BLUE POOL (w Anne Cozean, kevmikwa, alfalpha and Ms jig)

jiguma

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Description

This song was inspired by a camping trip Jan and I did in February this year - and it's taken this long to get together (for many reasons). The long gestation has however given me the opportunity to try to develop my skills in the production department, and hopefully that comes accross in the result. I simply couldn't wait any longer to post this one!!

This has the significant benefit of 4 collaborators: Anne Cozean (SISTERS) and my wife Jan on backing vocals; Mike Watkins (kevmikwa) on drums; and Alf Solti (alfalpha) on keyboards. I play guitars and bass (and sing a bit). A big thank you to Alf, Mike, Jan and Anne for their time and talent!

The lyrics are simple snippets of things which happened during our little trip, and may not make much sense, but they sum the trip up rather well to me. The distinct Italian influence here was unexpected, but fits the song nicely.

The "Blue Pool" is at Bermagui, 90km from our place, and is simply a beautiful place to

Play it loud!

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Lyrics

Blue Pool
© 2007 Neil Porter

Well I’m packing up the wagon
Time to do some camping by the sea
It's ninety ks to Paradise
Ninety ks from nowhere you and me

Heading up to Bermi
Pick a beach that isn’t far away
The water temp’s been falling
You couldn’t get this man in there, no way

Blue Pool
Warmer than the ocean
Blue Pool
Quite the place to be
Blue Pool
Poetry in motion
Blue Pool
Hangin’ in the sun sounds fine to me
Fine to me
Fine to me
Blue Pool

INSTRUMENTAL

Blue Pool
Warmer than the ocean
Blue Pool
Quite the place to be
Blue Pool
Poetry in motion
Blue Pool
Hangin’ in the sun sounds fine to me
Fine to me
Fine to me
Blue Pool

Fresh caught calamari
Fishing boats that loiter in the bay
Moto Guzzi mayhem
80 years and clearly here to stay

Gelato by the seaside
Get to taste the ones you want for free
Talk of Rome and Vespas
Just about as cool as you can be

Song Stats

Hits: 3460
Comments: 77
Fans: 40
Plays: 573
Downloads: 77
Votes: 22
Uploaded: Apr 25, 2007 - 09:31:56 PM
Last Updated: Jul 24, 2009 - 05:52:46 AM Last Played: Nov 05, 2009 - 04:48:37 AM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Keywords:

kevmikwa (5), alfalpha (24), SISTERS (5), jiguma (17), gelato (1), Vespa (1), MotoGuzzi (1), calamari (3), Rome (2), Bermagui (1)

Hardware:

Seagull S6 acoustic guitar
Fender Precision Bass
Rode NT3 mic
Behringer UB802 mixer/preamp
iMac G4

Maybe Alf, Anne and Mike will fill you in on their technical stuff.

Software:

Logic Express
Ozone 3

Comments

Vic Holman

Vic Holman said 927 days ago (April 25th, 2007)

blue pool and jazzy
i know i won't get no time off this summer. so, this will have to do as a mind vacation for me. great team work. works like a real band on stage. damn fine bass line..everything else seems to revolves and extend around that. to me it brings to a Boz Skaggs and Joe Cockers working bands blended together like a fine margurita. real breezy!

Check out my latest song called One Step Over The Line

jiguma	jiguma said 927 days ago (April 25th, 2007)
	Boz 'n Joe - I like that! Thanks for dropping in Vic! I've wanted to do a song for a while here using a few other MJers, and this seemed like a good one for that purpose. I was really pleased to get Anne, Jan, Alf and Mike to help out. It sure was fun to do. Neil --- BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

dajama

dajama said 927 days ago (April 25th, 2007)

Fantastic
This is fantastic. The production is outstanding. I am in awe! Everything is crisp and defined. Sweet. The melody is catchy and the performance is terrific throughout - great keyboards, drums & percussion, bass (love the bass line too) and guitar, and of course outstanding vocals (backing and otherwise). Your lead vocal is terrific, and the backing vocals are nicely set in the mix. Spring is kicking in where I am, and I have visions of biking around the lakes with this on the iPod. Thanks for sharing this. Nice work. Now I want to go camping or hiking or something...

Check out my latest song called Across the Wire (MJRF)

jiguma

jiguma said 927 days ago (April 25th, 2007)

Thanks dajama
Glad you enjoyed our little tune! Hard to miss with such good collaboration going on. The production is my first serious attempt at "mastering" a song after the final mix with Ozone 3. I've used Ozone 3 before (on "Well Enough Alone") but only in demo mode and without much understanding of what it was meant to do. After reading the manual (a first for me) I feel like I have a bit more of an idea about what it is capable of and how I might use it to my advantage.
Enjoy the outdoors whenever you can!
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

Jim Bouchard	Jim Bouchard said 927 days ago (April 25th, 2007)
	I pop in for a quick listen and wow! That drum part is just super, really grooves. It's all the difference I think, though the bass playing is not bad (understatement taken to the extreme there). Really supa-dupa! Check out my latest song called Weather or Not w/awigze

jiguma

jiguma said 927 days ago (April 25th, 2007)

Cheers Jim
Mike's drumming is so right for the music I play - he's definitely on my list for future songs too. This would have been much less interesting if I'd used drum loops, no matter how good they were. I've really discovered recently how much more comes out of a song if you get other people's input as well. Maybe I'm just accepting that I can't play everything myself (finally) :)
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

alfalpha

alfalpha said 927 days ago (April 26th, 2007)

There are a couple of reasons why...
...I can count myself as one of the fortunate MacJammers.

