Cast of characters:

Jack Karasek — beats and seed idea

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

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1– Roland Phantom workstation

Llanpsych–@llanpsych –Tez– electric guitar

Tea R. Sea @tea_are_sea -- Terry – Synthesizer

TexMex Shaman–@texmex-shaman –Stephen– mix, master, and production

This song began with Ken's oldest son, Jack, who laid down the basic rhythmic beat. Ken took over after that with the rest of the beats, though. Jack just graduated high school last week, and he's into hip hop and trap music, so he wanted to share some of it with his musician father, who is very proud of him.

  Tez was first up on this one, which surprised me when I went back and checked the workflow. He added the perfectly placed guitar hits throughout. Josh was next up, using his synth to add the falling bass line. Last, but not least, Terry came aboard, adding the moody, melodic, high register synth.

  When it was all finished, we asked out resident pro mixer, Stephen, to mix it for us. 

  This song was in its current form for about the past eight months. It was originally part of a series of vehicles Eclectic Collective composed for The Mysterious Decibel. He got caught up in life, though, and had to abandon the project. So, we sat on it, asking all the rappers we know if they'd be interested in having a go with it, but no one bit. So, with Jack's recent graduation, Ken revived it as a celebratory song for his son. It could still use some vocals, too, so think of this as an open invitation to anyone who want to do the honors. 

  We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed making it. 

  Oh, and just a side note for all of our friends who follow along with us, we will have  new one for you, the following Friday, the 11th. Thank you for keeping up with us! 


Throwing Rocks - Eclectic Collective w/ Jack Karasek and Tea R Sea

This tune began with just the upright bass (played on keyboard) & flute part (played with real flute), that were inspired by an old song that Mark liked a lot by an English Jazz trio called The Herbaliser.  Once he had it in progress, he asked me & Chris to see if we could contribute.

I added the trippy high pitch reverse guitar effect, and the bluesy lead guitar in the middle section (thus the title, Blue In The Middle). And Chris added some delightful atmospheric guitar and effects, as well as the Portishead influenced drum track. Mark was then inspired to add the background echo guitar sound in the middle section, and a bit of percussion and minor sound effects. 

Then Mark laid a really fine mix on it and I did the final mastering.  I'm glad Mark brought me in on this one, I really enjoy the ambience of it.

Blues in the Middle - w/ Mistermark and CGManess

Cast of characters:

The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl — Ovation guitar, lead vocals, lyrics, and composition

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

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Warwick fretless four-string bass

Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark –- VST timbale, production editing

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

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – electric piano and synth

Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – Fender Telecaster HSS electric guitrar

This song began as Carl's tribute poem to our drummer, Ken. Carl came up with the chord progression and started a project, to which he invited the rest of us. This is the third song Eclectic Collective has done that is a tribute by Carl to one of our members.  We couldn't feel more honored than to be the subjects of his wild and boundless creativity.

  Fittingly, Ken was first in line to add his magnificent drums. Once we had drums, Josh had something to work with to add his bass, which he did shortly after the drums were up. Mark paid the project a visit next, not only editing it to fit the cool drum and strings bridge, but supplying the VST timbale drums, as well. Stephen jumped in soon after, adding the melodic electric guitar riffs that appear throughout. Not to be outdone, JJ added some sonically thickening electric piano, as well as the throwback psychedelic synth that pops up towards the end. Finally, Tez came along and added the electrifying solo that appears about a third of the way in, as well as the one at the end. 
  Once the recording was finished, we turned it over to Stephen to mix in his always professional manner. 

  This song is all about our very talented teammate and brother, Ken, and it is well deserved, too. As mentioned, this is the third song from Carl about one of us. It's hard to describe the feeling of having someone who you respect take the time and energy to think about you in such a positive way as to produce a song about you. Then to have all your buddies join in to amplify it to a solid song is just mind-blowing. We are all very grateful to Carl for not only sharing his music with us, but for his thoughtful consideration of each of us as subjects. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it.


Original lyrics by The Perfect Dark:

Karakoram human
You decorate good future
As many lose their Gods
You stand tall as suture

Rhythmic mountain maestro
Each day, graft, working hard
So kids can eat
Bruised back sees very best of yard

Still, beats get born of evenings
Deep love finds joules to jam
May generation X soothe meaning
Let's teach the younger pussies what we can

To Ken, from pen, to page, to Music
To friends, Now is when, Good sage soup soothes us
Honest and brave, To Jesus he save
Kudos our maestro of percussive wave

Karakoram human
You decorate good future
As many lose their Gods
You stand tall as suture
Sticks in hand
Cymbals a floating
Snare and bass backbone gland
Tom'ed Ringo Star man keep quoting
Keep life steady paced by hand

To Ken, from pen, to page, to Music
To friends, Now is when, Good sage soup soothes us
Honest and brave, To Jesus he save
Kudos our maestro of percussive wave


Rhythmic Mountain - Eclectic Collective w/ The Beautiful Dark

This is a track that Jeff and Mahan Mahan had started and almost finished by the time I took a listen.   When I did , I loved it.    

Mahan 💀 Mahan  - beats, bass, synth, acoustic guitar
Stonerjazz - vocals/lyrics
TexMex Shaman - electric guitar and mix 
 

lyrics by Stonerjazz:

ponder and ponder if you wanna
speculations bout meanings and measures and structure
of time and the present
and yet it remains completely unknown
made no dent in the fabric
of monstrous illusion
collusion of unseen forces
nibbling away with whispers
while meekly we, perish, never knowing
what we're feeding
believers believing bleeding rivers of remorse
and of course, the horses don;t ponder for a moment
the nature of being--
--stonerjazz

Nature Of Their Being - w/ Stonerjazz and Mahan 💀 Mahan

This is a remix of a song I did with Jeff Roberts and Rekha-Iyern [Fe] a few years ago.  I'd always felt it could've used a better mix since I didn't know jack shit back then about mixing.

Was lucky enough the first time around to have the great Jeff Roberts on bass and this second time, my EZDrummer 2 hacking was replaced by the mighty K2 and the Three- Ken Karasek on the drums. So thanks again to both those guys.


