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I haven't posted any tracks in a while. Here's the listing:INSTRUMENTAL PIANO TRACKS a la David Benoit, Brian Culbertson, Michele Camilo, etc. sought by President of Independent World/Jazz label for a compilation project comprised of a melodic menu of solo and band arrangements led by acoustic piano. Melodic Jazz and Latin tracks are welcome but compositions mixing Jazz with interesting World sounds will be a priority. The compilation stresses a melodic instrumental approach with fresh sounding piano-led tracks based on mostly medium-tempo grooves. Ballads (no New Age) are also welcome but only represents a small percentage of the compilation. Tracks must be original with excellent performances and available for a non-exclusive license deal. 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 Wednesday, March 25, 2009. TAXI #S090325INHere's the track:http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... am=trueThe drums are from the new EZ Drummer Jazz Expansion Feedback welcome.Chuck

Chuck - what an interesting track! Seems very creative to me. I'm wondering about the balance between the piano and the main Asian-style instrument - the piano seems 'stronger'. The flute blowing is a little bright when it comes in around 2 minutes. You might think of adding a little more bass to round it out, as these three instruments are all higher frequency. Just my opinion of course.

The thing is this about instruments in the digital age, a flute is a tiny and small instrument and shouldn't sound big. I think the flute is fine, you don't need to add bass, that will only make it wider and therefor unnatural. I think you have a very strong track here, but maybe more piano melodies? I think the piano is too much in the back. The listing asks for "led by piano", but I don't know if that means "the lead instrument". The piano is sure there! Do you use the same reverb setting on all the instruments? I thought it was a little to spread out now in the mix. Maybe tighten things up a bit. The track is awesome, and I think you will get a forward with some minor changes.

Thanks for listening.Just to add a little elaboration.The flute is a Shakuhachi and is a "big sound"The other Asian instrument is a Zheng harp.The piano is the Italian Grand from Ivory.Chuck

Ooh, the Italian Grand!! I LOVE Ivory!! I don't know precisely what they mean when they say "lead by piano" eitha but this should do it pretty well, don't you think? The only thing I'd consider sayin is perhaps eitha eq'in the piano so it's a tad bit mo crispy or switchin ta maybe the Ivory Steinway? It would pop it up in front a tad mo without havin ta play with levels. Normally if they hadn't said anything about the piano in the listing, I would've left it as is, it's lovely. But since they did......Jes my thought.

Hi Chuck,Nice track... cool mixing of jazz and world instruments (like the listing says). You always do a good job on the Asian stuff... funny... you don't look Asian. Dave

Mar 20, 2009, 7:38am, davewalton wrote:Hi Chuck,Nice track... cool mixing of jazz and world instruments (like the listing says). You always do a good job on the Asian stuff... funny... you don't look Asian. DaveBut I do eat a lot of Asian food. Chuck

Hi Chuck...This sounds really good...I'm outa genre but echo the "piano needs to be a little more prominant" crowd...The other thing is maybe vary the hi hat pattern going on in the back a bit in places... use it to define a section maybe...Very soothing.... nice hybrid...Peace, Geo

Thanks for all the comments.As part fo my "rifle approach" I'm trying to get tracks prepared a week or so before a deadline to be able to live with them for a little bit before they ar sent out into the world.I'm going to try different piano sounds and mess with the mix a bit.Chuck

Hey Chuck!Yeah, I think ya' got it nailed. Piano maybe could be a little brighter, perhaps? It does sound a little dull, IMHO. I think ya' got the overall feel/vibe though. Sounds like a definite forward ta' me.ibanez468