Summer Stroll

Cosmos

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Gary Reeves: Lead Vocal
Terry Reeves: Spoken Vocal
Hans-Michael Albers: All instruments, Arrangement & Production

Video: youtu.be/4t-H-HHpQ20?si=_reTvkVVmF73vkRi

I was walking down Mare Street, Hackney
Climbing boots and back pack on
Looking for a song of mountains
I had climbed them many times before
Challenge may help to find another door

I’ve climbed arduous N.H.S mountains
Planted flags a'top of wedlock peaks
Hung upside down on magical fountains
With my muscles springing major leaks
My heart is growing smaller by the week

Stood and pointed at hours of darkness
Winds of silence a challenge of their own
Worn out boots a testament to distance
But the misery of counting my toes alone
Sixty three feet behind me as it goes

I have loved being a man of mountains
I hope many will profit from my deeds
I will try to climb just one more mountain
Slide down the other side to save my feet
At the bottom I'll need brand new cleats

This was written over 10 years ago as a George Formby style (Google the name if you’ve never heard of him) ukulele song - a mildly amusing message to Gal to let him know that I was fully aware of the mental health difficulties he was having and that I would always be there if he needed me.

Over the years, we spoke often about the song but nothing much came of it until Gal suggested slowing the tempo and giving it a kind of shuffle beat. As it was about him, I thought he should definitely sing the lead vocal, which I think works rather well. (*Vocalist’s note: It would help if I could still sing…)

You’ll find many personal references to Gal’s life in the lyrics. At the time it was written, he was 63, literally a fatal age for men in the extended Reeves family and he wasn’t having the best of times himself, still wrestling with the grief of a marriage break-up alongside the loss of his big brother and closest friend less than a year before. But even with all of this going on (and not always out of choice) he found there were plenty more mountains to climb.

The transition of the tune from Formby to Albers is a story in itself but suffice it to say that Hans somehow managed to transform it into this rather poignant opus.  He has also made a beautiful film to accompany the piece (see link above). All in all, it testifies perfectly to the reason why Gal’s cleats are somewhat care-worn...and he still has many mountains yet to climb.. (Terry Reeves)

MOUNTAIN MAN - CRIPPLE CLUB

Dreaming in Colour

Started writing this late at night April 14th into April 15th, 1-3am, one of those unexpected nights. I had a feeling, a thought and this came together fast. Finished it up today and did this live take tonight on the ol Baldwin. It's been awhile since something has struck me so quick. This is a song I was like...well I don't care this is how I feel so I'm writing this. True feelings. Thanks to everyone that listens!:) 

Forever 

I'm so late I know
And I'm so sorry 
You're living the American dream
A beautiful family 
It should've been you and me 
I know that you would agree
I'm glad that you called me
Are you happy?
What we never shared
Has been killing me for years

Just one night!
With you
I'd be content
Oh it's true
The memory
Would linger
Forever! Ooo Ooo Ooo
Forever! Ooo Ooo Ooo

We were pure as snow
Then life got crazy
I've been chasing a long shot dream
Writing of a love deep in me
Through every dark valley 
You've been my fantasy 
What we never shared 
Has been killing me for years

Just one night!
With you
I'd be content
Oh it's true
The memory
Would linger
Forever! Ooo Ooo Ooo
Forever! Ooo Ooo Ooo

Seems just like it was yesterday 
When our eyes just could not look away 

Just one night!
With you
I'd be content
Oh it's true
The memory
Would linger
Forever! Ooo Ooo Ooo 
Forever! Ooo Ooo Ooo 
Forever! Ooo Ooo Ooo
Forever! And ever

All music written and recorded by 
©Daniel Colter Valentine

Forever (Original song live)

Cast of Characters:

Joe Stroffolino-- @joseph-stroffolino -- Taylor 114ce acoustic guitar, main vocals, harmony vocals, lyrics, composition

Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – Epiphone Les Paul electric guitar

K2 and the Three [and the Four]--@k2andthe3, @k2-kara -–Ken–drums and percussion

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)–@josh-clary-1 –- four string Fender Precision Bass, and Roland organ

TexMex Shaman–@texmex-shaman –Stephen– Tom Anderson Custom T electric guitar, mix, mastering, and production

  
This song began when Joe, feeling a bit nostalgic, wrote the lyrics and composed it on his acoustic guitar. He recorded it and sang it with expert harmonies, then decided to share it with Eclectic Collective. We were all very excited to get work on our second song with Joe, as we all admire his songwriting.

  First up was Tez this time, oddly enough. He was able to identify all the fill spots and light up the solo without the rest of us even adding anything yet. Next came Ken, who usually goes first, adding his steady grooving drums and tasty percussion. Once the drums were down, Josh completed the rhythm section by adding his fretted bass. He also worked out an organ part to give the whole sound a bit of thickness. Also adding some thickness and texture, Stephen added a clean electric rhythm part, as well. 

  Once we had it in can we asked Stephen to mix and produce it for us, which he did in his always expert fashion. 

  This, as mentioned, is Eclectic Collective's second song with Joe, and we all enjoyed bringing it to life with him. He's a wonderful collaborator and an all around good dude. Do yourself a favor and go check out his page, which is rich in great songs. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed making it.

Original lyrics by Joe Stroffolino:

If you find yourself in trouble and you think you've lost your way. 
Here's hoping that you find a path to a better day.
I sure hope that you're happy.  I'm wishing you the best.
I hope you find what you're looking for as you continue on your quest.
I hope you find all the answers to all those questions vexing you.
I hope you can find a way not to bite off more than you can chew.
I sure hope that you're happy.  I'm wishing you the best.
I hope you find what you're looking for as you continue on your quest.
You spread your wings and you flew so far away from me.
I hope that you're enjoying your new reality
All those places that you said that you wanted to see.
I hope they're as good as you expected them to be.
I want you to know that you hold a special place in my heart.
I think about you often even though we are apart.
They say that when you love somebody sometimes you gotta be willing to let them go.
You gotta let them spread their wings and fly wherever the wind decides to blow. 
I sure hope that you're happy.  I'm wishing you the best.
I hope you find what you're looking for as you continue on your quest.
I hope that you're happy. I hope that you're doing well.  I sure hope that you're doing swell.You spread your wings and you flew so far away from me.
I hope that you're enjoying your new reality

Hope That You Are Happy - (Eclectic Collective with Joe Stroffolino)

Remembering Jill.

Pierre and JC Bordetti productions (c) 05/2025.

Composed, arranged, performed, and produced by:
Pierre Bordetti and Jean-Claude Bordetti on drums.
Many thanks to Anne-Lise for this beautiful photo of the island of Lanzarote.

Instrumental Jazz Fusion

Luminous cave

Luminous Cave

Feel free to sample these tracks.
If the result still carries any of my original input, I am happy to put your track on my collab playlist https://on.soundcloud.com/ZJx1u5uM5Td5rRtB8.
Either way, I’d really love to hear what you make with it.
 If you want me to send stems or the Ableton project, DM me.

This is my Ableton Note Fun series. 
All tracks are short stories  made on an iPhone in Ableton Note, with all its limitations, constraints, quirks, imperfections and plenty of fun in the process.

Cosmos

Sky Latte