A Return To Hope (w/LunaTrick)

kassia

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Description

A small return to hope in this time of incredible change. I'm returning to my roots with this one. A little different than what I've been doing lately - back to the more new-agey mood music. I've taken a very minimalistic approach, really wanting to showcase the piano and Daniel's gorgeous, weeping cello. I tried to stay really organic with this one, choosing instruments that would compliment the cello - Native American flute and Tabla.

This was my first time working with a live recording and I found it to be VERY tough. It was a welcome challenge and a great learning experience for me - but I know I've a long ways to go, so any feedback, suggestions and/or advice on the treatment of the cello and the mixing/production would be greatly appreciated.

The song art is a photo I took of a painting hanging on my wall. The painting is called "One World" and it's by a brilliant artist named Christina Nichols. You can find more of her stuff at her website - http://www.christinanichols.com/

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Song Stats

Hits: 1069
Comments: 71
Fans: 39
Plays: 140
Downloads: 67
Votes:
Uploaded: Jan 23, 2009 - 11:27:20 PM
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2009 - 11:27:20 PM Last Played: Nov 17, 2009 - 06:08:47 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Hardware:

daniel and his beautiful cello and whatever amazing mics he uses to pick up these gorgeous sounds...and, um...my keyboard

Software:

Garageband and some jam packs

Comments

particledots	particledots said 307 days ago (January 23rd, 2009)
	Very Nice Shay and Daniel Nice, reflective and relaxing vibe. Check out my latest song called Mt St Helen - (Cadence Corrected Mix)

kassia	kassia said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	bryn i really wanted to go back to a new age feel with this one, make something meditative and thoughtful. glad it seemed to accomplish that for you. daniel's cello really adds a depth to the piece that my piano couldn't do on its own. thanks for stopping by! Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

LHellman	LHellman said 307 days ago (January 23rd, 2009)
	WOW I get to be the first one. I like it with the piano and cello. Very nice.

kassia	kassia said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	mom almost the first one! thanks mom. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

Feter

Feter said 307 days ago (January 24th, 2009)

A Return To Hope
There s some touch of elegant on your piano and certainly the cello
was all the answer to be needed here for setting the mood ...all the
voices behinds just like shaded pictures ...I just loved this music
well done you two ...very lovely piece ...thnx alot for sharin !!!!

Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

kassia	kassia said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	feter the cello certainly completes this piece, doesn't it? "voices behind like shaded pictures" very cool image feter. thank you for your sweet words. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

LunaTrick

LunaTrick said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)

Thanks you so much Shay...
For inviting me to play on this lovely piece... and for making me sound better.... I think you did really well with the mixing process... I've been struggling with recording/mixing the cello for years.... and for a first attempt, this is marvelous. I can hear the wood, the strings, and the bow all in your EQ... very organic. Having heard this piece in the raw, I'm also impressed with your added arrangements and exquisite instrumentation. I really enjoy working with you...

Check out my latest song called Luna Gypsy Heart II (Eternal Firelight)

kassia	kassia said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	daniel this was a true pleasure, as well as quite a challenge. i can't begin to tell you how amazing it is to hear your cello here with the piano. gorgeous playing and your interpretation of the song was perfect. you added such depth and emotion to the piece with your playing. thanks for doing this with me...and i'll hope to do more in the future. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

Reinholt56	Reinholt56 said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	Hi Shay.... This is quite simply beautiful. Daniel and yourself have put together a wonderful New Age theme that blends with itself in every way and where nothing is superfluous to the whole. Bravo. Paul Check out my latest song called Ambient Soundscape #1

kassia	kassia said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	paul I really spent a lot of time making instrumentation and orchestration decisions about this song so as to keep it very open and organic. I'm glad it all fit well for you and didn't seem too much. I'm really glad you enjoyed this. your opinion means a lot to me. Thank you for listening. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

lavalamp	lavalamp said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	well done Sounds quite beautiful. This just flows so gorgeously. Well done. Bavo. Dave Check out my latest song called Googolplex Times Zero

kassia	kassia said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	dave thank you so much. i'm glad there was a flow here for you, as i tried really hard to make it smooth and create a sort of mood. glad you liked it - thank you! Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

magnatone

magnatone said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)

Return to Hope
What an exquisite piece of music! Shay, your themes in here are so perfectly played and placed, and Daniel's cello just weeps! I love how the music ultimately emerges from the plaintive calls into, as you said, a return to hope. As always your orchestration is gorgeous, and the mix - especially with that very difficult cello is just superb. Kudos to the wonderful musicianship and soul in this piece!

