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Lead With Your Heart (with Fran Dagostino Band feat. Futzpucker)
by aclarke

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Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Guest views: 1162
Member views: 0
Song comments: 70
Tokens: 0
Plays: 193
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Downloads: 39
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Submitted on: Jun 16, 2008 - 07:06:10 AM
Last Updated: Jun 16 2008 - 07:49:05 PM
Keywords aclarke (11)ziti (30)futzpucker (3)
Description This has been a couple of months in the making. I started with the chords and then the vocal melody and then sent it to Fran (Ziti) to add guitars and produce. At one point I mentioned that organ would sound great on the song... before I knew it, Futzpucker had added Hammond B3 along with some killer piano licks. I was loving how it was coming together- could it get any better? Then Zeets surprised me with his incredible guitar playing... and also live drums and bass provided by the his band mates, Fran and Bryan Bishop.

I like to think of this as a song of hope. Much gratitude to Ziti, Futzpucker and to our mutual pal, Droop (Paul). Paul had given me feedback on the initial rough draft of this song along with some great advice.... essentially, take your time with it... make it the best you can. He was a man who preferred quality over quantity and appreciated the simple things in life. Patrick, Fran and myself are honored to have been able to call him friend and brother. This one's for you, Paul.

AClarke- Vocals and Acoustic Guitar
Futzpucker- B3 and Piano
Ziti- Lead Guitar, Electric Rhythm Guitars
Bryan Bishop- Bass
Fran Bishop- Drums

Produced by: Fran Dagostino
Song Art by: Dagostino Design
Lyrics Do What I say
and lead with your heart
don't them them tell you
that you don't matter

try any way
be at ease with yourself
everyone knows you're an angel inside

it won't matter now
and it won't matter then
just open your eyes
and see that I love you

there'll come a time
when we'll be just friends
remember love's to be spent
not for saving

there'll come a day
when the world will be ours
and the promise of friendship and love will be mated

come with me now
into the great beyond
and let your heart come away warmer

it sounds like nonsense
just words that don't rhyme
they mean nothing but I love you

just open your eyes
and lead with your heart
and don't let them tell you
that I don't need you
... and you don't need me
Hardware TBA
Software: GarageBand, Logic Express, mastered in ChannelStrip
Fan List

magnatone

EEFliess

Peter Greenstone

davisamerica

Warren Smith

ziti

MarkHolbrook

peacepiano

ledebutant

perceptualvortex

apb

Karmatoburn

jiguma

Skean

kassia

gail60

J.A.Stewart

Mcboy

Outtaorbit

Vic Holman

Peter Bauckham

TobinMueller

rsorensen

blaky smith

futzpucker

dajama

saymme

michael2

Ibstrat

thoddi

Feter

12parsecs

Leon

Scott Carmichael

WeAreNotPerfekt

guitapick

John Stebbe

Char

woofer3

bronco

Joe Brady
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said 206 days ago
Amazing!
An amazing piece here. Loved the music work very much, nice singing and some fine solos. I love it... really a great collab!

Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi

aclarke said 205 days ago
Thank you!
Thank you, Yeman- I'm very pleased that you enjoyed this so much!
~Adam

magnatone said 206 days ago
Lead With Your Heart
Adam, et al - this is FANTASTIC! What a seriously awesome collab of amazing talents. And what a wonderful tribute to droop. Congratulations on taking your time and making this the amazing song it became.

aclarke said 205 days ago
Karen-
So glad you stopped by! Aren't those guys amazing? I consider myself very lucky to have met not only wonderful musicians here... but truly awesome people (including you, of course)!

Peter Greenstone said 206 days ago
Very touching
This is a really touching song. The lyrics are comforting even if a little sad. I really enjoyed the classic rock arrangement and performances. You guys really made it the work of a band. I can picture the tour bus.

Loved the solo work, Fran. The organ, was a great idea to go with this. Great work, Futz. Live, slammin drums sound great, too.

The mix sounds really good in my headphones. Was sounding a bit murky through my Bose speakers though.

Rock on, guys!

aclarke said 205 days ago
Hey Peter
Glad you liked the song. The lyrics came out almost exactly the way they are here... with a couple of minor tweaks. Somehow it all makes sense. I think it's unusual as a love song... more about offering advice to someone you care about... friend, child or family member that is having a hard time finding their way, etc.

I know you've been busy, my friend. Your comments are much appreciated!

davisamerica said 206 days ago
wow....
adam .... z and patrick ... simply fantastic work by all ... radio ready indeed and a sweet dedication to a wonderful human being .. what's not to like ? ..... nothing ... brilliant job folks .. killer track!

aclarke said 204 days ago
Very cool!
man- I really appreciate the kind words!

