About this user
Bio:
First and foremost I am a music fan and that includes listening to music of all descriptions.I have loved music as long as I can remember. I sing and play professional solo arrangements of classic songs as seen here. Each song in learning is a journey in itself and I am loving the overall trip as I continue onward:-)I don't use any gadgets and use my guitar for any percussive sounds as required.I also play bass guitar, blues harp and tin whistle. Just started the tenor banjo on the 1st January 2012.
The thing I like is the exploration of the original arrangement, finding the chords used as close as possible to what I hear and to add subtle sounds as heard in the orchestra arr if applicable so you can almost hear that through the arrangement.I like the intimate performance of the one man and his guitar.. bare bones style but hopefully keeping it interesting for the listener. Always trying to stay out of my comfort zone with the songs I choose keeps it challenging and interesting. All my covers are 'work in progress' as I work to improve them constantly. I take it seriously enough to get a song done with the right chords and sing it as best I can. Sometimes hits and sometimes misses :) It's a hobby (but I would do it as a job:-))and much enjoyed. IIt'a a real bonus when people comment good/ bad just to get some feedback is a real plus.
Glen Campbell said in his autobio that singing was just l secondary for him at the start and it was more about the guitar playing and improvement..Thankfully since, his amazing vocal ability and range is as we all know is woven seamlessly with his gifted (child prodigy) guitar chops.
In my small way that is how it has been for me regarding my approach.Guitars interested me in the shop windows, I loved how they looked and always liked the image of the guy on the street with the guitar case in hand..that really appealed to me. The singing just evolved around that once I bought one and started playing it.I never really sang a note until after I played guitar for a while and then it seemed just a natural progression. I like the singing thing when I get it done in tune:) I especially enjoy working out the tunes by ear,from tab books or from the original recording (90% of the songs I put out are figured out by ear from the original recordings)and getting them down on the guitar. I played bass with several bands using my Hofner 500/1 1963 reissue left handed, identical to one used by Paul Mc Cartney with the Beatles. I do like to work out the basslines of my fave songs too. I've written a few originals one of which is up here. My current instruments are Nylon String cheap ..but nice guitar(my first instrument 1989) The Takamine FP360L/H (1992), Hofner Bass 500/1 1963 reissue (2002) and my most recent is a Martin D28 (2010) identical to the one used by Elvis Presley 'in the beginning' and notably he used this instrument in his very last concerts as late as June 1977. The Beatles (Paul & John) used this model from 1967 through 1970and beyond as solo artists. I used my one in more recent videos.
Musical influences and likes:, Elvis Presley, Glen Campbell,RYAN Adams(nothing against Bryan Adams a great artist too), The Furey Bros & Davey Arthur, The Dubliners, Luke Kelly, Crosby, stills, Nash, Michael Jackson, Stevie |Wonder Joni Mitchell,My Dad,The brothers (my brothers Martin for the records and Elvis influence and Frank for the records (John Denver , Glen Campbell) and guitar player as long as I can remember) Paddy Reilly, Christy Moore, Christy Hennessey, Paul Brady, Danny Doyle, Paul Simon (& Garfunkel), Roy Orbison,Neil Young, Ray Charles, The Beatles,Johnny Denver, Alison Krauss, Johnny Cash,Van Morrison, Eddy Arnold,Dan Fogelberg,, Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, George Formby,Laurel & Hardy, Al Jolson etc etc....list is almost endless!
Interests
Family,outdoors, listening to and playing guitar (occasionally writing) music, My dog, Joey.(RIP 11/08/11) Tough to see you go my canine friend....photography.
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