[Ian McAllister]

Hi, I got some bad news today, visa restrictions in China are getting silly, and I may have to leave. The first time I've been happy in a job for at least 12 years. I used to have a terrible boss, I was self-employed!
I started to write a slow blues, because I was feeling down, this is the result, I hope that it still has some elements of the blues, but I fear it's a distance from the Delta. the working title was 'Slow Blues in A'...it's in C and has a kinda bluesy solo, and that's it!, But it is slow!
A very depressed Ian

[krissovo]

Wow, there was great feeling in that. The tone was awesome, is that a line 6 one?

The playing was smooth and vocals were great!

[Ian McAllister]

It is a Line6 tone, but it's my fingers!
Thanks Chris
Ian

[johnnydoxx]

Real nice - too bad the source of your inspiration is what it is. You sound as good as any professional - maybe that's your new job.

[Ian McAllister]

Thanks JD, if I do have to go, I'll be back after the Olympics, which is what is causing all the problems. The Chinese have really shot themselves in the foot over the Games.
Ian

[Rockerbob]

Nice blues. I can relate to your depression. I was laid off 6 months ago and I'm still looking for a job.

[windsong]

wow, it was awesome, the lyrics were clear, well, it simply connected, maybe because i may be just i am a dream catcher, the guitar playing was great, and you definitely showed your true talent on this one.

[Ian McAllister]

Thanks Gene, I'm getting a little more melodic since 'China Doll' I think!
Cheers,
Ian

[Ian McAllister]

I've just read the reply I made to krissovo's kind comments on my efforts and I feel that I came off a little snide. My apologies, I can be that way, even though I don't mean to be.
I'm on my own out here, but there are other foreign teachers with whom I am in contact. When they learn that I write and record songs they want to hear them, so I send them mp3s. Their reaction, to a man, has been one of the following:
1. 'you can't sing'
2. 'oh, it's all done on a computer'
All I do is push a button and out pops a song, arranged and everything!
Just to set the record straight, for everyone here who understands the workings of recording; I use the computer as a studio, all that you hear is played by me, excluding the drums,( I have my limitations) and it is played 'live', no sequencing, no samples,(apart from 'Lunchy'). I use a Toneport KB37 into Reaper, and the keyboards are VSTi's, as is the brass, cello and Mellotron.
I'm glad to get that off my chest! I almost lost it tonight with a guy from England who insists that anyone can do this...'It's all computers innit?'
So, krissovo, yes it is a Line6 tone, they're great for recording. Sorry if I was offhand, although I didn't mean to be.
As an aside, when I've played on stage I've used a BOSS compressor and CE2 chorus pedal, and that's it.
Ian

[Caroline C]

Ian, Hello.

That was very good. Sounds straight from the heart.

Who gives a **** how you record etc. EVERYONE in the music business who records, uses whatever is available to make the best recording dont they?

I know very little about music and recording, but I DO know that that recording sounds great to me.

Dont listen to blatent shallow critisism (spelling? lol) just listen to CONSTRUCTIVE critisism (there it is again lol) I think some people are only to happy to make heartless remarks coz they really WANT to be able to do it themselves and wouldn't know where to start or havent got the guts to try. ((BTW I dont mean Krissovo lol I mean the people who tell you its easy etc))

THats my 2 pennorth lol you keep doing what you are doing and Ill keep listening.

I dont post often but I DO listen, and this one struck a chord with me

Best of wishes for your situation I hope all turns out well

Caroline
ps you didnt come across as snide but then I dont know what a line6 is! LOL

[Ian McAllister]

Thanks Caroline. Line6 is a manufacturer of amp modeling/effects/recording interfaces. They're really good. I wasn't getting at anyone here,(especially not krissovo) just had a rough day with other teachers telling me how s*** I am because I don't play at parties, and the ensuing visa problem.
You cheered me up, thanks.

p.s. I would never correct anyone's spelling on this forum.
p.p.s. I don't have that much free time!

[eddiez152]

Ian,
Sorry about you feeling blue, but that was a great take.

[Ian McAllister]

Thanks Eddie, Ian plays the blues, sort of!

[Ian McAllister]

Caroline, I just noticed where you're from, I'm from Gateshead.
Ian

[Caroline C]

Glad to have cheered you up, I dont play at parties either but thats because I AM S*** and Id never be invited again hahahahaha

Take care, dont be blue