Check out my latest song called Symphonic Smackdown

kassia	kassia said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	karen wow that is quite some praise! thank you. i spent a lot of time working on that ending key change trying to get it just right to end the song with the right mood. i'm glad it worked for you. your support, as always, means so much. thanks. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

drakonis

drakonis said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)

To quote Jack... "um.. wow"
Gorgeous piece of music, beautifully played, by both of you. Simple, elegant, satisfying music. Simple meaning that it is uncluttered and accessible, very much a compliment. Daniel's cello playing here is delicious, as is your piano playing. My nits are that the tabla seemed just a teeny loud or maybe not the percussion I would have chosen, as it seemed to distract more than add. The big drum was cool. The flute, when it came in, was so quiet and echoey that I couldn't tell at first what that resonance was, and eventually I recognized it vaguely... for some reason it was very indistinct... perhaps less reverb, and more presence would help the flute. Those are my critiques, hard won because this is really flowing and pretty. Overall, I really like this collab, and have been waiting for it ever since you hinted at it! Downloaded!
ttfn,
Drakonis

Check out my latest song called Lullaby for the Inner Child

kassia

kassia said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)

eduard
um...wow...a dragon commented before having coffee AND faved AND downloaded. THAT is wow! The percussion - what i REALLY wanted was a deep Native American drum or a nice bodhran sound but my jam packs just weren't cooperating. I really love the tabla sound, but tried to soften it a bit with some reverb. hmmm...maybe i'll have to adjust volume and stuff a bit. Anyway, thanks for your wonderful comments and suggestions. As always, I take them to heart and appreciate them much. Glad you liked it!

Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

egobandit	egobandit said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	another beautiful piece.. Mr Luna is a real master Very reflective in the mood your talent on the keys really inspire me I enjoyed this allot Thanks for sharing! Check out my latest song called when its love

kassia	kassia said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	ego! i love it when you stop by for a listen. and i love your sweet comments. thanks for leaving me these kind words. i'm glad you liked it. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

TracyVosh	TracyVosh said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	Hope This is so beautiful - both of you! Incredible feelings this stirs up in me to say the least. Wonderful job...thanks for sharing! Check out my latest song called Octopus

kassia	kassia said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	tracy there is nothing more rewarding than learning that something you have created has touched someone else. thank you for listening and letting us know that it moved you. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

davisamerica	davisamerica said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	return to hope shay you are remarkable and daniel's work just so highlights that. The production sound is great and instrument choices brilliant ... should i gush some more ?? I could you know. Simply lovely Check out my latest song called No Son(egobandit band)

kassia	kassia said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	oh jack gush some more! okay not really. daniel did an excellent job of really playing with and to the piano. and it felt good to get back to more of a basic piano piece. i tried to keep it simple and just let the piano and cello set a mood. i'm glad that seemed to work for you. thank you jack for your wonderfully sweet words. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

loricunningham	loricunningham said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	Stunning and refreshing I love the piano and cello and how they play off each other. This piece is just magnificent! Very impressed. Check out my latest song called Thoughts of You (Emeria song)

kassia	kassia said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	lori Thanks for stopping by and leaving such kind words! I had a lot of fun meeting you in chat this morning - hope your welcome party to MJs was not too overwhelming! glad to have you here and glad you enjoyed this piece. thanks! Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

richard13	richard13 said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	A beautiful tune to go with a beautiful sentiment This piece is very lovely and you should both be proud. Thanks. Check out my latest song called Dancing on the Head of a Pin

kassia	kassia said 306 days ago (January 25th, 2009)
	richard thank you. i'm very excited about how this turned out. thank you for listening and letting us know what you thought. glad you liked it! Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

Mystified	Mystified said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	beautiful...soothing... a lovely journey. Thank you Check out my latest song called For the Beauty of the Earth

kassia	kassia said 306 days ago (January 25th, 2009)
	mysti I always love it when you stop by. Thank you. :) Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

gail60	gail60 said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	Wow Gorgeous This is so beautiful Kassia! As with all of your music, I am never disappointed and know that I will be in for a real treat to hear it. Loved the cello addition but honestly not real fond of the bongos sound. Overall, this is really great. You are so talented! Thanks for sharing this with us. Check out my latest song called Sweet September

kassia

kassia said 306 days ago (January 25th, 2009)

gail
Thank you for your sweet words! I was unable to find the drum sounds i really wanted to use in this, but after working with the tabla for the duration of this piece, they've grown on me. I can understand how they might be a bit distracting though. Glad you liked the piece overall and I really appreciate you stopping by for a listen and letting me know what you thought. Thank you!

Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

SISTERS	SISTERS said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	mmmmmmGOOD it's a lovely composition - the quiet spaces with tabla and piano only give the piece an added dimension. the cello is the perfect companion for this mood of poignancy. thank you for this beautiful and delicate delight. anne Check out my latest song called MORNING SUNRISE

kassia

kassia said 306 days ago (January 25th, 2009)

anne
your words are poetry and seeing you here is an wonderful treat. so glad you are back at MacJams and thank you for stopping by for a listen. I started this piece with the intent of creating a mood of poignancy, but was actually pretty relieved that it decided to move into a key change and end on a note of hope. I think we all need a bit of that right now. I'm glad this was able to speak to you. Thank you for your words.

Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

Jim Bouchard

Jim Bouchard said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)

Very nice
And sort of echoey, and I was going to say something smart-aleck-y like what cavern did you record this in. But I didn't think that would be very polite. That said, I think the intimacy could be enhanced by backing off on the reverb, though having it swimming in echo does place it solidly in the new-age realm. Very lovely playing, no need to hide it in reverb!

Check out my latest song called Weather or Not w/awigze

kassia

kassia said 305 days ago (January 25th, 2009)

jim
lol...so should i admit that i actually looked at the "cavern" setting on the Track Reverb drop-down list? Thanks for your thoughts on this - I really appreciate what you had to say. I sort of felt like I might have gone a little heavy on the reverb, in my attempts at working with the real cello recording. Your comments are helpful and much appreciated. Thank you!

Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

Rebsie	Rebsie said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	Beauteous in every way Just lovely. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

kassia	kassia said 305 days ago (January 25th, 2009)
	rebsie it's an honor and pleasure to see you here. thank you! :) Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

Char	Char said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	Thank God you two are real musicians. It was a grand collaboration. Thanks. Check out my latest song called Break Away (Mark Holbrook & Awigze)

kassia	kassia said 305 days ago (January 25th, 2009)
	char well, daniel is a real musician but i might be faking it! so glad you liked it. thanks for being here. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

Drew Kopr	Drew Kopr said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	Passionate The cello is such a passionate sounding instrument to my ears. The piano sounds are gorgeous. Very nice piece. Well written and very well played. Check out my latest song called WinterSong

kassia	kassia said 305 days ago (January 25th, 2009)
	drew i couldn't agree more about the cello and daniel plays with great emotion. i melt each time i hear it. I tried something new on the piano sounds for this piece - combining 2 different garageband instruments to create a new sound and I'm really please with how it turned out. I'm glad you liked it too. Thank you for your kind words. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

Elevator_Funk	Elevator_Funk said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	Sounds nice This was very nice and relaxing. If you didn't mention the keyboard i would have assumed it was a real piano. Good stuff. Check out my latest song called Post Nasal Drip

kassia	kassia said 305 days ago (January 25th, 2009)
	EF Thank you! I worked hard on the piano sound for this piece - I'm glad it seems to have paid off! I always love to hear that my music is relaxing, as I'm a big fan of relaxing music myself. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for stopping by. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

Skean	Skean said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	Third song with Luna, involved... Oh do I love your piano/keyboard playing and with Luna's excellent cello in there it have to be good. Do I love this? stupid question! I LOVE it and I keep one X of it. Thanks guys for this beauty. Take care --- Kenta Check out my latest song called Let's Go Trippy

kassia	kassia said 305 days ago (January 25th, 2009)
	kenta I just love it when you stop by for a listen - your sweet words always make me smile. I'm glad you loved this and thank you so much for listening and commenting! Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

Sigmund

Sigmund said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)

Incredible Work!
This is a great collaborative effort - begins beautifully and flows effortlessly and seamlessly from one section to another. As for the cello, I can just imagine the state of mind you must have been in to reach down inside you and pull out such an emotional performance - there is such feeling there - good job! Kassia - I would agree with Drakonis that you might consider giving your supporting instruments a little more clarity - the parts they play in no way detract (at least in my opinion) from the piano and in fact compliment what you are playing so why not let them be a little more up front. Of course, the effect you intended may have been to create more of a musically spacious texture behind your beautiful piano playing - in which case you succeeded wonderfully. The truth is this is an great piece of music - I commend you on a job well done.

