Dulce's DADication - Instrumental

drakonis

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Description

This is a tune that I grew up with... it would often be floating through our home, coming from the upright piano in our living room.

My dad was a "renaissance man", knowledgeable in electronics, geography, art, physics, music, inventor of numerous patented things, and he inspired a similar insatiable curiosity of the world in me. The above photo of him was taken in 1957.

He was the one playing this tune on the piano when I was young. I believe it is his own original tune, but if anyone recognizes it, please let me know! I only remembered the main verse, and I have arranged and played that live on my mountain dulcimer "Dulce" in this recording. The chorus is my own invention/addition. I also pencilled in some simple (MIDI) hand-drum and oboe accompaniment.

One of the common tunings on a mountain dulcimer is (ironically) DAD, however I have Dulce tuned down a whole step to CGC here. If you don't believe that I am actually playing this, I can have Shay (Kassia) vouch for me, as she has seen me play this piece live for her.

This is dedicated to my dad, who passed away last year from emphysema caused by life-long smoking. It was devastating to watch him in the last decade of his life, as the lack of oxygen from his damaged lungs slowly destroyed that beautiful mind.

Special thanks to Karen (Magnatone) who graciously offered last-minute suggestions to fix the mix.

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Song Stats

Hits: 4457
Comments: 129
Fans: 54
Plays: 285
Downloads: 76
Votes: 3
Uploaded: Jul 31, 2010 - 12:59:00 PM
Last Updated: Jul 31, 2010 - 12:59:00 PM Last Played: Jan 06, 2019 - 11:18:01 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Keywords:

dad (16), dulcimer (56), love (1469), renaissance (52), dedication (15)

Hardware:

Dulce - Mountain Dulcimer, AKG Perception condensor mic

Software:

Garageband 4

Comments

kassia	kassia said 3191 days ago (July 31st, 2010)
	FIRST! oh yeah baby Check out my latest song called Greensleeves

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	the VERY first good to see you, as always, first or last, Shay :-) Check out my latest song called Miwok

alackbass	alackbass said 3191 days ago (July 31st, 2010)
	Dulce's DADication - Instrumental Now there's something you don't hear everyday. So renaissance man runs in the family I guess. Nice one Eduard. Although I would have ending with a fade out. LOL Check out my latest song called Mean Miss Teacher

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	unique I guess it does, a nice thing to pass down... thank you for listening and actually if you listen very closely, you can here the string vibration on that last strummed chord slowly fade out, all by itself ;-) Check out my latest song called Miwok

Char	Char said 3191 days ago (July 31st, 2010)
	I think it is a variation of Simple Gifts. Good job. :) Check out my latest song called Bound, v2. w Music by Dirigent

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	Ooh, it does sound similar, thanks! There is enough difference to make me wonder if he was doing a variation on it, or had just come up with his own tune that just happens to sound really close... hmm... I will never know. Thank you for the Shaker/Copland reference! ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

kassia

kassia said 3191 days ago (July 31st, 2010)

simple gifts
this is beautiful in its simplicity. YES! I have definitely heard (and seen) you play this. this recorded version is sweet and heartfelt. i very much like the oboe and hand drum additions. i think the sounds work wonderfully with Dulce. I would have liked for the oboe to play more, perhaps in a more established descant/counter-melody. very nice dragon!

Check out my latest song called Greensleeves

drakonis

drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)

More oboe, no cowbell
I hear ye, I had thought about more oboe and even had it throughout at one earlier point, but I also wanted this to be *mostly* a dulcimer piece, and you caught me not thinking too hard about a real counter-melody, but instead just some supporting harmony touches. I have also been toying with the idea of a singer instead of oboe, maybe someday.

Check out my latest song called Miwok

Social_Ice	Social_Ice said 3191 days ago (July 31st, 2010)
	ah.....sweet memories.... this is a lovely tune Count Drak.... To all of our dads whose influence remains a constant ~ may they live in our hearts forever. ~barbara

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	dad in our hearts And I hope also to be one of those dads for my children... thank you so much for listening and offering such a heartfelt thought. Check out my latest song called Miwok

magnatone	magnatone said 3191 days ago (July 31st, 2010)
	DAD oh eduard, this turned out so well, and has such a loving energy to it - and now i understand why that is! thanks for the sneak peak, you're getting some chops on that dulcimer! Check out my latest song called Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen) and Variations

drakonis

drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)

dulcimer chops
Yes, all I need now is to sign up for that 3-week Dulcimer-boot camp in Florida with Bing Futch! :-) Well, if he offered such a thing, anyway. Thank you for listening and offering your help... I adjusted the drumbeats and slid them around a bit to tighten the timing, but my playing is still all over the place... I just... can't... hit... the... beat... with... the... metronome! As VicD points out below :-)