1) Seeing as I live in the same area as Neil, I also get to enjoy Bermagui.

2) Seeing as I live in the same area as Neil, I also get to enjoy Jiguma's company in person.

...although, despite our geographical proximity, this was done pretty much in 'cyberspace' ;)

Congratulations Neil, on yet another great song & Thanks for asking me to be a part of it!
Cheers,
Alf

Check out my latest song called Mania- w/DavisAmerica-The 'Sprout' Remix

jiguma

jiguma said 927 days ago (April 26th, 2007)

A pleasure Alf!
I've been really lucky to have you move in "up the road". Your different perspective on things musical (like reading those little black dots for example) has made me think differently as well. As 8pscean8 said "... but why in the heck hasn't anyone mentioned the keyboard parts" - added something I would never have thought of for sure! Now about "Black Line" (is there a theme emerging here do you think?) ;)
Cheers,
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

thetiler	thetiler said 927 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	Very nice your voice jig, really fits in the tune. I really like the organ sound alot,has a nice warm sound to go with the country and traveling. Nice beat like the fade out, harmony etc. Well done and glad I listened! Thumbs up for sure! Check out my latest song called The Bluebird Cafe (with two other guest)

jiguma	jiguma said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	Glad you dropped by Bill Always appreciate you having a listen to my music, and pleased you enjoyed it . Cheers, Neil --- BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

8piscean8	8piscean8 said 927 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	Cool Nice drums... but why in the heck hasn't anyone mentioned the keyboard parts. Those really glued the whole thing together for me. Awesome collaboration. This song keeps the signature Jiguma style but branches out into new territory. Nice mastering job Neil. Ozone 3 is the next thing on my purchase list. Well, I'm off to go find my own blue pool. Check out my latest song called The End

jiguma	jiguma said 926 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	Good point about the keys Adam - a restrained yet perfect contribution by young Alf! Really glad you enjoyed the song - good luck finding your own BP! Cheers, Neil --- BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

caroline	caroline said 927 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	mmmmmmmmm... delicious - nice work peeps - thank you xoxo Check out my latest song called clink that link mjrf

jiguma	jiguma said 926 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	Caro!!!! You're most welcome! Neil --- BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

said 927 days ago (April 26th, 2007)

TOTAL MELLOWNESS
neil - what a wonderful sound party you throw! the skeletal backing you sent me was great - and the groove was already there. but that organ/keyboard pattern accenting the instrumental melody in that cool latin way is just awesome. the percussion is wonderfully dynamic and adds such juiciness to this sonic soup - and who'd a thunk a tamborine could add such a subtle but important spice? your guitar and bass are yummy, neil - i especially like the volume on the bass. jan, your high harmony comes shining thru - how fun being a Back Up Girl with you. it's a winner neil. your vocal is so unique - airy, sexy, and GOOD! my compliments on the mix - i like where you put me just fiiiiiiine. truly enjoyed this - anne

jiguma

jiguma said 927 days ago (April 26th, 2007)

Thanks Anne .....
... for the comments, but mostly for agreeing to sing backup! It took me a while to work up the courage to ask you if you'd be interested, but when I saw on your bio page "sing for beer" I figured I had a chance :) Now where else could I ever hope to get someone with your talent singing on one of my little tunes?!
Next time I throw a sound party I think you might like I'll definitely be sending an invitation!
What a buzz this one was!
Cheers,
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

jiguma	jiguma said 927 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	almost forgot! I owe you a beer ;) Neil --- BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

baki	baki said 927 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	ehm this is excellent! everything in this song is great, starting of course with the overall impression and feel and emotion, followed by guitars, organs, bass, drums (!!! macjam ppl, do you read? DRUMS !!!), i really like the rhythm here - the variety in it, the voice, and of course SISTERS... great great job guys, congrats. Check out my latest song called On the Other Side

jiguma	jiguma said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	The Drums, the Drums! I'm beginning to worry that I might have to get in a queue for Mike's drumming services after his performance on this - it really is excellent! Thanks for your comment baki - I/we really appreciate it. It waqs a lot of fun to do. Neil --- BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

Willywagga	Willywagga said 927 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	Wow Very Cool song Neil, great lyrics, lovely mixing, very summery, yeah It's hard to get me in the water too. There's positively a heat haze from this, Magic man !! Check out my latest song called The Jes on Sea Road

jiguma

jiguma said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)

Heat haze!
Thanks for listening Will. I'm not normally at all reticent when it comes to hitting the water, but the days in question saw a cold current hit the coast making the sea water around 15 degrees - well below my limit. The Blue Pool water (despite just being your basic rock pool) was still sitting at 20 degrees and so enjoyable in the sun. Glad you felt the warmth.
Cheers,
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

ktb

ktb said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)

best yet
My favorite Jiggy tune. Stellar production chops on this one Neil. The balance is exceptional. Your vocal is right in the pocket as well the backing vocals. Simple sweet. Hats off to Alf on the keyboard work. It was resplendent with hooks, tasty compin, and oh so "right in the moment" solo'in. Mike's drumming was the perfect accompainment. A funky, laid back groove that made you want to dive into the song.

Check out my latest song called off the deck (w/Z293)

jiguma

jiguma said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)

Production
Thanks John - I'm really trying hard to get my mixing and overall production better, and what better way to do it than invite some classy players to join in. Alf is a bit of a chameleon musically, and seems to be able to fit in to any style while adding his own particular feel to the sound. To be honest, his original tracks were not what I'd expected (a more jazzy feel), but the more I listened, the more I enjoyed the way he'd taken the song to a different level. Jan and Anne did a great job on the vocals - always wanted to sing with a "girlie chorus" (I hope that's not un-PC these days - maybe I mean a "personie chorus"). Mike's drumming was/is outstanding.
Really appreciate your kind comment John.
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

thoddi

thoddi said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)

No doubt
This is one of the better tunes I've heard at this place. And such a professional production and songwriting put before us here.

This is top of what there is regarding drums, performances on individual instruments like bass and guitar and some wonderful melody lines in those tasty keys.

You sing very relaxed, and I think it's the best singing I've heard from you yet Neil. Accompanied by those soft lady background vocals, you get a nice contrast to your rockn'roll voice:)

Marvelous, fabulous and straight to the download button I go!

Check out my latest song called Don't tell me what I can't w/KTB and Ingve

jiguma	jiguma said 922 days ago (May 1st, 2007)
	Takk så mange Thor! Really appreciate your very kind comment Thor. I'm taking lots more time getting songs better these days - and having great collaborators doesn't hurt either. Cheers my friend! Neil --- BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)

You're like a kid in a candy store
All these resourses at your finger tips... It would be hard to make this ensemble sound bad... but I can see you didn't even try... hats off to you on the mix/production/player aspect... it really shines Neil... Mike the drums are perfect... this moves wonderfully... and the keyboards!!.. talk about seasoned & tasteful... the whole thing is radio ready...

Would this be in the "LIVE SET"?

count me in

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

jiguma

jiguma said 922 days ago (May 1st, 2007)

Live set!
I wish Scott! I'm really itching to get at least a 10 song set together with a band - have had an offer locally, but not sure about live singing at this stage of things. Now if you and Mike and Anne could move over here and join Alf, Jan and I, we might be a happening thing :)
Thanks for your ongoing support Scott - I appreciate it.
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

perceptualvortex	perceptualvortex said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	Loudness: check. Right on! All the contributions really round this out into a full, rich, picturesque musical vacation. I mean, those keys are super groovy, and Mike's syncopated playing couldn't be more spot on. The added voices sound great. It's just a relaxing scooter ride in paradise. Great work, guys. Check out my latest song called Machine Man (w Beastie Boys)

jiguma	jiguma said 922 days ago (May 1st, 2007)
	David! I think I've finally sorted loudness without distortion out - much to my relief! Correct me if I'm wrong, but Mike's drumming is pretty darn good isn't it?????!!!!! Those e-drums are amazing. Thanks for your visit, appreciate it! Neil --- BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

mvh9591	mvh9591 said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	Nice---- Very well produced, Mixed, etc... Playing is just great. I enjoyed this one Neil. Thanks for sharing, mvh : ) Check out my latest song called Maggie Rodriguez tribute

	said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	Man oh man All I need from you is the first few notes .... then the chord change comes and all is golden. The singing is outstanding as in O The bass in this is just running through my soul.. Then the licking guitar strums its way into my heart excellent your best to me. Yeah yeah!!!!

kevmikwa

kevmikwa said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)

I'm going to ramble now, so deal
When I was a newbie, Neil extended a friendly welcome to me. To anyone who doesn't already know, he's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet (virtually or otherwise). He's asked me to play on a few of his songs now, and each new invitation is a real honor to me. It doesn't hurt that he's got the patience of Job, too ... always quick with the "family first" mantra when I need it the most.

As with all of the other songs, his songwriting is stellar. It stands the test of many relistens - important when you're tinkering with drum parts and the relistens become mandatory. It was an instant hit with me - the charismatic jiguma vocal and undeniable rhythm of his guitar and bass, Anne's double-trackin' smoothness, Alf's groovy organ. Two bits that weren't on the mix I played to that I now can't live without: Alf's piano (both the repeated figure and the too-short solo) and Jan's high vocal line.

The mix is killer too. Like 8piscean8 alluded to, everyone should check out Ozone for final polish and mastering needs. Neil, you've done a great job of taking our disparate recordings and putting us all in the same room.

I had 2 lone nits about the drums ...

The toms kinda get lost in the mix. I didn't use them too often, but I did find that I missed them where I knew they were. I do realize that between the bass, thick organ and backing vox there was a lot of low-to-mid end stuff happening, so that may have been a wise call to avoid muddiness.

I noticed there were some places where you brought the snare up a bit in the relative drum mix (or at least it seemed that way around 1:27ish and from 3:28 on). Normally you won't find me complaining about being turned up, but lifting the snare up can kinda detach it from the rest of the drum groove. It's especially noticable to me in the little 32nd grace notes just before the 1s in the 3:28 roll off. Without hearing the kick drum note that the grace notes are supposed to frame, the snare bit feels busy and a touch disembodied. Instead of bringing the snare up 5, I would have lobbied to bring the entire drum mix up 1 or 2. In reality, it might be an indictment of my reliance on the grace notes - a cautionary tale for me going forward, maybe.

But honestly, these are complete nits, and I know it. I've loved this song since you first played it for me, and it means so much that you let me tag along.

To Jim Bouchard, baki, thoddi, Scott Carmichael, Karmatoburn and dajama: most humble thanks for your kind words.

Check out my latest song called Piece of Heaven

kevmikwa	kevmikwa said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	Oh, and tambourine? What tambourine? I didn't play tambourine on this one. Check out my latest song called Piece of Heaven

	said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	he wrote it, so i heard it ? 8( "Mike Watkins (kevmikwa) on drums and tambourine" NUH HUH!!

	said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	i admit it i AM impressionable ;)

jiguma	jiguma said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	Whoops! I must have been thinking of the other song Mike :) Neil --- BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

jiguma

jiguma said 926 days ago (April 26th, 2007)

Well, golly, what can I say!!
Thanks for the very kind words Mike, and let me say that the respect is mutual!!

I think that Ozone (plus Logic) makes the difference between an average production and something that stands out from the crowd, and am really glad that Steve (stevel) put me onto it. There's a very steep learning curve with Ozone (and Logic too I guess), but I'm finding it really fascinating getting into the Ozone Manual - a very useful publication for anyone interested in "mastering" their songs whether they have Ozone or not. I suspect what's holding me back most at this stage is that I'm doing all my mixes in 'phones, and am becoming more and more aware that a pair of studio monitors needs to be my next purchase.

Which leads me to the drum nits you mention Mike. I just checked the mix ISO for any automation on the drum tracks and found that they were played straight, no increases/decreases in volume all the way through. So it's clearly a combination of sounds at those points which make them sound louder. This is an area I'm still very unsure about, but will try to get it right if I do a remix. The toms I remember, were clipping at a volume where everything else worked fine - I dropped the levels of everything so they stopped going into the red, but it obviously wasn't enough. As I might have said to you before, I sometimes don't "get" what toms are for :) On my home stereo, the kick sounded amazing, and the toms plenty loud enough, but in retrospect, maybe some more aggressive compression on the toms might have been a good idea. If you get a chance to listen on another sytem I'd appreciate a comment.

I'm glad you liked the two additions to the mix you played to - Alf's piano "soloette" was the very last thing that went on, but I liked the organ and guitar solos too and didn't want to interfere with them. The piano run into my guitar solo is just perfection! Jan really enjoyed the chance to sing along with someone of Anne's vocal ability, and I'm hoping she'll keep adding her bit to the "jiguma sound".

Mike, it's a pleasure working with you on this and the other recent song (maybe next week - but a much harder thing to mix!), and I'm certainly hoping you stay interested in adding drums to future stuff I come up with.

Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

kevmikwa

kevmikwa said 926 days ago (April 27th, 2007)

Second ramble in as many days
No automation on the snare drum track, eh? Definitely my perception, then. When everything else quiets down, the things that are still playing are just gonna seem louder. Perhaps I should have checked my own tracks - maybe I just played the aforementioned "offending" parts louder?

Regarding your statement that you'll "try to get it right if [you] do a remix" - I don't think you got it "wrong" by any stretch (and I hate that I made you feel that way). As I alluded to before, I looked up "nitpicky" in the dictionary, and there was a picture of my earlier comments.

Curious to hear about the toms clipping. In the reference track MP3s I put together, they were pretty present and it didn't seem like they were clipping. I should probably revisit those, too. It's important to me because I'd like to learn how to best send files for incorporation into other people's mixes. If there's something I could have done better, I wanna know.

