MacJams.com - Song: Glacier Ride by magnatone

Glacier Ride
by magnatone

Get Flash to see this player.

| Download |

Song Info

Licensing Information:

NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Guest views: 1689
Member views: 7
Song comments: 89
Tokens: 1
Plays: 239
Last Played:
Downloads: 62
Fans of this song:
Submitted on: Mar 09, 2008 - 06:14:17 PM
Last Updated: Mar 09 2008 - 06:14:17 PM

Description 've been a motorcyclist for 35 years, and have been on lots of great
trips through the western part of the US and southwest Canada. A
couple of years ago I and my riding partner were dropping back down
into the US from Alberta after having weathered some ferocious winds
and weather the day before. But THIS day was shaping up to be
beautiful as we crossed the border and headed south.

We hadn't planned to go through Glacier National Park because we
generally avoid such places due to the traffic that can be hard to get
around. Nevertheless, we stopped in at the north entrance because it
was right there, and talked to the ranger about weather conditions up
in the park and to get a lay of the land. He said it would be a
beautiful 3-4 hour ride and that we'd have very little traffic because
of the direction we'd be riding and our entrance location. So we went
for it. That afternoon was so spectacular it's hard to put in words.
As I rode through (what's left of) the majestic glaciers, rode by
gorgeous waterfalls and saw lots of wildlife, this tune started to
come to me. This was before garageband (for me), so I was conceiving
it as a piano piece, which I began to work with when we got home a few
days later.

So here's "Glacier Ride", now orchestrated using the Symphony
Orchestra, World Music and Voices jampacks (in other words, another
Magnatone mishmash!) I've tried to incorporate the very helpful
feedback I've received from previous posts, and look forward to
hearing whatever thoughts you may have about this one. Enjoy the
ride!

Hardware macbook
M-Audio Keystation 61ES (used to play in the piano track)

Software: Jam Packs:
Symphony Orchestra
World Music
Voices

Fan List

Kenta_and_Linda_Rocks_together

apb

bud

Ejh

You must be registered and logged-in to comment.

	caroline said 304 days ago
	good grief woman!! this is amazing - and i love the story that goes with it - thank you

	futzpucker said 304 days ago
	Noble This is beautiful and grand, befitting the vistas you encountered. Well arranged, captivating, exciting. Very beautifully done... Such grandeur... Congratulations on this fine achievement, Karen. Just lovely...

drakonis said 304 days ago

majestic beauty
love the choir bits, and the almost-ragtime break, beautiful piano work. The only thing that I noticed this time was sometimes the xylophone (?) when playing with the piano tends to lose its pitch, and all you hear is some odd "chuffing" instead... a little re-orchestration or EQ to get it more clearly out front would help. But overall this is beautiful, like crisp Montana air... my wife and I vow to get up there soon!
ttfn,
Drakonis

	Feter said 304 days ago
	Glacier Ride How awesome ...I loved that palce yet all I saw were pics from my friends who lived near it .. your music refleting that beauty of the mountain and greeny resort.the inao flow so so wonderful the orchestration so easy so peaceful ..thnx alot for the gem my dear friend !!

	Alannah said 304 days ago
	Lovely .... .. a smooth flowing ride right up to the hills and swells and then back again - nice

said 304 days ago

Glacier Ride
I like the keyboard percussion and ethnic percussion in general in the beginning. A very pretty music idea, and I like how you develop it. I like how you open up near the end. I also liked the ending.

Overall, I thought the opening few minutes were by far the best--kind of like David Foster in temperment. The chords and progressions in the beginning reminded me of him--a compliment! Also, I hear shades of Elton John in the beginning!

I felt the middle of the piece kind of meandered a bit. I think perhaps it's the constant piano arpgeggiation? Texture wise, it's pretty constant for the last few minutes. Varying the texture might add to the overall impact. Sonically, the rendering is quite good. The strings are synthy, but we can't really control the output of our samples. I thought the classical chord progressions were a little out of place with the ethnic percussion.

However, there are lots and lots of good things to say about this piece. I really like the overall positivity and sense of wonder you have created here. Although there may be a few things that could be be improved, this piece really nails it from the 'gestalt' perspective for me. Somethmes we as composers get all wound up in the nitty gritty--navel gazing about singing bowls!

