Revolution (original)


Listen to the collaboration version with Future Plan here: http://soundcloud.com/f-p-3/r-evolution 

All rights of music and picture reserved Mike Spring

Revolution

REVOLUTION

Fender Jazz Bass, Fender Telecaster, Korg TR workstation, NI Abbey Road drums, Cubase 10.5, Izotope Ozone 7 adv.

picture is CC licenced

(V050-M05)

Beast in the Kitchen

Beast in the Kitchen (Rock meets Lounge)

A kind of new

A Kind Of New

Fender Jazz Bass
Korg TR music workstation keyboard
Fender Telecaster guitar (fingerpicked)
Native Instruments Abbey Road Vintage Drums

Exclusion Blues

'Strong' is a song I wrote after a policeman instructed me to leave a city’s shopping street while I was working as a street artist. I was so… can I say ‘pissed’? So I had to write a song about it. This was 1992. I played the streets a couple of years when I was a student.

The lyrics of the song (below) point to a broader and still current subject. Staying strong in dynamic times is important for every one of us I think. Today more than ever probably. Follow your personal believes in peace all :)

Mike


Lyrics, music, vocals, guitar and copyright Mike Spring
Guitar is a Crafter or a EKO steel string acoustic, I'm not sure
Recording: live, analogue (Tascam 4-track)

This is a recording of a song 'just written'. In this respect I should have uploaded it on my other page https://soundcloud.com/sketches-from-holland/tracks but I didn't :)

Mix: In Cubase I edited a small guitar part around 1:03 minutes because I played one chord a little too long which interrupted the meter of the song.
Master: The stereo WAV track I used had been mastered before so it was not clean when I mastered it again. 
Equipment: Steinberg UR824, Ozone 7 adv. (EQ, Imager and Vintage tape) plus Lexicon LXP Native Hall Reverb VST
Picture by Anthea Molenaar, 2011

Lyrics:

Hey what’s your name
I’m not a game to play
Hey we’re the same
You should feel ashamed to say
I don’t belong to this day

[chorus:]
If you think you’re strong
I’ve got something for you
Cause I feel strong
I think my way
Nothing’s gonna change that
I think my way
It makes me what I am
I feel strong
I feel strong

Day by day
Strongen my way   [note: I know this is not proper English 😉]
Leaded by the inner words I pray
Hey I’m not afraid
To feel the shade
Because I know who I am

[chorus]

Strong

Strong (live recording / 1992)

Shoemansky posted his original 'work in progress' and invited others to contribute. I liked  'Call My Name' so much that I suggested to add some electric guitar (from 1:38). Thus a new version came to stand. Enjoy the listen guys and don't forget to visit http://soundcloud.com/shoemansky 's page: a wonderful songwriter and artist! 

'Call My Name': written, sung and produced by Shoemansky
Fender Stratocaster lead guitar by Mike Spring (recorded with hardware effects by Boss and Ibanez T9)

Call My Name - Shoemansky, lead guitar Mike Spring

This song is about an important era of my life.
Guitar composed and played by Mike Sobel
Lyrics, vocal melody written and performed by Mike Spring
Mike Sobel many many thanks for your wonderful guitar play!
Original instrumental http://soundcloud.com/mikesobel/ready-to-blossom 

Lyrics

I’ll tell you a story about a woman and a man
A tale with no end
They lived and they loved and they’d understand
One crossroad would not be their friend

She was so pretty and he loved her smile
Nothing seemed fragile
He bought her a dress on this pretty Isle
She choose her hat and wore it with style
Oooooooh   
Oooooooh

Now she was not well and willing to sell
All but her love and her live
And they picked the days one at a time
And he didn’t look twice

The hospital doctors gave her their best
And she stayed strong
They both stood together for so many years
Until she moved on 
Oooooooh		
Oooooooh
Oooooooh
How can one stand the days that are gone
Apart from the other but never  gone

Crossroads - with Mike Sobel -

This guitar instrumental intertwines two recordings of a 2013 model U.S.A. Fender Telecaster. Back then this was my first recording with the instrument. If you listen close you hear a plectrum falling of my knee near the ending of the recording. 

