptiness
That threatens to feed on me

The throes of a nightmare engulf me and swallow me 
Although I’m awake as can possibly be
And all the despair that consumes me and blinds me
Makes me wanna cry, makes me wanna scream

Someone please save me
There’s no way out of this mind maze
(No way out of here)
My heart betrayed me
And now I’m all lost in this mind maze
No way out of here

In these blurry surroundings my mind plays tricks on me
If give in to madness, will my worries disappear?
Oh, if I succumb to the darkness, will you find me in my sleep?
Please don’t take an eternity to come and rescue me
Rescue me

I succumb to this wasteland
Can’t fight this pantomime
As I sink deep in quicksand 
I reach out to you one last time

Someone please save me
There’s no way out of this mind maze
(No way out of here, no way out of here)
My heart betrayed me
And now I’m all lost in this mind maze
(No way out of here)
No way out of here

Save me
Save me from myself

Mind Maze - (Jimena - Chris Kinsey - Dairv Dubbleyew)

Wild Horses

On the way to ..., part I

Matthew 18:21-22  New International Version
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times”

70 Times (Matthew 18:22)

I was commissioned to write and recorded this composition especially for a scene in a 2019 short film called 'Impulsive'

If you enjoy my music, you can buy it here...

music.apple.com/album/1500533161?app=itunes&ls=1

Listen on spotify... 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/65WnZtOZVExOO0YRCPjEZY?si=56kh-Ia3RoOpY_x9jv4EaQ&dl_branch=1

film

Impulse  (Impulsive Film Soundtrack)

Composed in 1999 for a musical theater piece "Requiem for Ilmari" written by Juha Kulmala.

Spring

Roses

In the still of night when the mind wanders and memories lead to memories lead to memories lead to memories lead to mem......


Artwork:

Original J.Rous.

Drawn with a black marker pen. Colour added using digital art application.

Nocturne: In quiet, memories flow.

Monkey

A song in a sort of instrumental rock-type of style, featuring a midsection in a very fast 7 time signature. Hope you enjoy!

This is the first upload of an album of songs in a jazz fusion and/or instrumental rock type of style.

Longer, Bluer Suns

20 8 23

Dear listener, Feel free to leave comments and I'll try to reply.

I've been making music for around 16 years now but because of the wonderfully generous community that is SC, I have learned so much in a short time. I look forward to learning even more by collaborating. 
I suppose my strengths are in lyric-writing and singing. I feel fortunate to have been able to work with some stunning compositions by some very talented SCers.

My very best to you, Mark

Some links to recent Continental Collision streaming sites, etc are available below:

The Parting Glass - Open Collaboration

markjbennett