Safe Hands

SAFE HANDS -- song notes

This is the collaboration I've been wanting to do since I started recording my own music back in 2005 -- I didn't know any of these great musicians at the time, but I'd always imagined getting some great players together and recording something live -- one person doing only what they could do on stage, and each of us recording in a single take, which we videod as we were doing it (we nearly pulled that off!). It was an added bonus to be able to do it as a video, and I can't express enough how grateful I am that these 6 players/singers were willing to put in the time and creative energy to humour me ☺

The lineup certainly contains some of the cream of the MacJams musical community:

John Libby (ktb) from Boston, Massachusetts on keys has played on quite a few of my songs, and has collaborated with lots of people on MJ. He always produces just what is required, and is one of the fastest collaborators I've ever worked with -- if he was any faster, he'd be sending me keyboard tracks to songs I hadn't even written yet! I especially love John's electric piano and clav work (e.p. here).

Anne Cozean and Marty Ross Vining (SISTERS) from North Fork, California are as good as close harmony vocals get. I've worked with Big Sis (Anne) before on quite a few songs, but this is the first chance to have Marty singing along -- welcome on board Marty. Their video submissions were full of warmth and humour, as you'll see -- and they sure can sing!

Mike Watkins (kevmikwa) from Stirling, Virginia on drums. I think I've probably collaborated more with Mike than anyone else on MJ, and for good reason: he plays great drums and his style and mine seem to mesh perfectly. On top of that he's a very decent guy who seems to have his head screwed on particularly well. I've played live with a few terrific drummers, but Mike would be my first choice in any live band I might be putting together (geographic considerations aside). Mike was also the video guru for this project.

Chris Flynn (rok41) from Dallas, Texas on bass. I haven't collaborated with Chris before -- mainly because I do my own bass usually -- but have enjoyed his accurate and thoughtful bass skills since I first heard him a while ago at MJ. Chris is (literally in this case) a bass player's bass player, and does a great job here.

Thor Oliversen (thodi) from Stavanger, Norway on guitar -- last but definitely not least - always surprises and delights with his soul/R&B/funk guitar. We've recorded 3 of my songs together now, and they are 3 of my favourites. Watching his enthusiasm and soulful playing (wait for the solo!) was one of the high points of this project for me.

I'm playing Tele and singing from Pambula Beach, NSW, Australia -- and I mixed and mastered the audio and video.

I would do pretty much anything to play live with this collection of really classy people.

"Safe Hands" was written after I'd invited everyone to do "a video project" -- nothing like having a bit of pressure on to write something reasonable! The inspiration for the song story is a little obscure (no-one will be surprised that it's a plea to our prime minister!), I think the words can fit a number of situations though. The style is one I feel very comfortable with.

The video seemed like a good idea at the time -- how hard could doing a video with 7 people be? I hadn't considered the fact that we would all be using different cameras, different frame rates, different screen ratios, be shooting in different light, in different-looking rooms, with different zoom levels and from different angles ..... etc. I also hadn't considered that my computer would battle with the file sizes or that I might have forgotten my (already limited) knowledge of Final Cut Express. Let's just say it came out OK considering, and that it shows a number of MJ friends doing what they do. It's not likely to win any prizes, but it was fun to do.

I hope you enjoy the music and the video!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• thoddi
• kevmikwa
• sisters
• jiguma
• rok41
• ktb
• thor oliversen
• mike watkins
• anne cozean
• marty ross vining
• john libby
• chris flynn

[jiguma]

Good point Eduard! I'll remember for next time. Might try to find time to re-edit the end credits, but so much stuff to do - a good thing :)

[sschedra]

Neil, Just a great testament to collaborative music. Those of us that do it often take for granted the amazing capability of getting top notch folks together to produce just fabulous music, all without even seeing another human being face to face. This puts it all together and shows the true nature of collaboration. Great job!

[ac03908]

Outstanding!

[kendamkier]

Really REALLY cool track...Lovely girls.

Ken Damkier

[Hicklingstandard]

Blimey your set up is pretty impressive over there Neil and a lot of talent in one room!! See you back at MJ! Cheers M

[Markstun]

This is like the coolest thing I've seen in a long time. Wow!!

[DaddyDave18]

Cool groove! Where are the players from?

[schwansongs]

Absolutely stunning! Unfortunately, not everyone will see these notes you wrote under the video to understand the world-wide collaboration here, so next time maybe you can hint at each person's location in the credits, so non-Macjammers can better-appreciate this when they send the raw "watch this" link to their friends. This is an awesome collection of very talented and warm-hearted classy folks, yourself included!

ttfn,

Drakonis

[perceptualvortex]

Great tune, awesome playing everyone... and how cool to see fellow MacJammers in action!

[purple1046]

Astoundingly wonderful; such a treat to the heart.