Home Recordings by DAKTARI - (an odd-ball collection)
 

Hi there,

I have an on-going project where I plan to record some South African guitar music that I have been playing around with. Sometimes, it's hard to work in isolation so I thought I'd post a few on here just to get some opinions, good or bad.

The actual playing at the moment is taking a back seat whilst I try to figure out the recording side.

Cheers, Gordon.

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=8485251
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=8501277
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=8485250

Daktari's Odd-ball Collection of Recorded Music .
 

Hi there,

I am in the process of trying to learn the art of recording music with my Boss BR600. For a very small box it is packed full of features which of course makes it more difficult for a non techy person like myself to get it working properly.

I aim to get a collection of songs/tunes together really as an exersise in recording but at the same time, if I come up with anything interesting, I plan to revive them later and maybe re-record when I eventually have it all sussed out.

I welcome any comments on what I have so far, good or bad and I thank anyone who has taken the time to check it out.

Cheers, Gordon.:beer:

SoundClick artist: Daktari - page with MP3 music downloads
SoundClick artist: Daktari - page with MP3 music downloads
SoundClick artist: Daktari - page with MP3 music downloads

Hi there,

Here's one more tune to add. Normally, I'm messing around in the African/Reggae type area. For a change I tried a bit of bluegrass hill billy music. This is one called 'Sweet Heaven When I Die' originally written by Claude Grant. It was nice to try something else for a change. All recorded live in one take, mistakes included, ha,ha...

Thanks for anyone checking it out, let me know what you think.

Cheers, Gordon. SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

Hi Gordon,

I'm a little behind on reading entries in the Songwriting Section and so am now finally getting to yours!

I listened to your "Sweet Heaven When I Die" and enjoyed the song, which I've never heard before. Your guitar playing is very agile and your voice warm and suited well to "bluegrass hill billy." A nice "cowboy" sort of voice, in this song. Since you said you recorded it all in one take, I am now curious how you play the guitar and use a tamborine at the same time! I felt the song sounded very sweet...just like the lyrics...so you matched the musicality well to the theme. I'll listen to your earlier songs now!

--Erica

Hello again, Gordon,

I typed these comments while listening to the following songs you posted:

Puspa Dewi - "Saking Tuhu Manah Guru"
Balinese Folk song with World Music flair

AFRICA1
Lovely! So energetic and peppy. A pretty tune, very catchy, and I enjoyed the drums with the twangy guitar. I was disappointed the song was so short! I would enjoy hearing this short clip extended to become a full song. Are you playing the drums by hand yourself? They sound real.

Harare Waltz
I also enjoyed this one very much! It has more of a rock feel to it because of the base in the drums. I’m a fan of folk music, since I grew up doing international dancing. I like hearing how you incorporate folk songs into your music. I am curious....which of your instruments are “real”? For example, do you actually have a drum set? Once again, it sounded real to me, but I couldn't tell for sure.

Send My Love To You
has a nice relaxed reggae feel. A sweet song, once again. I enjoyed the lyrics: “Sometimes I feel in control of myself; other times I feel like I’m going insane; sometimes I feel like a desert; sometimes I feel like the sky.” The song builds nicely near the end (beginning around 2:50). I assume you are using a fake Jamaican accent? I assume people from Lancashire who end up in Georgia don't sound Jamaican! :) Sounds realistic to me. An aside: I imagine you miss your reggae band from Lancashire. Have you found many people in Georgia with similar musical interests as you? In other words, is being a "one person band" by choice or by necessity due to a lack of potential bandmates?

Women of Ireland
Once I read that the original music, composed by Sean O Riada, is based on an old Irish poem from the 1700s, I very much wished that your version included lyrics! It was pleasant as an instrumental, but to me the electric guitar sounded lonely without the words to go with the tune. Around 2:00 the song sounds like Yes’ song “Soon”-- a very effective, haunting sound. Since I’m a “lyrics” person, instrumental pieces usually sound like they are missing something to me. The ending reminded me of a landing plane and was surprisingly modern.

I'll be curious to hear more of your work and revisions!

--Erica

Hi there,

Erica, first, thanks for taking the time to have a listen and secondly, for the comments you made after listening.

I have always loved and played reggae music but more recently I have been getting into African music, imparticular the guitar led music of Zimbabwe and Oliver Mtukudzi. If you lean more towards the lyric/poetic side of songs I would recommend giving this guy a listen. Great, meaningful lyrics yet simple but all of it hung on some really well played catchy music.

Now, you did ask several questions so here goes:

On the blue grass song, yup, I recorded this by standing the recorder about 9 ft in front of my Bose L1 pa tower. This is what I use when playing out live. I managed to stamp on the tambourine with my right foot but it was a bit of a stretch cos I had not planned on that when I pressed start on the recorder. The harmonies are live as well and are produced by a Digitech Vocalist Live 2. This amazing box supplies 2 backing harmonies which are actually the main vocal which it records and sends back out in a split second. It works out the correct harmonies based on the guitar chords being played. Old music style, new technology to get it, ha,ha...

Next. Africa 1, Africa2 and Harare Waltz were just quick sketches used as something to learn my recording. I am not vey quick on the techy side so these three tunes were just quickly put together really to test my recording technique. At the time, the idea was that if any of them sounded reasonable, I could revive them in the future and maybe make more of them.

As far as immitating a Jamamican accent. Well, I had a reggae band years ago in England and I wrote loads of songs back then. The accent must be a subconscious thing. I don't set out to sound like Bob Marley. The style of vocal automatically comes with the feel of the music. Just like in the blue grass attempt, you thought I had a 'COWBOY' type vocal. I was thinking more hill billy but there ya go,, it just suits that type of music and might start to sound funny if I forced a Lancashire accent on to it...

'Women of Ireland'. I have always loved the melody of that song. The original poem is in gaelic which I coudn't attempt that. There is a wonderful version recorded by Kate Bush though and she sings it in gaelic. I'm sure there would be a translation available on line somewhere. It is all about the hardships and suffering and contributions the women of Ireland made throughout that countrie's turbulent history, most of which was unrecorded and forgotten.

Thanks again for listening and watch this space, I will post more examples as I find time to record.

Cheers, Gordon.

Hi there,

Here is another song that I just recorded. I first wrote this song way back to perform in my band, 'DAKTARI'. This is another one I decided to try as a one man effort and it is also good practice for using my recorder. This one has the most tracks so far and I even managed to get a little saucepan in there for some extra percussion.

By the way, Erica was asking if I had a real drum kit. Well, no, I have one real drum which is a djembe from the Ivory Coast, but the recorder I used has a built in drum machine which I am sometimes tempted to use as on this particular example. Most times I bang on my guitar a lot as in 'Send My Love To You', a reggaish track I posted above. No drums at all on that one.

This is called, 'Don't Let The World Go Down'.

SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

Thanks for giving it a listen, Gordon.:thumb::band:

Here be another recording from last weekend.

This started off trying to be Zimbabwe style but I reckon because of the chords used, it has almost a Northern African feel or even Spanish.

SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

Hey, I've listened to the last song you put up, and I like it. Somehow it seems to me that it would be cool to have someone rap over it, I don't know why.
I thought that the guitar playing was really good, and very repetitive, but I hate the way that it fades out as soon as you decide upon a new idea... it seems to me that it's almost like you were improvising in the end. I would've liked to see it build more. But that's just me. Lots of people use and like fade-outs.

Here's my latest South African style recording. This one sounds like it's just got back from a vacation to Crete. :beer:

SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

Please feel free to link arms and walk sideways, throw plates, whatever in a Zimbabwe/Greek styli.

Gordon.

Two 'atmospheric' tracks.
 

Hi there,

Attached here are a couple of music tracks I recently recorded. I was thinking that they might be used as a backing track behind some of the poems/lyrics featured in this thread. One has a Japanese feel, the other a cross between Africa and India.

If anyone can make use of them, please feel free.

SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

Cheers, Gordon.:beer:

Two versions of same song - which one ?
 

Hi there,

I wrote this song for my wife when we first met. It's really not my usual style of reggae/celtic/African.. mix and this is more of a soft rock ballad/love song. No apologies, this seemed the best style of music for what the song was written for and the best way to convey the feelings involved.

Ok, what we have here is first, the original recording which is the more mellow version. I decided recently to try a second version but wanted it to sound maybe more commercial, more instant, more grabby. This is the second slightly more driving version.

I would be interested to know what anyone thinks and I thank you in advance for listening to two versions of the same song and an even bigger thanks if you could take the time and effort to let me know which you prefer, (if any).

I have a reason for asking and this reason might be worth bearing in mind also. I plan to enter one of these into a song contest. Any suggestions on first, which version to enter and second, should it go into the rock/alternative section or into the pop music section ?

By the way, if anyone is interested in entering a song just let me know and I'll try to post a link.

Here they are:

SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

Thanks again, Gordon.

Same Song, two versions. WHICH ONE ?
 

Hi there,

Here is a straight forward rock ballad/love song that I wrote for my wife when we first met. Both these versions use the same lyrics but to me have different characters because of the different treatment of the backing tracks.

Just out of interest, I was wondering what you other songwriters thought was the stronger version. Look forward to hearing any opinions and thanks to those who are prepared to listen to the same song twice.

By the way, I don't normally do rocky type music, I'm usually recording African style or Reggae influenced stuff.

Cheers, Gordon.:beer:

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=8668456

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=8853070

Keep it in one thread or it gets chucked into the vbulletin netherworld.

Latest song: VERMILLION BORDER
 

Hi there,

Here's a song I wrote inspired by a question that came up on 'Millionaire'.

The answer was lips and the title of the song was the question.

Let me know what you think, either way...

Cheers, Gordon.:beer:

SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

Here are the lyrics for the above song: (Forgot to post them)

(CHORUS)
If there's one thing I regret, something I could have showed her
I wish I would have kissed her Vermillion Border.

What did I do? She's gone away
What can I do, to make her stay?
Is it something that I said or is it something that I didn't?
Is it something that is obvious or something that is hidden?

(REPEAT CHORUS)

I guess it's no good crying over milk that is spilt,
"Stranger On The Shore" by Mr. Acker Bilk
Is the way that I feel after my marching orders
I wish I could have kissed your Vermillion Border.


(Imagine getting Acker Bilk into a song lyric...... Stranger On The Shore is a nice tune though in Acker's own clarinetesque way).


Cheers, Gordon.

A 'SONG' is usually lyrics and music ?
 

Hi there,

I've always thought that a song is lyrics set to music. I enjoy checking out the lyrics in this section but it seems that for some reason when I try to post music it is frowned on. Surely the backing track to the lyrics is just as important as the words themselves when working on a finished song.

Also, why am I warned when I start a thread with a completed song in there. As a musician, it is always interesting to get comments from folks who I'm guessing because they contribute to a site like this obviously have an interest in music. If folks like what they hear, well that's great but sometimes it is just as helpful to hear why folks might not like a particular song.

At the risk of being banned for life I have attached a recent song called:


VERMILLION BORDER the lyrics of which lie below.....



(chorus)
If there's one thing I regret, something I should have shown her,
I wish I would have kissed her Vermillion Border.
(repeat)

What did I do? She's gone away
What can I do to make her stay?
Is it something that I said or is it something that I didn't?
Is it something that is obvious or something that is hidden?

I tried to tell the truth,didn't want to be a lier
But now you screw me up, you're gonna throw me on the fire,
I admit that I'm no expert at this thing they call romance,
Don't walk away, come back to me, just give me one more chance.

I guess it's no good crying over milk that is spilt,
'Stranger On The Shore', by Mr. Acker Bilk
Is the way that I feel after my marching orders.
I wish I would have kissed your Vermillion Border....



SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in


All the best. Let me know what you think.

Gordon.:thumb:

I don't understand why that would be frowned upon here? I think it's awesome! :D

perhaps people think you're simply advertising your music but there are definitely worse places you could do that, on this forum.

Thanks for taking the time to have a listen.

I guess there is a fine line sometimes between wanting to hear genuine opinions and blatant self promotion. Hell, no worries there, I'm way to old to be bothered about that. Music is something I've always done and always will, whatever anyone else thinks. It's just nice to share it sometimes... can't suit everyone though....

Cheers,Gordon.

I've never seen anybody be frowned upon for posting music in here. That's what this subforum is all about.

There is nothing wrong with posting lyrics and/or soundbites of your music here.

However, if you read the rules for this forum here, http://www.musicbanter.com/song-writ...e-posting.html, you will see that we ask everyone to keep their posts limited to one thread.

I will merge this thread in with your other thread. As long as you keep posting there, we're all good!

Thanks for posting!

Gordon,

I loved this stuff! I am a big fan of Africana in general and you sound pretty authentic :D. Keep it up!!

Sorry guys for messing you up. I promise to behave and stick any new stuff in here from now on. It's really hard to resist sometimes,for example, if I'm in the Reggae/Ska section and I've just finished a song that fits into that style it would be great to get a reaction/opinion from the folks who are into that kind of music. It seems more direct that way. I'm sure a lot of folks on here don't even visit the songwriter's section. Just a thought...

What I have here is a direct link to my music page on Soundclick where anyone interested can check out everything I have recorded so far. If this is not allowed please let me know and feel free to remove it. I called it 'Odd-Ball' for a reason and that is, I just play anything when I get the urge and I don't stick to any particular style. Eclectic I suppose is the proper word for it...

Here it is: SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

Slanji, Gordon.

I like it! Thanks for sharing :)

Alot of people don't visit the songwriting forum. But we do have our regulars who check it out all the time, and you'll usually get feedback from them.

Three Song Competition Entries. What you think ?
 

Hi,

I decided to search through my songs and make three entries into a National Song Writing Competition. Never really done this before but an entry form dropped out of a music mag I was reading so I thought I'd give it a go.

The first will be in the Pop/Rock section, the second in the World Music section and the third in the Instrumental section.

I was just hoping to get a little feedback. To be honest, I don't know how these competitions are judged and what they are looking for. No harm trying I guess.

Thanks for any opinions in advance.

1) SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

2) http://soundclick.com/share?songid=8824148

3) SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

Cheers, Gordon.:beer:

Hi there,

A friend on a guitar web site wrote the lyrics for the following song and I supplied the music and recorded it.

Here are the lyrics and the recorded song:


SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

Love Crime, (BANG,BANG).

Your'e on the prowl and your up all night
like a vampire lookin for another bite
you look so good and act so tough
your not gonna stop till you get enough
stay away that's what I'm told
cuz your a cold steel revolver ready to explode

(chorus)
bang bang your love is like a gun
shoot me in the heart then turn around and run
bang bang your reckless with your crime
you're gonna do life .... Without lovin anyone

everywhere you go you leave 'em lying on the floor
you're just out lookin for another score
I wanna run , I wanna get away
and you're just livin for another day
you don't care you're doin it for fun
you're a love serial killer that's on the run

(back to chorus)

someday soon you're gonna seeL

you've been livin in misery
you're livin alone , you're livin a lie
caught red handed without an alibi
there's no where to hide and no where to run
and you're left left standing with a smoking gun

(back to chorus)

Love crime,(bang,bang).
 

SoundClick artist: Daktari - I mainly play one-man reggae usually in local bars, restaurants and private parties. Also getting in

Music by me, lyrics by Johnny Hearinvoices.

:thumb:

Link to my Youtube page if anyone interested.
 

Hi there,

Daktari Schofield plays one-man reggae and other stuff. I recently started a Youtube page and so far I have eight videos on there. Nothing spectacular, just me practicing various songs I play.

Not sure if this is permitted but I guess I'll soon find out.

Thanks to anyone who spares the time to have a look and listen.

Cheers, Gordon.

YouTube - DaktariSchofield's Channel

:wavey: