(Remastered 22/10/2021)
Here it is in all of its glory...
THIS is the song that Mrs R and I had decided was a suitable response to a request to "Upload something HAPPY, stat!!!!!!!!!"
I tried to record it back in 2013 when I wrote it…
I was once asked to write a happy song. It turned out to be about a woman who killed herself and when I found out THAT SHE ACTUALLY KILLED HERSELF I wasn't sure what to think about my premonition.https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/a-happy-song. THEN, later an old friend asked if I had any happy songs so I wrote this:https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/if-it-makes-you-happy-092914-1
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
I was asked (told?) to upload something happy. Hmmm, I thought. This will end well...
So, a few days later, I was rehearsing a pleasant little thing I wrote several years ago that has a working title of "She Was…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
Here's the very latest from the broom-cupboard.
I wrote it one dark night over 23 years ago.
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**All I Have To Do - A A J Russe**
There isn’t much time to get this out
You won’t hear me if I have to…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
Okies, so I'm working on some other thing and it's taking a while... drums to do and wotnot. But in the middle of it I'm digging how my Martin acoustic is working out. You probs won't even be able to hear it amongst…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
I wrote this one last September.
Allison Jane Sixsmith 1965-2016.
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**Forever - A A J Russe**
I can see you on your rocking horse now
The one that turned around and kicked you in the teeth
He thought…
I hear you’re drinking at the chocolate fountain
You pulled the handle off the door
But they won’t mind
They’ll be mending it forever..." Great images...
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
I wasn't even sure the recording machine was still going to work after nearly five years... Certainly, bits of me don't work anymore... But, surprisingly, I got this done in 24 hours, start to finish... Strange old world…
As If It Really Matters - A A J Russe
Written 16th January 1999
Recorded 12th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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Crumbs, even this is 23 years old!
We used it as a set-opener in the last band I was in.
I've been trying to make…
Gates Of Heaven - A A J Russe
Written 15th January 1988
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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This is about as naked as I can get.
This is how I wrote it. It's never had any accompaniment.
I was a bit young to sing…
As If It Really Matters - A A J Russe
Written 16th January 1999
Recorded 12th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
Crumbs, even this is 23 years old!
We used it as a set-opener in the last band I was in.
I've been trying to make…
No-one To Blame - A A J Russe
Written 1st January 1988
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
Nearly forgot to post this one! (it's been a busy week at work)
I was 24 when I wrote it. What more can I say…
What's really cool about these songs written long ago is that you are still able to remember the melody... I'm always having to remember my own music. I really like this one! Wise words of a twenty something... wiser that his years!
Who Is My Neighbour - A A J Russe
Written sometime in 1992
Recorded 12th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
I wrote this 30 years ago when I was 29. There were a bunch of people killing other people. There were refugees.
By the…
As If It Really Matters - A A J Russe
Written 16th January 1999
Recorded 12th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
Crumbs, even this is 23 years old!
We used it as a set-opener in the last band I was in.
I've been trying to make…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 15
Written Wednesday 23rd February 2022
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I wasn't able to stop! I really meant to, but... Oh well.
It's still February, so it can go with the others.
IT IS MY FIRM INTENTION TO…
Congratulations!!!! Ended with another amazing tune - YES! That is a wealth of creativity in you my friend. I look forward to hearing all your other tunes. I hope you took a good rest after all this!!!
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 14
Written Monday 21st February 2022
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This is it ... FAWM's all finished for me... time for a lie down now.
There's still nearly a week to go, but I'm done, 14 songs written in 16…
Amazing how this came towards the end of the challenge...simply gorgeous. I don't hear any fatigue in it. A sad song though and I'm imagining the story behind it. Beautiful.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 13
Written Saturday 19th February 2022
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UPDATE: 8 Hours after posting I just spotted that I listened to and favourited a song called... um... "We're Done" by oldfolks2 - check it out…
This is another great one!!! and catchy too. I also loved hearing your description of how this came about - I totally relate!!! I actually don't like most of my own songs. This song captures the spirit of these challenges :)
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 11
Written Thursday 17th February 2022
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Feels like I'm on the last lap now. Only 3 more needed.