The piece has been published on my page for eight years. I guess you don't mind me uploading it again.

Enjoy the listen :)
Cheers
Mike

And that wicked thing called love

And That Wicked Thing Called Love  (2013)

Hey guys,

This track was intended to become part of the album 'Mike's Lounge Bar #2'. However this was  not finished - so no album, still a jazzy bass kinda lounge track for the cloud to listen. 

Drum programming, electric Fender Jazz bass on a Hartke amp, (midi) sample editing and programming, production by Mike Spring

GiMme A BreaK

The music of the early new wave band Duran Duran fascinated me through time. The sweet melodies loaded with a romantic somewhat alien character together with the tight rhythms of drums and bass created new musical universes to my ears back in the 80s. My intention here was to make an original piece with the energy and ‘breath’ of the band’s vibes. 

A personal take a joy to make 😊  Have fun listening!

Mike

v67m11

Still wishing for love

Still wishing for love  / a take on the vibes of Duran Duran

instrumental written and recorded Netherlands 2013  

Support

Spanish eyes

Bo Diddley translated the blues into rock and therefore was an icon of his time. Many artists in the late fifties and sixties were influenced by the Bo Diddley sound. With his own built guitar and tremolo effect creating this typical sound he was inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

In my days of youth I listened a lot to fifties music so I thought it would be appropriate to make a tribute song to one of my musical heroes. I tried to interpret the Diddley sound in this one. Enjoy it guys!

Cheers
Mike

More info on Bo Diddley: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_Diddley

Lyrics

The windy city starred your light
Yeah you played that thing alright
You wore your hat and glasses too
And caught that steamy note of blue
A jungle beat and a square guitar 
Manish boy you’re a star
Hot rods spinning round and round
Good old days Bo Diddley sound

Sweet sweet Chicago soul
Super blues let the good times roll
Sweet sweet Chicago soul
Super blues let the good times roll

Sweet sweet Chicago soul
Super blues let the good times roll
Sweet sweet Chicago soul
Super blues let the good times roll

You’re a MAN now who do you love?
Play that song it’s never enough
I recall those memories
Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry
Those were the days – what I’d say
Originator don’t fade away
You were an icon off your time
Boosted the blues my oh my	

Rattle those drums – Drive that beat
Can’t forget that rocking feat
Tease those humbs – Feel the heat
Shake them hips with your feet

Sweet sweet Chicago soul
Super blues let the good times roll
Sweet sweet Chicago soul
Super blues let the good times roll


Sweet Chicago Soul - Bo Diddley tribute -

With ‘Freedom of mind’ Mira and I collaborated in both  music and video. Exploring both brought  this piece an extra dimension and we are proud to present it to you finally :)
Video: http://vimeo.com/86231887 or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhP6qRoRSPg 

About the audio production
The music started with Mira’s piano samples #13. I cut and arranged them together with programmed hip hop drums, bass guitar, keyboard strings, lyrics and vocals. During the creative process we contacted each other about certain details.

Support:
www.mirashvangiradze.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/mirandashvangiradze
www.mikespring.nl

About the video
While recording the audio I videoed the different parts. Mira liked the idea of making a video together so she videoed herself playing her piano. I video edited the recordings and I must say I am very happy with the result. Video editing is quite a new thing to me and I learned many things.

Lyrics

Hey yoh brothers and sisters
Join and unite
the freedom of mind
it’s the original kind
of love – no strive

Free thinking is our means
Our tongue is our speak
Release your mind
Wish no unkind
Just a free world - in rhyme

What do you want
What do we need
For a better world
Freedom is our right
Outright
Upright
Unite

No privileges for the rich
For the rulers no benefits
Equality
Is the new quality
Our true democracy

Join and unite
For peace  -  no need to hide
Stand up for your right
And freedom of mind
We are the creators of our time

What do you want
What do we need
For a better world
Freedom is our right

Let love rule
Within the ridicule
Of our existence
No outdistance
The freedom of you

Let us speak
Let us listen
To one another
Peace sisters and brothers
Is our earth mother

It starts from the heart
We’re not apart
Nothing keeps us from
Being strong and numerous
We stay luminous

Hey yoh brothers and sisters
Unite and join
Turn the coin
Embrace your des moines
Of love to adjoin

Outright
Upright
Unite
Shine bright
Freedom of mind

All rights reserved Mike Spring and Miranda Shvangiradze

Bandcamp

Freedom of mind - Mike Spring & Miranda Shvangiradze - VIDEO

A reggae track with a bluesy touch and a Japanese twist. Imagine: walking a long dusty road with a large horizon. A thirsty road..