EEFliess said 206 days ago
wow!
phenominal...phenomenol...phenomenal...aww d*mn...outstanding!!!!

aclarke said 204 days ago
Eddie
Thank you very much! Appreciated the note you sent as well and am glad you liked the song!

Warren Smith said 206 days ago
Lead with your heart
Mellow instrumental introduction - which takes its sweet time to set the stage - nicely anticipating the tempo of the singing ... and also reflecting the late Droop's advice (take your time with it).

The lyrics - while certainly telling a story of romatic love and friendship - also hint at the broader philosophical concerns of ... well, love and friendship : >

The instrumental outro is a wonderful contrast to the easy-going intro, as it rachets-up the emotional intensity.

aclarke said 204 days ago
Hey Warren
I was very pleased with Futz and Zeets additions to this. Initially it was just my acoustic and vocal... then Patrick added the organ and piano and Ziti (and the Bishops) took care of the rest. It really exceeded my expectations and my imagination. We contemplated adding a couple of measures onto the end to give the boys some extra time to play.

ziti said 206 days ago
what a time we had
adam sent this song to me, and as with a lot of adams music, it took me a few listens to get it. Adam writes music in a style that i never listen to -ever- the john mellencamp/tom petty american anthem sort of rock. Not that i dont like that style...it just isnt my cup of tea...i certainly appreciate the recordings made by these guys. Adams songs are so simple that sometimes the depth of them eludes me on first listen....but I did know immediatly that i wanted to try my hand at producer for this song...i didnt expect to fall in love with it, however.

It is the first time I have asked my band mates to work with me on a collab...Bryan has before, but not the Bishop rhythm section. I played them the song at rehearsal and they happily agreed to play some bass and drums...Frans drums were in three takes, Bryan in one take.

I was going to try having us all play the song together live...but we layered it. It was very good practice for us. I am thinking of making the band available to record tracks for anyone who needs them, for a modest fee.

Paul was here so briefly...but had a profound influence on Adam...and myself as well. Adam was devastated at pauls passing, and this song is made with all the love and respect we could muster. Adam is one world class, first rate human, and I love him with all my heart.

I cant say enough about Patrick Feehan....he is another remarkable friend made at MJs, a man that i feel as though I have known my whole life. he plays and writes MUSIC.

best all...thanks for the comments!

z

aclarke said 204 days ago
Man...
Didn't they tell you not to feed the ego! Seriously, I appreciate your friendship and support. You're a helluva guy and I'm glad to call you my friend and brother... and you sure can play the guitar a little!

MarkHolbrook said 206 days ago
Simply wow!
This is amazing, spectacular... wow...

A true group of heavyweight musicians!!! Thanks for this!

aclarke said 204 days ago
Hey Mark
Thanks for the comment! Like your new one too!

peacepiano said 205 days ago
Super
Love the song! Great band too. Too much going right here for me to count. When does the CD come out?

Thanks
Bill

aclarke said 204 days ago
Hey Bill
A CD? Wow- that would take so much time- at the rate I write songs I'd guess September of 2025! Thanks for the kind comment! ~Adam

drakonis said 205 days ago
Great great stuff
For some reason, this had little trickling feelings of Al Stewart in places (with the melody and the piano work and Adam's smooth voice). I really loved all the touches, and having a real band behind it all felt great. I did seem to notice a super-minor timing thing near the beginning, where the electric guitar (slightly on the left side) seemed ever-so-slightly out-of-time (slightly ahead?) of everyone else, but then it went back in synch later I think. But this is a superb piece of music writing, lyrics, singing, and performing, really moving song, and nice to listen to as well.
ttfn,
Drakonis

aclarke said 201 days ago
Now that's a first
never been compared to Al Stewart before... so it's cool. Drak- I appreciate your attention to detail and honest assessments. I'm not sure what part (timing) you are referring to... it seems pretty tight to me. That said, I always give my collaborators the freedom to play what they feel... in this case, it feels right. Then again, I've never been accused of perfectionism. :)

You always give something to think about in your critiques... and that is much appreciated! Thanks!

ledebutant said 205 days ago
Sigh
What beautiful lyrics and what a sweet vocal performance from you, Adam. Fran and Patrick and the boys did a wonderful job, too.

I just love the words to this. Sometimes the simplest songs can be the most powerful and affecting and this is no exception. You're such a good guy, Adam, and it's always such a treat to get a new song from you.

aclarke said 201 days ago
Lisa, Lisa, Lisa...
I should make a point to revisit and read your comments whenever I'm having a bad day because I feel like Superman when I'm done!