Bass, synth, a little rhythm guitar and all the groove you can handle - Jeff Roberts
Vocals, Lyrics - Rekha-Iyern [Fe] )
Lead and rhythm guitar, talk box , synth, music composition, mix, production - TexMex Shaman
Drums - K2 and the Three - Ken


Lyrics - REKHA-IYERN [Fe]
Give it Up '25

Oo Yeah
Ahn Yeah
Hey Hey
Hey Hey

Give it up Baby
Don't ya say maybe
Cuz' you know
It makes me
Totally crazy
And

You want
To give me
All of your love
You know it's true
You do me so
You do me so good
Baby I need
Your love

Give it up, Baby
Never say maybe
Cuz' you know it
Makes me feel
Totally, crazy good-good
Oh, Yeah-Yeah

You know you want to
Give me, your love, love, love
It always, makes me feel
So good, good, good
You touch my woman

Oh, Eh
Hey, Hey
Hey-Hey
Hahn, Oh
Ho, Ho, Oh

Babe, I need
Your good love
Your man-man in my
Woman-hood
Oo-Oo-Yeah

Give it Up '25

Cast of characters:

The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl — Ovation guitar, lead vocals, lyrics, and compostion

Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark –- VST Chinese gong and VST cello

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – light VST Latin percussion, synth, and piano

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

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Warwick fretless four-string bass, chant vocals at the end 

TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen — production, mix, and mastering

 This song is the fourth Carl has written and composed with a member of Eclectic Collective in mind. This time JJ is being honored, and we all agree that he deserves it, too. Carl is a wonderful singer, songwriter, composer, and musician, and we're all grateful that he's joined our collective. 

  Here's what Carl had to say about it. "The music for this was a personal song written to myself which I never really released as I was trying to say goodbye to my own ego in the song. From that point of view I have always seen the piece as a great bit of personal therapy for me. None of the original lyrics survived and JJ gets painted by the new words .. But I thought it would be nice to reuse the composition for this. There was no big reason for it only when I decided to start a 60bpm song for JJ on piano .. I started playing Goodbye Ego and the rest is history..."

  We tackled this song like we would any other, though. Mark was first up on this, adding his VST magic in the form of a Chinese gong, as well as the cello you hear throughout. The subject of our adulation came next, with JJ adding not only his hot, yet minimal Latin percussion and essential piano, but moody synth, as well. Ken added his spicy drums after that, and once they were down, Josh jumped in with his four string fretless bass to complete the rhythm section. Josh also added the vocal chant at the end.

  All that was left was for Stephen to mix it all down for us, which he did in his always pro manner. 

  As stated above, this is a continuation of our songs about us. Hope no one thinks it's arrogant. When Carl presents us with these little treasures, it's hard not to run with them, though. Always a ton of fun to make music together. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it.


Original lyrics by The Beautiful Dark:

Praying hands
Whatever cause
Once our greater good not lost
Bored children create their fun
We shelve French horn for this fine one
"Nice one lads" We read it all!
Vacation taken
To JJ calls
Neighbour to good Mickey Moore
Find Michigan piano pure

JJ calls
Just for us
Love lit up
Just for us

Down the road city of cars
To Howell front deck
Dad and Guitars
We jam that love then tell the world
Love and service human highway knurled
Good bi-product of happiness sought
With Croatian fun to cloud we court

Terrell Terminator in Jungle
Predator for good
Keys like Mr Bungle
Faith in more like we could
He Thanks you
It's lifestyle
Built from a porch
Good collective friend
Keep lighting that torch

Some moments sealed, marked and moulded
Pure intention
Dark blindfolded
Howl from human to Howell good soul
Keyed keystone as collective role

JJ calls
Darkness falls
Love lit up
Just for us
Love lit up
Just for us
Love lit up
Just for us
JJ calls

JJ calls
Just for us

JJ Calls - Eclectic Collective

Terry had this one mostly written and when I first heard it, he had already added some really nice ambient guitar to it, so i went with some sound fx and developed some over the top ideas around his, as well as the acoustic picking.   During the process we both discovered we had a great admiration for the art and movies of David Lynch, so Terry had the idea to put it together with some elements that give a nod to him and his movies , given that David passed not long ago.

Listen to all our collabs on the Texas Tea playlist: soundcloud.com/texmex-shaman/sets/texas-tea-sea

Photo by Bdelisle at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15816231, edited for color and contrast by Terry

Tea R Sea - @tea_are_sea - composition , synth, beats ,  mix , ambient guitar, art
TexMex Shaman - guitar machines , final master, various sound fx

Got a Light?

Got a Light? - A Texas Tea Production

Cast of Characters: 

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Warwick fretless four-string bass, Paul Reed Smith semi hollow body electric Guitar 

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

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – organ and triangle (triangle of love)

TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen — production, mix, and mastering

This song, in case you're not familiar, was written by Medeski, Martin, and Wood with guitarist John Scofield, and performed by them on an album eponymously named A Go Go. Josh has always been a huge fan of both MMW and J.S., and has always wanted to play more of their music, as he used to cover a couple of their songs in one of his main old bands. 

  Josh laid down the bass and after going back an forth a couple of times with Ken and his thrilling drums, they established the rhythm section. Soon after, Josh added his jazzy guitar, as well. We needed someone to play John Medeski's part, too, of course. So, we asked JJ if he'd do the honors, which he did in grand fashion. He also added some triangle hits you can listen for, that add a little bit more pizzaz to the whole thing. 

  Once it was all laid down, we needed a good mix, and no one is gooder than Stephen, so we asked him to mix it for us, which he did in his always pro manner. 

  This was a lot of fun to record, and we hope that comes through. This is a stripped down Eclectic Collective collab, where most of what we're all doing is improv. We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it.

A Go Go - Eclectic Collective

Cast of Characters:

Cgmaness – @hiddenhands-760647700 – Chris – beats, acoustic and electric guitar, vocals, composition, and production

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 – five string fretless bass, organ, composition, and production editing

TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen– sitar, composition, and production

This was a seed that Chris came up with on his acoustic guitar, adding beats, and some subtle vocals, then shared with Josh and Stephen. They are always excited to work on Chris' songs, because he always comes up with magical tunes.

  Josh was first in line, adding his five string fretless bass, then the organ part. Stephen used Josh's chord structure to come up with his awe-inspiring, monster electric sitar part. After they both laid down their parts, Chris added the electric guitar you hear at the beginning, too. 
  The song was about twice the current length when Chris made it, but Josh chopped off the second half, as the crescendo fits right into the 2/3 slot now. This was mixed as a team effort in BandLab, too, which is a rarity, given both Stephen and Chris are expert producers. 

  This is an example of a song Chris came up with, that was taken to the next level by Josh and Stephen. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Juxtaposed They Went

This is the second time I've collaborated with Khan, the first being with her and the percussive brilliance of Tot on "Sunday Afternoon" -

https://soundcloud.com/texmex-shaman/102tms527wav-wav?si=a942ff38963648f287803f324b6030b5


We talked about maybe doing another after that one and I thought it would be cool to hear her on a heavier track, so I sent her this music and she came up with the lyrics and vocal. 