This one came from a suggestion from Mrs R this morning. I didn't quite fancy it, but…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 10
Written Wednesday 16th February 2022
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I've had the little guitar bit in the middle for years and years and years.
Even my wife recognises it, I play it so often.
Yesterday while…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 9
Written Tuesday 15th February 2022
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I decided it was time I wrote a song that wasn't so hard to sing and play!
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**Once Again - A A J Russe**
Every day
You keep asking…
oh yeah!!! Great song and loving that chord progression. Beautiful with all the changes ...loving it. How did you do all this in such a short time period? Wow, wow, wow.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 8
Written Monday 14th February 2022
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It's not entirely true. But it's CLOSE ENOUGH!
It was actually the 16th of February.
But we were corresponding by email on the 14th.
Then we…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 6
Written Friday 11th February 2022
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I was meant to be resting and chilling.
In fact, I was resting and chilling.
But then I got a message from Lala saying she was listening to the…
With JS Tolar, as band Visions Of Nell.
My tribute to Anne Boleyn, the first queen to be publicly executed in England. I used some of the poetry she wrote during her imprisonment in the chorus. An innocent, incomparable woman.
With Big Time Operator, who originally uploaded his awesome music with the offer that anyone can add vocals...too good to miss! Love this music, and had loads of fun wailing. Thanks Chris!
Played on BBC Radio Introducing. :)
http://alonetone…
With huge thanks to the awesomeinfinity Jake, Wrinkled Shirt, who let me use his gorgeous instrumental track "Gaza".
The sun left the city, from the ground
Moonlight woke up, falling down
Why are you scared, free as a bird
Now that the heat…
An instrumental guitar tune which combines some flashy rock "guitar hero" stuff with a strong melody. Couldn't think of a title so I just did what I always do in that situation... nick the name of an old movie from the '50s
Well that's been a very enjoyable half hour, welcome to alonetone. Looking forward to hearing more of your stuff.
I'll just go and practice a bit now...!
Ah! I wondered when a "Hank" vibe would appear - I just knew you could do it... Masterful stuff.
Gorgeous tones. Are you mic'ing up "real amps" or modelling?
Like Kavin says - wow...
When this one started I thought "ah, won't grab me so much" (jazz is not something I've ever made much effort to get into, and the opening chords/stops announced themselves as "not your thing andrew") - but then... wow
(and when the stops arrived again at the end - I was well into it!)
A little jazz-funk for your delectation. My homage to Jeff Beck's 1975 masterpiece album "Blow By Blow". The title is the name of a Lee Child book I was reading at the time I was writing the tune.
Loving your stuff so far. Although I'm a guitarist, it's not often "guitar only" music holds my attention for more than a track or so - but you're managing it easily!
A little experiment... what would happen if you took a Gypsy jazz tune in the style of Django Reinhardt & played it with a rock band type line up? I reckon it might sound a bit like this :-)
A demo recorded live for the band THE BIG BAD DOG
Trevor...Vocal
Jon...Guitar
Gary....Drums
written by Jerry Reed adapted & Performed by The Big Bad Dog
A BIG, BIG thank you to Wildgeas who took my simple acoustic guitar song and turned it into a beautiful work of art. Arrangements and Production done magnificently by Paul Lennon (Wildgeas). Also, special thank you to Bethan who put her sweet…
i've used the same chord progression as i have eyes but speeded it up quite a bit....Hope you enjoy!!
LET IT LOOSE
you don’t know me and i don’t know you
so lets get together and stop feeling blue
lets shake it out and lets get this thing…
New song from GHOST OF JOHN MURPHY
from the POP GOES THE GHOST album
WHEN LAYLA COMES OVER
When Layla comes over everything stops
When Layla comes over I put on my socks
I put on my shoes. I put on my shirt.
