#275 - I just named a song after you!!

[dano]

Do the screeners read this stuff in this forum? I have to share this story, so I hope it will find someone who's interested here. ..the "dramatic" tone is intended in a playful harmless way, for those who cannot hear my voice....

I found this listing a while back:

OUTSTANDING, AUTHENTIC AND UPBEAT LATIN INSTRUMENTALS wanted by a very established and respected World Music Label with 150+ Compilation CD releases and worldwide distribution. Styles ranging from Traditional to Contemporary are welcome. A unique and relevant sound is a must! Instrumental demo presentation must be top-notch! Please submit one to three songs online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Tuesday, November 24, 2009. TAXI #S091124LA

.., and I knew by the number of similar ones listed, and by having been forwarded in '06 on a similar one (but not called back) - I knew exactly who it was, and I knew I NEEDED to get there.. I'm a flamenco guitarist and producer, so this was right up my alley. Also, my family always buys stuff from this label at the supermarket, so I REALLY wanted to get on one of their compilations....
I set out to compose the perfect piece for the listing, following the guidelines of my nemesis, SCREENER #275, who forwards my slow stuff, but never my uptempo stuff - as I feared this arch-rival would be the gatekeeper this time as well. My previously best uptempo latin track "Red Rumba" had been forwarded 100%, of the time by all the other screeners who'd heard it (7 times), but only 1 time out of 6 by #275 (probably an off day on that one), so I knew I needed something new. Also, I'd only had 1 call back from the 7 forwards, so I knew there must be something right about my nemisis' tastes. S/He wanted more groove..
I composed and recorded "Sevilla Sunset," and I knew this was the one.
I was so excited about it, I sent it to a library owner I'd met through TAXI (Thanks ML!!!).. and he asked me to make him an entire CD for his catalog! Whoo hoo! I knew this track was right for that label.. I could just feel it.
So I submitted it to the listing, and, stupidly, I submitted "Red Rumba" along with it... just in case.
Well, #275, you heard and rejected Red Rumba again today, and you rejected the new and improved "Sevilla Sunset" right along with it.. on new grounds - "needs a bassline." - as you said:
"
[relative to Red Rumba it has a] better groove... the melody/theme works well... would make a stronger impact to add a bass part as the arrangement evolves-otherwise, the track comes of as a demo poised for the full production treatment...
dan,
hello. thanks for sending in the music. the tracks are melodic and showcase good gtr. work but without a bass part, the grooves sound incomplete. the templates are in good shape-adding the bass will make the difference. go for it and good luck!
main reason:
the tracks are missing a bass part to complete the groove"

I saw this this morning, and instead of spending the day frustrated, I spent it recording a bass part for Sevilla Sunset. The consequent track is entitled "Sevilla Sunset #275," named for my favorite screener... which, if s/he ever reveals his identity to me, I will perhaps change the name of the track again to more properly pay tribute.
Now - it has been less than a day since the review, and I know that Put.. uh.. the label will not ask for more submissions for quite some time (3 years?).. so ... Dear #275... Is there any way you could find a place in your heart to listen to the new version with the bassline and reconsider it for forwarding? Can I pay for a custom critique for this purpose? The track, and its name, will forever stand as a tribute to you and your sage advice.

Thank you for your kind attention,
Dan

for those who are interested in the music in question:
http://www.taximusic.com/hosting/home.p ... t=danfries