Rondini with backing track

[NickC]

I got some good advise in another thread. (Quick background: I am making backing tracks for gigging and I'm in waaaay over my head with recording and mixing technique). I thought I'd post here with the latest. It's a tune called Rondini. Carlo Venturi recorded a version. There is a lot that I left out, because it was beyond my technical ability. But, I also found that his phrasing on the less technical parts is super musical and presented a different challenge for me.

I also made the backing track a bit faster than I can play it. I figured that I would make it closer to the original tempo and work towards that, instead of having to re-do it later. So, the accordion is a bit rough at spots. The drums and guitar are from Band in a Box--I recorded the bass and accordion live. I also need to come up with a better ending. But here it is:

 

[jozz]

bravo! ?

great tune and nicely done

for the ending I would go up, instead of down

and I would try to put the little bass runs in

 

[Tom]

Great work Nick, you've got the sound!

 

[NickC]

Thanks guys. I overdubbed the accordion later in the day. As I was playing, I remembered that the backing track didn't have an ending, so I just went with something simple. I agree that I should go up...maybe a little ornament, then an arpeggio up.

I learned that opening a file means 2 hours of editing, so I might leave this as is, and move on to another tune. I have 4 started and need to pick up the pace if I'm going to finish a set before festival season. It makes it difficult that they are only about 3 minutes long. I'll need a lot of tunes for a set. Then I will go back and make little changes here and there. Or maybe I'll copy and paste and make them twice as long. I will post more as I finish them.

 

[Tom]

Very cool Nick. Do you have a venue lined up?

 

[NickC]

I don't have any gigs lined up yet. But, I've decided that festivals would be the best venue for me. I love to play all kinds of music, but I have a particular interest in the northern Italian tunes. I know that if I were to play at restaurants and the like, I would have to move toward the southern Italian musical traditions. I'm also a big fan of Neapolitan music, but more for listening than playing.

So, if I were to play at Italian festivals (there are dozens near me) with several groups on the bill, I figure that southern Italy will be represented, and I can offer something different. If all goes well, I can eventually teach them the dances and have a unique show. Ideally, I would also have a group of other musicians, but it is proving difficult to find people with similar interests. After a while, I can hire a band, or use the backing tracks depending on the festival budget.

That's the plan anyway...we'll see how it goes.

 

[Tom]

I don't have any gigs lined up yet. But, I've decided that festivals would be the best venue for me. I love to play all kinds of music, but I have a particular interest in the northern Italian tunes. I know that if I were to play at restaurants and the like, I would have to move toward the southern Italian musical traditions. I'm also a big fan of Neapolitan music, but more for listening than playing.

So, if I were to play at Italian festivals (there are dozens near me) with several groups on the bill, I figure that southern Italy will be represented, and I can offer something different. If all goes well, I can eventually teach them the dances and have a unique show. Ideally, I would also have a group of other musicians, but it is proving difficult to find people with similar interests. After a while, I can hire a band, or use the backing tracks depending on the festival budget.

That's the plan anyway...we'll see how it goes.

Good luck Nick!