We love Magic - by Khan

Kids caught between magic and real life
Just drifting no where to go
Kids love magic
Just drifting no where to go
Kids love magic

It’s same for adults 
I know 
No matter what you look like 
You are angel

Kids caught between magic and real life
Just drifting no where to go
Kids love magic
Just drifting no where to go
Kids love magic

Kids caught between magic and real life
Just drifting no where to go
Kids love magic
It’s same for adults 
I know 
No matter what you look like 
You are angel

We Love Magic - w/ Khan

Cast of Characters:

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Warwick fretless four-string bass and Fender Stratocaster

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – electric piano 

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

Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark –- percussion, VST flute, and production editing

Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – Fender Stratocaster electric guitar

The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl --  vocals and lyrics

TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen — production, mix, and mastering

This song began more than a year ago, when Josh created a song out of a looper beat with his four string fretless bass. It sat on the shelf until a few weeks ago, when he shared it with JJ, who was in creative mode one Saturday evening. Josh had actually forgotten that he'd added a bass line to it, and thought he was just passing on a looper beat for JJ to play with. 

  However, JJ heard it, and was so excited that added his magical electric piano part, making it sound like a real song, instead of just drums and a bass. Ken also heard some magic in here, because he came up with his own brilliant beat to replace the looper that was used in for the seed. Mark was next to throw in, adding the striking drum pattern breakdown, and the thrilling flute solo, as well. Tez came in shortly after, adding his thrilling guitar to the mix. After everyone had added their parts, Josh came back and added two guitar parts, the simple low end line, as well as the high strumed triads. At this stage, Mark did some editing, as it is in his skill set, and made it less dense and easier to listen to. 

  Now that the song was musically complete, out newest member, Carl, dropped the amazing vocals you hear, singing his original lyrics. After Carl was done sprinkling his magic in it, we needed an able producer to bring out the magic of the recordings. Good thing we have a trained producer to do the job in Stephen, who mixed and mastered it superbly, as always. 

  This is Eclectic Collective's first fore into the afrobeat genre, although a few of us are really big fans already, and Josh has a few other originals in this genre buried on his page, as well. As always, we all enjoyed the process of hearing this one come together. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed making it.

Juice our Jah
Chalice of chime
Shooting star
Great rhythm
There's blood in the brine

Suture Sun
Grand heaven high
'Some clan gone cruel
Needing collective eye

Eclectic host
Hoist our hale
Mused healing feast
Musical breeze as gale

Afro beat
Oh melody sweet
Beat afro
Show us where to go

Kalakuta Kingdom - (Eclectic Collective)

Always looking to collaborate with Jeff and this time MJ-Brewer jumped into the deep end with us.  Did the music first based on a really pretty guitar line Jeff sent.  Mark laid down some bass and I filled in the rest.  It wasn't until Jeff added the lyrics and vocal that we knew it was done. Added the mix and that was that.  We'll have a cool video for this one soon.  Jeff has been exploring stop motion animation and has already put together some cool scenes.


lyrics by Jeff Gardiner

there's really nothing left to say
but i'm going to say it anyway
thought i heard a whisper of the truth
but it didn't matter like i thought it might

Could have been an echo or the humming of a sharpened blade of steel
sliding in the rails of Revolution, the hounds are on the loose, they're on the trail.
The inhabitants are stark raving mad, this is documented well-

Fallen back to when the Radio played Paradise
falling into you, falling into you, i can't stop,i can't stop
i can't stop falling down the rabbit hole of passionate replys
i didn't even know, i didn't even know
that i was broken
till i found some bits of me, lying in a dusty field, in a fever dream
just this side of town...

every time he turns around,he doesn't even know what he is feeling disconnected from
he only finds that he is further down the purgatory path
still hoping for some Reverie
even though it's no longer free
but just this Now in the evening's quiet Twilight
all concerns appear as superficial, like she said,"the more i learn, the less i know" and i concur--

I Concur w/ Stonerjazz and MJ-Brewer

Cast of Characters:

Surfers Like Us– @user-411502040 –Artur–composition, arrangement, and Fender Jaguar delayed, foundational rhythm guitar

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – Yamaha Genos 2 Synthesizer

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Warwick fretless four-string bass

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

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

Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – Fender Stratocaster electric guitar

The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl -- ovation acoustic guitar, vocals, and lyrics

This song began in Artur's jam room at his house, where he creates all of his amazing music on his Fender Jaguar, which is perfect for the surf sound, at which he's a master. He shared it with Josh, who shared it with the group.
 
  Before Josh could lay down a bass part to it, though, JJ came up with his elegantly moody synth and laid it down. The rhythm section, Josh and Ken, then did their usual dance, dialing it in with some back and forth. Stephen was next in line, adding a subtle duet with Artur's chords. Tez then played the ethereal lead throughout most of it. Stephen, after it was pretty much laid down, came through with the ripping wah solo towards the end.

  Once the music was all taken care of, Carl came up with some great lyrics for it, and sang them, as the newest member of the group. He also laid down an accompanying acoustic rhythm guitar part, too. After Carl did his thing, we turned it over to Stephen for a mix, which he did with his professional skill set.

  This is the latest in a long line of surf rock tunes Artur has shared with Eclectic Collective. If you dig the sound, he has plenty more great ones on his page, which are worth checking out, too. We tried to do this with a little nod to The Police, the band, not the profession. We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it. Thanks for listening.

Lyrics - The Beautiful Dark

Who said we're different
We got our genes and our names
One human mission
Heart fused like fission
Real collective brains

Pure pine for pure
Pleased though holds hands
Reel in one love
Filter for our sands

I feel the same as you
No provocation ever making us blue
I feel the same as you
No provocation ever making us blue

I feel the same as you
Let music train our clue
No place like home we woo
I feel the same as you

I feel the same as you
Let music train our clue
No place like home we woo
I feel the same as you

I Feel the Same As You - w/ Eclectic Collective and Surfers Like Us

Cast of Characters:

Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – Fender Stratocaster electric guitar and composition

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

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Fender Precision Bass

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – synth and organ

The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl — vocals, whistling, and lyrics

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

This song began at the end of last summer, August of '24, when Tez sat down and composed it on his guitar. He shared it with us right away, and while everyone jumped on it immediately, it sat on the shelf for so long because we all felt we needed a singer for it. Fast forward a year, and lo and behold, we picked up Carl, who is down for whatever vocals a song needs.

We began construction on this by creating the rhythm section. Ken first adding his explosive drums, followed by Josh completing the rhythm section with his four string, fretted bass, which he used a plectrum to play. JJ entered the fray next, adding his otherworldly synth and thickening organ.