Music, acoustic kalimba, telecaster guitar (3X), bass guitar, keyboard (distorted organ and xylophone), drum programming, egg shaker, mix and production by Mike Spring

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/19779889@N00/7251322640/ and http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/

all rights reserved
www.mikespring.nl

Thirsty Road

'Ink on paper' is an improvised guitar instrumental that can be listened to as the second track of a set starting with 'The Himalayan Letter' (first track). I imagine the letter being read by the addressee... The Himalayan Letter can be found here:: https://soundcloud.com/mike-spring/the-himalayan-letter-open-for

Detail to the track is that I recorded it on the sofa 5 weeks ago and I completely forgot about it. Until I listened to my little experiments and found this piece. I mixed it giving extra attention to the reverb. 

music / guitar by Mike Spring
 
Photo credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/calliope/234447967/in/photolist-mHBdk-776vPa-hjbY9-6rX2oN-mUJC9-sYMMN-8513JQ-8a2fw8-nyxdqR-4gn61P-4gr9Am-5RWx65-4HAhxX-6KbeKG-asWNj-gJ2gzj-mfHRuu-bVUz1W-61nQq5-6qPM7V-fVScKu-hjfdc-7VsHcM-9JFqkt-5CNP7w-6oWiWv-XQKd5-3gHuLv-6K7TqH-29XGEa-6qTWs5-azdUEh-GqbjE-gnDV6V-6Wqozz-kny6RH-kfgYX-8RhWYb-5FJZaK-6K7SWF-eiy3W-b9Fppr-4Lc4d5-6WuoQN-eWY39-9jb1Wh-9WRX-4YGsBL-6NBWJW-4Jk2iw/

Ink on paper

It was 2014 when I heard Cyra's beautiful vocal stem. Cyra posted her stem asking for guitarists/cellists to make additions a year earlier. Many musicians created their version and most are likely to be found by using the 'search' button, type:  Angst Cyra Morgan.
 
In my interpretation of the song I intended to stay close to the Cyra's original version with guitar. I played my Canadian steel string guitar together with a Fender bass guitar and telecaster slide in the second part. Guys enjoy this new version of a wonderful song written by https://soundcloud.com/cyramorgan

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKqhdh_LZtk (not an original upload, but still)
and a video with this music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbT1A9OYsqY
Another wonderful intimate song and video by Cyra Morgan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOoVONNwVKc

LYRICS

I blink my weary eyes
beyond the darkened sky
the brilliant sun arises 
and hope, it grows in size
that today is gonna be
the day I finally feel the light
with angst at fever pitch
patience is a bitch
in a sticky situation
but somehow
some way I’ll find my feet find my way out
hold on, hold on
feels like forever
but it can’t be that long
now hold on, hold on
oh I can’t help believing
can’t help but keep singing my song
it’s too much to contain
the fear of all the change
the playing of the games
there are no words to explain
the guilt and all the shame
anger and the blame
but somehow, some way
I’ll find my feet find my way out

hold on, hold on
feels like forever
but it can’t be that long
now hold on, hold on
oh I can’t help believing
can’t help but keep singing my song
I thank God for those depending on me
sparkling eyes that keep me going
sun that rises every morning
the laugh that comes without a warning
pendulum will swing God-willing
warming up this cold bone chilling 
place of late where I’ve been dwelling
where giving up feels so compelling
and it calls, it calls
even the good one’s fall
it calls, it calls
even the good ones fall
hold on, hold on
feels like forever
but it can’t be that long
now hold on, hold on
oh I can’t help believing
can help but keep singing 
I can't help believing
I can't help keep singing my song

(song by Cyra Morgan)

Angst

Angst - Cyra Morgan with Mike Spring

Who would not enjoy a romantic night in Roma... I visited the city a couple of years ago and wow... what a place to be! So much art and old architecture, the food... mmm, the people.. time is too short when you are in Roma as a tourist. Gianni lives in Roma and composes wonderful pieces of music. Like this one. I added my bass and guitar and together we made it smooth.