Check out my latest song called Miwok

perceptualvortex	perceptualvortex said 3191 days ago (July 31st, 2010)
	Sweet The tone on the dulcimer really is sweet and rich. This is a great mix. Your story for this is inspiring and sad, and I think this is an excellent dedication. Good work, Eduard. Check out my latest song called Mercury (RPM 6)

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	Great to see you back around, Dave! Thanks! This dulcimer just rings and sings, I love her tone. My dad was a great guy, and was indeed inspiring in many ways. Hopefully the story about his smoking will be inspiring in its own way... it certainly kept me from ever starting. Check out my latest song called Miwok

Symphony101	Symphony101 said 3191 days ago (July 31st, 2010)
	This is beautiful Eduard This piece has a great history and it's a beautiful inspiration. Musically speaking, it's nicely performed and produced. I'm so happy to hear your works again. Check out my latest song called Standing On The Brink (w/ Mosaica)

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	You are kind... Yves, I am just a beginner on the dulcimer, but I have been practicing more lately. And of course, learning to play an instrument (or sing, or write music, or mix, or create anything) gives me a great appreciation of those who are really good at it... like you. Keep it up! Check out my latest song called Miwok

kevmikwa

kevmikwa said 3191 days ago (July 31st, 2010)

Got me emotional
I always read the Descriptions before I press play. Songs like this are the reason why. Such a beautiful setup and a loving dedication. I can picture a younger dragon listening to this from an adjoining room

Simply orchestrated, your dulcimer does the heavy lifting - good thing it's so rich in tone and well-recorded here. I'm glad you were able to capture this tune, infuse it with love and record it for the ages. I appreciate you sharing the song and the story.

Check out my latest song called Carol of the Bells (Xmas Challenge w/ jdholliday)

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	such a big heart you have... Mike, you are always very attentive and thoughtful, in everything you do. It takes two to share, so thank YOU for sharing with me too. Check out my latest song called Miwok

ktb	ktb said 3190 days ago (July 31st, 2010)
	Can hear the heart in this. Some renaissance in this I might add. The dulce and the oboe sound serene to me. Beautifully done Check out my latest song called Blackwater (by Tokai)

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	a soft piece I wanted the oboe and drums to be a little subdued, and the dulcimer to stand out... and if it sounds serene to you, then I think I got the balance right. The rich ringing of the dulcimer (and my really simple chords) do sound a little Renaissance-ish, that's true. Check out my latest song called Miwok

jdholliday	jdholliday said 3190 days ago (July 31st, 2010)
	This is beautiful Eduard what a great way to honor your Dad, thank you for sharing this! Check out my latest song called Please Help, Pride of NYC needs tracks!

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	glad to share Something simple and positive. Thank you for listening and enjoying it, and offering so much of your own talent and energy to MJ too. Check out my latest song called Miwok

awigze	awigze said 3190 days ago (July 31st, 2010)
	D-A-D Gotta love a man that gives you his all. This song goes to the heart. Thanks for the music and the narrative. Check out my latest song called If You Can Hang On by Outtaorbit

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	a good guy I shall be a good guy too. Thank you for being a good guy, as well. Check out my latest song called Miwok

dave_b	dave_b said 3190 days ago (July 31st, 2010)
	Dulce's DADication Dulcimer sounds great. Well played and recorded. The hand drum is a nice touch. Check out my latest song called Llarions Blues

drakonis

drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)

Funny about the drums
I pencilled them in first, as a super-simple "metronome" to play against, and a couple of early listeners heard it WITH drums and wanted them to stay, so I embellished the drum pattern a bit, and changed it between chorus/verse, and so it stayed. Then the oboe wanted to sneak in and play a little. But that was quite enough for now :-)

Check out my latest song called Miwok

Sigmund	Sigmund said 3190 days ago (July 31st, 2010)
	DADication I sense a celtic nature to this - is that intentional? so you can play a stringed instrument - impressive! the drums give it almost a procession type of sound. a procession of respect to honor your Dad - very nice, Eduard. Enjoyed this a lot - thanks! Sig Check out my latest song called Running with the Wind by Peter B, feat rok41

drakonis

drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)

Not exactly intentional
But my love of Loreena McKennitt and Enya probably influenced this a bit, with the drum and double-reed... yes, I hear the procession... when I first started practicing, it was a dirge, because I could NOT play it fast enough! With tons of practice, I got this fast... it is still slow, but sedate. Glad you like it... and yes you caught me, I can play a stringed instrument, a little, with a lot of practice!