Great piece, Karen with lots of impact. Memorable indeed!

	davisamerica said 304 days ago
	right then magna wow i have been to glacier park and this captures the wonder i felt there ... am grinning ... big!!! thank you for rekindling a very fond memory.... a motorcyclist eh ... me too! too cool!

	said 304 days ago
	Simply beautiful melody and the story was lovely also thank you. I will be giving this work of art a few more listens when I download it onto my ipod too. I simply love your Magnotone mishmash keep em coming. Peace Dee

	davisamerica said 304 days ago
	so me again sent u email ... wow x2 magna!!!

	gail60 said 304 days ago
	Wow This is so pretty Karen. I just loved it. This was a grand ride and I enjoyed every bit of it. I could almost see what you saw because of the feelings you portray with this piece. Just wonderful! Thank you for sharing this with us!!

said 304 days ago

VEry nice
Love the piano, .. Your description is so good to read while this is playing.. some crazy bells and percussion. Would nice algorithm be a word? I like the part where it has its crescendo then it goes into the soft but fast piano almost seems to fast for a human to play. very beautiful.. must have been even more beautiful to be there to be inspired to write such a great piece of music! Thanks for sharing!

	buckhorn said 304 days ago
	This tune fits perfectly with the theme you described. You are a towering musical figure. I can imagine it, all the trees and rock blurring by, the wind blowing through whats left of my hair. the road turning , turning. This soo good. Ever read zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance, you might like it. I just love this piece.

thetiler said 304 days ago

Love how you
push this along to the open piano sound. It really has a free floating feel to this. And as it goes along it really has keeps gathering momentum.
You really play some of the most beautiful piano I have heard here. And this piece is one of em! Like how you import the bells into the tune, I like the pic as well The flute and choir is is a great lead in to the dynamic , dramatic ending. I enjoy your fast playing, you are superb playing fast, not just notes but well placed thought out notes.

To me your right up there with the very best.
Way to Go !
Masterfully done !

	said 304 days ago
	What an uplifting... ... beautiful piece of music. Your chime/keyboard song has me smiling. So well composed and so flawlessly produced. Really a pleasure to listen to this. Kudos, Magna...

	dirigent said 304 days ago
	Glacier Ride Most lovely and amazing track. What a ride - so light and easy (great piano!), most enjoyable - a treat!

droop said 304 days ago

This is really something!
I think you did a great job in capturing the excitement of seeing this beautiful part of the country. Every time I've been there I have had a feeling of wonder, awe, and adventure.......just as your music expresses.
I really like the build up that tapers down with a slight western hint.
At the end I could almost see you putting the kickstand down.
The last time I was there I was straddled something also....a mule.
Makes me sore to think about it Ha!

Great work Karen

	Reinholt56 said 303 days ago
	A wonderful piece..... This is, to me, a wonderful, uplifting piece of music. Your description and the tune both made me want to go and be there now. Maybe one day I will. Thanks everso for sharing this with everyone. Take care. Paul

	Kenta_and_Linda_Rocks_together said 303 days ago
	Amazing I can feel the nice ride it's like I'm free in a beautiful world riding on my bike..Hm! I don't have a bike :-) But I can understand hove you guys felted true this beautifully music. KUDOS

	Morning Light said 303 days ago
	Intensely Dynamic and SPARKLING!!! WOW!!!! I LOVE THIS....YOU CAN REALLY PLAY AND COMPOSE, AND YOU HAVE USED MY FAVORITE SOUNDS TOGETHER...... THANKS FOR SHARING THIS MASTERPIECE! ;)

	said 303 days ago
	and i did enjoy this ride...love your play and great feel to music Karen...this is very, very beautiful...Just wonderful.

	Moviz said 303 days ago
	This is Wonderful. Great musicianship and dexterity in those fingers.... it's just like your description ... I hear tinkling rivers and snowscapes with beautiful mountainous grandeur..... you've described it all hear along with the movement. Love it, regards M

Cameron said 303 days ago

upbeat with good energy!
Your pieces always have such a pleasant, upbeat energy which pulls the listener forward.

This piece is very well-named for this reason; I can easily imagine myself riding through gorgeous scenery, wondering what's around the next bend.

The piano is the driving force in this piece, with continuously cascading eighth notes.