Check out my latest song called End of a Season

kassia	kassia said 304 days ago (January 26th, 2009)
	sigmund Wow thanks for the great comment and suggestions. It's a real pleasure to see you here, thanks for stopping by. You know, I did want to create some space in this piece, but I also agree that the flute might be just a little too far back. Songs are never finished! I'll have to keep tweaking it and see what happens. Thank you! Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

ktb	ktb said 306 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	there's something in my eye..I..ah..ok. Blinks away mist in eyes. Such a beautiful piece of music. The mix was wonderful. the lite subtle percussion was such a sweet backdrop. You have an incredible deft touch at the keyboard. Daniel's Cello is immense. Check out my latest song called Texas stump

kassia

kassia said 304 days ago (January 26th, 2009)

ktb
thank you so much for these sweet words. they mean a lot coming from you - I admire your talent very much. The percussion in this seem to be a hot topic for a lot of listeners...LOL...either a love em! or a "not so much" sort of thing. I'm glad you liked them. I really feel like they keep the piece moving forward. Thanks for stopping by for a listen!

Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

Diviner

Diviner said 305 days ago (January 25th, 2009)

All round delight
I agree that the cello has been played beautifully and your piano accompliment is a treat. This is such a lovely track to listen to, its subtle but strong feelings and reflective qualities make you almost want to cry but with a smile on your face. I like how the track goes slightly middle eastern as well. Very nice, well done Shay and Luna, great collab.

Check out my latest song called Space Program (Space Race 2009)

kassia	kassia said 304 days ago (January 26th, 2009)
	keith what a treat to see you here. thank you so much for listening and leaving such kind words. i never even thought of it as having a little mid-eastern feel but i understand what you mean! Thank you Keith. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

Marv	Marv said 305 days ago (January 25th, 2009)
	Old wave of new age Dunno about new age (which we always associate with whales wailing), this is really beautiful - gentle and soothing, a dip in a cool pool on a warm day.

kassia	kassia said 304 days ago (January 26th, 2009)
	Marv LOL...whales wailing is not necessarily a bad thing. What genre to pick? That's the real question always. I'm glad you found this soothing and gentle - I was striving for a sort of meditational feel to this. Thank you for stopping by and leaving kind words. Come again anytime! Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

paul f. page

paul f. page said 305 days ago (January 25th, 2009)

Hope
Shay (and Dianiel),
This is just beautiful!!! {Weeping cello, indeed.) There is such a richness in the mix of piano and cello on this number, especially in the lower registers of the cello. Piano is crystal clear, too. Is it digital -- live or Memorex?) I'd only suggest you bring the flutes UP in volume a tad so that they don't get lost. You have some nice lines there that should be heard. ... I want to listen to this number many times. Such a peaceful and melancholic feeling you're created here. Wonderful collaboration, wonderful composition.
Peace.
Paul

Check out my latest song called Double Etude

kassia	kassia said 304 days ago (January 26th, 2009)
	Paul wow what a pleasure to see you here. i really appreciate your comment and suggestion. you know i can never just let a piece go - in recent listens I agree the flute is a little low in the mix. thank you so much for listening and leaving such kind words. I'm really glad you enjoyed this. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

MarkHolbrook

MarkHolbrook said 305 days ago (January 25th, 2009)

Dang it...
Yet another reason to hang up me guitar and keyboard! Simply gorgeous Shay and Daniel! The cello is so beautifully played Daniel and I love how it accents Shay on the keys! Really a treat.

Thank you both for sharing this and taking the time to make it happen for all of us.

PS: I'm not sure I'm liking the new changes to favorites... I KNOW I faved this already but it didn't show up. Also on Jacks tune I somehow managed to double fav it... Alas... (sigh)

Check out my latest song called Never Say Goodbye - Bond Challenge

kassia	kassia said 304 days ago (January 26th, 2009)
	mark As long as you liked it that's all that matters. Thanks for coming back to fave again. And thanks for your very kind words, as always. Daniel played beautifully and really just totally understood the vibe of the piano piece I sent him. Don't quit making music Mark! Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

Henke

Henke said 304 days ago (January 26th, 2009)

Beautiful piano and chello!
Very well played (of course from you guys!), love it! I think the piano and chello would suffice on this. I don't really mind the tabla, it adds to the dynamics of the piece I guess, but since you also have the flute in there, I agree that it should be brought up in the mix, quite a few notches, I think.

