Between the two, put me down for the key of D version. If you prefer the key of C version try tuning the L.P. down a full step and play the same key of D shape chords and see what that combo sounds like. You never know … 😎
Well, that LP will start to sound very muddy if I take it down even further (it's already in DADGAD). I'd have to go to a long-scale Fender, or my baritone.
Beautiful song, and both versions sound good. I also prefer the version in D though. Thanks for sharing your early attempts. It will be so interesting to hear how the song takes shape. It's really good news to hear that you now mention a next record!
I’m totally in the minority here, though D is one of my favorite keys, especially dropped D, fun to play around with, but for this song, I found that your voice sounded more natural with the tenor guitar, and also the tenor guitar was in a sonic range they did not compete with the voice. Therefore, I could understand the lyrics very clearly. That might have had to do with the recording quality as well, but the amplification of the Les Paul competed with the voice and thus the lyric. The C version with tenor guitar grabbed me from the beginning and wouldn’t let me go. Thank you for this. I will add that I am biased because I love old tenor guitars. They always give me songs.
Hi Wil. You're right. C felt better. And I agree about the tenor. Those things leave so much room for the frequencies of the voice. My friend Al suggested Dflat. I'll give it a try.
I'm a non musician but I really liked the "key of D, Les Paul" version--I definitely heard Richard Shindell in that one--I look forward to the final version
I don’t know why but this is fascinating. Some of the guitar counterpoint on the tenor gets lost in the fx. I, too, like your voice in D but it sounds high for you in some spots. Is It?
Hi Al. Good ears as always. The LP version was recorded in a quieter space, not so much reflection, straight into a board, and out through genelecs (but still being picked up by the iphone). The tenor was recorded in that space in the picture. Very reflective. So the Champ is swimming around that room. A lot's getting lost. The sound coming out of the Champ was stupendous, but on the edge of feedback the whole time (which I love).
Going from D to C had nothing to do with the instruments. I made it sound like it did. It was a voice register decision. D felt too high. Dflat is a fine key. Maybe I'll take another crack at it on the tenor, and then add in the LP to taste.
And the FX are: comp, OD, delay, and verb. All of that would be manageable were it not for the room. Thanks for listening. I hope you're well.
Is it possible to play it in the key of C on the Les Paul? I agree C sounds more natural (?) but I really like the depth and resonance of the Les Paul - adds poignancy I think.
Having read your comments above, it could just be the reflections muddying the waters? The poetry of the words shines through more in the quieter version - I can see why you like the song!
It’s a beautiful song, and I could listen to it a thousand times as well. I liked the key of C version best. I would have loved to have been in that audience in England singing along with the chorus. Thank you for sharing this.
Your voice in the key of C sounds clearer. Is it the key change or just the result of more rehearsing? I like the tenor guitar. Perhaps adding fretless bass when you record. Regards.
I have no musical training, no musical aptitude, so my opinion is based entirely on gut-level appeal. I am squarely in the "C" camp, not that I'd know C from D. I just really preferred the second version.
My physical body clearly is moved (literally) more by the key of C version, but I'm going to guess that that has little to do (at least, directly) with the key and instrument choices, it feels more to me that the key of C version involves more of "Finding the flow, minding the sway" of the song.
Thank you for sharing these! I prefer the key of D, it gives your voice more opportunity to shine.
Between the two, put me down for the key of D version. If you prefer the key of C version try tuning the L.P. down a full step and play the same key of D shape chords and see what that combo sounds like. You never know … 😎
Well, that LP will start to sound very muddy if I take it down even further (it's already in DADGAD). I'd have to go to a long-scale Fender, or my baritone.
I also like the key of D, it grabs me by the heart.
Beautiful song, and both versions sound good. I also prefer the version in D though. Thanks for sharing your early attempts. It will be so interesting to hear how the song takes shape. It's really good news to hear that you now mention a next record!
It is a beautiful song. The first verse alone is as good as they get.
I’m totally in the minority here, though D is one of my favorite keys, especially dropped D, fun to play around with, but for this song, I found that your voice sounded more natural with the tenor guitar, and also the tenor guitar was in a sonic range they did not compete with the voice. Therefore, I could understand the lyrics very clearly. That might have had to do with the recording quality as well, but the amplification of the Les Paul competed with the voice and thus the lyric. The C version with tenor guitar grabbed me from the beginning and wouldn’t let me go. Thank you for this. I will add that I am biased because I love old tenor guitars. They always give me songs.
Hi Wil. You're right. C felt better. And I agree about the tenor. Those things leave so much room for the frequencies of the voice. My friend Al suggested Dflat. I'll give it a try.
Db is my favorite key 🤓
I'm a non musician but I really liked the "key of D, Les Paul" version--I definitely heard Richard Shindell in that one--I look forward to the final version
thx, Jim
Thanks Jim. That version has its merits. But D is a stretch.
I don’t know why but this is fascinating. Some of the guitar counterpoint on the tenor gets lost in the fx. I, too, like your voice in D but it sounds high for you in some spots. Is It?
I’d like to hear it in Db on your old Martin.
Hi Al. Good ears as always. The LP version was recorded in a quieter space, not so much reflection, straight into a board, and out through genelecs (but still being picked up by the iphone). The tenor was recorded in that space in the picture. Very reflective. So the Champ is swimming around that room. A lot's getting lost. The sound coming out of the Champ was stupendous, but on the edge of feedback the whole time (which I love).
Going from D to C had nothing to do with the instruments. I made it sound like it did. It was a voice register decision. D felt too high. Dflat is a fine key. Maybe I'll take another crack at it on the tenor, and then add in the LP to taste.
And the FX are: comp, OD, delay, and verb. All of that would be manageable were it not for the room. Thanks for listening. I hope you're well.
Sonic glory, indeed. So lovely. Thanks for sharing.
I wish I could get that comfortable on stage!
Is it possible to play it in the key of C on the Les Paul? I agree C sounds more natural (?) but I really like the depth and resonance of the Les Paul - adds poignancy I think.
Not in its current configuration, and not in that tuning configuration. But I have other instruments. I'll find the right tool.
Having read your comments above, it could just be the reflections muddying the waters? The poetry of the words shines through more in the quieter version - I can see why you like the song!
It’s a beautiful song, and I could listen to it a thousand times as well. I liked the key of C version best. I would have loved to have been in that audience in England singing along with the chorus. Thank you for sharing this.
You're welcome Mary Anne.
They love to sing, and they're very good at it.
Lord. Good stuff.
Lord. Good stuff.
Your voice in the key of C sounds clearer. Is it the key change or just the result of more rehearsing? I like the tenor guitar. Perhaps adding fretless bass when you record. Regards.
What a beautiful way for me to wake up today, to hear that song for the very first time.
I have no musical training, no musical aptitude, so my opinion is based entirely on gut-level appeal. I am squarely in the "C" camp, not that I'd know C from D. I just really preferred the second version.
My physical body clearly is moved (literally) more by the key of C version, but I'm going to guess that that has little to do (at least, directly) with the key and instrument choices, it feels more to me that the key of C version involves more of "Finding the flow, minding the sway" of the song.