Enjoy all
Mike

Gianni you are amazing

piano/keyboard, drums, end mixing by https://soundcloud.com/fugaaa
Fender bass, telecaster guitar by me

Two more collaborations with Gianni Fuga:
https://soundcloud.com/fugaaa/minor-road-blues-original-mike
https://soundcloud.com/fugaaa/the-himalayan-letter

June 2014

A night in Roma - Gianni Fuga/Mike Spring

A love song in the singer songwriter / folk genre. Enjoy all and thank you much for listening and commenting. Much appreciated...

Live recording, vocals & guitar & 2 mics
  
Peace
Mike


The girl with the flowers
Is slowing the hours
By offering her grace
With a smile

It seems not substantial
Still feeds my essential
Dwelling in my heart 
For a while

She asks without saying
Inviting me, playing
By offering me
Colors and shine

The girl with the flowers
She slows down the hours
Gently make me
Feel fine

I could easily embrace
Her flowers, her face
And wipe every trace
Of my pace

I bought all of the daisies
From this lovely lady
We dwelled in our hearts
For a while

The girl with the flowers
Is slowing the hours
By offering her grace
With a smile

It seems not substantial
Still feeds my essential
By dwelling my heart 
For a while

For guitarists: the chords are played with only a shifting E-chord with open 1st and 2nd high strings  (note: hE = high open E, 1 octave up)

hE – D – A – G – A  (all with open low E string) 
hE – D – A - G

G – A – hE – A   (all with own bass line)

A - B – hE – A    (all with own bass line)
G – A – hE – D  (all with own bass line)

C – D – hE – C  (all with own bass line)

 G-A-C-hE                   (all 3x with open low E string) 

(low)E – D – A – G – A       (open low E string)] 
hE – D – A – G – A    (open low E - all 2x)

hE –D –C – G – A  - hE

The Girl With The Flowers

The open invitation to collaborate on the piano original was Milana's and Arty's. Check this out https://soundcloud.com/milanazilnik/moonlight-stroll-milana 

Thanks a lot guys. I enjoyed this :)

Piano and midi original by Milana Zilnik
Wave mixing, midi editing, Fender bass guitar, Canadian acoustic guitar, drum programming and arrangement by me.

Cheers
Mike

Moonlight Stroll - open collab Milana Zilnik

An ‘all acoustic’ folk song from the Netherlands.
All instruments I used for recording this track are shown in the pic. Hope you enjoy… (headphones advised) 

Peace 
Mike

2015/03/28: an all new collaboration came to stand featuring NayJ https://soundcloud.com/nayj-2/empty-bucket-nayj-mike-spring you should def check it out! She did so much better in her own NayJ way :)

Empty Bucket

Empty Bucket - Mike Spring (original)

Sting has always been a musical inspiration to me. I don’t usually record covers and this is the exception I guess. For the occasion I made a Dutch translation/arrangement of ‘Shape of my heart’. I hope you appreciate my interpretation :)

Thank you for listening!
Mike

Music and English original by Sting
Dutch translation, acoustic guitar, Fender bass guitar, Stratocaster, acoustic Yamaha melodica and drum programming by me


Klank van mijn hart (Sting cover) Shape Of My Heart

Writing love songs happens to be one of mij interests :) So why not make a song about the verb? It's steaming ;) 
 
Cheers and thank you all for listening!  
Mike

Fender Strat USA 2001 Texas Special, Ibanez TS9 tube screamer & Fender tube Amp Junior, Fender Jazz Bass, Simon& Patrick steel string guitar, vocals, Steinberg UR824 interface, Charter Oak tube mic, NI AR drums, mixed in Cubase 8 pro with external VST's. Original 2015.
Arwork by blog.gessato.com/2012/11/28/text-…xtsculpture-sex/


Get High

Anthea this one is for you <3

Songwriting,  piano and vocal recording: 2007
Acoustic guitar, electric guitars, programmed drums, bass guitar, mix &  master: 2010 - 2015.

The early piano/vocal original was published on SC for a couple of years. This is there-make in a new studio arrangement.

Cheers
Mike

Anthea's Song

"Wait A Minute, are we straight up back in the 70's? NayJ. & Mike Spring channeled something extra funky for this slick strutin' workout. NayJ is full on attitude as she sings with soulful sass, warning all the young women out there about the lip licking ways of the dog. Mike Spring drops some greasy riffs on his Fender Strat while his Fender jazz bass locks you deep into the funk groove! This is mad funky y'all! Now get up and dance! -CKP"  (http://musiciselation.com/  https://soundcloud.com/plastic-inevitable  https://www.facebook.com/musiciselation)

"An exceptional Funk track in the best tradition of Motown and P-Funk and who could sing it better and cooler than NayJ? Extra compliment for the groove, which is not just straight 16th, it seems to swing a abit"  https://soundcloud.com/heartscore 
 
Supported by http://www.funkycorner.it  

Personal note: 
NayJ, thank you most dearly for making this original production so worthwhile. You did it again girl!

Here you all can find our earlier collaboration https://soundcloud.com/nayj-2/empty-bucket-nayj-mike-spring
 
Commentary:
When I'd recorded the funky instrumental I asked NayJ if she was interested making a song out of it. She appeared to be excited immediately :))) And oh boy what a song she made! The lyrics point out to how shallow young girls can be aiming for a life in luxury. Obviously she has a message to them… 

Instruments for this original:
•	Fender Strat 3x
•	Fender Jazz Bass 
•	Programmed drums NI Abbey Road series
•	Midi keys
Recorded and mixed in Cubase Pro 8, mastered in Ozone7adv.

The vocal arrangement is created by NayJ https://soundcloud.com/nayj-2 next to the writing of lyrics and the recording of thevocals.


Lyrics:

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO hey
This song is to all the young girls out there
Who's living life like you just don't have a care
Wait a minute wait a minute

Oh
You say you looking for a man
You said you're running out of time
He's gotta have that curly hair
You say he's got to be fine as wine
You said you're looking for a man
Who's going to give you diamond rings
Shower you with bling bling
And promise you everything

Wait a minute, wait a minute, better hear me wait a minute, better hear me, wait a minute

Oh uuuuuuuuu
Oh girl
That ain't the way
You better listen to me
You better hear every word that I say
You better listen real good
You better make sure that it's understood

Cause It's some dogs out there
Wait a minute, wait a minute, better hear me wait a minute, better hear me, wait a minute

Oh girl don't be a fool
While you're starting out nice and fresh
Just make the wrong moves
And you'll be branded with the rest

If you let the wrong guy
Don't you know he'll use you up
Then he'll lick his lips
And be ready for his next sup

Oh yeah yeah wooooooooo yeah yeah
Oh can you hear me, you better hear me girl
You better listen to what I say
Cause It's some dogs out there
And they're headed your way

Oh
They really don't give a care
Just looking for a little play
They will ruin your reputation
And it will become your identification

Oh wooo oh ouw
Girl you wanna a man
A man who will treat you right
You want a man who will put a ring on it
A man who will make you his wife

Don't you know the diamond rings
They don't mean everything
Cause baby if you ain't got love
Girl you ain't got nothing

Wait a minute, wait a minute, better hear me, wait a minute, better hear me, wait a minute

Do you hear me girl
Do you understand
Well if you understand
Then it's time to do your funky future wedding dance

Take you're veil off
Blow a kiss to the left then to the right
Wave your hands up high
Like you're reaching for the sky hey ya
Slide your foot to the left and then to the right
You're gonna take it down real low
Funky Future Wedding Dance
When you know you've got a good man