Very meditative and calming as is, though. Thanks for the download, I 'll return to this plenty I hope...

/Henke

Check out my latest song called Heading for Alpha Centauri (mj space race 2009)

kassia	kassia said 304 days ago (January 26th, 2009)
	Henke Thank you! I'm so glad you found this meditative and calming. I was really going for that sort of feel to it and I think Daniel did an amazing job adding to that vibe with his deep soulful cello. You're welcome for the download. :) Glad you liked it and I'll definitely be bringing the flute up in the mix a bit. Thank you! Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

rsorensen	rsorensen said 304 days ago (January 26th, 2009)
	Incredible Wonderful playing Shay, and Daniel's cello is absolutely stunning as usual. Great mix too. Love it Check out my latest song called Keep Your Chin Up

kassia	kassia said 304 days ago (January 26th, 2009)
	Ridd Thanks so much for stopping by for a listen. I'm glad you thought the mix is good...lol...I agonized over it. I appreciate you coming by Ridd. Glad you liked it! Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

lengold	lengold said 301 days ago (January 29th, 2009)
	This is just really, really, really wonderful. Cheers Len Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut

Alannah	Alannah said 301 days ago (January 29th, 2009)
	Add a Great Big .... ... "Um .. Wow" ... from me too ! Right into the Folder it goes ! Fabulous! Check out my latest song called I'm Drownin' - Smokey VW (feat Alannah) + Outtaorbit

thetiler

thetiler said 301 days ago (January 29th, 2009)

I always know
that when I come to your instrumentals I get a real classy sound! You have done a really nice job of being very consistent in all the musical work i've heard you do.

That is very commendable in itself! Enjoy the piano who it really flows alone, but the instruments are terrific, love the reverb flute and how you place the beats!

Way to go!

Always a pleasure to listen to you!

Check out my latest song called I't Been A While

neil ice	neil ice said 288 days ago (February 11th, 2009)
	A thank you. This is so moving and really gives a happy amateur like me something to aspire to even though nowhere near your league. Thank you for making it so challenging! Check out my latest song called After the storm

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 285 days ago (February 14th, 2009)

Beautiful Soundstage
I love how you bring together the various instruments (that cello is outstanding too!) and then let the piano finish alone. From where you say you live this music transports me to the hills overlooking the pacific, with everything shrouded in a gentle drifting fog.

Lovely production and soothing musical themes.

I look forward to hearing more!

Doug

Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

sonnyjim	sonnyjim said 283 days ago (February 16th, 2009)
	Lovely song, Shay Very gentle vibe. Your hope is a lot like mine: a little on the guarded side and kinda reverb-y..... Well done. SJ Check out my latest song called LIOLI 9 (Interlude)

Boundless	Boundless said 214 days ago (April 26th, 2009)
	Ah, wonderful Beautiful collab. Sensitive piece. Fine piano and cello. Thanks ! Check out my latest song called Here to Hear - collab

apb	apb said 205 days ago (May 5th, 2009)
	Two fantastic players .. .. and no snap to grid! hehehe ;o) Top notch u two. Marvelous collaboration .. compliment each other very well I think. (I didn't mind the reverb wash so much .. I was admiring the playing too much I suspect). Check out my latest song called Misplaced

Patriotpizzaman	Patriotpizzaman said 193 days ago (May 17th, 2009)
	Breathtaking Beauty! The piano and soundbed are so good and the cello was so masterfully played I felt every note of this incredible composition from begining to end! Check out my latest song called Livin' Lastin' Love

Schello	Schello said 177 days ago (June 2nd, 2009)
	il finale da ascoltare tutto di un fiato!!!!! Check out my latest song called Snozz'en (Cronik Mix)

awigze	awigze said 140 days ago (July 9th, 2009)
	New Genre Perhaps New Age is not as good as the descriptor of Timeless... beautiful Thanks so much for this! Check out my latest song called We got to Jive in Blues by (Feter)

Fan List

Artist Info

Name: Shay

I live in the mountains halfway between Santa Cruz and the Silicon Valley. I'm a music maker, animal lover, book reader and nature explorer. I play piano and french horn and can't sing worth a damn. I've had years and years of music trai... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

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