Check out my latest song called Miwok

ShadowofNine	ShadowofNine said 3190 days ago (July 31st, 2010)
	Traditional Elegance Eduard this is such a fine piece, reminders of the old country charm, Bravo Check out my latest song called Alone

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	you can't take the old country out of me... I'm not sure which old country it is (Germany, France, Sweden, Russia, Japan, Peru...) but there is a big chunk of it in there somewhere :-) Glad you liked it, Dave. Check out my latest song called Miwok

Hickling_Stan	Hickling_Stan said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	Simple Beauty very poignant and very well played. Lovely piece and a nice tribute. Cheers mark Check out my latest song called It's Only Love that matters

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	grand praise from somebody who plays an instrument so well, thank you very much... your compliment is warmly received. Check out my latest song called Miwok

Honza	Honza said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	DAD Wow, this is some lovely tune. It sounds almost celtic to me. I love the sound of dulcimer, you are lucky you have a real one, I can use only samples. I like also the story behind. Thanks for sharing this honorable tribute! Check out my latest song called Unbound

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	Those musical Celts Nothing like the real thing, especially if it is played well, which I intend to learn more about over time! Thank you for stopping in to read and hear the story. Check out my latest song called Miwok

musichead	musichead said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	ok... ok I want proof!! haha. Just kidding. I had a grandfather that was like your father. Funny how remembering your past sometimes feels so good. Check out my latest song called slow exit

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	A good past, many good memories Hopefully I am offering these good things to my children too. Glad I could bring that happy warmth by remembering your granddad. Check out my latest song called Miwok

st_victor	st_victor said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	Beautiful Morning Eduard - so great to catch up with you and this piece with all its sentiment and heart set me back in my chair and made all the stress and hurry melt away - this is what this is all about isn't it. Thank you. Check out my latest song called The Consciousness Song

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	yes it is what it is all about Relaxing, and taking the time to remember those who mean so much to us... preferably every day, while they are alive too. I am very glad to see you here again, and glad to offer you a moment of calmness. Hope to see you two again soon! Check out my latest song called Miwok

RAVENS	RAVENS said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	Heartfelt What a touching dedication, and pleasant listen this morning. Very sorry about your loss, I'm sure your Dad would be very proud of this piece. RAVEN ;-) Check out my latest song called Tattooed Scars (w/ Sigmund, Scofugate, Rok41)

drakonis	drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	Good to hear from you Thank you for listening and commenting, Miss D. He got to see me start dabbling in music, and I even found some of HIS sheet music he wrote and copied it into the computer so he could finally hear it "performed" for the first time, many years ago. We had a wonderful life together. I appreciate you listening. Check out my latest song called Miwok

VicDiesel

VicDiesel said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)

Tough call.
One is not really allowed to criticize such a heartfelt tribute.

But.

The track seems loud. Much compressed? The dulcimer is too loud compared to the percussion. Then there are some timing problems. It's weird: the drummer sounds behind the beat, as if he's too timid. But you're saying that that's pencilled, so it should be perfectly in time. So I think that because the dulcimer is too loud I'm taking that to define the beat and if the drum seems late, it probably means that the dulcimer is ahead of the beat, at least in places. Could you take a close look at the wave forms, and push the phrases a bit more in place? If you have the latest Logic 9, Flextime ought to be a big help.

Oh, and please use something else than that oboe. It's very synthetic. Personally I have a couple of tracks where the choice of lead instrument was entirely dictated by "what can I find that sounds at least somewhat realistic".

Check out my latest song called Ten minutes

drakonis

drakonis said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)

You know me Victor
I can easily separate sentiment from critique. Yes, I did add light compression to help the drums stand out a teeny bit more, but it was very minimal. Perhaps the original dulcimer recording was ever-so-slightly hot, I'll have to go double check (it was recorded about 6 months ago.) As for timing, the drums were there first, as a metronome for me to play against... so what you are hearing is my horrible timing, wandering back off the beat here and there. I did slide the drums around slightly on the two chorus sections (the worst culprits), but I chose not to "enhance timing"... leaving this a bit raw and showing my true (lack of) talent :-) The oboe sounded OK in an earlier mix, but near the end I dropped its level down a bit, and I think it gets lost in the overall "large room reverb" I added, it loses its character, I agree. All very good points, and well taken, thank you!

Check out my latest song called Miwok

Moviz	Moviz said 3190 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	Congrats on mastering the dulcimer in such a musical way... sounds great and a nice tune too that sounds as though it should have always been around, though I never heard it before, regards M Check out my latest song called We'll Meet Again

drakonis	drakonis said 3189 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	the best kind of tune is a tune that sounds like it has been around forever... so I always take that as a high compliment! As for mastering the dulcimer, Dulce's sweetness makes up for my lack of talent, but I am slowly improving. Thank you for listening as always, Maurice. Check out my latest song called Miwok

fasteddie	fasteddie said 3189 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	Interesting this song has a very gaelic sound with just a hint of eastern flair to it. That makes it a very spicey meatball:) JK! I like it a lot. I don't recognize the melody from anywhere. It sounds unique to me. I'm glad I dropped by. Check out my latest song called On Borrowed Time

drakonis	drakonis said 3188 days ago (August 3rd, 2010)
	Glad you dropped by too Spice is the music of life, after all, or something like that. I love the idea that you hear Gaelic and Eastern influence, I'm not sure where that comes from, but good in my book! Thank you for your always-enjoyable thoughts. Check out my latest song called Miwok

MarkHolbrook	MarkHolbrook said 3189 days ago (August 1st, 2010)
	Dulce sounds great to me!!! Outstanding Sir Dragon!!! Check out my latest song called Corn Whiskey

drakonis	drakonis said 3188 days ago (August 3rd, 2010)
	Mark, armed and dangerous Welcome back, Mark, and thank you for listening to my attempts on a real instrument! Check out my latest song called Miwok

sschedra

sschedra said 3189 days ago (August 2nd, 2010)

Drak
I like it and I think the timing thing actually gives it a live feel. I didn't notice it until Victor mentioned it, but I would say it sounds "live". The Dulcimer is very much dominant, but again it is the main voice here. I always appreciate it when folks share a live instrument and not always one that is their main instrument.
Thanks,
Stephen

Check out my latest song called Cheap Tricks (LSP2)

drakonis	drakonis said 3188 days ago (August 3rd, 2010)
	It was a stretch goal to play this live... But I have to try, right? I will never be able to play "Rocky Road to Dublin" on her, but I do know that I am improving and learning things. And yes, Dulce's the kind of lady that when she walks into a room, she wants to be dominant and prominent. So the oboe and drums play "second fiddle" to her :-) Check out my latest song called Miwok

CIASM_ZENABI_	CIASM_ZENABI_ said 3189 days ago (August 2nd, 2010)
	dulce nice traditional feel, well played and arranged. like the way no other instruments are missing. cheers Check out my latest song called GLOWING IN THE DARK (2012 REMIX)

drakonis	drakonis said 3188 days ago (August 3rd, 2010)
	simple is good... It is indeed a very sparse simple arrangement, but sometimes that is good... glad you liked it. Check out my latest song called Miwok

Roxylee	Roxylee said 3189 days ago (August 2nd, 2010)
	So sweet... Not only the music, but having these precious memories of your dad playing music and being so involved and interested in learning. You definitely took after him there! This is a catchy little tune and you plat your Dulce well. Check out my latest song called Emma, by davisamerica

drakonis	drakonis said 3188 days ago (August 3rd, 2010)
	so sweet of you Thank you Roxylee, for listening and as always, taking in the whole background, not just the music. Check out my latest song called Miwok

davisamerica	davisamerica said 3189 days ago (August 2nd, 2010)
	just dropped in to comment on a dragon treat. Eduard your Dad is smiling and so am I ... wonderful...uplifting track. Check out my latest song called ok char2(Vic and Flatrock mix)

drakonis	drakonis said 3188 days ago (August 3rd, 2010)
	All smiles here Hey Jack, you've got smiles going everywhere now, thank you for mine, it will last all day now. Check out my latest song called Miwok

richard13	richard13 said 3189 days ago (August 2nd, 2010)
	Proof positive that dragons have soft hearts Not that there's anything wrong with that! Very nice tribute Eduard, and especially so with an organic instrument (for the most part) given that so much of your life is pixillated... I mean, digital, binary, whatever ;-) It is still heartwarming to read peoples fond memories of their fathers. Check out my latest song called one last night with you

drakonis	drakonis said 3188 days ago (August 3rd, 2010)
	Soft-hearted dragons Well of course, that is why we need such tough exteriors... we're all gushy-romantics inside. Yes, sometimes I do have to unplug from the blocky binary world of computers and "go analog"... the rich hum of the wood and strings running up and down my body is calming in a way that computers cannot ever match. Check out my latest song called Miwok

rok41	rok41 said 3189 days ago (August 2nd, 2010)
	Eduard I really enjoyed this piece, very pleasant sounding tones and melody. Splendid job! Check out my latest song called Kilimanjaro - 2017

drakonis	drakonis said 3188 days ago (August 3rd, 2010)
	Thank you Practice won't ever make perfect, in my case, but I hear that perfection is overrated anyway, I am fine with "Splendid job"! I'll let the professionals like you do the heavy lifting. But isn't that a pretty sounding instrument? Even when I play it? :-) Check out my latest song called Miwok

sheilad	sheilad said 3189 days ago (August 2nd, 2010)
	oh Eduard that is simply wonderful. I really enjoyed it! Check out my latest song called Nana Lives

drakonis	drakonis said 3188 days ago (August 3rd, 2010)
	Sending Smiles to Canada Thank you for stopping in to listen Sheila, very happy to see you as always. Check out my latest song called Miwok

guitapick	guitapick said 3189 days ago (August 2nd, 2010)
	Lots of heart... ...in this song and it's playing, Eduard. Condolences for the loss of your dad and high praise for the wonderful piece of art in sound. Very nice. Check out my latest song called 'Cuz I Can

drakonis	drakonis said 3178 days ago (August 13th, 2010)
	Thank you Sir! We move on, but never forget our parents. Thank you for sharing this little offering with me Bob, it is always appreciated. Check out my latest song called Miwok

scaustrita	scaustrita said 3188 days ago (August 2nd, 2010)
	Great Dedication Wonderful performance. :: Memorable :: Check out my latest song called Georgia Pines - Steve Caustrita, Sam Dixon

drakonis	drakonis said 3178 days ago (August 13th, 2010)
	For Dad Appreciate the listen and comment from a talented stringed-instrument-player. Thank you. Check out my latest song called Miwok

RochaMalhada	RochaMalhada said 3188 days ago (August 3rd, 2010)
	Dedication This is beautiful - nice homage to your Dad . - Harold Check out my latest song called Ascent of a Tree (w Mike_D & FEEL)

drakonis	drakonis said 3178 days ago (August 13th, 2010)
	Hi Harold Thank you for stopping in for a listen and comment, i is always good to see you here. Check out my latest song called Miwok

guygrooves	guygrooves said 3187 days ago (August 3rd, 2010)
	I feel for ya Drak This is beautiful and a wonderful tribute to your father. I'm sorry he had to pass that way. Peace Check out my latest song called Last Day Here 1998

drakonis	drakonis said 3178 days ago (August 13th, 2010)
	Nice thoughts Thank you so much. He was a great man, and I'll always miss him, but thought this might be a nice thing to offer. I'm glad you came by to offer your thoughts. Check out my latest song called Miwok

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 3186 days ago (August 4th, 2010)
	Beautiful dedication Alas, I lost my father when I was 20, and I have to admit, I think I needed him more in my young adulthood than I did as a child, but I'll always have wonderful memories of him as I know you do of your father as well Eduard. Check out my latest song called There Ain't Nobody Here but Us Chickens!

drakonis	drakonis said 3178 days ago (August 13th, 2010)
	That is sad too I'm sorry Michael... but they offer us what they can. Thank you for listening, commenting, and sharing a piece of yourself too. Check out my latest song called Miwok

Catalina22

Catalina22 said 3186 days ago (August 5th, 2010)

A Wonderful Dedication
Thank you so much for sharing this, Eduard. I'm so sorry not only that you've lost your dad, but that you had to watch him deteriorate like that for years. What a beautiful and moving tribute this is. Awesome work on the dulcimer! The combination of the dulcimer and the almost tribal percussion gives this a real Scottish feel. Very cool!

Check out my latest song called The REAL Plant that Geranium! (Mood Ring Mix)

drakonis	drakonis said 3178 days ago (August 13th, 2010)
	Great scot Perhaps it does sound a bit Scottish, interesting. Of course, the melody to me just sounds like childhood. Cort, I very much appreciate you stopping to listen, thank you for the comment! Check out my latest song called Miwok

Daugrin	Daugrin said 3185 days ago (August 6th, 2010)
	Always Present Never Seen Please recall, we remember the past for a reason. Well done. Daug Check out my latest song called Spc Agt of Chg

drakonis	drakonis said 3178 days ago (August 13th, 2010)
	more than DNA Oh yes, his thoughts and guidance are always here, always helpful. Thank you for listening to this little offering, Daug. Check out my latest song called Miwok

billykirsch	billykirsch said 3185 days ago (August 6th, 2010)
	Drak I listened to this a few days ago. Didn't know what to say, don't know what to say. Feeling it in my throat. Sad and joyful. Beautiful. Check out my latest song called Everything

drakonis	drakonis said 3178 days ago (August 13th, 2010)
	it is my hope That is a very touching comment, I am glad to offer this, and have the music and story stir emotion. That is my hope... he helped me grow up, and I am happy with it all. I'm also happy you stopped in to listen, as I'm a big fan of your work as well. Check out my latest song called Miwok

ste	ste said 3178 days ago (August 12th, 2010)
	like this. wonderful that it's intergenerational. love that dulce and the backings work well Check out my latest song called songbreak

drakonis	drakonis said 3178 days ago (August 13th, 2010)
	Arigato Thank you for listening and commenting... glad to know the music is effective. I hope to catch up on your music soon too, as life is a whirlwind just now with almost no MJ time, ugh. Check out my latest song called Miwok

papag	papag said 3173 days ago (August 17th, 2010)
	The song is lovely I can feel good energy in the melody and rhythm. The droning of the lowered tuning is mesmerizing. Fav'd and Dl'd...thanks for the tune! Check out my latest song called Nowhere to Feel Safe

drakonis	drakonis said 3173 days ago (August 17th, 2010)
	She's a sweetie... Dulce I love the tone of this instrument, thank you for listening to and enjoying my attempt at playing a real instrument. I've only recently started practicing, and only little bits here and there. Check out my latest song called Miwok

sloparts	sloparts said 3170 days ago (August 21st, 2010)
	Nice dedication, Eduard It's one of the things that our parents leave with us is the memory of a song sketched in our mind that forever haunts us in a good way. Beautifully play with heartfelt reverie Eduard. I'm sure you Dad was listening as you played this for him. Excellent Ed Check out my latest song called Quack's Blues

drakonis	drakonis said 3169 days ago (August 21st, 2010)
	there forever Definitely a good thing here. Thank you Ed, for taking the time to listen and comment with such thoughtfulness. I'm glad my intentions overshadowed my lack of knowledge of playing :-) ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

Henke	Henke said 3169 days ago (August 21st, 2010)
	Very sweet Well played and mixed, a great trubute to your dad. Take care, Henke Check out my latest song called Summer (Promenade) (WIP)

drakonis	drakonis said 3169 days ago (August 21st, 2010)
	Very hard to play an instrument... I am much better at programming computers, but even so, being able to actually play this for real, finally, was very therapeutic and enjoyable. Thank you for sharing the moment with me, Henrik! ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

mrattue

mrattue said 3169 days ago (August 21st, 2010)

Dulcimer first
Had to google 'dulcimer' to see what one looked like. First time i've ever heard one, i think. Understand that it's an old time, mountain instrument. Somewhat appropriate then, for a dedication to your father? Just doesn't seem right that all that delight in living could fade so cruelly. Makes you want to be religious!

Enjoyed the sound, a first for me, as i say.

Check out my latest song called Second Wind

drakonis	drakonis said 3169 days ago (August 22nd, 2010)
	glad to offer a first Thank you for stopping by and listening to my meager attempt on this instrument... you would think that with only 4 strings, and two of those simply doubled, that even I could figure it out! :-) Well, I'm getting there. Glad you enjoyed, and welcome to Macjams. ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

tokai	tokai said 3169 days ago (August 22nd, 2010)
	Dulcimer i have a friend that plays one, totally confuses me. You know how to make a tune that is for sure. Lovely sound. Check out my latest song called sleeper

drakonis	drakonis said 3165 days ago (August 25th, 2010)
	new meaning of tune-up :) Glad you stopped by and listened... Dulce confuses me too, but I'm starting to get reasonable sounds out, if I play really really slowly :-) Thanks! Check out my latest song called Miwok

ConnieO	ConnieO said 3165 days ago (August 25th, 2010)
	Nice Tribute for your dad...very nice. Enjoyed listening to all the wonderful sounds here. Sorry I got to it late, haven't been around much. Check out my latest song called I Don't Wanna

drakonis	drakonis said 3165 days ago (August 25th, 2010)
	me not around much either Got my daughter heading off to college in a few days, and THEN (he says, hoping it is really true and other things don't descend) I will have some more time to be at MJ again! Thank you sooo much for checking this out and commented! Always good to see you. ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

egobandit	egobandit said 3157 days ago (September 3rd, 2010)
	Wow what a description, so much family history that involves music, its great that you can remember and play what your father once did, beautiful playing on this I enjoyed! Check out my latest song called They got you now

drakonis

drakonis said 3157 days ago (September 3rd, 2010)

The simple things...
for example, my playing :-) Thank you Tim, for checking this little band-aid on my heart... it has been wonderful for me to capture and share it, and I certainly appreciate you listening and commenting. This is not your exuberant colorful playing style, but it was about as fast and complicated as I can manage so far :-) And it is always good to give a nod and smile to one's dad.

ttfn,
Drakonis

Check out my latest song called Miwok

Silky5	Silky5 said 3156 days ago (September 4th, 2010)
	Lovely inspiring tribute I like the way you have recorded what you play and haven't quantised any tracks. It gives it that live feel and more emotion & feel for it. Great Job Check out my latest song called Road to Apocalypse

drakonis	drakonis said 3156 days ago (September 4th, 2010)
	Thank you for checking this one... Although I consider myself more of a composer-to-be than a musician-to-be, so hopefully you'll peek at some of my orchestral pieces too :-) Again, I am very impressed with your first piece, and look forward to more from you here, welcome! ttfn, Eduard Check out my latest song called Miwok

Dragonas	Dragonas said 3155 days ago (September 5th, 2010)
	Great song! Eduard, Great job performing on that Dulcimer. It sounds great! Folk music passed down from father to son - pure and simple and from the heart. Memorable melodies that I hope you will pass down to your kids. This is the essence of what makes music good. Cheers, John Check out my latest song called Dragonian - Part I (1 of 6)

drakonis	drakonis said 3140 days ago (September 20th, 2010)
	pass it down, offer it up Always great to hear from you, John, thank you for listening, and for your kind words. Although I'm still a horrible beginner with Dulce, this just had to come out, and it felt great playing it, perhaps that showed :-) ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

