Here's some all-new music for you for 2008...   This is another one of those recordings that basically constructed itself.  There was no forethought to the composition, but it all worked out it the end.    Generally, I create the structure after the basic recording is done, then continue to add layers until it feels right to me. 

Download Virtual CD Track Eleven: Speaking in Tongues

I started this track a couple of months ago, to test out the pizzicato string sounds that you hear at the beginning.   They added the pizzicato sounds to Synful recently, so I had to try them.  The part I created was interesting, but I didn't have any other ideas, so I set it aside for a few weeks.   One day , I started to add and layer up some drums, then added a bassline and guitar solo.   For some reason I was inspired to dig out my old bongos, in addition to a pitch-altered floor tom and my detuned ashiko drum.  It was originally all major-key, and quite pleasant, until about two weeks ago.  At that point, I discarded the original bass and guitar, and transformed my major key strings into the modal thing that you now hear...   The composition up until that point felt too safe and boring. 

I recorded the new guitar solo with no effects or processing whatsoever, then chose the sound using Amplitube VST.   I did this with the hope that I would get a different tone from it, but as I've observed before, the way I play dictates that it sounds a certain way.   So the final sound is not too different, but I'm pretty happy with it.   I enjoy playing in this mode, whatever it really is, when I'm practicing, so it was fun to use it here.    

It was only natural to layer up voices and other sounds to create a slightly sinister texture.    I cruised the Web in search of background crowd noise, and combined a few together with some of my own samples.  Close listening may reveal some of our local waterfowl. 

I couldn't come up with an appropriate title.... Christina suggested "The History of Travel" or "Speaking in Tongues."

If you listen, please let me know what you think!  The web site stats show that there are a lot more hits on these MP3s than there are comments.   So, who are you all?  If you like it or if you hate it, I want to know.