You are one of the people in the highest regard and your kind words mean the world to me!

perceptualvortex said 205 days ago
Supercollaborator
Zetes, your band is sounding extra good with Adam and Patrick sitting in. Everyone is really good, and the addition of the organ/keys is perfect.

aclarke said 201 days ago
Hey David
I was thrilled when Fran said he'd produce this (and add guitar)... there was talk of maybe his band mates playing as well... but no guarantee. Bottom line is this turned into a great team effort and I'm extremely pleased at how these PRO's brought this to life.

apb said 205 days ago
Oooh ..

.. this is quite something: I kinda overall classic 60s Kinks-ish feel .. mainly from the production values and Procol Harum keys with a fair bit of modernising in the form of Fran's fine lead licks.. a melody/pattern that reminded me a little like a mesh of "the streets of London" (Ralph McTell?) and "Overkill" (Men at work)... it also had a kinda jiguma/Vic Holman ish thang in there too.. can I say that? Might be a twang of accents lol

All this makes for a very enjoyable well performed and arranged song- well done to you all, excellent collab., well mixed too... live drums too .. soft laid back vocal delivery worked very well too... love those little piano twiddles at the break down too. Alot to
enjoy.


aclarke said 201 days ago
Procol Harum....
Yeah. Definitely... that's exactly the sound, isn't it? Very cool that you reference Neil and Vic- to of my favorite MJers! What's great about collaboration is how you can take people with completely different musical experience and ideas and fuse them together and make it sound pretty darn good. It clearly makes it easier for a hack like me to trick folks into thinking I'm a musician... LOL.

Seriously- these guys are not only outstanding musicians but they are just plain good people!

Karmatoburn said 205 days ago
wow
Great performances from all. Kudo's 360

aclarke said 201 days ago
Thanks, Karma!
You da man!

jiguma said 205 days ago
Hard to go wrong ..
.. in that company Adam!

Has a certain George Harrison/Wilburys sound. Great playing and vocals - very nice production.

Top song guys!

Neil

aclarke said 201 days ago
That....
is absolute understatement. I could never come close to giving those guys enough credit!

kassia said 205 days ago
Heart
This piece is full of heart and soul. Brilliant group of people gathered together for this. Adam, I think it's a testament to the message and energy of the song that you got such amazing talents to participate. You have written a beautiful tune with very touching lyrics - your vocals were wonderfully smooth. Ziti, as always, your guitar work is amazing. And Patrick, those subtle key licks you added are perfect. Again I am amazed at what is possible through the internet - bringing you all together. And, as always, I am in awe at the bonds music can help to create. Thanks for sharing this with us!

aclarke said 201 days ago
What a wonderful thing to say!
Thank you, Kassia, for those great words. I am deeply honored!

gail60 said 205 days ago
Great Song!
Man o Man guys! This is terrific. Not one thing about this song I would change. I truly believe that our friend Droop is smiling from heaven and just pleased like nobody's business at what you did here! Super job from all involved. Lyrics are perfect. Playing is perfect. Singing, perfect! Truly, Wonderful job!

aclarke said 201 days ago
Awe, Gail
You done gone and made me blush! heheh. Droop only heard the first rough draft and definitely gave me the encouragement to finish it proper like. I wasn't thinking of piano and organ initially but it just seemed right... and Patrick was perfect (as were Ziti, Fran and Bryan). Thank you!

Outtaorbit said 205 days ago
Wonderful and warm
Richly done... thanks

aclarke said 201 days ago
Thank you, Patrick
Much appreciated!

VicDiesel said 205 days ago
Good song
and good, nay great, playing all around.

But I find the production a bit muddy. Lotsa reverb that pushes everthing way back. Even though this is not a particularly aggressive song, I could have used a bit more directness.



aclarke said 201 days ago
Hey Vic
Thanks for the comment... and your attention to detail!

Vic Holman said 204 days ago
super collab guys
I'm with Neil here on The Wilbury sound. all good by me!

Very nicely played out on all levels. Excellent vocals Adam

Stunning guitar Fran

The keyboards by Patrick rounds this out nicely.

I guess that's the cool thing about this site. Is that collaborations can go very smoothly. It's cool to find folk's that can easily be on the same page and sound like they have played together for years. This is a mighty fine example of that.

aclarke said 201 days ago
A new twist
I guess all the songs I do can't sound like Mellencamp :) The Wilbury's were the most amazing supergroup... and one of only a handful that were truly super. So let me speak for all the guys and say THANKS!

Peter Bauckham said 204 days ago
Glad
I checked this one out! Really good song - tight playing - the keyboards and the lead guitar remind me a bit of Al Stewart (as does the pitch of your voice). I'm only listening through some, not so good, headphones at work but the mix sounds pretty good and I'm sure it'll sound much better through some decent gear.

Nicely done.

Peter

aclarke said 201 days ago
Thanks, Peter!
Two Al Stewart comparisons was kind of surprising so I took some time today to listen to some of Stewart's music and would have to agree with with your comment. So thank you for the comment... and for helping me rediscover some great music!

Skean said 204 days ago
Wow
okay this is my third listening and I think it sounds better for each listening.... It is a hit.... Rock on guys.

aclarke said 201 days ago
Thank you, Kenta!
You rock!

thetiler said 204 days ago
Like those
leads, enjoy that the percussion isn't too overpowering.

Seems like this tune is mix very well. JUst the right amount of everything.

A delight to hear! Nice rockin!

aclarke said 201 days ago
Thanks Bill
Ziti did a great job maximizing the sound here! Glad you stopped by!

said 204 days ago
YEAH!
Wow Adam, excellent collab! Love the subject matter. REALLY love all these excellent performances! Big kudos to one and all!

Be well!

aclarke said 199 days ago
Hey Michael
Thanks, man! Glad you liked! I was very fortunate to have access to this level of talent... almost makes me feel like I know what I'm doing!

rsorensen said 203 days ago
this is
timeless in every way. really like this. reminds me of Oasis a little. well done! faved

aclarke said 194 days ago
Thanks, man!
I'm really glad you liked it! Think this is the first time I've had a song compared to Oasis... so that's real cool! Still, gotta say getting this sound was a team effort- every player added their own unique touch... I'm just a very fortunate beneficiary of their talents!

dajama said 202 days ago
Holy Smokes!
How cool is this! Great song - the lyrics are outstanding, filled with memorable, thought-provoking lines ("remember love's to be spent
not for saving") and a wonderful sentiment, albeit tinged with a hint of sadness. Your singing on this is truly wonderful - expressive, warm, and very nicely phrased throughout. Outstanding. The drums and bass are nice, and the guitar just rocks. Ziti, you are the king. Love that organ sound, too. It gives it a wonderful, aching soulful edge that works perfectly. A great post. I'm so glad to see your name with a music symbol beside it!! Very cool. Nicely done, my friend. Kudos to everyone involved. Peace.

aclarke said 194 days ago
Wow- great comment
Hard not to feel proud and humble at the same time! I'd like to say I'll be quick to post another... unfortunately that's not really my way. Oh well!

What is the coolest is how you picked up on my favorite line of the song! In fact, the lyrics were just random, free-style words to fill in the melody line... very little change to the final. I was surprised how well they seemed to work in this song. Thanks again! Truly very appreciated for your time and comment!

michael2 said 201 days ago
yes
this is great. i love your voice. so honest and perfect in an imperfect way. all feeling. great melody and performance (by everyone). really great song.

aclarke said 194 days ago
You have no idea...
how much your words "perfect in an imperfect way" mean to me... I'll tell you about it one time if you're interested... but if you look at my song "My Angel" you'll get a real good idea of what I mean.

Thanks, Michael! I truly mean that!

Alannah said 201 days ago
How fabulous is this ......
.. what a nice blending of musical talent here on this one ! Aclarke ... fran .... my fav original MJers ... and Futz's addition ... oh so magic .... overall the genre takes me back to a time when I was younger and things seemed oh so much simpler ... just cruisin around in someone's car wondering who was gonna buy beer for us ..... great singing as always Adam ... nice sincere lyrics .... luv the whole thing! Somewhere Droop is smiling I believe! "Heaven is not a location ... but refers to the inner realm of consciousness" (Ekhart Tolle)

aclarke said 193 days ago
Hey there, Alannah
Somehow I knew you'd be along to listen! When I first mentioned to Fran about the organ I was hearing (in my head) I sent him to listen to the part the Peter had added to "Awareness". Really glad you liked the song!

LaLa_Divina said 201 days ago
Nice Vocals
This is a great song and I really like your voice. (I listened to a few of your songs and I think your voice is good stuff.) I am so glad you got to record this with such a good band. It really brings it all together.

ziti said 201 days ago
my band
thanks you very much!

Ibstrat said 200 days ago
I really
enjoyed this.I'm a big Tom Petty fan- this definitely has that feel.You have a very distinctive voice, a natural born singer. Fran's playing is awesome- nice to hear him play in a little different style.Great stuff!

aclarke said 194 days ago
I've been lucky...
and have gotten Fran to break away from what his more recognized sound (on MJ) on a couple of occasions... fact is, he's just such a fine guitar player that he can play to the song... regardless of style. He really helps take my simple songs to the next level... every time!

thoddi said 200 days ago
what a band
Fantastic live feeling. Great song, great singing, great band!

Feter said 196 days ago
Lead With Your Heart
Amazing song realy ..the huge work that ve done ..
from all these talented people would certainly
a true gem will be florished that well ..everything
on this work is beautiful ..thnx alot for sharin it !


12parsecs said 196 days ago
great song
very well written song! great vocal tone and great melody. very pro sounding! you should be proud, mr clarke!

Scott Carmichael said 196 days ago
I know I'm late
this was postd while I was away... wow Adam...what a great resourse MJ is to say the least... to think that you can be anywhere in the world, and get Fran and Patrick to flesh out your work... great song...

2 things stuck me though, and I don't know if you have control over this track, but the drums are too compressed for my ear... the whole track sounds organic, but the drums are very squashed, I would rather hear them breath inside the mix...

sorry about the nits, but I'm also wanting a bridge that doesn't arrive.. my ears are waiting... I think that Fran addresses this somewhat with dynamics to keep it interesting... this is a straight forward (TomPetty) sort of classic rock tune... so I still want to hear that moment that emerges and goes for the throat...

the whole thing still wafts over like a breeze blowing off a Strawberry Field from yesteryear...

the lyric is compelling and keeps pulling us forward... like a sirens song... like hearing directions from someone who can see past the horizon... a tad etherial, and the thing that I love about it is you hold to this vibe all thru... very complete, you've captured something special....

peace Paul




saymme said 195 days ago
..
i didnt comment ..so i'm back to tell You all this song really touched my heart.
Beautiful . .)
thankyou this could be a 'sobbing' song, i'm sure I'd cry if hearing this when very low ! tx again, helena

guitapick said 195 days ago
This...
...is a classic...

John Stebbe said 191 days ago
Eagles
Reminds me quite a bit of the Eagles, especially "Takin' It Easy." I like the guitar work and the B3 organ stuff.

Chord changes are very natural and work well.

Love the guitar solo! Really 'in the pocket' and radio-ready.

Lyrics are well-constructed. I didn't even realize that they did not rhyme until you sang that!

OK, the second guitar solo sounds a lot like the Allman Brothers Band song "Ramblin' Man."

You've got loads of talent, Adam. I wish you the best in your music career.

John


Char said 126 days ago
For so many people
to lend their talent, you had to have been the right lines, the ones that were labeled, "Great at what they do". That's the only way really good music evolves. And this just goes to show you that people can be on the same page, even though geographically, they are miles apart. It is magic. Thanks, all.

ziti said 120 days ago
char
thank you!!!!.....it is MAGIC! I have been here at MJ for over 3 years now and have done so many collaborations that I cant remember them all...ones initiated by me and others where people have ask me to join in. It is something that has never in history, been done! What an opportunity for us all. It NEVER ceases to amaze and delight me!!

thanks to MacJams, iChat, and digital recording, we are pioneers!

thank you for the kind words.

woofer3 said 30 days ago
very enjoyable
excellent song and performance all round. Beatle like in parts.

Thanks,

John.

Joe Brady said 4 hours ago
Very Cool!
Sorry I missed this during my hard-drive debacles. Love the lyrics. That chord progression is addictive; very cool. Really sounds great; the bandmates are awesome. Must've been a blast doing this.

Artist Profile
aclarke photo
aclarke

Artist Bio Find this artist in drop-down: -- MY FAVORITES -- Sang in high school many years ago- I've been playing guitar on and off for the last twenty years and still don't know what the heck I'm doing. Don't ask me what chords, notes, or keys I'm playing i...[more]
Artist Music
Lead With Your Heart (with Fran Dagostino Band feat. Futzpucker)
Without You (w/VicDiesel)
No Time To Waste (Feat. Ziti)
The Lonely Road (Deserve This)- 2007
Without You
My Angel- Live Version
Lost Youth
Striped Sweater
Pay My Dues- LIVE!
The Lonely Road (Deserve This)
Three Chords and the Truth
Awareness (multi-collab)
ROT (Revisited)- Featuring Ronnie Long
Happy Birthday
Mumbles and Gibberish
Right On Time (with a little help)
My Angel (Remastered)
Right On Time (Almost there)
The Raven (collab w/ alanfraser)
My Angel
Go Away