You have a very good sense of pacing; the piece builds gradually and reaches a satisfying culmination after the four minute mark, then ramps down to a more restful conclusion.

My only suggestions: Perhaps "shape" the string track a bit more, with subtle crescendos and diminuendos, and more reverb to smooth it out. It sounded just slightly stiff and choppy.

Overall I would also bring the string volume down; it was a little relentless at times; my ears wanted more variety, more of a break.

I would treat the voices in pretty much the same way as the strings, in all respects. Sustained sounds are tricky to blend into the overall texture.

I liked the xylophone sound as is; it was a nice percussive effect.

I haven't experimented with GB 4's capability to change the tempo, but intend to soon. I suggest that you slow the piece down after the climax, just a tad.

The repetitive rhythmic nature of this piece with the running eighth notes also begs for slight variations in tempo, which would make the piece sound more "natural" and flowing; less mechanical.

Very nice work overall! I always look forward to hearing your wonderful pieces, and am VERY glad that you have joined us here at MacJams.

	Sir Bass said 302 days ago
	magnatone Nice work. You can really play.

	guitapick said 302 days ago
	What a fine composition... ...and so well played/orchestrated...really sweet...I like that percussive line you've got, following the piano. Very subtle weave in and out.

	lavalamp said 302 days ago
	Stellar sound Masterful sound and quality. I very impressed, especially with your piano work and general composing. Glad you visited me the other day. Thanks for sharing. Dave

	Lightman- said 302 days ago
	Great Your music is so beautiful... The piano your play, sounds great.... Both the playing, and also the sound.... And nice with the strings... Peaceful music..

	MarkHolbrook said 302 days ago
	Again wow... I finally had a chance to let this play through. It is simply amazing! Beautiful piece of work. Deep, rich and full of intertwining melodies. How long did this take you? I mean this is a serious piece of work!!! Very very phenomenally done!

	MissChaos said 302 days ago
	had to see what the fuss is about... And now I understand! Wow, really fabulous production. I love the "toy-train-like" whimsical percussive element. This is full of gorgeous dynamics. Never a dull moment. Wonderful symphonic "summit". I'm just simply blown away.

	Roxylee said 302 days ago
	Majestic Thank you for translation the awesome majesty of God's creation to us through the instruments. What a gorgeous piece of music!

	lengold said 302 days ago
	A very beautiful composition and played and produced beautifully too. Cheers Len

	Morning Light said 302 days ago
	WOW!!! THIS IS A MARVELOUS MELODY!!!! I AM PLAYING IT OVER AND OVER.....SOOOOO SUPERB!!!! :D)*

	michael2 said 302 days ago
	karen this is amazing. sorry i'm so late on this one. especially loved the beginning. you play so well, and the melodies are just fantastic on this one. what are you playing piano on? is that the steinberg piano? sounds so nice. everything is here, rhythms, melody, feeling and style. love it.

	Karmatoburn said 302 days ago
	amazing The piano just dances over the beautiful orchestration. Light and hopeful like the fine day you took your ride. I was particularly blown away by the changes in the composition. Skillfully done and a real delight to listen to. I am now off to listen to more of your music.

	chipan said 302 days ago
	Very nice! It's so easy to imagine watching beautiful scenery as you zoom down the highway listening to this. chip

	Ibstrat said 302 days ago
	Definitely makes me want to visit Glacier National Park. Extremely fine piano playing.Very creative!

	J.A.Stewart said 302 days ago
	What a Wonderful World... and what a beautiful musical capture of your experience witnessing it in all its splendor on that particular day. Truly a lovely composition and an inspiring performance. I'm going to download this and save it for an eventual trip to Glacier National Park. ;) --- Joe

	MIRx said 301 days ago
	May I say you underrated this dong by calling it "Pop Classical"? To me it's a spectacular Ambient track (capital A), so soft and delicate, yet beautifully orchestrated and well developed. With your picture in mind, I really felt I was taking that ride with you.

	Pete_NB said 301 days ago
	Flowing and majestic Now this is a composition! Wonderfully performed and put together. Such a happy peice of music that takes the listener by the hand down the path of your choice. I liked how the xylophone became almost a percussive piece. Sounded like pixies dancing on a tiny set of high-pitched tom-toms!

	ziti said 301 days ago
	whooooopie!!!! not only are you the nicest of people, you are a fantastic composer and player as well!!! Isnt this the nicest music??? totally floored....it totally fits a cross country trip....actually, if someone wanted to make a documentary about backroads america, this would be a sublime sound track wow...very very impressive!! deepest bows to you, karen z

	Robert Rayner said 301 days ago
	Beautiful So relaxing to listen to, but at the same time intently trying to pick out every instrument as it comes in, and the key changes, major to minor, voices and strings harmonizing along the way. Superb!

	said 301 days ago
	Love the feeling to the song I love the feeling to this song, it puts a smile on my face and it reminds me of something but im not sure what : ) The piano and violin are great!

	Scott Carmichael said 301 days ago
	wonderful stuff Karen you have wonderful heartfelt compositions... intricate & constantly evolving through the whole piece... makes for a very nice journey... which brings us back to the title I guess... you have seasoned ears and chops... timeless

	apb said 301 days ago
	Lush .. .. rolling, big soundscape .. big open spaces and flowing melt water ... flies getting squashed on the visor of your helmet .. as you bomb along at 100mph ... where was I? Oh yeah - class, quality music Karen ..top notch.. love your flowing style on those keys.

	HollywoodJetset said 301 days ago
	******* Awesome tune. I could chill to this all day!!!

	said 301 days ago
	Sweet Very nice music, I love those quick paino runs you do, they pop up in the nicest and most unexpected places, The different segments melt into one another quite fluidly, I LOVE that this doesnt feel technical, it just flows like water...and the final build up and fall just feels so right alos wanted to say you have a great pic as your avatar :)

	Cori Ander said 301 days ago
	Completely magnificent Completely magnificent! Downloaded so I won't ever miss the chance to enjoy it again.

	ic42 said 300 days ago
	it is magnificent. it is sparkly. it is small droplets of water on a blade of grass. it is a great american mountain wrapped in snow. it contains many scales, in size and music. it has many bells, which is a favorite sound. this music will play in the mind repeatedly. it is a very welcome guest. thank you. 0x0

	Dj French Toast said 300 days ago
	Downloaded this is cool !

	said 300 days ago
	Yes A joy. Sounds more Tirolian than Glacier to me. But a very fine ride, indeed! Lofty, sinuous and forward moving. An energetic ascent to a brilliant, sun-washed summit. The orchestration is crystal clear and spatially well balanced. Kudos and high fives on both hands!

	Vic Holman said 300 days ago
	wonderful excellent keyboard work and a real nice melody! really liked the hugeness near the end! come to think of it I have all over the west but never had been to Glacier, even though it's only a long day drive from eastern WA.

	spannerotoole said 300 days ago
	This actually sounds like A Walk/Drive in the Country. Spectacular Hills, the odd flock of sheep grazing, The Clear River Flowing, With the odd hint while it looks nice, It may not last, (The bit's between 2:55-3:05 suggest that not all is as it should be, minor chords reflecting.)

composerclark said 300 days ago

It turns majestic! Wow!
As I just said in a comment for another of your compositions (First Light, I think), your music has cinematic breadth to it; I could easily imagine the scenery you describe in your description when I listen to this. Sounds like traveling music... makes me want to hit the open road and get away from it all, except that I live on an island and I'd get wet if I went too far... oh well!

Beautiful!

	said 299 days ago
	thank you for letting us ride along with you, feeling the wind like music on our faces. the mood is lovely - bright, full of hope, full of nature, just plain FULL! i have huge respect for this majestic creation. anne

	Heightened said 299 days ago
	This is a super piece. Absolutely brilliant in fact. The piano is outstanding. Wish I could play guitar half as well as you play the ivories!

	Doadars Uncle said 299 days ago
	Going to the Sun Glacier is well represented here! Brightness. Clean. Fresh. I can almost hear the cadence of the engine within your song (that's probably just me). I had a bike years ago, but never had the courage or stamina to take it on a trip. Doug

jiguma said 299 days ago

No it wasn't this one Karen :)
Somehow I missed this - life's been a little strange lately.

I used to ride when I was younger - now I'm reduced to my daughter's '86 Vespa to relive the halcyon days ;)

Interestingly, we were planning to visit friends in Alberta and San Francisco this year travelling via the Glacier NP - this is certainly inspirational to keep thinking about it.