This song on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O7OTJjn1n4s

Support & Buy

Wait A Minute --- NayJ & Mike Spring ---

FUNK STATION originally started off with Terry’s funky guitar riffs. Terry performs on a regular basis together with his funk band FU5ION https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU6mqscd8ag  You can find Terry's original instrumental here https://soundcloud.com/user-719649280/bounce
 
I liked Terry's guitar play right away and after some time had passed I asked Terry for a collaboration. I told him that I had some interesting ideas to let it grow :) After having edited Terry’s recordings for a straight drums I added my lyrics/vocals and bass guitar, some percussion and an appropriate amount of claps & snaps. Since I am a great admirer of Jamie’s keys playing I asked Jamie Rhind to add his instrument and he did this so well I must say. It changed the flavor of the piece immediately. Next I found the wonderful sax player David Milzow from Germany willing to add his wonderful saxophone solo. From the start I held in mind to ask NayJ for adding her vocals too and thus make a funky duet together. Well… she did! :)) So now we can all  proudly present to you our FUNK STATION!

The track is kind of a wink to ‘Soul Train’ the most funky and inspiring television show in the Seventies. You can find those on YouTube and I can recommend to have a look and listen because this show was just amazing. All great funky R&B soul singers and bands from that era came along. For instance The Jackson Five, Donna Summer, Tower of Power and James Brown. Since the funk stole my heart for many years I felt now was the opportunity to celebrate the funk all the way. For the occasion I chose to give it a cinematic ambiance by creating a logical environment for our sweet funky station. I blended the music with a number of outdoor and indoor samples to put it all together so that it would sound like it’s recorded in a station hall. I sincerely hope you guys enjoy the result as much as we did recording/producing it!

My sincere gratitude goes out to David Milzow, Jamie Rhind, NayJ and not in the least to Terry Harris who inspired us all with his funky guitar playing. Thank you all so much!

NayJ – vocals https://soundcloud.com/nayj-2
Terry Harris – guitar https://soundcloud.com/user-719649280
Jamie Rhind – keys and synths https://soundcloud.com/jamie-rhind
David Milzow – saxophone https://soundcloud.com/david-milzow
Mike Spring – production & audio engineering, lyrics, vocals, bass guitar, percussion (congas, tambourine), claps & snaps

Another interpretation of the Soul Train Show https://soundcloud.com/ddjohn/soul-train-blues. Steph laid down a fantastic ode to the era I think.

LYRICS

Say where your goin’
Get infused for feelin’ the Funk
Hear that guitar smokin’
Watch that Soul train comin’

Say what your doin’
Clap along ‘cause you feel the Funk
Brothers and sisters pokin’
Catch that train on Funk Station runnin’

Ooooh Ooooh
Do do what you wanna do
Get wooed, funk your mood
Do do what you wanna do

Ooooh Oooh
Do do what you wanna do
Funk your mood in the hood
Do do what you wanna do

Say how your doin’
Move your hips and feel the Funk
Get your bodies movin’
Beat that train on Funk Station groovin’

Say where your strollin’
We’ve got it comin’ the Funk
And keep it rollin’
Keep your funky muscles flowin’

Say what your lookin’
Now do you feel the Funk
Hear those barrels cookin’
It’s our Funk Station crookin’

Say you better start movin’
You can’t whisk the Funk
Your funk train should be runnin’
Now don’t keep me punnin’

Ooooh Ooooh
Do do what you wanna do
Get wooed, funk your mood
Do do what you wanna do

Ooooh Oooh
-
Funk your mood in the hood
Do do what you wanna do

Ooooh Ooooh
Do do what you wanna do
Don’t get prude, funk your mood
Do do what you wanna do

Ooooh Oooh
-
-
Funk your mood’n taste the food

Ooooh Ooooh
Do do what you wanna do
Get wooed, funk your mood
Do do what you wanna do

Ooooh Oooh
Do do what you wanna do
Funk your mood
In the hood
Do do what you wanna do

