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Category: "Announcements"
When I broke away from my duo act nine years ago I figured that since I had the backing of many fine MIDI files, that I could do the job myself. And for the most part, I did. However, MIDI files did not provide actual vocal backings for the harmony parts that some of my songs required so I turned to MP3 backing tracks. They served the purpose nicely for a long time until I realized that all I could do with them in the way of editing was to change the pitch up or down or alter their tempos. But even that proved difficult, since changing the key up or down more than 3 half steps would distort the final product.
You younger Cybermidi readers may think I sound like a geezer, but I’m really aiming this at the people of my generation (I’m 52). Wilfred Brambell, who played Paul’s grandfather in the movie A Hard Day’s Night was 52 at the time the movie was filmed in March of 1964. Next week Paul McCartney turns 60 and that fact doesn’t sit well with me. It made me realize just how fast time is flying by.
Cybermidi’s latest sequence, “Sweet Life” reminded me of its composer and singer, Paul Davis, who died recently just one day after his 60th birthday, of a heart attack. There was never a lot written about the man during his lifetime. He was an unassuming, low-key kind of guy who stayed out of the spotlight when not performing. He released eight albums and six singles during his career, which began at the tender age of 22 back in 1970 when he signed with Bang Records. His highest charting single was “Cool Night,” which peaked at number two. “I Go Crazy” didn’t get any higher than number 7 on the charts, but broke the record for longest stay on the charts at more than 40 weeks. Another Davis hit, “’65 Love Affair” also reached the Top 10, as did 3 other hits during his career. He was inducted into the Jimmie Rodgers Hall of Fame in 1987.
Normally my column is not about promoting any specific instrument or brand name of a product or company. But when it makes what I do easier, I figure I have to pass this information along to the rest of you who may be considering doing a solo MIDI gig. I told you in the past about my Yamaha keyboards and how they made the job easier by being so user friendly that you almost didn't need the manual to get up and running. I think I have found the ultimate guitar to help my MIDI act run smoother and with less effort.
On December 9, 1980 I woke to the news of John Lennon’s death the night before and immediately turned on the news. All three networks covered the murder of my rock hero and I was devastated. When they interviewed one kid from Wisconsin, his quote was something to the effect, “Music is the soundtrack of our lives.” That got me to thinking about my own life and the soundtrack that would go with it. I’ll start my soundtrack with 1963, since that was the first I’d heard of the new English group, The Beatles.
I heard an oldie on the radio the other day and from the little bit I heard I assumed it was Santana because of the Latin-Rock flavor of the tune. Turns out it was actually a song by a group called Malo and the song was “Suavecito.” I was partially right about who I thought was playing it since Malo featured Carlos Santana’s brother, Jorge. And that got me to thinking about all the other relatives, siblings, brothers, sisters and other family member in the music business.
For the most part, I’d have to say that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experience of playing live with MIDI files. However, there have been some moments that have tried my patience. Moments that made me wish I was still in a live four-piece band. Moments that made my ears hot and my face flush and my nerves jump. But all in all, I have to say that I wouldn’t and couldn’t go back to a four-piece band after having experienced the freedom of a solo act using MIDI files.
I’ve written several columns previously on how MIDI files can enhance a solo performance or help replace lost band members when you’re not quite ready to call it quits yet. I’ve explained how MIDI files can help in the composing and recording aspects of your music. I’ve even shown you how to broaden your audience with different types of MIDI files. Those columns have all shown MIDI files in somewhat of a professional light.
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