When Layla comes over…
Comments on Andrew Russe's stuff
I was once asked to write a happy song. It turned out to be about a woman who killed herself and when I found out THAT SHE ACTUALLY KILLED HERSELF I wasn't sure what to think about my premonition.https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/a-happy-song. THEN, later an old friend asked if I had any happy songs so I wrote this:https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/if-it-makes-you-happy-092914-1
"But still I love the comfort I find in misery…" Great line. Beatle like...and that's always good.
Great guitar sound.
Love this. Beautifully done. Tonight I was trying out a song from that era: Twilight Time...https://www.e-chords.com/chords/the-platters/twilight-time
I hear you’re drinking at the chocolate fountain You pulled the handle off the door But they won’t mind They’ll be mending it forever..." Great images...
Rock on Dude...! Good to listen to some of your tunes. It's been a while. Strange relationship in this song.
Another great song! Maybe it’s time to get the band back together!,!
Like it.
Beautiful piece.
What's really cool about these songs written long ago is that you are still able to remember the melody... I'm always having to remember my own music. I really like this one! Wise words of a twenty something... wiser that his years!
This is a universal message with a hauntingly sad melody. Everyone should be open to these words. Thank you Andrew.
The words really speak to me … as ever!
Congratulations!!!! Ended with another amazing tune - YES! That is a wealth of creativity in you my friend. I look forward to hearing all your other tunes. I hope you took a good rest after all this!!!
Amazing how this came towards the end of the challenge...simply gorgeous. I don't hear any fatigue in it. A sad song though and I'm imagining the story behind it. Beautiful.
This is another great one!!! and catchy too. I also loved hearing your description of how this came about - I totally relate!!! I actually don't like most of my own songs. This song captures the spirit of these challenges :)
I can't help but comment again! This is fabulous!!! Love how it came about - thank you Mrs. R.
What a loving ballad .....just perfect. That "little guitar bit" found its home :) Beautiful vocals here too.
oh yeah!!! Great song and loving that chord progression. Beautiful with all the changes ...loving it. How did you do all this in such a short time period? Wow, wow, wow.
Another beautiful poetic song with such an excellent expressive performance. Love it!
I must take this train after hearing this song! What a great song :)....deserves a second comment.
Comments made by Andrew Russe
:) xxx
Love what you did with this.
Now I know what you were wearing, this makes more sense to me... Gorgeous vocal
Well that's been a very enjoyable half hour, welcome to alonetone. Looking forward to hearing more of your stuff. I'll just go and practice a bit now...!
OK... haha! I was just thinking of dusting off my fiesta red strat... and then this kicks off... perhaps I'll play one of the teles instead. Love it.
Ah! I wondered when a "Hank" vibe would appear - I just knew you could do it... Masterful stuff. Gorgeous tones. Are you mic'ing up "real amps" or modelling?
Like Kavin says - wow... When this one started I thought "ah, won't grab me so much" (jazz is not something I've ever made much effort to get into, and the opening chords/stops announced themselves as "not your thing andrew") - but then... wow (and when the stops arrived again at the end - I was well into it!)
Some gorgeous lyrical playing here.
Loving your stuff so far. Although I'm a guitarist, it's not often "guitar only" music holds my attention for more than a track or so - but you're managing it easily!
Tasty. Very tasty.
Oh yes! Nice one
The Big Bad Dog is a rocking little combo. Love it.
This is shaping up real nice... crying out for the right bassist. Loving what you guys are doing together.
Rockin stuff.
Wow! This works. Nice one folks.
Aww this is fabulous
NICE. It's got a wonderful feel to it. Love the "Doo-do-do-doo" choruses.
LOVE IT I get the feeling this isn't the first version of this that I've heard? Have you posted a different version before?
The guitars have a particularly nice bite on this one. And like Ms Sky says... You ROCK Looking forward to hearing more
Rocks, big time