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

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)

This is a re-imagining/redux of an original song written way back in 1985. It was a signature song for an LA band I was in at the time called The Program. Originally written as a straight ahead rock tune, the funky and catchy bass pattern was the central component of the song. This new arrangement and recording maintains that original bass pattern and vibe, but definitely takes the tune into completely new realms! Enjoy!

Program Me (Inflated Mix)

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)

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

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

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

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)

Back in the 1990's, I played and recorded with a popular Christian artist in 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

Here's a new arrangement and recording of the beloved Christmas hymn Silent Night (remixed version of last year's release). I actually started working on this around 10 years ago, and it just didn't come together at the time. I pulled it out of the archives and revisited this year, and things really fell into place! One bonus for me personally due to the long wait to complete... It has a couple of my daughters and their friend, much younger versions, singing BGV's on it from back then.

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

Silent Night- Christmas 2024

Cover of the 80's hit "Kayleigh" by the British neo-prog band Marillion. Always enjoy collaborating with these incredible musicians, Fabian- Bass (Argentina), Susan- Drums (Australia), and Ross- Guitars (Australia). I'm on vocals and keys.

Kayleigh (Marillion Cover) **Full Band Reproduction/Collaboration

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 2025)

With the dawn of the new year comes the expectation of good things to come. Here's a new piece to start off a fresh season of hope! Joined on this by amazing vocalist and long time friend Annie Meadows.

Celtic Morning

Simple piano/vocal cover of Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone). The immortal hymn Amazing Grace was written by John Newton in 1772, and is probably the most sung and recorded hymn in the world. The "My Chains Are Gone" arrangement and addition was done by christian artist Chris Tomlin for the 2006 "Amazing Grace" movie soundtrack

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

An ambient/cyclical movement built around the exquisite samples of the Piano In 162.

Phantisized

Burning Man

Cover of the 1988 hit "Copperhead Road" by Steve Earle. Started with a simple track of acoustic guitar and vocal by the incredible Scott Shenk. I got invited in to add keys, and also did the mix and master. Also enjoyed collaborating with these incredible musicians, Fabian- Bass (Argentina), Craig- Drums (US).

Copperhead Road (Steve Earle Cover) **Full Band Reproduction/Collaboration

Had a blast joining with my long time singing partner Tone from Oslo, Norway on this wonderful duet by Sheryl Crow and Sting. With the help of the always amazing Fabian (Bass) and Craig (Drums), we were able to create this version. I also handled the piano and assorted synths.

Always On Your Side (Sheryl Crow/Sting Cover)- **Full Band Collaboration

Full band cover/collaboration of the classic Bruce Hornsby tune The Way It Is, released in 1986. Tupac later sampled this and did a rap version in the 90's called "Changes". We decided to mix things up a bit, and combine the two, along with a few other changes!

Credits: Fabian- bass, Craig- drums, Mario- guitars, Ryan- rap vocal, Ross (Me)- lead vocal, keyboards, MIDI sequencing, arrangement and mix

The Way It Is (Bruce Hornsby Cover + 2pac Changes)

Full band collaboration/remake of the iconic tune by The Who, released on their 1982 album It's Hard. I've been hearing it around a lot lately (including on TV shows, i.e. Severance, Kobra Kai), and wanted to attempt a cover of it. Just a tad funkier vibe to it! Fabulous efforts by my capable compadres, Fabian (bass), Craig (drums), and Ross M. (guitar). I am on keys, vocs, and mix. Enjoy!

Eminence Front (The Who Cover)

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

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