You said you "sometimes don't 'get' what toms are for". Unless you're doing a song where they speak prominently (think Bo Diddley or early Green Day), they really are flavoring. They add new tones to fills to make them "pop" a bit more. Really, if you had to attenuate one of the five tracks I sent (kick/snare/hats/overheads/toms), the tom track is the obvious choice, so no worries.

You mentioned that everything sounded present when you listened on your home stereo. It definitely confirms that I need to get some studio monitors. Of course, in order to avoid driving my family crazy, this will likely have to wait until I put together my basement studio. Until then, I'll need to make mental adjustments to the things I hear in my phones.

And of course, lastly, regarding our future collabs: it's hard for me to imagine you penning a song that I wouldn't love to lend drums to. Crunch all you want ... we'll make more!

Check out my latest song called Piece of Heaven

jiguma	jiguma said 925 days ago (April 28th, 2007)
	Clipping toms Mike - the toms were only clipping in my mix because I had them too loud, not your original. :) Neil --- BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

vbluesky	vbluesky said 926 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	blue sky cool song, like its been all said, this is a very pro sounding song, I agree with your idea about ozone and logic, am as well in the learning mode of production and mastering, thanks 4 the advice and song, nice art werk and only 90km from you, wow how beautiful... Check out my latest song called SMILE ( onesweetworld Remix )

ziti	ziti said 926 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	i have a suggestion write a verse to be sung from the female perspective and give ANNE the lead...then meet up at the pool a bit later... another great, clever catchy as hell piece of music. My hero! deepest as always z Check out my latest song called Stepping Down

jiguma	jiguma said 926 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	"write a verse to be sung from the female perspective" Easy for you to say Fran! But a good idea for the future maybe. Appreciate the comment!! :) Neil --- BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

Peter Greenstone	Peter Greenstone said 926 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	hip Great combination of talents. I like the easy going groove and soothing tones. Ann's harmonies, Alph's stylin' keys, and Mike's percussion all fit right in with you so well, each person really giving this life. Like you all were really in the same place, I guess jamming in the Blue Pool. Check out my latest song called From Nothing

jiguma

jiguma said 924 days ago (April 29th, 2007)

Thanks for dropping in Peter
This was a really fun track to do - Anne, Alf, Mike and Jan contributed so much to what was a fairly simple little song. Spoilt me a bit for if I ever try to get a band together though. I'm really enjoying having real musicians playing the hard bits - and then there's Ozone 3 of course!
Cheers,
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

Doadars Uncle	Doadars Uncle said 925 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	Alive Cool! Fun. Relaxing. Nice jazzy thing! Great combo! Check out my latest song called Capitalist's Drag

Joe Brady	Joe Brady said 925 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	This is very cool! Wow, what a great groove Neil. I just love the jamming feel to this with great percussion, great vocals all around, wild acoustic guitar, that organ is perfect (yeah, I know, that's what they all say), and outstanding bass-line ( as usual). The sound is very clean. Great tune. Check out my latest song called The Refugee Blues by Feter with Jiguma

scratch_harris	scratch_harris said 925 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	Immense & filmic and rather swinging. The Trevi Fountain songified. Check out my latest song called Fire on the twenties

Myshkin

Myshkin said 925 days ago (April 27th, 2007)

Groovin'
Awesome track guys. If you were a live band, I reckon you'd pack em in. I'd certainly go see you. It really does make such a difference having a real drummer. I am very envious.
Another great song Neil. I think it's a real talent to capture elements of Australiana like this without having come out clich�d or cringeworthy. Don Walker can do it. Paul Kelly can do it and I think you've got the touch as well.
Top stuff.

Check out my latest song called Iceland

jiguma

jiguma said 923 days ago (April 30th, 2007)

I've always liked
the way some artists (often US, but also UK) write about places that are part of their landscape in an intimate way. I have been inspired generally by watching the "Classic Albums" show on Steely Dan's "Aja" - Fagen was reciting the lyrics to "Black Cow" as the song played in the background, and I realised as he and Becker discussed the variations on how a BC is made, and saw the detail with which Fagen had described the cafe (sorry, drugstore) that it was a really interesting way of writing lyrics. Maybe this isn't obvious here, but it has been a basic part of how I write since I saw it. Gangajang is another Oz band which was able to do the Australian lyrics without becoming cringeworthy (even in "This Is Australia"). Anyway, Paul Kelly and Don Walker - and Tim Freedman from The Whitlams too - have always been favourites of mine in this regard.
Thanks for the comment Ross - see you in June.
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

moorlandt

moorlandt said 925 days ago (April 28th, 2007)

incredible groove
'Big Dry' has always been my favourite of yours. Well, i don't know... this one might take its place (which doesn't mean i don't adore your 'big dry' anymore of course:-). What a groove, from the first note to the last. Brilliant production as expected, every note and sound just fits. Jeeez, you're still getting better and better, Neil.