Then it sat. And sat. And sat some more, until Carl found us, or we found him, and he was finally able to add the missing puzzle piece. He also did something that none of us had ever heard before. He added the whistling at the end, too. But before we put it to bed, Stephen added some thrilling solo work with his axe, too, also towards the end.

Now that it was a completed song, we asked Stephen to mix it, even though it's really Tez's song, and that honor would usually go to him. However Tez was experiencing some technical difficulty, so the honor went to Stephen, who did his always professional production work on it.

This is a straight rocker from Eclectic Collective, being in all of our wheelhouses. This one was all made in house, too, so it's a great representation of our rocking skills as a band. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Original lyrics by The Beautiful Dark:

Curing core
Great lucid lore
Ore of iron dreaming
Alluring more
Grace lucid door
Assuring new real scening

Iron dreaming
Earth's core revealing

Tick tock that hope
Dream that design
Tick tock that goal
Aspiration in mind
Love locked to luscious
Living for time
New rules got rhyme
The future is fine

Iron dreaming
Earths core revealing

We need not fists
We need no guns
Just words and wits
Dreams for daughters and sons
You get the jist
A felt future is on
We'll clear the mist
Open those fists
It's a hug and a handshake
Then let's all move on

Iron Dreaming - Eclectic Collective

Cast of Characters:

The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl -- vocals, lyrics, Ovation acoustic guitar, and composition

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – organ and upright piano, and JJ's angels (voice synth)

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Warwick fretless four-string bass and Collings mandolin

Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark –- VST fiddle

Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – Fender Stratocaster electric guitar

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

TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen — Gibson Earl Scruggs banjo, production, mix, and mastering

This is the latest in our series of songs Carl has written about us. Being as both Tez, a lifelong, and to a lesser degree, Carl are Manchester United fans, Carl siezed on the opportunity to celebrate their shared fandom. Although the lyrics are a little inscrutable to us Americans, we love that football (soccer) fans from across the pond will know exactly what he's talking about. 

  Carl wrote this song on his acoustic guitar, and upon sharing it with us, we weren't sure as to the direction we wanted to take it. JJ threw down first, adding his good-time-sounding upright piano and strikingly beautiful organ to the mix first. He also added the subtle human voice choral synth you hear throughout. Enchanted with Carl's composition, Josh next added his bass and mandolin both in the same recording session, without even closing his DAW. Mark was in right after, adding his friendly fiddle solo as well as fiddle fills throughout. Being as the song is about him, Tez came along shortly after and added the tuneful intro and outro on his guitar. Then, as it was just about to sit for a while, Ken added his very tasteful, perfect drums to the mix, thus completing the rhythm section. 

  Before we put a bow on it, though, Stephen made it back from his week in the Colorado wilderness in time to add his magical banjo to the mix. Speaking of mixes, now it was time for one, and we turned it over to him, our in house pro, to do the honors.

  We all really enjoyed working on this one. It is an example of Eclectic Collective taking one of Carls songs and having our way with it. Always a team effort getting it over the line, but we always manage to do it. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Original lyrics by The Beautiful Dark:

Division Two Champs, '75
Small consolation for '74 cries
Fan wow land psyched
True Red Devil in this life

We fell to Leeds
Last Division 1
We had the Irish
Man, I followed them
McGrath didn't train
A different breed
Golden era
Boozed up greats as seed

Then, we mostly won
But still, these moments to memories shone
Keane's end at Juventus
His team's power won
Beast perseverance
2-3 semi so they march on

Teddy & Ole
Broken Bayern lines
Videos with no YouTube
In sport mad mind

Great from great, Cantona
Flying curve ball martial artist
Old Leeds leech
A la French finest

Man Utd before Glazier fud
Old Trafford dreams
Red Devil blood
A fan forever no matter loss
Good grinding Fergie
Our hairdryer boss

True Red Devil
Hughesy's volleys
Arsenal disheveled
Good Giggsy speed
End to end
Back of the net
Great teen we get
Front of our dreams

True Red Devil
Scars from Aguero
And Barce's better
New cycles please
We've been Malcolmed
Bought like shop
These greedy Glaziers fucking up
Our theatre of dreams

If only for Fergie time
We'd be doing just fine

True Red Devil - Eclectic Collective

Cast of Characters:

Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark –- VST Middle Eastern instruments (Duf Drum, Daire drum, Darbuka, Riq, Qanun, Zurna horn, Ney flute, strings), female vocal sample, 'ululation' (high pitch yodel), and composition

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Custom fretless 5-string bass 

Llanpsych - Fluffer for the keyboardist and keygrip

The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl — vocals and lyrics

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – saz, shakuhachi, and synth

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

TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen — traditional gourd-body sitar and mastering.

  Josh had the idea for doing a traditional Palestinian song, as he is an avid fan of their music. He wanted to raise awareness of this music and tie it to the idea it may cease to exist as a living musical tradition sooner than later. Everyone in the band was immediately on board with this idea, and set about to make it happen. 

  Mark, who is an expert percussionist, learned a basic traditional Palestinian drum pattern, in a very authentic fashion. He laid it down, along with an Arabic sounding modal melody line portrayed by the quanun, which is a kind of zither. Josh found this pattern fascinating, and added his five string fretless bass to the it shortly after. Carl jumped in very shortly thereafter, and came up with some really amazing vocal melodies, as well as wonderfully prescient lyrics. He even learned more than several phrases in Arabic, which he sang in there, too. We were all very impressed by this, of course.

  JJ was next up, adding his magical, melodic, and exotic saz, shakuhachi, and synth to the mix. Ken threw in next, adding his perfectly timed brass and Chinese percussion to the mix, too. Last, but certainly not least, Stephen recorded his subtle, exotic, traditional sitar to the piece. 

  Once we had it all recorded, we turned it over to Mark for a mix, as the whole thing is really his baby. Stephen mastered it, though, as he is our resident professional producer.

