Here's an instrumental/vocal cover I did of Eric Clapton's classic Tears in Heaven

Tears In Heaven (Cover by Ross Smithe)

Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra was one of my favorite songs from the late 1970's, and arguably one of the happiest songs ever written! This project is a lead vocal cover over an enhanced and remixed recording of the original instrumental and backup vocal tracks. I played along with and layered over the instrumental tracks with similar sounding instruments, to give it more presence and punch! Didn't reinvent the wheel here, just polished up the rims a bit! Enjoy!

ELO- Mr Blue Sky- Vocal Cover and Instrumental Remix

Cover of Love Hurts, inspired by the Gram Parsons/Emmylou Harris duet version. Fabulous female vocal part laid down by my good friend and long time duet partner Tone Hjelt (TJs Playground) from Oslo, Norway. Hope you enjoy our collaboration!

Love Hurts- Duet with Tone Hjelt (TJs Playground)

Way back around 2002, one of the first software synth packages I owned was Reason 2.0, by what was then Propellerhead Software. One of the demo songs on there that I really dug was a short piece called I Dig Guitars (unfortunately don't remember the original artist's name). As you would expect with Reason, it wasn't truly a guitar song, but an electronic piece based around an cool, upbeat acoustic guitar riff. I downloaded the song at some point, and I recently rediscovered it on an old hard drive. I decided to do an extended and enhanced remix of the track. In addition to rearranging and reworking things, I also added new beats, sections, and a bunch of other new stuff. All new extended parts were done from scratch to blend with the original, except for the 4 bar acoustic guitar riff, which was looped behind everything. No stems were used. Except for the guitar loop, pretty much everything up to the 1:45 mark was new and done by me. From that point on, its basically the original song, along with several choice overdubs added. I don't usually do reworks/remixes like this, so I had an absolute blast with it! Hope you enjoy it!

I Dig Guitars (Propellerhead Reason 2.0 Demo- Extended Rework/Remix)

The Bridge (Piano Original)

I've wanted to cover this Grateful Dead tune for some time. Composed in 1970, the wonderful, timeless lyrics were penned by Robert Hunter, with music by Jerry Garcia. A bit of a departure from the band's early psychedelic music, it really hearkens back to Garcia's early roots in folk music. I tried to preserve the intimate character of the original song, while putting a bit of a different rhythmic vibe to it. Hard to do justice to this amazing classic, but I wanted to lend my hands and voice to it anyway.

If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music?
Would you hold it near as it were your own?

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty
If your cup is full, may it be again
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men

There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go, no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall you fall alone
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home.

Ripple (Grateful Dead Cover)

I definitely "put my back" into this one! I don't really know how to categorize this. Basically started with a beat and some ambient synth and vocal textures (all vocs except the really high voice are my voice, not samples), and took off from there. Kind of ambient-beat-rock, I guess? Anyway, I really enjoyed putting this together, and I hope you enjoy listening as well! Be sure to listen through to the end to catch a fun little mash-up, "Who" might it be?? ;)

What we need is love indeed...

Retrograde

Here's a collaboration I did with GBailey (@gbailey) over on Bandlab on this original composition of his. G laid down a fabulous guitar track, and I added piano, organ, bass, and percussion. Enjoy the ride to Green Mountain!

Road To Green Mountain (Collaboration with GBailey)

J.J. Terrell - Original Music Score, Arrangement, Piano, Cello, Strings on.soundcloud.com/ivM1E
Ross Smithe - Original Lyrics, Vocals, Mixing/Mastering and Final Production on.soundcloud.com/Qt1a1
Josh Clary - Mandolin, Bass on.soundcloud.com/PynZc

I had the privilege of being asked to collaborate (lyrics/vocals) on this beautiful original tune by J.J. Terrell.  Fabulous contribution also by Josh Clary (Entheogenic Psychonaught). Hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating!

More details on how things came together... This is a song written on the piano by JJ, who wanted to share the creative process with two of his esteemed colleagues. He asked Ross to come up with some vocals and lyrics, which Ross did in a profoundly deep way. His experience with both life and singing is really evident in this. Then JJ asked Josh to add his multi-instrumental skills to the mix. So, Josh added bass and mandolin, with the great direction of JJ and Ross. Then JJ added some synth strings to the mix, too. Finally, Ross mixed, produced, and mastered it.
This is the first time, hopefully of many, that this trio has worked together. JJ and Josh, of course, are in the Eclectic Collective together, but this was their first time working with Ross. They were both really impressed with his work, and found him a real pleasure with whom to create.

We hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording this!

Here In This Moment (J.J. Terrell, Ross Smithe, Josh Clary)

Here is a rendition of the ever popular Pachebel Canon in D, with special Christmas lyrics added (in a similar vein to Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Christmas Canon). I actually did this instrumental recording about 15 years ago for a specific project at the time. I decided to pull it out of archives this year, and did few revisions, additions, a bit of remixing, and added in the Christmas themed vocals/lyrics.

"Love and light to you on this Christmas night..."

Check out my playlist of Christmas music I've recorded: https://on.soundcloud.com/XnnWxQoBAZBGMjg46

Canon For Christmas (Pachebel's Canon In D)

Here's a new version I did of the familiar holiday classic Auld Lang Syne. Based on a poem by Scottish poet Robert Burns, the title essentially refers to the remembrance of times past. As we draw close to the year's end, it's such an ideal time to do just that, and also to reflect on the hope and expectation of things yet to come.

Here's wishing you and yours a fond recollection of the year past, and a happy and prosperous New Year!

**New Version- Auld Lang Syne (New Year's 2024)

A new cover of one of my favorite ELO songs. Enjoy!

Can't Get It Out Of My Head (ELO Cover)

What started as my keyboard/vocal cover has evolved into this full band reproduction!! Amazing additions by my friends over on Bandlab... Fabian (@fabass2020) on bass, Ross (@ross_man) on guitar, and Craig (@craigclontz) on drums.

**Full Band Revision- Can't Get It Out Of My Head (ELO Cover)

An impressionistic/improvisational piano piece.

Wilderness Wanderings (Part 2)- The Mist https://on.soundcloud.com/c1WnpumUc4dqz2H96

Wilderness Wanderings (Part 3)- The Bridge https://on.soundcloud.com/GmHMejcmAFWqvcy2A

Wilderness Wanderings (Part 1)- The Void

Full reproduction cover of the classic Pink Floyd tune from Dark Side Of The Moon. Fabulous female vocal by my good friend and long time singing partner Tone Hjelt from Oslo, Norway. Everything is newly recorded from scratch except some beginning sounds (for authenticity), and a few choice Gilmour guitar licks in last verse. Was a blast putting this together, hope you enjoy!!

Breathe (Pink Floyd Cover)- Duet with Tone Hjelt

A musical journey into the mystery of the mist...

Wilderness Wanderings (Part 1)- The Void https://on.soundcloud.com/t6g5vjDdfi1EfAoD8

Wilderness Wanderings (Part 3)- The Bridge https://on.soundcloud.com/GmHMejcmAFWqvcy2A

Wilderness Wanderings (Part 2)- The Mist

I didn't write this song, but it's very close to my heart! It was written and recorded by Tonio K (of "Life In The Foodchain" fame), and was released on his 1986 album "Romeo Unchained." Not a widely known tune, but literally one of my faves!

YOU WILL GO FREE

You've been a prisoner baby
Been a prisoner all your life
Held captive in an alien world
Where they hold your need for love to your throat like a knife
And they make you jump
And they make you do tricks
They take what started off such an innocent heart
And they break it and break it and break it
Until it almost can't be fixed

Well I don't know when
And I don't know how
I don't know how long it's gonna take
I don't know how hard it will be
But I know
You will go free

Now you can call it the devil
Call it the big lie
Call it a fallen world
Whatever it is, it ruins almost everything we try
It's the sins of the fathers
It's the choices we make
It's people screaming without making a sound
From these prison cells in paradise
Where we're chained to our mistakes

Well I don't know when
And I don't know how
I don't know how much it's gonna cost you
Probably everything
But I know
You will go free

You can't see the jailer
You can't see the bars
You can't turn your head around fast enough
But it's everywhere you are
It's all around you
And everywhere you walk these prison walls surround you

But in the midst of all this darkness
In the middle of this night
I see the truth cut through this curtain like a laser
Like a pure and holy light
And I know I can't touch you now
And I don't want to speak too soon
But when we get sprung
From out of these cages baby
God knows what we might do

Well I don't know when
And I don't know how
I don't know if you'll be leaving alone
Or if you'll be leaving with me
But I know
You will go free

I know the truth will set you free
The truth about who you are
The truth about 
Who you were always meant to be
You will go free

You Will Go Free (Tonio K Cover)