- Walter

Check out my latest song called boundaries

jiguma

jiguma said 924 days ago (April 29th, 2007)

Big Dry
Thanks for the comment and listen Walter. I agree with you about Big Dry and this one, although the final result of Blue Pool is much better "mastered" than the version of Big Dry I have posted here on MJ. I've been remastering around 16 songs lately to try to get the CD happening, and I can report that the new version of Big Dry sounds much better than the one you've heard (as do all the other songs I've been working on).
Cheers,
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

echoroom

echoroom said 924 days ago (April 28th, 2007)

evocative
Really love this Neil - the lyrics are really excellent

90 ks to paradise... you couldn't get this man in, no way.

There's a real sense of honesty, and a sly sense of humour. The arrangement and production are top notch of course, and Ann adds some sultry backing vocals.

You really paint a very clear, evocative picture here.

A great collab guys - you should be very proud!

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 924 days ago (April 28th, 2007)

Two bars in, he pressed the 'Download' button...
...settled back to listen...

Neil, I like everything about this one... GREAT drumming for the tune... wonderful liveness there... and the bass and organ really do get some of that old Grease Band vibe, or modern Joss Stone band vibe... I continue to really enjoy your acoustic guitar playing, too...

And the vocal blend is... well... I'm just jealous, or envious, or something...

Another thing you share with Bruce Cockburn is a love for travelogue lyrics... Some people can do it, and in my book, you're one of the guys who can... You have an eye for the telling detail... And an ear for how to set detail into a lyric without making it ponderous...

I WANT GELATO BY THE SEASIDE!

(Used to go to a place called Il Dolce Momento on Charles Street on hot summer days...)

This place lives, and I wish I could visit...

Ed

Check out my latest song called After Loving Anne (w/jiguma, SISTERS, Komrade K and Scott Carmichael)

jiguma

jiguma said 923 days ago (April 29th, 2007)

Thanks Ed
I always look forward to your comments, and was really pleased to see yet another! The "travelogue" style I sometimes use really started because I didn't know what to write about, and so decided to use personal experiences, no matter how small and apparently insignificant in the "big picture" of things. I also realised that most MJers probably don't really know much about where I live, and might find the specifics of life here interesting. The germ of this song is really about the gelato experience - a young couple of Italian birth run the gelato shop "The Bermagui Gelato Clinic" to give it's full name (in the old Bermagui Veterinary Clinic with a rough sign "Gelato" over the "Veterinary"). We had our gelati outside on the street and chatted with the husband about Vespas (a shared interest) and their yearly returns home (not sure if it's to Rome, but thereabouts - poetic licence). Once you have a line with gelato in it, calamari, Vespa, Moto Guzzi etc all just appear. The Moto Guzzi reference is to another chat at lunch (calamari) with an 84 year old biker who roared into the parking lot on his 1000+cc Moto Guzzi.
Anyway, these days I look for details - after all "the more you look, the more you see". Life is good!
Cheers Ed

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

kevmikwa

kevmikwa said 922 days ago (April 30th, 2007)

I loved this story
The way you describe your Bermagui experience is so rich with detail, I can almost place myself with you there. So glad you told it.

All the talk of Vespas reminds me of a trip my wife and I took to Italy two years back. We crammed a lot into one week ... too much, really.

During the part of our week where Florence was our home base, we took a morning train to Siena and rented a scooter there to head further south for a make-it-up-as-we-go day tour of the Tuscan countryside. The ride ended up being one of our favorite bits of the trip. It was my first experience with a scooter and the standout thing I remember was "man is this thing ever heavy".

Thanks for the trip down memory lane, brother!

Check out my latest song called Piece of Heaven

RacerX	RacerX said 924 days ago (April 29th, 2007)
	great groove I really dig the vibe! Great playing and singing! Check out my latest song called Fall Down King (Mcboy/RCAndrews)

ledebutant

ledebutant said 923 days ago (April 29th, 2007)

Calamari and Gelato and Vespas
Three of my favorite things in one song. My dad still likes to tell the story of the Vespa seat cover his grandfather had made for him from one of his grandmother's old mink coats. He used to have to take it off and roll it up under his arm if he wanted to go anywhere, so it was strictly a non-summer item and, I suspect might not fly too well in Australia. He also said walking around with a piece of mink under his arm kind of negated any cool factor that the cover gave the bike.

But I digress...

Would you PLEASE stop raising the bar? Some of us are getting this much more slowly than you and it's just not fair, I tell you. I had the Ozone demo and even read the manual, but all the sound I could get it to make was always too huge, it felt like trying to rope a sea monster to get it to work for me, but you have defintitely gotten the hang of it.

I love the song and the vocals and the playing and all the things that all the collaborators bring to this wonderful song, which I downloaded a few days ago and have been vigorously enjoying ever since, but the production on this is just so mind-blowingly terrific that it would be nutty not to single it out as the star. A good song is a good song and performances are great regardless of production, but you've taken everything that's good in this song and taken it into the stratosphere with your magical computer.

Can you believe that this level of production is available to you at your desk? Sometimes, I just marvel.

Check out my latest song called Black Star (MJ Live Aid w/jgurner)

jiguma

jiguma said 922 days ago (May 1st, 2007)

Ozone 3!
Thanks for the comment Lisa, I appreciate it. Ozone is an interesting beast. When I had the demo, I realised that it was going to be difficult, and at the time I thought maybe too difficult to use, however after my demo ran out I kept hearing Stevel's use of Ozone in his little gems and decided to get the full copy. Once I did that it was much easier to get my head around it because there was no time restriction on learning how to use it. I just followed the manual guidelines and a preset to start with and was amazed at the difference it made. Once you get that far, the manual makes much more sense and progress quickens. There are still some issues I'm trying to figure out, but I'd highly recommend it if you want better results.
But why am I telling you this? We'll have to agree to post at different times ;)
Cheers,
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

Rebsie

Rebsie said 923 days ago (April 30th, 2007)

Saves me having to go on holiday
We don't have many blue pools over here ... murky brown puddles is about the best we can manage. But at least with the help of your song I can use my imagination!

It's always nice to see multi-MacJammer collabs and this is beautifully produced and blended. It has a nicely chilled out groove and smoothness. Well done all!

Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

dreadmon

dreadmon said 922 days ago (April 30th, 2007)

Mind-expanding
This is a perfect vacation/holiday song - I can hear it coming out of shell-shaped speakers near the tiki bar while sitting in a hammock facing the sea. Nice breezy feel, Neil - and the collaborative effort here is beautiful, everyone sounds like they're in the same room and playing off of each other. That piano riff is super-catchy, it's already sticking in my head. The drums are groovy and slinky - and the changes in this tune are nifty, they inject a jazzy sensibility into a beachy environment. Great vox and stringed things. Very dreamy!

Check out my latest song called Dive!

HOKEY POKEY	HOKEY POKEY said 922 days ago (April 30th, 2007)
	Nature's Disappearing Cool, reminds my of John Mayall's vocal on Nature's disappearing. Check out my latest song called Maxwell's Alien Sonata Opus B, pt. 3

Ed_Moran	Ed_Moran said 922 days ago (May 1st, 2007)
	Great Tune Neil First, the production was your best to date. Second the plaing was top notch, love the bass groove, organs and drums. Oe question, where did you use ozone as a master plugin? I recently acquired ozone and am in the process of reading the manual ( a first for me too). Cheers Ed Check out my latest song called Cowboy (WIP)

jiguma

jiguma said 921 days ago (May 1st, 2007)

Hi Ed!
I have a pattern with Ozone now: I do all the mixing first (levels, fx etc on all but the Ouyput track). I then bounce it all to a new aif file. Then I start a new Logic project with no files other than the master aif - from there you can use the full power of Ozone to get a good sound. It took some time to get my head around Ozone (and I have a way to go yet) but it's been a lot of fun, and the results keep me happy.
Thanks for the listen Ed.
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

guitapick	guitapick said 921 days ago (May 1st, 2007)
	Blue Pool... ...sounds real fine to me. Pro tune, people. Congrats on a great collaboration and wonderful piece. Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

elektronix	elektronix said 921 days ago (May 1st, 2007)
	This is cool! Very relaxing mood, I love especially the keyboard tunes. Absolutely "Pro" mixing and everything matches. Dowloaded and faved. Begging for more... Greets, Bernd Check out my latest song called autumn in my mind

timothy devine

timothy devine said 921 days ago (May 1st, 2007)

very blue
I love the sound of your voice.
The playing, singing, song writting, and the overall sound when you put it together are all excellent. I particularly like the acoustic guitar sounds. The strumming and the leads are so nicely recorded. How do you get such a pure acoustic sound. Are you micing the thing, or is it an electric acoustic with built in pic ups?
Intersesting vocal harmonies. Nice real nice. Real blue!
The organ is anice touch too, performed like a pro. not over done anywhere. The organ stabs are perfect. The flow of the song works very well.

I guess what I'm saying is I dig.
peace,
tim

If you get a chance check oout "Temo" on my page
it is in the charts with yours.

Check out my latest song called Mankind Needs a Change/WoodstockII

timothy devine	timothy devine said 921 days ago (May 1st, 2007)
	oh yea downloaded and fav-ed. go blue moon --- "Sooner or latter it all gets real...Walk On" Check out my latest song called Mankind Needs a Change/WoodstockII

jiguma

jiguma said 921 days ago (May 1st, 2007)

Hi Tim!
Thanks for dropping by and for the headsup on TEMO - like it a lot!
The guitar sound is done pretty straight-forwardly. I have a Seagull S6 acoustic with on-board pickup, which is all I used on this song. When I recorded the strings were maybe 2 or 3 weeks old, so heading for replacement - I was surprised at the clarity I got considering. I have used a combination of the on-board pickup and my Rode NT3 in the past, especially for more acoustic songs (less bass, drums and stuff), and recorded in stereo - with a little delay on one channel, this can give a lovely sound. Bill (thetiler) and Johannes (Cori Ander) are the ones to listen to for acoustic tone - I've taken a lot of advice from Bill in particular. I think getting a loud (without clipping) recording is an important first step. I use the acoustic guitar compression preset in Logic which works almost every time.
It's all a bit hit and miss really - probably should take notes as to what works and what doesn't I suppose.
Cheers,
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

jiguma

jiguma said 921 days ago (May 2nd, 2007)

More guitar stuff:
Tim, the pickup/mic setup may be a little more complex than I mentioned. Here's the blurb from the Seagull site: "The Godin EPM Quantum II
The Godin EPM Quantum II acoustic guitar system provides outstanding sound reproduction and performance.
The Quantum II is a hybrid system combining an exceptionally responsive saddle transducer and high quality electret microphone in a simple, but very effective, configuration. The microphone capsule, specifically designed for use in this application, is mounted at the end of a 6 inch flexible boom integral to the side mount electronics. Four rotary controls adjust microphone presence/phase, overall volume, and saddle transducer bass & treble.
Microphone signal can be added and blended either in phase or out of phase with the saddle transducer signal. This allows the user to cancel (or notch) potentially undesirable frequencies while accentuating others. This flexibility in combining signals results in outstanding clarity and richness of tone."
The web page is at http://www.seagullguitars.com
I'm very happy with mine (no longer available, but the new models look great!
Neil

---
BLUE POOL - with Anne Cozean, Jan Porter, Mike Watkins and Alf Solti

Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

bud	bud said 921 days ago (May 1st, 2007)
	Man I'm late to the party - but I brought my sunscreen and flippers. What a great effort by all involved. The collab scene is really taking off around here - and this is a fine example of the magic of cybermixology. Love it! Check out my latest song called Expanding Toys (Halloween Remix)

bug67	bug67 said 919 days ago (May 3rd, 2007)
	Hey! Looks like I'm a little late to the party. No matter. Good things come to those that wait. This is a VERY good thing! Glad I waited. :) Check out my latest song called Follow the Bouncing Bear With the Kazoo Blues in E (MJRF)

jgurner

jgurner said 919 days ago (May 3rd, 2007)

Ready to take a dip....
Sounds like a good time out enjoying nature. I love nature, but about as close as I come to camping is staying in a hotel. Too many bugs and no air conditioning. I admit, for a country boy I'm a wimp. :-)

This is a great collab, Neil. All the contributors really did a great job and, as always, you gave them great material to work with. A great, breezy, relaxed sound. As refreshing as a dip in the blue pool...

Check out my latest song called Feeling Good Today

Cori Ander

Cori Ander said 914 days ago (May 9th, 2007)

Really bad..
Really bad of me arriving so late here!

I am the 48:th fan of this song which right now takes it to the top 20 of the most faved songs at MJ ever.

And that is where this one belongs. It is a treat. A real joy listening to. One I am listening repeatedly now, and I know it is the sort of song I will listen to many may times to come.

Kevmikwa is doing a great percussion job here. Very tasty and just right for this song!

Some of the Seagull backings are just wonderful, (guess you know which ones I mean), I dig it so much.

AND .. lucky you having a SISTER onboard!

Finally and very important: it works as a whole. The result can not be described in peaces. It is JUST GREAT WONDERFUL MUSICAL JOY!

Check out my latest song called Guitar test — Martin CSN (Gerry Tolman Tribute)

Cori Ander	Cori Ander said 914 days ago (May 9th, 2007)
	.. Forgot to mention the bass!!!!!! Well you know it is good, don't you? It is! --- Johannes Curry Check out my latest song called Guitar test — Martin CSN (Gerry Tolman Tribute)

	said 913 days ago (May 9th, 2007)
	Yee-hah! Looks like a great place to go skinny-dippin! Great big classic Rn'B sound! I can't believe how pro this sounds...and what a yummy tone you got on the keyboards. Absotively super collab folks! Standing ovation! Be well one and all!

Feter	Feter said 896 days ago (May 27th, 2007)
	Got my dark black glasses !! ahhh ... this is healing folks I like it ..the bass and the keyboard the drums just awesome groovey !! sure the backing vocals were just fit nice and moody .. just a great song well done !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

richardhowardjones	richardhowardjones said 521 days ago (June 5th, 2008)
	ONLY THREE THINGS TO SAY. Yes, yes. yes. Check out my latest song called GOTTA GO

Artist Info

Name: Neil Porter

My old bio page looked pretty out of date, so it’s time for a new one: For the full story, see my interview in the MacJammer Blog "The Jiguma Is Up" by Tobin Mueller. I started to learn guitar when I was about 10 – but didn’t last long be... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

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