Ripples (jazzy ballad featuring James Ryce)

[stoman]

This one turned out really nice IMO. Thanks to all who made this possible!

Lyrics: Paul Dempsey
Vocals: James Ryce
Bass & Drums: Neal Vanderhoof
Guitar: Andrew Doherty
Composed and arranged by Steffen Offermann

"Power Mix" by Neal Vanderhoof
"Bar Room Mix" by Steffen Offermann

As for my own mixes: Most people seem to prefer the "alternative bar room mix", which was in fact the first release candidate. But I'm not satisfied with it.

This is my own favorite (and the definitively final) mix:
Ripples - FINAL

RIPPLES


Sceneries changing
Yet I feel I've seen it all
Every minute detail
Somehow I recall

Years folded on years
Every one quite unique
They're full of stories
If you listen they speak

So many stones in a pond
The ripples move on
Each one traveling
A little farther beyond
Now my memories respond
There as sharp as a knife
Each one recounting
The ripples of my life

Time seems extended
Like circles that expand
A perfect orchestration
Just like it was planned

Love, like a warm breeze
Maintained the serene
Calm below the surface
A strength unseen

So many stones in a pond
The ripples move on
Each one traveling
A little farther beyond
Now my memories respond
There as sharp as a knife
Each one recounting
The ripples of my life

Every stone had an impact
My loved ones felt the wake
And I tried very hard
To leave more than I could take

If I'm very lucky, some ripples will carry on
When loved ones cast stones into the pond ....

And the ripples move on
Each one traveling
A little farther beyond
And their memories respond
Like the blade of a knife
Each one recounting
The ripples of their life

[Paulo]

Beautifull song, guys. Very beuatifull indeed 

[Tricia41]

Very nice work, everyone!  I heard the bar room mix so far.....

[snowdoguk]

This is great... I'm not usually a ballad type of person, but this is really cool...  superb performances by everyone and a whole cocktail of mixes to choose from while leaning on the piano (only takes one cocktail before I need a piano to lean on)

Really nice gang

Mike

[OcalaMusician]

I hope this gets the all accolades especially for you & James it deserves regardless of which mix is preferred.  Paul wrote some very touching lyrics & Andy showed great passionate guitar playing for it.  I was just lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.  Thanks again for liking my tracks and letting me do a mix a bit different than yours Steffan.

Most of all - I hope YOU (Steffan) comes up with a mix you like!!

Nice to have my first credited finished song in this section of the site.

I look forward to the next time!!!   

Neal

[docca3]

It's great to see this one finished .... my first completion as well . It was a real departure from my usual style, so I am very happy with how it's come out. Thanks to all for the comments ... and to Stef for driving it along. It's certainly been worth it

AndyD

[srvfender]

Very nicely done everyone

AJ

[PVD]

Everyone:

Thanks for giving my words the chance, this is fast becoming one of my favorites, I am a piano bar type of guy and would request this one.

Steffen your composing capabilities are quite remarkable.  You always lay down the feelings of my words.

James, I hope this one allows you to know you can do many genres, certainly you nailed this one.

Neal and Andy, I am honored to be part of your first completed pieces here.  I am sure there will be many more.

Paul

[r4m]

Very cool and laid back!
Great job all!

[NickT]

Very smooth guys.

Nice listen.

 

[stoman]

I tweaked the "bar room mix" some more and put it on my web site:
Ripples - Final Bar Room Mix

We got some nice comments from the "strict Germans" so far - most to my surprise (even some who don't like my music in general). I posted both my final and my first bar room mix and Neal's. Neal, many of them like your mix very much!

Regards,
  Steffen

[OcalaMusician]

Guten Tag Steffan - YIPPIE - "the Germans" LIKE my mix!! 

I'm MORE happy for you that THEY like YOUR MIX.  I like your mix and one reason I chose to do a different mix.  The key is simple - the song is JUST THAT GOOD.  The performances are just that good and I once again was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to get in on this song.  The four of you who composed and performed your tracks made the song what it is.  That is something anyone who listens can't ignore.

Take care,
Neal

[AndyG6508]

Hi Everyone,

this track is sounding very nice. good solid performances from all the musicians and a strong vocal.

i like both the mixes...maybe i'd lean towards the power mix a tad!

Cheers
Andy

[OcalaMusician]

Hey Andy - thanks for that.  I owe you a Christmas card!!  LOL

Geez - I hope everyone has a similar sense of humor as I do???   

Neal

[stoman]

Never say never ... I updated the mix. It sounds MUCH better than before. Like with "No Tears" I had never really been satisfied with my mix before this one.

Regards,
  Steffen

P.S.: I also updated the link at my web site.