  Our hope is that this song inspires you to dig into Palestinian music, and through that, you recognize the magic and the humanity of millions of Palestinian people who are suffering unimaginably right now. But most of all, we hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Original lyrics by The Beautiful Dark:

Sisters and brothers
Daughters and Sons
We would give you food
But the road is blocked to sun
Proud Palestine
Brave brethren
Our hearts are with you
Our souls are weeping

Inhumane blockade of bread
Pains collective minds 
We want gone this dread
Let's find our kind
Please be strong
As we right this wrong
Hope prays that day will not be long

We pine with your God
To find a normal truth
Where your kids can grow and learn good youth
Sisters and Brothers
Daughters and Sons
We are with you Palestine
Sending love through song

The eye sees but the arm is short ( العين ترى والذراع قصيرة )

We are in the same boat ( نحن في نفس القارب )

Winds do not blow as the ships wish ( لا تهب الرياح كما تشاء السفن )

Being alone is better then being with someone bad (أن تكون وحيدا أفضل من أن تكون مع شخص سيء )

What is hidden is more then what has happened ( ما هو مخفي أكثر مما حدث )

Every problem has a solution ( لكل مشكلة حل )

Good intentions count for as much as good actions ( النوايا الحسنة لها نفس أهمية الأفعال الحسنة )

All is well that ends well ( كل شيء على ما يرام إذا انتهى بشكل جيد )

Oh My Darlin' Palestine - Eclectic Collective

Cast of Characters:

Cgmaness – @hiddenhands-760647700 – Chris – acoustic guitar, synth, and composition

Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark –- vocals, lyrics, mix, and production

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

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 – four string fretless Warwick bass

Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – Fender Stratocaster electric guitar

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – piano, B3 synth voice, synth sax, and JJ's angels (voice synth)

TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen– master and production

This song started as a project that was begun on his guitar and synth, then shelved by our master songwriter, Chris. He always gives us magic to work with, and as soon as he shared this one with the rest of Eclectic Collective, we all jumped on it.

Mark heard his part first, and set about writing some great lyrics to sing with his solid, inimitable voice. His lyrics are about a hypothetical future where we've turned to technology in search of human connection, only to realize that it has only isolated us more, and that we really already had that connection to begin with. The narration is from a future perspective, like all this has already happened, and its speaking to us from the future, almost like a warning.
The rhythm section was still absent, though, but not for long. Ken added his groovy, perfectly in the vibe drums to it next. Josh, of course followed soon after, now that he had drums to work with, by adding his fretless four string bass to the song. Now that it was sounding like a well rounded piece, Tez came through with some thrilling guitar solos that you hear throughout. JJ first added some piano, B3, and sax to the song, then later completed it with his psychedelic synth and divine voice synth that provides the "choir" you hear in there.

Now that it was all in the bag, Mark spent considerable time and effort mixing it, then turned it over to our resident pro Stephen for the mastering.

This is one of our favorite songs we've ever done, and it reminds us all of both Pink Floyd and King Crimson. This is a great example of what the team is able to do with a really solid, yet open musical seed, provided by a master composer. We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it.

Original lyrics by Mistermark:
The wind by the seashore, the wash of the waves

the sand on your skin and the glance that you gave

the sounds of the carnival we left it all behind

there were words left unsaid at the back of your mind

how could I have been so blind?

It was so long ago now it’s just you and me

it seems I've forgotten the way you like your tea

the house becomes quiet as the guests head for home

the garden’s been gathered and the kids are all grown

on their own

“The robots will help” they said “it’s better this way”
“there’s no need to work and there’s more time to play”

our leaders assured us we’d never go poor

and nobody questions the truth anymore

but what did we do it all for?

Our science sustains us like fine works of art

but are we closer together or farther apart?

we’re each on an island alone on the sea

the ocean between us expands rapidly

is this where we wanted to be?

It was so long ago now it’s just you and me

it seems we’ve forgotten the way it used to be

machines tried to help us but something went wrong

the future we wanted was here all along

The wind by the seashore, the wash of the waves

the sand on your skin and the glance that you gave

the sounds of the carnival we left it all behind

there were words left unsaid…

Faded Fortunes - Eclectic Collective

Cast of Characters:

Single Use & Recycled -- @user-995867230 -- Bill — acousitc rhythm and lead guitar and composition

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Warwick fretless four-string bass

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

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – synth strings

TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen — acoustic rhythm guitar, production, mix, and mastering

The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl — vocals and lyrics

This song started as an idea Bill came up with on his acoustic guitar. Having found each other on the Cloud and enjoying each other's music, Josh and Bill decided to do a collab. Bill is a real deal guitarist, who's as prolific as he is skilled. Of course, Josh invited Eclectic Collective to the party, too.

  Shortly after doing so, he laid down a bass part to Bill's skeleton with his four string fretless bass. Ken followed suit, and after a back and forth, completed the rhythm section. JJ dug in next, adding the thrilling strings that highlight the high points of the melody. 

  There wasn't a whole lot of room for everyone on this, though, as Bill had the guitar parts nailed down tight. However, after sitting on the shelf for about half a year, Carl came along and added the missing piece with his raucuos vocals. Stephen also fattened up the sound a bit with his acoustic rhythm guitar.  

  Once it was in the can, we asked Stephen to work his production, mix, and mastering magic on it, too, which he came through with, as always.

  This brilliant song almost didn't see the light of day. It sat for what felt like forever, until we decided to revive it. This will not be the last collab we do with Bill, though, who was generous in not only sharing his music with us, but allowing us to do whatever we wanted with it, too. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it.  

Original lyrics by The Beautiful Dark:

Shifty shire
Ah, redistrict rot
Dividing a country for power by plot
Gerry's meandering
Not thinking of sane
What colourful friends can stop red rain?

With freedom waning
Conversation is paused
A few rich men failing
With solidarity cause
Shift the shire!
At minority we've baulked
That mind inconvenient
New red lines are chalked

State turf wars are on
Ah, redistrict rot
Dividing a country for power by plot
For the rights of the white man
We missing those slaves
So legislate oppression
That skin 'aint red way

The Shire - Eclectic Collective w/ Single Use & Recycled

Here's the latest in Texas Tea flavor, called Black Coffee and it is a little dark and mysterious.  Terry had been on a fantastic voyage for a while, and this is our first since his return.  Hope you enjoy.  See the entire Texas Tea playlist here - https://soundcloud.com/texmex-shaman/sets/texas-tea-sea

Black Coffee - A Texas Tea Production with Tea R Sea

Cast of Characters:

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Fender Precision bass and Gibson SG electric guitar

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

The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl -- vocals

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – organ and piano

Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark –- VST string and VST sax

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

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

This cover of the CCR version of this Screaming Jay Hawkins classic began as an idea Josh had for Eclectic Collective putting on a musical Halloween costume. He was inspired by his favorite band, Phish, who cover an entire album every Halloween as a musical costume. Although, which song we covered was up for debate from the start. 

  Once we decided on a song, Josh laid down the skeleton for it on his '71 SG. Once we had a framework to work with, Ken laid down his rocking drums, followed by Josh completing the rhythm section by adding his trusty P-bass. Even though the song was now in its infancy, Carl summoned all his Halloween spirit for his dynamic vocal performance.  

  Now that it was sounding like a real song, JJ dropped both the key piano part, as well as his expressive organ in there, too. Mark wasn't far behind, adding his magic via the sax to the solo section, and strings in the third verse. Stephen came through with the spooky tremolo guitar and the fiery first half of the guitar solo in the solo section right after. And to put the cherry on the musical sundae, Tez brought the lightning down for the second half of the guitar solo, as well as the solo work that leads the whole way to the end.

  We all enjoyed bringing this classic song back to life, and doing it in the spirit of what may be the most fun holiday on the callendar. We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed creating it. Happy Halloween!

I Put A Spell On You - Eclectic Collective

Texas Tea is back with the 3rd and final track of our Twin Peaks trilogy.  After finding out we were both huge David Lynch fans a couple months ago , Terry and I began a tribute trilogy that is now complete.  Comprised of the tracks 'Got A Light' , 'Black Coffee' and now 'Moonless Night', you can hear them all in the Texas Tea playlist along with the rest of our jams!  This one ended up being a longer one , so to me that meant only one thing - ebow 

https://soundcloud.com/texmex-shaman/sets/texas-tea-sea

Moonless Night - A Texas Tea Production

Cast of Characters:

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – organ, synth and composition
Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – custom five string fretless bass and PRS SE semi-hollowbody electric guitar
K2 and the Three [and the Four]--@k2andthe3, @k2-kara –Ken -- drums
Sunnybeck-- @sunnybeck — Beck — synth and MIDI composition
TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen — Tom Anderson custom T model electric wah guitar
The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl — vocals and lyrics
Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – production, mix, and mastering
 
This song began as a looper beat that Josh created in BandLab. He does that often to start an idea. However, this beat sat on the shelf for almost a year, until he shared it with JJ for one of his Saturday night music sessions. JJ put an arrangement on it with his organ and bass. Josh quickly replaced the bass idea with his own version of it, though. 

  Now it was Ken's turn to replace the dull looper beat with something alive and organic, which he did in the most creative and solid way possible. We had a skeleton now, and it was time to share it with Beck, with whom this is Eclectic Collecitive's first song. She added her magic via the synth you hear sprinkled throughout. Stephen weighed in next with his funky wah guitar. Josh then wrapped things up by adding the simple, melodic guitar lines your hear throughout.
  
It was almost done at this point, but of course, we wanted Carl to add his greatness to it, as well, which he did by writing and singing some compelling vocals. He took the working title, which Josh came up with having just read The Odyssey, and wrote a whole song about it! The Odyssey, of course, is the ancient Greek story of a warrior sailor, who survives many perils on his epic quest to reach his home.  

  Once it was all laid down, we asked Tez to do his expert work with the mix and production, which he did perfectly, as always. We're very lucky to have two very talented producers in the group, and grateful to Tez for ironing this one out for us. 

  This is, as mentioned, the EC's first go round with Beck, and we couldn't be more thrilled to work with her. Not only is she a skilled, creative musician, but she is a delightful ray of sunlight to work with, too. We have another collab with her we plan to release in the coming weeks, as well. There will be more to follow. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Original lyrics by The Beautiful Dark:

Isle of the Lotus Eaters

Hold on dear crew
Cruel winds fly north
Our tenth foul day
Land found fresh worth
Untameable sea
We survived people
Ashore
Fresh water
Food
Lessen our feeble

Three of company
Greet these inhabitants
Find what land lends their habitance
Trio arrive and find not hurt
Then found local food
Good offering flirty

Three watered mouths by nicest taste
Who needs home
We stay
No haste
Love lotus buds
Don’t mind the captain
Let’s stay and munch this tuck of trapping

Captain bemused All aboard!
No more shall eat this food mind sword
What of home!
What of love!
Weep not dear three
Cold turkey tough

Smite that sea
Hold tight your oars
Now heave to Ithaca
South-westwards
Bye Lotus eaters
Trip like land
Love lesson lives 
Myth mystery scanned

Isle of the Lotus Eaters -  Eclectic Collective with Sunnybeck

Cast of Characters:
Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Warwick four-string fretless bass, PRS SE semi-hollow body electric guitar, Sigma acoustic guitar, lyrics, vocals, and composition
SunnyBeck-- @sunnybeck — Beck — synth and MIDI composition
K2 and the Three [and the Four]--@k2andthe3, @k2-kara –Ken -- drums
J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – organ
Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – production, mix, and mastering

This is a love song written about Josh's favorite band, Phish. He came up with the chords on his acoustic guitar, and shared it with the group. This was written with Beck in mind, though, too, as he knew she'd be contributing her magic to this one, too. Even when it was just the acoustic guitar set to a looper beat, she came up with many of the parts you hear throughout. Although, she also readjusted and redid a lot of it, too, throughout the process. Ken was the next piece of the puzzle to jump in. He laid down his perfect drums beats to it in only one or two tries, giving it the groove it needed. After Ken laid down the beat, that allowed Josh to add his bass to the mix, too. It was almost done musically, but it needed a lead guitar, which Josh also put in there. Before it was finished, though, JJ weighed in with his clever organ, which can be heard from about 2:30 on. When it was all wrapped up musically, Josh also sang his lyrics, which are written from the perspective of two Phish heads conversing about the imminent Phish show, which is always a big, exciting event.

Josh has seen almost 70 Phish shows in his life, and he hopes his adoration for the band is evident in this song. This is the second song Eclectic Collective have done with Beck, and we all hope for many more, too. She's a fantastic musician, with a wonderfully deep well of creativity. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Original lyrics by Josh Clary:

Are you gonna meet me at the show tonight
Am I gonna see you at the show?
What songs do you think they’ll play tonight?
I’ve been waiting all year to go

You should check out last night’s set list
The show was packed with killer songs
Is there any one that you’ve been chasing?
I love it when the crowd all sings along

Trey’s been stirring up all the great jams
Page rules the keyboards from his throne
Mike digs the groove so deep and he stands
On Fishman’s beats that shake our bones

Hope you have your ticket for the show tonight
I know these days they’re on our phones
At least now about grass there’s no fight
Light a joint on up the hill and feel at home

Some spun wook is always tripping
Looking for profundity in all the songs
Every now and then they have to just stop spinning
Stare at the lights, and sing along

So I know we’ll hear some great things tonight
Every time I go, my mind gets blown
After in the lot I know I’ll eat a grilled cheese,
Suck on a balloon, then drive on home

Trading Mics for Fish Pages - Eclectic Collective with Sunnybeck

This is a track from a few years ago.  I recently remixed it with some new parts.  This song is why I think I have ADHD.   

You may know the title from the sound a teenager makes once they've figured out they know everything. 

lyrix:

woah!
ahhh ahh
scheau
scheau
crazy
i like parties 
scheau
lol
scheau
ohhh ohhh oh oh ohhh
(shamanic chants)
scheau x2
oh goddamn
crazy

Scheau

Gaz Brownie — @user-755327533 — Gaz — vocals, vocal harmonies, lyrics, and composition
K2 and the Three [and the Four] -- @k2andthe3, @k2-kara –Ken–drums
Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 – Warwick four-string fretless bass
TexMex Shaman–@texmex-shaman –Stephen– Tom Anderson custom T guitar
J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – organ and piano
Llanpsych–@llanpsych –Tez– mix, production, and mastering

This song began by Gaz composing it and on his acoustic guitar, and singing his original lyrics over it. Gaz is a brilliant songwriter, lyricist, and singer, with whom we've worked before. However, this is the first song he's shared with us. He gave it to Ken first, who started the project and invited the rest of us to it.

  Ken, who was the originator of the project, was actually the second person to lay down a part, which he did to Josh's bass, instead of the other way around, as they usually do it. Stephen then came in and replaced Gaz's acoustic guitar with his silky smooth electric guitar. JJ got down on his magical piano and organ parts not long after Stephen added his guitar. 

  This was a somewhat uncomplicated process, as Gaz gave us a fully realized song to work with right from the start. Tez sealed the deal with his expert production to cap it off, too.

  As mentioned, this is our second song starring Gaz, and we're very grateful to him for sharing his magic with us. We're all looking forward to working together again in the future, too. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it. 

Original lyrics by Gaz Brownie:
V1
Im drawing the conclusion that 
Im just being polite 
And questioning myself is it me our are they right
I’m feeling a little angry hope it’s not out of spite 
Is just a reaction to this uncomfortable night 

Chorus 
When did the world stop listening 
When did the world stop listening 


V2
As we compete for space to try & speak
Everyone’s on journey on a bus to shit creek
With condescending story’s of their bad & awesome week
And I’m working on finding just a better style of technique 

Chorus 

V3
I avoid catching that struggle bus 
Don’t wanna be part of my problem and be misunderstood 
What are you looking at is there something you wanna discuss 
I push his   face up the window cause I’ve had enough 


When Did The World Stop Listening - Eclectic Collective w/ Gaz Brownie

Here is this year's holiday track from MJ-Brewer and yours truly. It's called Santa's Surf Shop.

vidya - www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8oRYNgtr…t=RDMMP8oRYNgtrrA

song by MJ-Brewer
Background singers - Liberty, Justice and Beth Jackson
guitar, drums, mix, production - TexMex Shaman
bass, jaw harp and lead vocal - MJ-Brewer
lyrics by MJ-Brewer

Come on down to Santa's little surf shop baby
He only closes one day a year
He can look at you once look at you twice
Don't really care if you're naughty or nice
As long as you buy from him

Well I remember the first time I met Santa
He sold me my first boogie board
Said he traded his sleigh in Atlanta
And got a hot rod rag top ford

Come on down to Santa's little surf shop baby
He only closes one day a year
He can look at you once look at you twice
Don't really care if you're naughty or nice
As long as you buy from him

Well Santa Claus had to retire
His last gig put a strain on his heart
All of the other reindeer kept crying
Because of Dasher's

Come on down to Santa's little surf shop baby
He only closes one day a year
He can look at you once look at you twice
Don't really care if you're naughty or nice
As long as you buy from him

Ho ho ho

Santa's Surf Shop

Santa's Surf Shop w/ MJ-Brewer

After taking a break from this story for a whole year, The Smoking Trout is so happy to share with you all the final chapter in our epic ongoing tale, the Quest for the Holy Dumpling! Thanks to all who've joined us on this fantastic ride, as either listeners or musicians. See credits below to learn about the crew who contributed to this memorable final episode. You'll also find links to our BandCamp and our earlier album, plus Jeff & Jo's incredible lyrics!

Stonerjazz @user-911083679 -- Lyrics, Vocals (intro/outro) Guitar (intro/middle)
Tot - @tot-beat -- Beat & Drums (intro/outro)
Tea R. Sea - @tea_are_sea -- Beat (middle), Synths (throughout), Production
Nadia Selvaggi - @nadiaselvaggi -- Vocals (middle)
TexMex Shaman @texmex-shaman -- Guitar & Guitar Special Effects (intro/middle/outro), final mastering
Nic - @nic_nic_nic -- Vocals, Synths/Keys (middle)
Jo Richter @sonic-textures -- Lyrics, Melodion

-------------
Catch up with all 12 tracks in the Smoking Trout's now-complete concept album, Quest for the Holy Dumpling: on.soundcloud.com/FR63a

Listen to the Smoking Trout's first album, The Land of Zed (2021-2022): on.soundcloud.com/WB34q

Find us on BandCamp! thesmokingtrout.bandcamp.com
-------------

Lyrics (by Stonerjazz & Jo Richter):

Everybody on the bus, Gus and Stu
and some others from Uriah, too, made up their minds
packed up their kinds and kith and kin
and decided unattachedly to pack it in
and Johnny, all nostalgic for the solitude of melancholic bedsheet ascetism, said
"We should go to Zed" and smiled in mild remembrance
"I saw a crack a couple light years back in the space time continuum,
with a sign that read, Zed, 50 miles straight ahead.
We might get there in time to liberate my lost accordion
from the clutches of the local patron
a relative of Mr Smith’, if I am not completely wrong.“

Uriah had a riot
when the dumplings disappeared
trampled by the herds of lust, desire
lampooned by the nerds of rust and fire
gobbled up by fast food throats and street flock trucks
and someone farted, burped and said they wanted seconds
and that was when the trouble started and ursurped the mental landscape
and who’s to blame but some minions from that moppet, Alfred Rufus Smith
who to his simian bewilderment was headed back to earth
in that stolen starship that he stole again, restole and stole for just another time
(the way rebirthing beings rack up karma by incarnating ceaselessly)
from the only holy spaceport of that karmic spacelord on the potted planet
frowned upon by Gus and Stu and all the riders of experience on the nirwana bus--

--"And so it was , they crossed the boundry into Zed, and landed lightly on the purple plain
and when they did, all the holograms on board the bus turned into real Girls and Boys
Would love to say thing turned out well but what the hell , who can tell
Uziel Wivress, Neal Nic and Nadia, jeff and Jo, Stephen Tot and Terry too enjoyed the view as the bus it hit the ground
in the golden grass near the end of June--
Gus and all the crew were happy to have arrived safe and sound
and without a scratch on that sacred patch of rock in space--

see the tarmac flotilla in karmic espandrilles
sharpen their common intuition
and like expanding armadillos
overcome respective inhibition
and cross across the crucial rift and ,riffing, raft the cosmic shift
and wake up in the place where Jonny is remembered as the bringer of the dumpling and the player
of the most beautiful instrument Divine --

The Smoking Trout - Quest for the Holy Dumpling: The End of the Line

Cast of Characters:

Paul Young — PRS SE semi-hollow body electric guitar

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 – Upright double bass

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

TexMex Shaman–@texmex-shaman –Stephen– Earl Scruggs custom banjo, production, mix, and mastering

This is a song that Josh and his cousin Paul came up with on Thanksgiving night, after everyone went to bed. They were working on a much longer composition, but got stuck in the jam after looking at each other and wordlessly saying, "this is the magic, stick with it." We were playing an electric guitar and a stand-up bass to a looper disco beat when we recorded this. So, of course, Josh asked Ken if he'd add some real drums, which he did as though he were in the room jamming with us. Josh and Stephen also had the idea to add some banjo in here, which Stephen did like the excellent musician he is. He also managed to mix this live recording hybrid with exceptional skill. 

  This is an example of two musicians who are intimately familiar with each other, and each other's playing and sensibilities, accompanied by two other musicians who have become nearly as familiar over the past few years. Happy belated Turkey Day to everyone. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed making it.

The Ice Melts w/ Paul Young

Cast of Characters:
The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl — vocals, lyrics, acoustic guitar and composition

Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark –- VST strings and mellotron 

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – upright double bass, plucked and bowed

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

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – piano

TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen — Tom Anderson custom T model electric guitar, Danelectro baritone electric guitar, and e-bow

Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – production, mix, and mastering
 
Carl came up with this song at the beginning of November on his acoustic guitar, and shared it with the rest of us shortly after. Carl is a songwriting supernova, in case you're unfamiliar with our newest addition to the team. We're always excited and grateful to get to work on his music. 

  Mark was first to add his parts, although he tweaked them throughout the process. His work can be heard in the dramatic string arrangement and mellotron at the crescendo. Josh was next to jump in, adding his new upright bass to the song. He played not only the plucked part, but the bowed part in the strings section, too. Ken came along next with his perfect drums to complete the rhythm section. JJ wanted in on this, too, so he added the foundational piano you hear throughout. Last, but not least, Stephen dropped in his electrifying guitar solo and the accompanying textural chords using is Danelectro baritone guitar, followed at the very end by his magical e-bow part. 

  Once it was all in the bag, we asked Tez to produce and mix it for us, which he did in his always expert fashion. 

  This is our latest song of which Carl is the author. He's been making music with us for the past half a year now, and we can't get enough of his abundant creativity. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it.

  Also, Carl had this to say about his lyrics, "Labels and putting each other in a particular box is causing big problems on the planet. The song's meaning is born from trying to take labels out of our lessons. In a polarized world, the song pines how we will likely learn lessons properly if we leave ego out of what we are trying to learn. Maybe our art has more relevance for future generations if we do that instead of bolting it to the current people or ideas causing us problems."
Original lyrics by The Beautiful Dark:

Let's play cards
You lying runt
Word poker perfect
A joker to hunt
Motor makeup mouth
Dadless brain itched
Orange sith can shout
Cycle of old child bewitched

Leave out the names
Remove their power
Lessons find refrain
Fake turned to flower

All liars die
'As honest tongue
Dinnseanchas signs our true right and wrong
Transmutation
Time understood
Truth trump card for hate
More blossomed love

Leave out the names
Teach tomorrow's hour
Lessons find refrain
Pure honest power

Lies from power
Carry hidden agenda
Justice can save us from these malady members
Unless they break our sacred norms
They've changed the game with iron fisted porn

Leave out the names
Control our stream
Lessons mute ego
Brutes turn to dream

The system protects us from crazy one
One system collective
Agreement by sum
Normals described
Standards of power
Transmutation of evil
Never named gives real flower

Let's label our love
Let's teach that today
Let lessons of dove
Show us our way

Leave out the names
Remove their power
Lessons find refrain
Fake turned to flower

Leave out the names
Teach tomorrow hour
Lessons find refrain
Pure honest power

Leave Out the Names - Eclectic Collective

Cast of Characters:

Cgmaness – @hiddenhands-760647700 – Chris – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, synth, and composition

The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl — vocals and lyrics

J.J. Terrell– @j-j-terrell – organ, electric piano, and synth

Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – bowed upright double bass and Warwick four-string fretless electric bass guitar 

Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark –- Timpani, steel pan, triangle, arpeggiated synth, synth effects, backing vocals, and production editing

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

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

This song began its life when Chris put ass to chair and came up with it a while back. This is the latest of the massive song collection he laid on Eclectic Collective about a month and a half ago. Be prepared to hear a lot more of his songs coming through our fingers and voices, because we now have a plethora of great material from him. So, Chris came up with this arrangement on his acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and synth, but it was a pretty solid composition, even by his standards, and it had the magic already baked in.

  The first one of us to grab a hold of it was Carl, who immediately heard his vocal part, which he supplied with his always striking lyrics. JJ was the first instrumentalist to add his part, laying in the delightful organ, electric piano, and synth you hear throughout. Josh came out swinging next, adding his upright bass, which he bowed. Mark came along shortly after, adding his dramatic timpani, enchanting steel pan, cool triangle, arpeggiated synth, and synth effects to the mix. He also did some major editing, making room for Stephen's guitar solo, and adjusting some parts at the end. Mark also added some backing vocals, quoting George Harrison's Here Comes the Sun. If you listen closely, you can hear his Easter eggs in there. 

  At this point, the song sounded almost classical, especially Josh's bowed bass part. However, Ken still had something to say in here, adding his remarkable, driving drums to the whole thing. Josh, recognizing the sea change this created, added his fretless four-string to match Ken's kick. Stephen was able to blend the two in the production phase. But not before installing his absolutely thrilling electric guitar solo in there. Stephen did a wonderful job of producing, mixing, and mastering this for us, as always, when it was all in the can.

 This is the first song Carl has gotten to sing that Chris has written. We're all super excited to unleash this combo on the world. This song reminds Josh of one of his favorite bands, The Flaming Lips, too, which makes it a special treat for him, as well. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed making it. 
Original lyrics by The Beautiful Dark:
Great nuclear beast
East horizon you meet
New life

Shine on us
Saving us from night

Birds take the first song
Beaks waking other ones
Wonder returns

Good morning sun
Just shine dear one
Sun shine on

Good greatest grace for thee
Dusts to Star
Our seed
Evolution breathes
Mass ejection beams

Our sun
Good morning
Fill good air with photon
The greatest good
Solar bent space time flood
Space fawn

Birds cannot be wronged
Once your fine light has songed
Wonder wound
Morning sound

Our dear Sun
Shine on

TexMex Shaman

Pinned to spotlight

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