Sing, record and create a CD of songs from the 30's for my Dad

Hmmm… some time has passed since I’ve worked on this project. I think what is slowing me down right now is the cost. To hire a drummer and bass player… and I’m not talking about someone who wants some session experience (I need studio cats that can read it down and just do the job) it simply costs money…and we are working to get out of debt right now. What I can do is complete all the vocals and charts for now…then at least it will be ready when we have some extra play money.

I know my dad will like this and hopefully I can finish it not TOO far in the future. I feel good about doing all the things I can do that don’t cost right now.

Today I started to do vocals for Glory of Love and found the ending a little strange… same with Paper moon. So, I reviewed all the songs and made next steps for them all. Here are my next steps are:

Life is just a bowl – Review chart and current bed
Our love – Review chart and current bed

God Bless America – Review Vox – edit and or recut
In a sentimental mood – Do vox
Jeepers – figure out mid section/ sing and edit (keep in the same vein as the start)

Undecided – find charts from nick
The very thought of you – find old track/ chart/ decide if I want to do vocal to this

Need someone else for the next step
Pennies from heaven – review vocal – send to drummer as demo

Glory of Love – Check out what nick was thinking on the end
Paper moon – Check out what nick was thinking on the end

April in Paris – Run it by someone for vocal check

This is fun!

Well I did several takes of April in Paris and then did a little editing. I think I have a nice version, but I won’t be able to tell until tomorrow when I listen with a fresh pair of ears.

I am enjoying this very much!

I went onto realshapsody and downloaded several versions…billy holiday, Ella, Sarah Vaughn, Charlie Parker and if you ever want to hear an amazing piano version… Blossom Dearie. Wow!

Anyway… I’m just listening to them while I move about to absorb some of the phasing etc…

Fun! And I love to think about the fact that my dad loves these songs and I’m making them a part of me now :)

I sang several takes to God Bless America. I did several takes “classical” vocals and several takes more relaxed and jazzy. I almost always like more relaxed and jazzy, but I think the classical takes sound better. I’ll listen again with new ears tomorrow and see what I think then.

I also did a couple of takes to April in Paris and realized I’ve never really heard the song done by any other artist. I’m going to go listen to a few other artists and see how they phrase, play dynamically etc… I do have a few fresh sightreading takes though and sometimes those work.

I’m going back to work…and I’m having fun keeping this journal for me. I think it will be fun to review later.

Today I am debating whether I should spend my time creating a timeline or just taking another step towards it’s completion. I could debate either side easily.

I think I will just take a logical next step today… which will be to do vocals for one song and review the charts I have. I am going into the studio now.

I finished the chart for “sentimental mood” and am working on “the glory of love”. I think a bone player would sound great for the solo in this Sentimental mood.

I have several responses from drummers that will add tracks remotely.

Next I need a drummer and bass player, maybe a horn player.
All the text done, a graphic designer.
All vocal tracks recorded.

I’ve put an add out for an internet drummer that can engineer and swing.

I’ve spoken with a graphic designer about designing. She can do it first of November and would like all the text before she starts designing.

I can start recording vocal tracks now.

My next goal is a clear time line and steps.

Ok first thing I need is charts in my key for all the songs.

I will note them as they are complete.
I have
1) April in Paris Key of G
2) God Bless America
3) It’s only a paper moon Key of C to Db
4) Life is just a bowl of cherries Key of G to Ab
5) Our love is here to stay Ke of Gb
6) Pennies from Heaven Key of G

I need
1) The glory of love
2) In a sentimental mood
3) Jeepers Creeper
4) Undecided
5) The very thought of you

I’d like to have this ready to give him by Christmas.
Here are the songs I’d like to record for him.
1) April in Paris
2) The Glory of Love
3) God Bless America
4) In a sentimental mood
5) It’s only a paper moon
6) Jeepers Creepers
7) Life is just a bowl of cherries
8) Our love it here to stay
9) Pennies from Heaven
10) The very thought of you
11) Undecided
I may cut or add a couple

I’ll track my progress…