SCJohnson59	SCJohnson59 said 3140 days ago (September 20th, 2010)
	Touching! I keep 'hearing' a lyrical phrase as if you're talking to your Dad with this one ... really, truly touching! :) Check out my latest song called 0404 aka Girl, You Doll Up Nice Take 2

drakonis	drakonis said 3140 days ago (September 20th, 2010)
	dad-chat I was indeed, just saying "thanks"... and a thank you to you too, for dropping by for a listen. It is always humbling and exciting for me to have real musicians come by and visit and comment, and I sincerely appreciate it! ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

dancedivine	dancedivine said 3138 days ago (September 21st, 2010)
	Great job! Nice tribute to your Dad.... Really enjoyed this one... :) Check out my latest song called Drive These Blues Away - Remastered

drakonis	drakonis said 3138 days ago (September 22nd, 2010)
	tributaries We never know where the music will lead us. I think my dad never knew that his playing on the piano and taking me to symphony concerts would eventually lead to me creating music. But I'm glad he got to hear some of mine before he passed away. Thank you for listening! ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

Saltaireguru77	Saltaireguru77 said 3138 days ago (September 22nd, 2010)
	Wow I love that dulcimer! I rarely hear anything like that in stuff and it just lifts this. The story behind it adds to it and it's nice to revisit suff. Thanks for sharing this Drakonis! Check out my latest song called Tomorrow

drakonis	drakonis said 3138 days ago (September 22nd, 2010)
	Happy to strum for you That is, unfortunately, about the best I can play Dulce right now... but this was really enjoyable to work out and do, since I don't normally try to actually PLAY anything :-) And thank YOU Stephen for stopping in for a listen. I shall return the favor this morning! ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

Corporal Beef	Corporal Beef said 3135 days ago (September 25th, 2010)
	What a great tribute Your dad sounds like an incredible person, and what better way to pay homage to him than picking up on something he made and make it your own. I'm very sorry for your loss, and I'm glad you shared a small part of him with this community. Check out my latest song called (SRC 2013) SECCHI A CME0054

drakonis	drakonis said 3134 days ago (September 25th, 2010)
	Greatly appreciate the listen and thoughts He influenced me a great deal, but we enjoyed each other while he was here, so I have no regrets, and am glad to share this little slice. ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

Rayelise	Rayelise said 3130 days ago (September 29th, 2010)
	dadication Dulce sounds great! I do hear the simple gifts song- but it's a cool variation. Check out my latest song called Angel of Montgomery

drakonis	drakonis said 3117 days ago (October 12th, 2010)
	A simple gift I think you're right, he was probably inspired by that. Thank you for stopping in to listen. Now that I'm back and catching up, I shall go listen to your new one, good to see you have something new! Check out my latest song called Miwok

Bowman	Bowman said 3127 days ago (October 2nd, 2010)
	Simple is often quite good. And this is very good. This is a variation of Simple Gifts. Copland did his own thing with it and so did your Dad. I wonderful tribute Eduard. I enjoyed your playing and the sparse yet effective backing. Best, Charlie Check out my latest song called THE LOST JEDI

drakonis	drakonis said 3117 days ago (October 12th, 2010)
	and for band too I remembered playing this in concert band in high school, but it was J. Zdechlik's version: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chorale_and_Shaker_Dance Funny how it shows up all over the place, like "Lord of the Dance", etc. Definitely the hallmark of a good tune! ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

Ren-Tin-10	Ren-Tin-10 said 3127 days ago (October 2nd, 2010)
	How did I miss this until now? One thing Drak forgot to mention is that he had demo'd this to me some time ago as a memorial not only to his own Dad, but to mine as well. So I'm especially happy to see this tune see the light of day! Thanks for sharing, Drak, you just made my day! All the best, Jim Check out my latest song called (Re)Imagination Challenge - Hooked on Schubert

drakonis

drakonis said 3117 days ago (October 12th, 2010)

It's been in the closet a while...
You are correct, we were thinking of doing something with it together for our dads. You and I still have a dulcimer-jam-to-do! As you can see, I have practiced a little, and can actually play more than 2 notes now (I am up to 3!), so it is more likely to happen!

Thank you for listening and commenting, it means a great deal coming from a real dulcimer player like you!

ttfn,
Drakonis

Check out my latest song called Miwok

paddler

paddler said 3112 days ago (October 18th, 2010)

Renaissance
What a beautiful instrument and what an interesting sounding man.I used to have an autoharp - really regret that I sold it as an art student.I wonder if you have ever heard any Gryphon - I suspect you have but just incase - heres a link.I don't know if links work in comments Gryphon - if not its http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sZGHpRs5OY&feature=related

Great dulcimer - RG

Check out my latest song called Wild Volcano

drakonis

drakonis said 3112 days ago (October 18th, 2010)

Ach, nae... 'tis new
Hadn't heard of Gryphon (although I worked for a software company called "Gryphon" for awhile :-) Very cool Prog-Renaissance stuff they do... I found a live video performance here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuNy-Mi1-zE

Thank you for the connection! Great musicians/performers there. And thank you for stopping in to listen to my little tribute here.

ttfn,
Drakonis

Check out my latest song called Miwok

segiperkasa	segiperkasa said 3105 days ago (October 25th, 2010)
	lovely that was very beautiful .... Check out my latest song called Time to Let Go

drakonis	drakonis said 3105 days ago (October 25th, 2010)
	A great compliment! Thank you, I really admire your nimble fingers and agile playing... I am just the opposite... this is about as fast as I can play an instrument! :-) I really need to practice more. But I am happy you listened and enjoyed what I offer, thank you! ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

Warren Smith

Warren Smith said 3103 days ago (October 26th, 2010)

What your Dad was playing ...
At first I thought I'd recognized it as a variation of that jazz standard "Gruff Stuff" by William Goat ... but on the second pass through I realized it might be an alternative riff on that old sea shanty "The Toothy Grin" by Ima Walrus. Or maybe it's time to reach for the Q-tips to clean the wax out of my ears?