The Bridge is the final installment in an instrumental trilogy I've entitled Wilderness Wanderings. Life can certainly take mysterious turns and take us to very dark places, and God knows I have been down those roads! However, after the darkness comes light, and after the despair, hope! This is a musical expression of that hope and redemption... the bridge to life, which firmly stands, between the far spent night, and the promised land! (Note: I previously released this piece as a standalone, but wanted to include it in this collection. The piano has been revamped and remixed from the previous version)

Wilderness Wanderings (Part 1)- The Void https://on.soundcloud.com/bdkLbag8oqhxn3hT8

Wilderness Wanderings (Part 2)- The Mist https://on.soundcloud.com/c1WnpumUc4dqz2H96

Wilderness Wanderings (Part 3)- The Bridge (Remixed Version)

What an amazing experience creating this version of the Jimi Hendrix classic Little Wing! This rendition is based on the Eric Clapton/Sheryl Crow live cover version. Off the charts effort by a truly international cast in putting this together: Fabian (Argentina)- Bass;  Ross M (Australia)- Guitar;  Craig (US)- Drums;  Fiz (Italy)- Sax;  Tone (Norway)- Female Vocals. I am on Vocals/Organ/Electric Piano/Synth/Mix. Enjoy!

Little Wing (Jimi Hendrix Cover) **Full Band Collaboration (Based on Clapton/Crow Cover Verson)

Just playing around with some sounds and stuff (mainly on Omnisphere and my Korg Kronos), and came up with this fun little piece! I saw Hans Zimmer live recently, and it kind of inspired me to have fun experimenting, and to not be afraid to venture outside of my usual little creative box. Digital music is so fun and boundless, and the possibilities are literally endless! Anyway, hop aboard the War Rhino, and run to the battle with me!

War Rhino

A short film soundtrack I did a while back

Night And Day (Short Film Soundtrack)

Remixed version of a piece I released last year.

In Time (Remix Version)

Always enjoy collaborating with these incredible musicians, Fabian (Argentina), Susan (Australia), and Mario (Italy). We had a blast (and a challenge!) putting together this version of the 80's classic by Toto! Fabian is laying it down on bass, Susan is channeling Jeff Porcaro on drums, and Mario is dealing the tasty licks on guitar. I am on all vocals and assorted keys/synths.

Africa (Toto Cover) **Full Band Reproduction/Collaboration

Around 25 years ago, I began composing songs based on the texts of scripture, largely to aid my young family in learning and memorizing the Bible! At the time, I had just started my journey in home recording, and my original efforts to capture these was not so immaculate! Anyway, I have come a long way with home recording (and with God!) since then, so I wanted to re-capture these little pieces of my own personal and spiritual history!

This scripture song is based on 1 Corinthians 13. Gods love never fails!

Scripture Songs- Love Never Fails (1 Corinthians 13)

More fun collaborating with some mates to recreate some old pop/rock classics. This time we had a go with the late 80's hit by Curiosity Killed The Cat "Name and Number." Bassist Fabian asked if I would sing and add a horn/brass track on it, so I did! Definitely outside the box style and genre for me, but was a fun stretch and challenge! The rest of the cast includes: Susan (Australia)- Drums; Mario (Italy)- Guitar; Mikey (UK)- Organ/Keys; Fabian (Argentina)- Bass; Angie (US)- BGV's

Name And Number (Curiosity Killed The Cat Cover)- **Full Band Recreation/Collaboration

Around 25 years ago, I began composing songs based on the texts of scripture, largely to aid my young family (at the time) in learning and memorizing the Bible! At the time, I had just started my journey in home recording, and my original efforts to capture these was not so immaculate! Anyway, I have come a long way with home recording (and with God!) since then, so I wanted to re-capture these little pieces of my own personal and spiritual history! 

One additional blessing on this track in particular... I was able to utilize my 2 daughters' BGV tracks from like 20 years ago! I have grandchildren by them now, lol!!  

This scripture song is based on John 14. Jesus is preparing a place for us!

Scripture Songs- My Father's House (John 14)

Earlier this year, the Eclectic Collective and Ross Smithe together covered the classic Grateful Dead tune, The Wheel. The song is essentially a kind of musical metaphor for the relentless cycles of life we all experience. The first release was back in August, and here it comes, rolling back around again for yet another take! One of the great things about the Grateful Dead is that the music is always open to different perspectives and interpretations. The original mix from August has the definite raw energy and intensity of a live jam. Ross' intention with this remix was to try and capture a bit more clarity and definition between parts (as soundboard mixes of live concerts often do).

