ZeCoop: Sometimes the first song you send is the perfect match for a potential collaborator and sometimes... it's number three. ;) I am so happy that Mary pushed me a little to get to the right song for her! For me, this year has really moved me forward in the picked acoustic guitar realm, and I once again used felt picks here (in lieu of finger picking, which I can't do). This was very obviously from the start, going to be a simple arrangement and Mary added such a beautiful melody and story to it, that I can't imagine anything else going with it. It is rare for me to not have a bunch of instruments, even if it is just shakers and cajon, but this needed nothing but the two guitars and her vocals. It is so lovely and I love writing music with Mary! :)
EmKayDeeBee: Ah, such kind words John! I love to think that I pushed you for once, you're always such a support and bring the best out in my efforts, it's nice to return the favour. The melody just flowed with this one, and lyrically I enjoyed playing with the language of the BBC Shipping Forecast. (You can never write just a straight love song when working with John, he's seen it all before!) Thanks for persevering with me!
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ZeCoop gear (so I don't forget)
Breedlove Atlas Stage 6 string acoustic
Tacoma DM912 12 string acoustic
As I look back I can see
All the signs were there for me
Felt it change so rapidly
On that steady South-Westerly
Saw it move from Gale to Storm
Watched it change from Good to Poor
…. Now falling…
Keep on moving steadily
Veering on away from me
Can we change from Storm to Gale?
We used to be phenomenal…
Sooner or Later all things pale
Can’t we still set sail?
… Still falling…
Backing on to a smoother shore
Ignoring all that’s gone before
Slowly move away from the Poor
Can we avoid the storm
… Now rising…?
Whether rough or smooth the sea
Let’s just take this steadily
@metalfoot Apr 2022
I remember listening to the maritime forecasts as a kid on the radio. Never thought of using them as a metaphor for relationships. Great lyrics and melody, Mary, and a delicately sparse guitar part, John!
@nancycunning Mar 2022
This is such a beautiful trying-to-stay-in-love song. The shipping language is just right, and I love how the guitar playing and the singing slide together. Great collaboration. Sounds like you've been working together for years.
@vomvorton Mar 2022
Gorgeous guitar sound! I'm always amazed by your felt-pick songs, even as somebody who is no good at fingerpicking I would still have a far better chance of playing something like this with limited-fingers than with a felt pick! I do like the sound of them though and I'm glad your liner notes last year got me to pick some up.
Excellent work from @emkaydeebee adding the peaceful and evocative lyrics to this, the shipping forecast is a great inspiration for a beautifully chilled out song!
@downburst Mar 2022
This is lovely--those guitars are heavenly. Something about the way the vocal sits atop the chords at "smoother shore" gave me goosebumps.
@abudabard12514 Mar 2022
Yeah, man. Yeah this is relationship montage energy all day and I'm all in on it. Late night diner dates coffee in the middle of the night trying not to get deep but there's just no other conversational option. Good groove and that guitar sounds real crisp
@terroratspacecamp Mar 2022
There are some great Pink Floyd vibes in the music while the vocal is lovely. I could listen to that all day.
@rwhosings Feb 2022
I love your voice with this guitar tone! The soft background vocals add so much atmosphere, it's spacious but still kind of foggy.
More and more I'm loving through-composed lyrics like this and yours are no exception. Subtle instrumentation can be a showstopper, and this one is. Awesome collab.
@thedutchwidows Feb 2022
The guitars sound great - I have huge admiration for anyone that can capture acoustics so well as I’m hopeless at it - and the singing is superb. That high ethereal backing vocal is just stunning. Really enjoyed this.
@dragondreams Feb 2022
What a fabulous pairing. I'm glad Mary twisted your arm, Mr ZeCoop! The result is wonderful. Gentle, flowing and very lyrical. The best shipping forecast I've ever heard. :-)
@karlsburg25 Feb 2022
ah i adore the acoustic sound on this and am once again longing to get a 12 string. this is such a beautiful collab . The gentle flow of the lyrics and the wonderful projection of the simple yet captive melody is perfect. OOo and those backing replies are goosbumpy. Magnificent you two.
@rayboneor Feb 2022
That guitar sounds awesome. If I could learn to get that sound in a recording, I might actually practice instead of casting the guitar aside in disgust. Enough about me!
This is a gorgeous song, beautifully performed. The lead vocal is lovely, and the little bvox flourishes take it to the next level. You could calm the storm with this soothing song.
@tseaver Feb 2022
Nice collab! The language of the forecast flows beautifully over the swells of the guitar.
@ayehahmur Feb 2022
This is really lovely. You're picking sounds great, and the guitar has a very full rich tone that supports Mary's lovely singing super nicely. I love the way the melody rises and falls like the needle on the barometer.
Really sweet collaboration, guys.
@srcoops Feb 2022
A great voice for these lyrics. A relaxing song. I enjoyed it
@tuneslayer Feb 2022
Yep. Definitely worth the wait., A very beautiful "weather song" collaboration (quotes because it's not really about the weather).