My father, now gone, was my first musical inspiration.

Check out my latest song called I'll Be On My Way

drakonis	drakonis said 3103 days ago (October 26th, 2010)
	Gruff Stuff by Bill E. And perhaps our fathers were also our humor-inspiration as well (much to the chagrin of those around us) :-) Thank you for listening and making me smirk! Hey, that reminds me, I've not "taken a walk" over to your music for awhile, I am remiss! ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

notsosweet	notsosweet said 3103 days ago (October 26th, 2010)
	.. What a wonderful driving melody! Loved it! Check out my latest song called Whole-Hearted

drakonis	drakonis said 3103 days ago (October 26th, 2010)
	Melodies are great I admit I really love a good melody in music. Probably why I enjoy the music you play! I very much appreciate you listening to my rare attempt at actually playing something live... I envy your piano skills, thank you for sharing them! ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

FEEL

FEEL said 3103 days ago (October 26th, 2010)

Sorry to hear your loss
It's a beautiful tune. I do not recognize it, but it sound to me a bit Irish. I didn't know you played the dulcimer. Something about them that sounds so good and not like anything else. The mix sounds great but most of it's that sound you get when it comes from the heart. Thanks far sharing this, I enjoyed it very much.

Check out my latest song called A Second Life with Scott Carmicheal

drakonis	drakonis said 3103 days ago (October 26th, 2010)
	*I don't* play the dulcimer! :)** I am just learning... these multi-stringed instruments are really complicated... being a clarinet player, I'm just used to blowing in a tube! So I love hearing good guitar players like you do your thing! Appreciate you stopping in to listen to this little dedication to a great guy. ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

bronco	bronco said 2980 days ago (February 27th, 2011)
	Like It Like This That mountain dulcimer is so nice to hear once again. Loved Richard Farina's playing on that instrument for years but you sure don't hear it very often. Played very well here also. Drone strings give it that full almost orchestral feel. Check out my latest song called Stenosis Commitosis

drakonis	drakonis said 2979 days ago (February 27th, 2011)
	A great instrument And nice that it has a small number of strings so even I can figure it out! :-) I appreciate you stopping by and enjoying the rich resonance of those singing drone strings, I tried to mic Dulce so that would stand out. ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Miwok

WeatherReport	WeatherReport said 2877 days ago (June 10th, 2011)
	Wonderful piece Never ever heard of Dulce before. In Turkey we have Saz. Which you can hear on World Music Jam Pack as you probably knew. Sounds similar but with less and looser strings I guess. History and dedication of the story is touching. But I got this creepy feeling on my skin before I read it. Perfect and simple. Check out my latest song called Asthma!

drakonis

drakonis said 2876 days ago (June 10th, 2011)

Saz who?
Hi Murat,
Thank you for listening to this and commenting... although I am a little embarrassed... I'm not very good at playing an instrument. "Dulce" is my nickname for my "Mountain Dulcimer", which probably does sound like a Saz (they have similar large bodies)... but the mountain dulcimer has no neck. It is played on your lap.

Anyway, I hope the "creepy feeling" was a deep emotional one... it is good when music touches deeply.

ttfn,
Drakonis

Check out my latest song called Miwok

modalgrooveman	modalgrooveman said 2869 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	DADication Eduard: this is a beautiful way to use the simplicity of the dulcimer -- let us hear more! Check out my latest song called OneLife Waltz in G

drakonis

drakonis said 2869 days ago (June 18th, 2011)

you are very kind :)
I do love the way it resonates and rings, and that's why I play it so slowly... yes, that's it! :-)

I do look forward to learning more about it and practicing some techniques and fingering, so yes, you will get more Dulce! Thank you for listening and I look forward to your music showing up soon!

BTW, Dulce's maker is "Rugg & Jackel".

Check out my latest song called Miwok

Philip18	Philip18 said 2843 days ago (July 13th, 2011)
	Evocative You can feel the connection between the player and the instrument, and it's a great thing that you have recorded some of your family history in this way. Much enjoyed! Check out my latest song called Refuge

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Name: Eduard
Location: San Diego CA USA

Eduard's musical interests span a variety of musical genres, including, classical, world, ambient, electronica, and rock and blues. His venture "SchwanSongs" is where he writes and publishes his own musical compositions, usually classically-based m... [see more]

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