Beautiful composition - an area of music and recording that I know little about. I can really appreciate the complexity of the arrangement and the skill of playing though. Very strong images of photos I've seen come through loud and clear.

Lovely music.
Neil

	CharlyDeeCynthius said 299 days ago
	What a Beautiful Track KAREN! Thanx for sharing this amazing soundtrack, I think you are great composer and sensitive artist...Really Appreciated your music make me flying with my mind. Ciao Karen � sempre un piacere ascoltare la tua arte... CharlyDee\|Cynthius\|

	aclarke said 298 days ago
	Karen... there's not much i can add that hasn't already been stated. This a beautiful song... I can envision this spectacular scenery rolling by as I listen... thank you for sharing this!

Leon said 298 days ago

Grand!
You just have some of the cleanest instrumental recordings I have heard at Macjams... I knew you were one whose songs I had to watch as I tremendously enjoyed your past songs that I heard... i can hear every stream of noted from your instrument, occupying their own space and joining in the harmony of sounds.. very lovely.. a wide space yet very tightly connected and well produced... grand...lovely.. lovely.. did i say lovely already? You are a master of this! I am so jealous :-)

Also, really great to meet you at the chat! You exude goodness and niceness all over. :-)

	sloparts said 298 days ago
	An exceptional piece of work Karen Constantly changing with light and dark shadows following you as you move around through the park. It's all there, the wind in you face, the waterfalls and streams, birds and all manner of life just bursting to get you attention. An exquisite sonic adventure very well done and mixed. Thank you for sharing this with us Karen. Be well and enjoy the view. Ed

	Joanna said 298 days ago
	gorgeous What a beautiful piece of music. Cascading waterfalls recreated by fingered arpeggios, it really did have the feel of movement and beauty and a sunny, summer day. Wonderful!

	kclements said 298 days ago
	simply Beautiful This is just a lovely piece. I know that you said you tend to over play on your songs, but I think this one is just right. Very nice touch and I really like the orchestration/arrangement. Thanks for sharing - I will spend more time with you material, I am sure. Kayle

	Mcboy said 298 days ago
	joyful playful music......very uplifting and transports one to plcaes of of wonder.....i feel like a young child listenning to this... a young child sitting on the floor crosslegged mesmerized by the musical storytelling...many bows....

	said 297 days ago
	Wonderful piano! Wow! When I hear excellent tracks like this I really kick myself for not taking piano lessons when I was younger (and had the free time to practice). Absolutely wonderful playing on this one! The mix sounds great- very spacious and clean. Nicely done!

	peterms said 297 days ago
	hi love the voicing,glding right along, fits perfectly.....what a ride!!!

	Z293 said 297 days ago
	Now That's A composition. Makes me realize how little I actually know about music. Beautiful sounds throughout.

	bud said 297 days ago
	I started smiling a s soon as I heard the opening notes and my smile got wider and wider as it went on and I read your description. Beautiful piece of music and great use of the jam pack instruments to add color and texture to an already stunning composition.

gregd said 293 days ago

Not dry at all, and
another stunning bit of composing and playing. You got something in your fingers; you better not let the military know you have such fingers, or else they might whisk you off to the New Mexico desert and experiment on your magic fingers. Hey, it happens: I've seen ET. Please don't think I'm calling you ET by the way; you are simply extraordinary at what you do, and the government tends to make extraordinary people disappear or work for the NSA. Watch your fingers closely!

On a less absurd note, the space in this song sounds wonderful. I don't know what is different between this track and the dry one, but something's changed.

Very nice work.

Is that a distorted accordion in there?! Way cool.
-greg

	said 293 days ago
	oh my oh my! what an amazing composition. Lovely sounds, very up beat and inspiring pace... I too can see imagine enjyoing a motorcycle ride along a scenic highway through a glacier park. Forever a fan. - Greenpeace.

	romanoff said 293 days ago
	Great piece This is beautiful

kevmikwa said 292 days ago

Phew
Started listening to this prior to reading the backstory. Funny how knowing the story can change how you hear something. It changed flavors once I envisioned a wind-in-your hair tour and did some googling to conjure up some continued imagery. It's a great piece, well-thought-out with a number of distinct scene changes. The orchestration is well-chosen and it would seem you've worked the articulations on the symphonic jam pack stuff very well. The arpeggios are so on-time - please tell me that you may have had to quantize here and there (it's hard for me to imagine someone playing so spot on for almost six minutes). Thanks for posting this one!

Doug Somers said 289 days ago

Love it
An almost whimsical start leads into the sense of soaring in the sunshine. Your build to the majesty of the surroundings at the 4 minute mark work very well with the full orchestral treatment providing that sense of awe. You have a countermelody in the last minute which could be brought out more, as it is a nice foil to the piano's fairly uniform rhythmic pattern.

A nice wind-down after the ride. Clearly this was a lot of inpired and creative work and I think you carry it off very well!

Thanks Karen for bringing this forth!

All the best,
Doug

	Bowman said 287 days ago
	JOY I get a wonderful sense of buoyant joy just bubbling from this work. Incessantly beautiful and a real treat to hear. You have a great gift and are so fortunate - though I'm sure far more than fortune - to be able to express it so well. Thank you for sharing such great work with us. Best, Charlie

	rsorensen said 285 days ago
	glacier ride wow glad I clicked on this one. the song reflects the title so well! nicely done!

	Gargo43 said 285 days ago
	Hi Hi This is beautiful i really love it Love the story as well

	Soundhound said 285 days ago
	Had to come back...... And hear this again.... In the news I saw where an ice shelf is breaking off in Antarctica the size of the state of Connecticut.... And it made long for a Glacier Ride the picture is so vivid... I will always like this.....

	Norman Goodman said 285 days ago
	Absolutely stunning The development of this piece is perfect. Very fluid with such a strong arrangement. Piano is awesome......I am blown away!

	JadeLennings said 283 days ago
	Hello Karen Hello You have composed a fantastic uplifting song It put a smile on my face. This is a masterpiece Karen Love it!

	screamalexz said 278 days ago
	pretty i can see how this was inspired by being out in the beautiful scenery. i love going through areas and looking at the scenery. whenever id go places on trips id be glued to the window. it's a beautiful piece. i like the addittion of orchestration. it has a happy sort of upbeat feel to it but still peaceful. woah it picks up a powerful impact around 4 minutes. a pretty piece indeed. :)

	Henke said 276 days ago
	Awsome! You've got the feeling quite right here! I have a similar "peak" experience walking up Skiddaw "mountain" in English Lake District alone on a really golden evening many years ago (Interrailing), and this song captures that feeling pretty well! I am really glad I have eventually found your music, after seeing your comments here and there around MJ. Thank you!!! /Henke

	racerat said 276 days ago
	shiny side up Magna, Wonderfully lush and dynamic composition. As a motorcyclist myself (Victory 8 Ball) I can identify with the beauty and grandeur you are describing. I recently moved the the West Coast of the US and have been blown away by the redwood twisties and RT1-the Pacific Coast Highway. Incredible. Great piece.

	timothy devine said 276 days ago
	Nice title I have a song(different style) named Ice Tunnel. Its out there> but anyway...I am inspired my your fine piano work Karen. This was a cool ride. Thank you tim new fan by the way

	Flyinghorse said 261 days ago
	Wow I am listening to all your music, you are amazing!! You made my day, thanks for sharing so much beauty :-)

	Warren Smith said 260 days ago
	Special place I've only been to Glacier Park once, and that was a long time ago, but it left a lasting impression. Your music aptly articulates the panoramic landscape while evoking the grandeur of that special place.

	tokai said 259 days ago
	very very good, such beautiful playing. Magical. Love the story too. ive been a biker 25 years, i know what you mean

	said 258 days ago
	Nice! This is great piece of work Ms. Karen Everything sounds fine and I love everything about it. KUDOS for your work... Very nice! Take Care - Yeman A. Al-Rawi

	Tiny_Man_Inside said 254 days ago
	soaring You have a great ear for detail. Luxurious soundscapes. Mason

	JustinWebbAcoustic said 247 days ago
	Amazing. The scene you capture is exactly a journey across the world, across time, through life. I love this piece. =]

	EEFliess said 227 days ago
	Glacier Ride Very Vangelis, along w/ a beautiful side of whimsy

Username:
Password: