MacJams.com - Song: Simplify by jiguma

Simplify
by jiguma

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Guest profile visits: 1139
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Song comments: 69
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Plays: 139
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Downloads: 33
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Submitted on: Apr 03, 2008 - 06:52:09 AM
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Description This was written around 1970 when I was at university, playing in an acoustic band called “Marastique” on the northern beaches of Sydney. I’m not totally sure of the meaning behind the lyrics, but I think it was some “self-talk” about a relationship.

Written on my (then new) Maton 12 string acoustic, it was designed to fit the 4 voices, acoustic guitar, flute, congas, bass and electric guitar, which was our line up at the time. This version still has the Maton, but got decidedly rhythmic with the addition of bass, keys, drums, my Tele, the Seagull, and a tin whistle part. Ms Jig sings the high harmony in the outro. The drums are midi.

A little history regarding this song: it was going to be my big “coming out” as a singer, and due for it’s unveiling as our opening number when we were booked to open for Frank Zappa at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion in the early 70s. Nothing like a baptism of fire! Unfortunately, after a sound check, and less than an hour before we were due to play, it became obvious that there had been two agents involved in procuring the opening act, and we were cancelled. This, as you might imagine, was the end of the band unfortunately – and very nearly the end of the agent too, but that’s another story!

I resurrected the song again in 1975 with the Rusty Dusty Brothers, but just as we were getting it sorted out to add to our live set, my time with RDB came to a close also. It’s been in hiding ever since ☺!

So …. it is with some trepidation that I post “Simplify” for your listening pleasure.

Lyrics Simplify (Copyright 2008 Neil Porter)

Simplify
Words give meaning to your thoughts
You've said it now
Say you've changed your mind again
No difference made
This can hardly be your problem

Take a look around you
Open up your eyes
See the world around you turn to dust
Even though you see it
Comes as no surprise
You put your faith in something
You can't trust

Simplify
Words give meaning to your thoughts
You've said it now
Say you've changed your mind again
No difference made
This can hardly be your problem

Hey hey hey
It's not really what it seems
It's a figment of your dreams
It's not your problem
Follow through
It's the least that you can do
It keeps their eyes from you
When you're among them

Simplify
Words give meaning to your thoughts
You've said it now
Say you've changed your mind again
No difference made
This can hardly be your problem

Hardware Maton 12 string Acoustic
Seagull 6 string acoustic
Fender Telecaster
Yamaha PSR300 midi keyboard
Cheap Irish tin whistle
Rode NT3 mic
Behringer UB802 mixer/preamp
iMac G4

Software: Logic Express

Fan List

bud

Ejh

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	Ejh said 244 days ago
	Firsties! Ed

	jiguma said 244 days ago
	Now that was quick Ed I just posted the thing :)

	The Orbiting said 243 days ago
	aaaarghtyhghghg;lasdhfk Farg!

	Ejh said 240 days ago
	Are you sure... ...you don't mean "Frak"?

	The Orbiting said 240 days ago
	No Because that was the sound of you sticking a shiv in me to slow me down from getting here for firsties. He TOTALLY did that Neil which I think should nullify it.

	jiguma said 240 days ago
	Settle down .. .. kids! :)

	said 244 days ago
	country style? Kinda folky countryfried rock, I like. . - Harold

	Mcboy said 244 days ago
	folky funkey just woke up to this....opened up my eyes...and ears.....java for the mind...hehhhe....very very nice neal......is that a penny whistle?....or a figment of dreams.......i used to have a penny whistle......uve doen a great job reviving this little gem.....many bows....

jiguma said 243 days ago

Thanks Mr Boy!
This was my first ever song to see the light of day in a band context, around the same time as I wrote "Occidental Sun" - the lyrics are unchanged from the original.

The whistle is a loop I made for this version using a tin whistle I bought in Ireland in 1976 - I can play a little, but found I couldn't nail this at quite this speed, so there was some cutting and shifting involved. The alternative was using my flute, but I can't do much on that at all just yet. I like the slightly odd timing on it - that was intentional.

Always appreciate you dropping over for a listen.

Neil

	Skean said 244 days ago
	Love it You have always so good production on your songs... Love your CD as well.... Very nice post. Thanks for sharing. Peace. --- Kenta

TobinMueller said 244 days ago

Feel good
The overall sound of this track is fabulous. Love the acoustic guitar and organ, the clarity. (I wrote a song that sounded much like this in 1989, kind of fun to hear.) But I think the different sort of rhythm used for the solo section, especially when it first comes in, sounds slightly out of sync, plus the sound itself is kind of synth and MIDI feeling, not as human as the other sounds, plus it doesn't fit into the reverb field as well until the end register change. Consider doing another version where you substitute the solo with another sound entirely, like a mandolin or fiddle. Great feel good groove

jiguma said 243 days ago

Thanks for the listen Tobin
and the suggestion.

I've been playing with this in both GB and Logic since I joined MJ, and have always found the vocals to be the stumbling point. When I finally decided to include the 12 string again it all started to fall into place. As I mentioned above, the tin whistle solo parts are actually played live then "adjusted" and made into a loop (actually 3 loops) before dropping into the song. The offbeat timing is there on purpose - it's pretty difficult to ignore it the way it is. I used the whistle because the flute player used to do something similar live and I used to love it - I'm afraid I'm a bit of a failure on flute :)

Interestingly, the version before this had a synth pad doing the organ parts and a synth flute echoing the "live" whistle - I dropped them because they sounded too out of place for the time I wrote it.

I had thought of having someone collab on this, but in the end I was happy with the end result. I'll think some more about the solo section if I re-do this for a CD in the future.

Always appreciate your listening and thoughtful comments Tobin.

Cheers,
Neil

	Ibstrat said 244 days ago
	Nice Laid-back feel on this.You get some amazing guitar tones- it sounds like more than 3 guitars. Maybe some Yes influence here? I always enjoy your vocals.Great song.

jiguma said 243 days ago

Thanks for dropping by Mark
Earlier versions had the Seagull doubled a few times and spread around the sound stage, but when I started adding keys and especially the 12 string, only the single track of each acoustic was required (I even dropped the 12 for the first chorus. The Seagull has great on-board electronics, and almost always records really well. The Maton has no electrics and is miced using my Rode NT3 - a hit and miss affair sometimes. The Tele is played direct into the Behringer preamp then through the Lumonix LFX-1310 plugin (freeware) with some grunt from the Logic Guitar amp plugin. I'm rarely happy with my guitar sounds on the Tele, but this is one I'll keep.
Cheers,
Neil

	said 244 days ago
	Seventhies! :) more later...

	said 244 days ago
	nice for me, the penny whistle "break" is the epitome of SIMPLIFY. i just LOVE that! ;) yes it IS feel good, and also Sounds Good. always a pleasure to hear your vocal, neil. and your lyrics continually strive to find a solution in this messed up world - i like that. the song is full of jiguma-ish elements - it's good to hear your past. nicely done, anne

	screamalexz said 244 days ago
	... like the instrumental. vocals have a nice gritty rocky folk sound to them. nice track.

Macaudion said 243 days ago

My mantra, musically expressed...
Great sound, Neil! Just a beautiful melody! Really digging the guitar on this. Not unlike McB, I'm waking up to this and a cuo '0-java and, this is definitely a way to start a day, and really, it not a bad idea to start the rest of one's life. My best friend laughs at me because he has finally recognized that the fact that my life is so simple is because, it's been an ongoing effort. And that when things get a little complex between us, it's likely, not me.

I liked the way you clustered up all of goodness of this at the end

Mighty fine piece of work, my friend! Thoroughly enjoyed this!

Thanks for the free grab. Definitely a taker! Dion

	lavalamp said 243 days ago
	Killer guitars Great acoustic sound. I would like to here CS&N do this. I think it would have been been perfect for them. Great job. LL

	Pete_NB said 243 days ago
	Smiles Thanks for sharing this gem with us. Very happy!

	said 243 days ago
	Wow Neil... The odds were really stacked against this little gem, weren't they? I'm glad it finally can see the light of day and find a loving home here at MJ! I really like the way you play the keys (?) and the psyche-lead guitar off each other. Vocals are very nice. You've really gotten quite good at harmonising with yourself. Classic Jiguma here! Mikey likes it! Be well friend!

	alfalpha said 243 days ago
	:) A great song Neil, I love the vocal harmonies and the chord progression-for some reason, the 'whistle' reminds me of Traffic ..maybe? ;) (Might I suggest you include this in Feter's MacWoodstock line-up?) :) Cheers! Alf

	Willywagga said 243 days ago
	Nice One Elements of Bread (remember them) and hints of CSNY and simon and garfunkel, I think the voice and lead guitar remind me of Bread most of all, man did I listen to them alot many years ago. Very nice understated song, sits very well into the genre and at the same time sounds contemporary. I like your voice alot here. We are still young right !!!!!