Cast of characters:
Ross Smithe-- @ross-smithe – Lead vocals, harmony vocals, piano, synth, arrangement, mix/production
Josh Clary (Entheogenic Psychonaught)-- @josh-clary-1 – Lead guitar, rhythm guitar, four-string fretless bass, harmony vocals 
J.J. Terrell-- @j-j-terrell—Electric piano, organ, harmony vocals
Ken (K2 and the Three, K2 and the Four)--@k2andthe3, @k2-kara – Drums

The Wheel-Grateful Dead Cover by The Eclectic Collective & Ross Smithe ("Soundboard" Remix Version)

Around 25 years ago, I began composing songs based on the texts of scripture, largely to aid my young family (at the time) in learning and memorizing the Bible! At the time, I had just started my journey in home recording, and my original efforts to capture these was not so immaculate! Anyway, I have come a long way with home recording (and with God!) since then, so I wanted to re-capture these little pieces of my own personal and spiritual history! 

This particular track was recorded about 10 years ago, and features my oldest daughter Sophia on BGV's. I recently pulled it from the archives and remixed it for this release.

This scripture song is based on John 15. Jesus loved us and laid down his life for us!

Scripture Songs- This Is My Commandment (John 15)

Back in the 1990's, I played and recorded with a popular Christian artist Las Vegas, NV, by the name of Annie Meadows. She had a wonderful Christmas album she released at the time called Memories. This arrangement of the well known and beloved piece by J.S. Bach was the prelude for the album (arranged and performed on the album by an fellow musician from the area, Brian Hicks). I remember those days fondly, and wanted to re-record this piece for Christmas this year!

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" is the popular English title of this piece from an Advent chorale Bach composed in 1723. This enduring work is often heard at weddings, as well as during Advent, Christmas, and Easter.

Luke 1:78-79- "Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Check out my playlist of Christmas music I've recorded: https://on.soundcloud.com/XnnWxQoBAZBGMjg46

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring- J.S. Bach (Christmas 2024)

Cover/remake of Bethlehem Dawn by Todd Agnew. Not very well known, yet hands down one of my favorite modern Christmas songs! Merry Christmas!!

Check out my playlist of Christmas music I've recorded: https://on.soundcloud.com/XnnWxQoBAZBGMjg46

BETHLEHEM DAWN

The sunrise was beautiful this morning
But somehow it seemed that everything was darker than the sky
We had seen just a few hours ago
As the angels sang a song of joy.

Not even the Bethlehem dawn
Could compare to the Light it revealed
Not even the Bethlehem sun
That unveiled the Son of God, sleeping in a cattle stall
The Almighty God, humbled to save us all
Not even the Bethlehem dawn

The cry of a baby shatters the silence
Can you believe that same voice makes my heart beat
And the tears in His eyes, and in His mothers and fathers
Are tears for all mankind

This little baby is crying my tears for me,
This little baby is bathing in my shame,
This little baby is giving up his glory 
To take my place, to light the way

Not even the Bethlehem dawn
Could compare to the Light it revealed
Not the Jerusalem sun
That unveiled the Son of God hanging on a cross
The Almighty God, dying to save the lost
And can you believe what He sacrificed for me
On that Bethlehem dawn

Bethlehem Dawn- Christmas 2024

Back in the 1990's, I played and recorded with a popular Christian artist Las Vegas, NV, by the name of Annie Meadows. She had a wonderful Christmas album she released at the time called Memories. This arrangement of the well known and beloved piece by J.S. Bach was the prelude for the album (arranged and performed on the album by an fellow musician from the area, Brian Hicks). I remember those days fondly, and wanted to re-record this piece for Christmas this year!

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" is the popular English title of this piece from an Advent chorale Bach composed in 1723. This enduring work is often heard at weddings, as well as during Advent, Christmas, and Easter.

Luke 1:78-79- "Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Check out my playlist of Christmas music I've recorded: on.soundcloud.com/XnnWxQoBAZBGMjg46

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" is the popular English title of this piece from an Advent chorale Bach composed in 1723. This enduring work is often heard at weddings, as well as during Advent, Christmas, and Easter.

Luke 1:78-79- "Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Check out my playlist of Christmas music I've recorded: https://on.soundcloud.com/XnnWxQoBAZBGMjg46

Jesu Joy- Christmas 2024

Hi I'm Ross, and I'm a singer, musician, songwriter, and producer. Let's connect and share our creativity with one another!

"Let there be songs to fill the air..." Robert Hunter

Ross Smithe

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