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Like most of the guys playing parts on this song, this one's a pretty special one for me, because of my dad's love for country music and being an amazing guitarist who was a big influence on me to play music. Thanks to Josh for reaching out to invite us along for this one, and to all the guys for putting their hearts into the performances here!
Dedicated to Dad.
Cast of Characters:
mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Lead and harmony vocals, synth guitar intro, auxiliary percussion, mix, arrangement, and production
TexMex Shaman–@texmex-shaman –Stephen– guitar, banjo, and mastering
Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – mix and production
J.J. Terrell–@j-j-terrell –piano
K2 and the Three [and the Four]--@k2andthe3, @k2-kara -–Ken–drums and vocal harmonies
Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)–@josh-clary-1 –-four string fretless bass, mandolin, and lap steel
This song began when Josh asked the rest of the guys if they'd be willing to put together a couple of songs for his father as a Christmas present. His dad is from West Virginia, and Josh was born there, too. The original version featured his son, Marshall, singing the lead with him, and hearing his grandson sing a song about West Virginia really meant a lot to elder Clary. Of course, everyone was enthusiastically generous in giving their time, effort, and skill to Josh's family for the holiday. This song also has special meaning for JJ and Ken in relation to their fathers, as well. JJ's dad has had a rough year with his health. He also is a musician who inspired and encouraged JJ to play music. His dad also likes this song, so it was fun for him to present it to him, as well. Ken, who's father never really supported his decision to be a rock-and-roller, loves this version of the song we did, and made Ken know how proud of him he is in regard to it, which really meant a lot to Ken, too. Another cool connection Ken has to this song is that whilst attending elementary school, he was in the same school choral cohort with the Maria Carey. He actually sang this song with her when they were kids. Also, we feel like we should acknowledge Artur's dog, even though Artur isn't in on this one, his dog loves country music and responded enthusiastically to this one.
The story of the song itself is a little convoluted. After Josh asked for everyone's help, Ken laid down a rudimentary beat, to which Josh started the tonal part with the bass. Stephen added the guitar and banjo soon after, and Josh added the mandolin shortly after that. JJ inserted his piano around this time, too. We pretty much had it working enough for Josh and his son to sing it for his dad. Tez mixed that version perfectly suited to the occasion.
After presenting Josh's dad with the present, it sat for about a month, until we asked Mark if he'd get in on it, too. Mark not only sang it better the John Denver, but also arranged it so there is an instrumental break now. He also added the guitar lick around the beginning. Ken took the opportunity of having Mark's great vocals to sing against to add his cunning harmonies. Mark threw down a harmony line as well during the verse, and one of the 2 high chorus harmonies. Then Mark, being the perfectionist that he is, noticed that the slide part was missing from the second verse. So, Josh added it. Mark also mixed this version, with Stephen doing some mastering at the end.
We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed putting this personally meaningful piece together.
All comments welcome, and don't be shy to be critical or suggest ideas to help me improve. :)
(song written by Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver)
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here's some pictures I took: www.flickr.com/photos/mark_boucher/
my best photos on 500px (safe site): 500px.com/p/mrmark?view=photos
- Genre
- Country