	Feter said 243 days ago
	Simplify very genuine ..and truley hit the sent of the time . totaly impressed by the singing and the music setting the Tele is a big hero here .definetly woodstock far out man ...so thankful for sharin ' such gem .. I truely wanted to hear from you ..so you know how happy I m now :-) ~

	peacepiano said 243 days ago
	Song First class song writing and singing are always a joy to hear. The high guitar lead at the end rounds out the tune very well. Thanks Bill

	Vic Holman said 243 days ago
	38 years later This is really nice. I pick up a bit of a CSN & Traffic style. Classic yet contemporary sound. the guitars sound fabulous, just the right amount of organ as well. I think it fits right in with the mj style woodstock. maybe there should have been mj headbands to go around.

	Scorpjammer said 243 days ago
	Like You Wrote it... ...Yesterday. This one definitely withstood the test of time! Man, you are one prolific artist, Neil. No doubt, have the fire within. Rock on, Big J!

	sloparts said 243 days ago
	Very cool song Neil Love the lyrics, and you delivery works great for the song. The tin whistle worked very well in this piece as di the rest of your instrumentation. Excellent track Neil, I love it. Ed

	Jim Bouchard said 243 days ago
	Trepidation? No need for that! It's funny, tho, since you've complicated a song about simplifying, with a lot of musical added stuff. But it's a nice complication nonetheless. Everything works pretty well together in this. I wouldn't mind a version of this song that is more like "If God is Love" arrangement-wise; I wonder what that would sound like? Cool song, the way it is, though.

dajama said 243 days ago

Lovely stuff
I'm delighted you decided to share this one with us. I love the guitar on this - great sound and lovely rhythmic playing. Need I mention that the bass is sweet? Okay, I will - the bass is sweet! Lovely playing, and i love the contrast between the lower and higher notes in there. Can't beat a cheap Irish whistle for good vibes! Vocal is very cool. Great work on the harmonies from Ms Jig, and lovely singing from yourself as always. This is great, and i love the backstory. Nicely done, my friend. What else do you have in your back pocket that we haven't heard yet? Peace.

	lengold said 243 days ago
	Lovely and effortless sounding Neil. Sounds so natural. I am not surprised that this has stayed in your mind for so long - glad you resurrected it. Cheers Len

	bud said 242 days ago
	Sweet Jiguma Blue Eyes - Great song Neil - very appropriate for the festival. really like the flowing groove and the whistle against the electric lead is cool.

	magnatone said 242 days ago
	Simplify this is just FABULOUS! I'm always so impressed with your musical brain, and now I'm impressed all over again. this is really cool, and is going STRAIGHT to my ipod!

	egobandit1 said 242 days ago
	Thats it IM breaking my guitar Thanks for this its a gift that you share something so good thanks I enjoyed it very much!

	said 241 days ago
	Brilliant!! Fantastic!!! Simply Beautiful lovely melodic sounds here. Could listen to this over and over jiguma this is sooo very beautifully sang has me swooning seriousely cool song. I love it. Going to download and put this on my Ipod I love every instrument playing. sooo sweet my friend. Thank you soo much. for sharing your great work of art, Cheers Peace Dee.

	Leon said 241 days ago
	Nothing simplified in this music.. You are one of the artists in this site that have a distinct style. You also have a wide range of musicianship, from rock to folk to pop. I try to listen to every instrument you play and I am truly impressed that you seem to have authority with each one of those instruments. Your voice of course is your most distinct instrument.. truly jigumistical. ;-)

	timothy devine said 241 days ago
	Cool tune Neil I really like the overall sound. Great playing and singing. You got the touch> tim

Ejh said 240 days ago

Well, this may be the "finally" version...
...but it's still got a touch of youth to it... Well suited to the Woodstock vibe...

I like the Telecaster lines a lot, and more the more I listen more closely to them... I like the Tele playing against the pennywhistle...

I like the alternating from the doubled vocals to a single vocal, such as at the 'hey hey hey' bit...

I also think it's cool having your true love join in on the harmonies.

Listening on the good headphones, I think I'll agree with Tobin that there are points where the drums are not sounding as altogether groovin' as everything else... Not enough to put me off the song in this context, but yeah, if you're going to slate this one for the second or third or sixth CD, that would be the tidy-up spot for these ears...

Ed

	saymme said 240 days ago
	AWESOME- ..hearing You again & AMAZING You got to the MJWoodstock Festival its a heck of a long way ! Half way round the WORLD...!! This is sooo BEAUTIFUL Neil like silk to my ears WOW : ) FLOWERS TO YOU May Peace & Love continue following Your path !

thetiler said 240 days ago

This is nice
Great Jig singing. The guitar seems too trebly at the start though, i know you have logic express, I think that has Fat EQ, but if you add a little of that you can minimize the treble. If you open up that plug in you will notice I think there are about five knobs. But pushing up with the left knob can get that acoustical guitar to be less hot. But what a neat style that we all come to know and love.

Thanks so much for sharing!

jiguma said 240 days ago

Bill, thanks for the comment ..
.. I knew there was something wrong with the guitar sound (mainly the 12-string) on this, but nothing I tried made it work. Because it's only miced with a single Rode NT3, and because it's a twelve string, it was always going to be difficult in such a busy mix. Unfortunately, I only have LE7, so not as many options, but soon I'll be getting Logic Studio when I should have much more tools available.

As you are probably aware, I have tried many of the suggestions/hints you've given about recording an acoustic guitar over the years, and this will be more information for the memory bank.

Thanks for listening and leaving a note - much appreciated!
Neil

	Karmatoburn said 240 days ago
	dig it I'd kill to be able to create the world of guitars and warmth you always instill in your tracks. The whistle almost sounds like a wood flute. Its a perfect instrument for the solo breaks. Huge props on all the vocals, the backing tracks with that incredible B3 just made my head swim.

	ziti said 240 days ago
	very csnie csnie? ya you know.....cool 60's vibe, and as always sparkling flawless production. The guitar parts and bass parts are all very perfect for the song. Great work, jiggie!!! deep bows z

	stevel said 240 days ago
	Nice strumming Really nice west coast folk rock to this one...I like the acoustic guitar chord work (is it an altered tuning or capoed?)..tasty electric lead work too. I dig the organ too. Cheers Steve

	dirigent said 239 days ago
	Simplify Great song - I like the acoustic guitar work, very good delivery :-) Nice how the flute comes in and excellent vocals. A track with atmosphere, wonderful!!

	guitapick said 239 days ago
	~ That's some story about your band, Neil. Disappointed, I'm sure. Really nice tune...like the recorder. Gives it that air of innocence which isn't really there, anymore.

	gail60 said 238 days ago
	awesome song You are such a talented guy Neil. I always enjoy listening to another cool creation of yours. This is no exception. Really like this song and catchy lyrics. Great job. Thanks for sharing it with us.

	ILoveVariousArtists said 236 days ago
	A Long Time Comin But definitely worth the wait.Great big bass, fat leads and cool instrumentation - right down to the tin whistle. And Ms Jig's harmonies (where is that solo album?) add colour and light to the grindy groove. Good one.

	composerclark said 236 days ago
	Wonderful Love the overall feel! I'm not sure what the lyrics mean either, but I like them! I cringed when I read about the difficulties this song had in getting performed in your song description... Oof! I suspect that most people who aspired to a career in music have similar hard luck stories to tell. It's a wonder anyone sticks it out! Wonderful song.

	Lenny Zero said 235 days ago
	Totally cool and totally upbeat... glorious guitars and a sack full of optimism... irresistable.

	Doadars Uncle said 232 days ago
	What a fresh feeling! Hey Neil, I meant to get through the Woodstock list, but alas... But I'm glad I stopped here! This is really open! It has a Yes essence to it. Excellent! Doug

	Bob6stringer said 230 days ago
	Graham, baby! Hah! I used to jam to CSN (and Y, later) as a kid wen the acid-tripping camp counselors turned on and tuned into it. Of that gang, you're using more of a Graham Nash voice. This is among THE top tunes that capture the spirit and intent of the era. AND IT'S A GREAT TUNE! Love the multi-part "simplify" harmony line.

saymme said 228 days ago

its wonderful hearing this-again
Can't believe You didn't get to play before Zappa as You write: A little history regarding this song: it was going to be my big %u201Ccoming out%u201D as a singer, and due for it%u2019s unveiling as our opening number when we were booked to open for Frank Zappa at Sydney%u2019s Hordern Pavilion in the early 70s. Nothing like a baptism of fire! Unfortunately, after a sound check, and less than an hour before we were due to play, it became obvious that there had been two agents involved in procuring the opening act, and we were cancelled. This, as you might imagine, was the end of the band unfortunately %u2013 and very nearly the end of the agent too, but that%u2019s another story!
(it was abit as I felt with my Tx to the Woodstockmj after posting it, about more People being involved..)
You play 12string thats awesome ! WOW : ) I'm so happy You decided to post this ! TX again kudos to You ! Lena

	said 222 days ago
	Great! Wonderful as always from you Mr. Neil. Such a nice smooth singing and great melody. Great piece! Take Care - Yeman A. Al-Rawi

	thoddi said 217 days ago
	Cool stuff from down under Great to hear a song you made in the early days. You have put a pretty tight groove together with your cool jiguma bass guitar. That tele has also got some good treatment from you here. Super tune. And that flute is the spice that makes this a perfect dish. Could I have a copy of the recipe please? That Zappa story was cool... did you meet him?

	jiguma said 243 days ago
	Cheers Harold The original was sounding really nice at rehearsals - just acoustic sounds mainly (with a very gentle electric guitar lead) - but that was like 38 years ago! Glad you enjoyed it - I was looking for "folky countryfried rock" as a genre, but it doesn't appear to exist yet. :) Thanks, Neil

	jiguma said 243 days ago
	Kenta! Glad you enjoyed Simplify and the CD. Cheers, Neil

	jiguma said 243 days ago
	Hi Big Sis! Thanks for listening to my little old tune ("old" being the operative word). I like the tin whistle too - it just threw everything else nicely out of kilter. Thanks for your ongoing support - really appreciate it. Hope to have some new ones coming soon. Cheers, Neil

	jiguma said 240 days ago
	Thanks Chance Good to see you back at MJ!! Neil

	jiguma said 240 days ago
	Hi Macca! Thanks for listening - I was a little nervous about this one as it's been around for such a very long time. Some of the tracks (whistle and bass) were originally done in GB - that's at least 2 years ago). Always pleased when one of my tunes hits the spot with you Dion. Cheers, Neil

	jiguma said 240 days ago
	Cheers Dave I can hear Graham Nash doing the lead for sure. Thanks for the listen - appreciate you dropping by. Neil

	jiguma said 240 days ago
	Odds Definitely against this one seeing the light of day! The Zappa thing was one of my most depressing moments playing in a band - although I was kind of relieved not to have to sing in front of such a huge crowd. We didn't even get to stay behind and listen :( Thanks for the listen Mike, Neil

	jiguma said 243 days ago
	Thanks Alf I have acted on your advice and added it to the Woodstock MJ archive - it certainly was about right time-wise! Thanks for the positive comments. I've got an idea - why don't you use your avatar as a label for something ..... I don't know .... maybe ice creams? :) See you next weekend - looking forward to it. Cheers (Hi Jane!), Neil

	jiguma said 240 days ago
	I'd never have admitted it at the time .. .. but I was a big fan of Bread, so I'm pleased that you heard some crumbs in there Will. It's OK, we are still young, although the number of people actually older than us seems to be getting smaller :) Thanks for the note - good to see you back, haven't seen you for a while. Neil

	jiguma said 239 days ago
	MJ Woodstock rules! Feter, thanks for the kind comment. I love my Tele :) Neil

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