Here are some songs Jazz Folks are working on.
They range from outside the box experimental pieces to simple folk songs.
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January 7, 2012
“Exhale” is a guitar and mandolin piece with some synth pads floating around in the background. Slow, peaceful, like a sigh. Sometimes it is the breath that is all there is……….so Exhale G. Stevens
“Twigs and Stones”. I’m tripping out with some Kalimbas. I love the sound and repetitive nature of those instruments. Another tune preparing for the vesper service this coming March.
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December 26, 2011
“Reflections” is an instrumental piece I wrote anticipating my next vespers service in March of 2012.
I have been doing some songwriting lately for a side project called the “Lucky Dogs” here is a “Lucky Dogs” recording of one of my songs: “Leaves Of The Trees”
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Some time in Early 2011
“Wade In The Water“ is an abstracted version of a fine traditional song. This is a solo mandolin piece with electronic effects.
Frank and Glenn at the Peabody Museum in New Haven, Ct.
I have been toying around with delays and reverse delays on the mandolin. I have recorded some of the results and I have also used them live a few times as well. More stuff to carry to gigs but it can be really fun.
Next is an original piece by Glenn Stevens, again with solo mandolin and effects called “The Murky Pond”
Dave Mix and Glenn tearing it up in Branford, CT.
This is a little dark but I have been digging playing it. Lots of different delays mixed together to create a real atmospheric effect. Well, maybe a murky effect. This was recorded in one pass, no over dubs or layering sounds.
Finally a couple little jazz tunes. Both with the band playing straight up. No effects or anything but our acoustic instruments. Glenn on mandolin, Case and Frank on guitars, Fred on bass, and Bob on drumset. “Smokin’ At The Kasbah” was recorded live at the Kasbah Garden Cafe in New Haven, CT. This is on our “At the Kasbah” CD.
“You and Me” Glenn on mandolin, Case and Frank on guitars and Fred on bass.
Thanks for adding my blog to your blogroll! Best wishes from Germany! Michael
Your welcome Michael. I enjoyed getting lost in all the video you have posted.
Glenn
when i was younger, i always love the tune of alternative music compared to pop music “:’
Hi Genn,
I really enjoy listening to your work. I particuarly like the clear tone you achieve and how you use this so expressively both live and in your studio work. It’s influencing my approach quite a bit. What mandolin/s do you play and do you always plug into an amp/pa system? Keep up the inspiring work.
Hi Sam,
Thanks for the kind words. I usually play a Rigel R100 mandolin. It is an awsome instrument that is easy to play and feels and sounds great. I also use a Mann EM-8 electric hollow body when I play live with effect pedals and other electronic stuff. It lets me hear just the amplified sounds that are processed instead of the acoustic sound. I think in the YouTube videos I’m playing my old Flatiron A model mandolin. I think the biggest determiner of my sound is the strings I use. I use flat wound Thomastic Infeld Heavy gauge strings. Bell like tones is what I hear. And then there is the pick, I use a very thick pick, over 2mm. It is like playing with a rock, crazy.
Thanks Glenn. That’s all very useful and enlightening. Interestingly, I’ve been using Thomastics on an F5 and i do like that sound too. I’ve been considering an electric and will check one out soon. Just one last question, do you use the ffcp system (avoiding open strings) extensively ?