Ooooh Ooooh
Do do what you wanna do
-
Do do what you wanna do
Ooooh
Oooh

FUNK STATION

FUNK STATION - NayJ · Mike Spring · Terry Harris · Jamie Rhind · David Milzow

A fresh funky collaboration with Jamie Rhind :)
Keys and electronic drums by https://soundcloud.com/jamie-rhind
Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars by me Cry Baby Wah included!
Photo: lower Manhattan NY 1976 / photographer unknown

Mid Town Funk

Mid Town Funk - Jamie Rhind & Mike Spring -

Hey everyone,

This is a song I wrote when I was around 16 years of age. Back then I played it with my band. This was the easy rock balled in the set list. Last week I recorded it new in a fresh arrangement. I hope you like it.

Cheers!
Mike

v039M09

These Days

A playful intermission for you all :-)

Telecaster lead guitar and Fender Jazz bass guitar with keys and programmed drums. Recorded with Cubase Pro and mastered with Ozone Advanced.

Cheers
Mike

Playful Intermission

In this 2020 collaboration Jacqueline Upperman sings her lyrics on the instrumental ‘Many Years’  released in 2016. Jacqueline would very much like to read your feedback so don’t hesitate to leave your comments. 

Included in the playlist https://soundcloud.com/mike-spring/sets/many-years-the-collaborations

Vocals and lyrics by Jacqueline Upperman
Music and production by Mike Spring
June 7th 2020

Many Years

Many years - with Jacqueline Upperman

Democracy on my mind and I felt I should write a song about it

Song written. recorded and mixed July 4th 2020

DEMOCRACY

Yesterday I took my German nylon 3/4 sized acoustic guitar off my living room's wall and played a few notes. I stopped and took a small hand recorder and pressed 'record'.

In the background you can hear some noises every now and then. It is Anthea typing a letter. This is why I wanted to call this instrumental 'The Letter'. When she heard the mixed version however it reminded her of the Himalayas. I recognized what she meant so I decided to call it 'The Himalayan Letter' ... 

A second piece is about receiving and reading the letter...  https://soundcloud.com/mike-spring/ink-on-paper

Check out too this collaboration with Gianni Fugaa: http://soundcloud.com/fugaaa/the-himalayan-letter :)

Acoustic guitar improvisation mixed in Cubase 6 with standard effects (delay, reverb, etc.) and Summit Audio Grand Channel VST channel strip

Peace
Mike

Related to this track:
Soundclouder of the day http://soundcloud.tumblr.com/post/52146412212/soundclouder-of-the-day-mike-spring-mike 
https://www.facebook.com/soundcloud/posts/10151414240816059
Second best track April 2013 by Vocalist Day https://soundcloud.com/vocalistday2/sets/chart22

The Himalayan Letter - free download

"50 drops of blue"
The title reveals 50 drops, is 50 samples by one of the finest pianists on the cloud together with a blue note of my guitar. This track is part of the Lounge Masters Vibes vol 23 album, July 15th  2016. If you wish you can become a member and get your free album and more http://www.loungemasters.org/frw/2016/07/15/lounge-masters-vibes-vol-23/ 
On Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/album/7ruOQI0gbZ6Vh4t6p1DkCJ

This track came together by downloading my favourite free sample track https://soundcloud.com/mirandashvangiradze  It stayed a while on my hard-disc but one evening I started cutting the track in pieces rebuilding the puzzle up to 50 pieces in the final mix. Next I recorded a finger picking guitar. Then I played the solo guitar just once to get "all warmed up" and do some recording. This first play is what you are listening to today.

I want to thank Mira for giving her wonderful samples for free...  I feel fortunate that Mira gave the opportunity to create new music with these. If you haven't already I recommend to have a listen at Mira's page: https://soundcloud.com/mirandashvangiradze

Guys I hope you will enjoy this instrumental :)

Love
Mike
2013/04/19

This track was played  in the following podcast broadcasted 2014 June 7th:
http://hearthis.at/barclaybunch/i-heard-this-on-hearthis-at-07062014/

Lounge Master Vibes Vol 23

50 drops of blue

Spotfy

50 drops of blue  - with Miranda Shvangiradze -

When I visited Hans' YouTube channel I watched the video of his instrumental "The Princess and the Thief". I noticed he had put German lyrics below the video... but I never heard the 'song'... I contacted Hans and asked him what he'd think of me singing these... Hans liked the idea and so last weekend I recorded his lyrics with his instrumental. Guys enjoy this special collaboration...

Another collaboration with Hans: https://hearthis.at/msprng/die-nacht/
and https://soundcloud.com/mike-spring/unten-am-hafen-down-by-the

Credits:
Music, instruments and Lyrics by Hans-Michael Albers
Vocals Mike Spring

Lyrics (English translation)
	
Your golden body
Your precious glow
Your richness in beauty
So worthy and deep

Your gloryfull eyes
Filled with crowning light
Your untainted appearance
Your noble face

You were the princes
And I was the thief
All of your dreams
Not one remained
Your longing for love
The fable of bliss 
These all I will not
Ever return

You were all good
And I was the ban
You were all life
And I was Death

Your heart is broken
Lost and empty
Robbed,  deceived
You are no longer there

You were the princes
And I was the thief
All of your dreams
Not one remained
Your longing for love
The fable of bliss 
These all I won’t
Ever return

Lyrics(German)

Dein goldener Körper 
Dein kostbarer Glanz 
Dein Reichtum an Schönheit 
So wertvoll und ganz

Der Schmuck deiner Augen 
Voll krönendem Licht 
Dein reines Erscheinen 
Dein edles Gesicht

Du warst die Prinzessin 
Und ich war der Dieb   
All’ deiner Träume 
Und keiner blieb            
Die Sehnsucht nach Liebe 
Das Märchen vom Glück 
Das geb’ ich dir alles 
Nie mehr zurück

Du warst alles Gute 
Und ich das Verbot 
Du warst alles Leben 
Und ich war der Tod

Dein Herz ist zerbrochen 
Verloren und leer      
Bestohlen, betrogen 
Es gibt dich nicht mehr

Du warst die Prinzessin 
Und ich war der Dieb 
All’ deiner Träume 
Und keiner blieb        
Die Sehnsucht nach Liebe 
Das Märchen vom Glück 
Das geb’ ich dir alles 
Nie mehr zurück

The Princess and the Thief - Mike Spring with Hans

Mira’s music to me is often full of reminiscence. When I heard these lovely piano samples I felt that I could express a similar feel with lyrics and additional instruments. I think many of us remember their days of joy and lighthearted energy. This is what this song is about… moments we cherish…  we once knew and shared with our loved ones.

I started with a set of Mira’s piano samples https://soundcloud.com/mirandashvangiradze and started building the track with drums and vocals. During the process of adding other instrument, the process of creating and mixing I updated Mira with ‘in between’ mixes. We contacted each other about some ideas and Mira spontaneously recorded her back vocals. It became a full collaboration and boy… do I like the result :))

Piano, backing vocals and initial mix of these by Mira
Lyrics, vocals, Fender Strat guitar, Fender Jazz bass, drum programming, Yamaha keyboard, arrangement, mix and production by me.

Published May 2013

Lyrics of  "Remember":

I remember – the days of sunlight
At the garden table – the happy faces
Everyone had a tale
Fooled around, ate some drink some
Those are the days to remember

Everyone was there
Children playing
The dog running – in circles
I remember your face
With a smile
Preciously caught in time

Those were the days – my pride
I want to recall this time
The way we were back then
Easy and so cheerful

Those were the days – my anchor
All that I want remember
The way it used to be
Without a future worry

(remember, remember, remember)

Those were the days – my pride
I want to recall this time
The way we were back then
Easy and so cheerful

Those were the days – my anchor
All that I want remember
The way it used to be
Without a future worry

Those days are gone now
Lying in the tall grass
You took my hand and I
Knew that you’d understand

Nothing lasts forever
Despite what we endeavor
We ceased the days of blessing
All of what I’m caressing

May 2013

REMEMBER - Mike Spring with Miranda Shvangiradze -

Netherlands based singer-songwriter/guitarist/composer/sound engineer.
headphones recommended

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