I'm fond of those NPR announcers who apparently sit close to the mic and speak in really soothing tones. The other night, I felt relaxed and did sort of the same thing while playing piano. There isn't a "point" to it, it's 18.5-odd ("odd" being the operative word) minutes of me sharing my internal creative processes to the tune of mellow musical stylings. If you've ever been interested in what goes on inside my head, this is for you.
Capturing key clicks and room ambience while playing electronic samples makes them that much more realistic. I'm a big fan of fret noise in guitar recordings; they're as vital as the plucked strings themselves. Two things that threw me off:
- No global reverb applied to both my voice and the piano sound, meaning it doesn't sound quite cohesive/gelled.
- Since my M-Audio Keystation 88es controller has plastic keys, they have a less robust bounce than you'd expect from real "ivories". How's that for aural cognitive dissonance?
I endorse the Braunschweig Upright Piano samples featured within — it's a spiritual, not a financial endorsement, meaning I don't get money if you buy it, just good vibrations. Here's what I had to say about it:
"Matt's Imperfect Samples triumph above a generic mess of Steinway copycats (which strive for perfection, but lack personality). This Braunschweig Upright fills a unique, much-desired hole in piano libraries, and its warmth travels my soul back to a time when I grew up on a similar-sounding upright. One can't put a price tag on those memories, but the non-pro version is quite affordable too, and all of these superb elements combined is why I used the Braunschweig to perform the lovely melodies of Holidium. Don't miss out if you want a homegrown-feeling piano with HEART. More than a bonus: Matt's prompt, friendly support!"
Ah, personality.
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Alexis here again
Talking about your music…. again ha ha
I'm lame
Anyways, I saw your Friendly Breakdance Jam video the other day. That was the most entertaining, funny, and awesome performance I've ever seen. I loved it haha. But anyways, I noticed that over the years you've been steadily releasing or playing music for us (most notably your solo piano and other improv stuff). I've been impressed from the start, but your relentlessness continually astonishes me. This makes me believe that when you have the time you'll be able to do a full blown renaissance! I think that would be amazing. The Torley Renaissance. A small release of musical effort that's not exactly improvised. Reminiscent to your older music (at least I think it wasn't improvised).
It's just an idea.
I best be off.
~Technooo! ( = ciaooo! )
Hello! I have to say that this was one of the most enjoyable, goofy, interesting things that I have ever heard! I always love to hear the touch of fellow musicians.
Thanks for that! LOL! (I am not sure what type of recorder you used, but it sounded so so clear and crisp)
Suzan Pleva
Melody Piano
"Understanding is Key!"
http://www.melodypiano.blogspot.com
http://www.melodypiano.net
@Alexis Awwwwwwwe thankyou, your observations are spot-on. I've had more time to make music recently and hope this will lead up to more releases in piano, layered synths, and beyond. Oh, and even a lot of my older stuff was arranged-together improv, a lot of the riffs I do are on-the-fly. I love the dynamics between structure and freeform. Thanks for keeping watch, you are so NOT lame.
@Suzan Why thanks very much! I use a Zoom H4n, one of my happiest purchases lately (tho I'm trying to figure out why it takes so long to startup). Nice to know you make music too, I'm going to check out your blog and website!
No no, this is actually Alexis again ha ha
Yeah, I just got the time to listen to this "night at the piano". I've been busy all weekend, so I've been putting it off. But yeah, I agree with Suzan, really GREAT quality. Those crickets were real and loud! Really beautiful improv and nice philosophies. You've thought of things in angles that I've yet to discover. Quite an eye opener. Though it was 18 minutes, it seemed really short haha. I suppose it's because it was rather intimate despite it was through my headphones. It was much less (oxymoron) me listening to a audio file and much more of an encounter (I guess).
I don't know.
It was awesome though because you make your world so inviting with magic, love, creativity, and a worldly presence.
~Ciao
Spiderman,
I just wanted to comment on what you had said about it not being as intimate because you had headphones on……. I actually think that it is the other way around! I always feel that Music is more intimate; like it is mine, when I am listening to it with headphones on. It's like it is my own little secret or something…. LOL! I don't know, just thought that I would share that, and share a big THANKS for spelling my name right. No one ever does.
Ha ha yeah Suzan, I know what you mean with the "own little secret". I almost prefer headphones over my stereo speakers, unless I'm listening to classical (because sometimes classical ideas deserve to fill a room). But what I meant by intimate is that it seemed like it was a personal encounter even though it wasn't experienced first hand.
I definitely know what you mean. I have been working on these Italian art songs, and I just LOVE them. It's almost like it takes you over when you love something that much. The book came with the audio cd's, and that's pretty much all that I have been listening to lately. It's like a life sound track you know?
Suzan Pleva
Melody Piano
"Understanding is Key"
http://www.melodypiano.net
http://www.melodypiano.blogspot.com