MacJams.com - Song: Iron Clouds by kristyjo

Iron Clouds
by kristyjo

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Guest views: 288
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Song comments: 14
Tokens: 0
Plays: 68
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Downloads: 15
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Submitted on: Nov 12, 2008 - 09:34:50 PM
Last Updated: Nov 12 2008 - 09:34:50 PM

Description Another Native American flute piece. I'm not sure about the mix/voicing/EQ on this one, but I am pretty happy with the tune itself, and the ornamentation I used. All of the NAF pieces I've posted so far are more of the reflective, slow type. The next one I'm working on is more of a dance-tune - I promise. Iron Clouds, however, is still of the 'winter is coming- sigh' style. One of the things I learned about Native American music in musicology classes is that, unlike Western songs, (which tend to start low and rise to the next octave, then either stay there, or arc back down), most Native American music stars high, and then spirals consistently downward.

Hardware G4, Blue Snowball

Software: GarageBand

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	Feter said 58 days ago
	Iron Clouds true meditation ...and nature ...love the feel and spirit as always ...thnx alot for sharin !!!!

paul f. page said 58 days ago

Another....
...lovely tune, Kristyjo. So contemplative and calming and beautifully played. I have a couple small thoughts that you might consider: 1) a little more reverb...some distance... It just feels awfully close ... 2) the characteristic fall-offs could maybe be just a tad longer. You seem to clip them each time, but that may be a breath support thing. You certainly are playing with a lot of skill and I admire you for that... Maybe it's just a little more ambiance I'm seeking.... Oh, and don't worry about an upbeat tune (thought that would be certainly nice). These slow ones are just beautiful .
Peace.
Paul

kristyjo said 56 days ago

Hi, Paul -
The reverb thing has me puzzled. I THOUGHT I had a good template, but it lacked warmth and space. Then, there was another sound that I liked, but it didn't sound much like a flute anymore. (I used that on 'Crimson') I have a couple of commercial recordings that I'm trying to emulate, but I still don't quite have it. Right now, what I've been using has too many breathing sounds in it, and you can actually hear the air movement, which I think could become somewhat annoying. Thanks for the listen & comments. I'm always glad when you stop by!

	guitapick said 57 days ago
	I live... ...for this kind of music...it speaks with simplicity and perfection...the artwork fits beautifully...

	richard13 said 57 days ago
	Iron Clouds This is too cool on several levels. Very nice.

	poodyglitz said 57 days ago
	Winter Is Coming And the flute is sad. The flute makes me sad. It's all the flute's fault. But you know what? The flute did its job. Very nice to find something so different to listen to. I would go along with Paul in saying that you just do what feels right. If the next piece is another flute piece, so be it. Sincerely, A Good-natured Slob :-)

	ic42 said 56 days ago
	universe music it is beautiful. music to pierce a heart. a call of life from the cold of winter. there is such a universal similarity here. have you listened to native japanese "shakuhachi", bamboo flute? a style of playing and scale are similar. perhaps there is this flute music in all people. is so well played. thank you. 0x0

kristyjo said 55 days ago

Yes-
There are so many cultures that use these patterns in their music. I had a prof. who specifically studies children's songs from around the world to find the similarities and common patterns of music. it is quite fascinating. It really highlights that while all cultures have their own unique styles of music, there is a foundational music that all people share, even before birth. (mother's heartbeat, movement of walking, etc.) I think this comes close to that foundational music, as does the music of Japan that you mentioned, and music from other places. Thanks for listening, and sharing your knowledge, too.

	davisamerica said 55 days ago
	great title your music is always a treat for the ears but also so amazingly educational ... thanks for the trip to a wonderfully special place.

Ejh said 54 days ago

Have I mentioned...
...the whole 'appropriate graphic' thing? I believe I have. This is perfect in that regard. 'Winter is coming', with a sky to match...

Nicely non-shrill. Are you playing the flute here, or is the flute sampled? I couldn't tell from your comments. I

n my room, I can get where Paul's coming from about the reverb, although there is a nice clarity. Not too much breath noise, although I actually don't mind breath noise in this sort of piece. I think I have some R. Carlos Nakai stuff kicking around that has plenty of breath. I had something that puts the Native American flutes against the shakuhachi...

This has a nice melancholy and sounds traditional, not a moment of ersatz-traditional.

Ed

kristyjo said 54 days ago

Hmmm-
'Appropriate Graphics??' Nahh.
OK, so I finally took the hint. It DOES add to the experience, so I'll continue to add graphics to the best of my ability on these pieces. I guess it's like when people don't put any info in the information box. That just BUGS me. I wanna know why & how, and anything else about you and the song. I s'pose for you visually oriented folks, it's the same thing with the graphics. And thanks for the nod on authenticity. Again, it has to do with philosophy as much as the final sound, but it does mean a lot that it doesn't sound cliche to you.

	Doadars Uncle said 53 days ago
	Peaceful Hi Kristy, I already downloaded this one! Iron Clouds is a contemplative name for a meditative piece. The pic works well, too!

	Bob Overman said 53 days ago
	nice In your description, you said that most Native American music starts high then spirals downward. The music you created seems to do that, but the feel of the song holds the listener all the way to the end. Very nice and unique sound. I'm going to listen to more of your earlier songs now.

kassia said 50 days ago

iron
You know, I downloaded this last week for a listen, intending to come back to comment - and completely forgot to return. I've been listening to this over and over again. It's gorgeous, soothing, moving. Your performance is wonderful, with all the great nuances and special touches the native american flutes are capable of. A beautiful meditative, inspirational piece. Thank you for sharing this.

	VicDiesel said 40 days ago
	Plaintive You have a beautiful melody here. The appropriate spirit for the start of winter. It's interesting to compare your approach to the native flute to mine. But there's room enough on MJ for both!

	Ibstrat said 39 days ago
	I'm really inspired by your ability to play a single line melody with so much feeling.I have listened to this several times trying to copy it on the guitar.Thanks for posting this!

	Roxylee said 58 days ago
	Plaintive and pretty Yes, it does sound like a "Winter is coming" song! It probably isn't easy to play this, but you make it sound like it is. :-)

	kristyjo said 56 days ago
	Thanks, Roxy I always appreciate your listening and comments. I'm glad it sounds easy - it's a lot of fun.

	kristyjo said 56 days ago
	Feter - I'm always glad when you listen to my music. Thanks for stopping and commenting!

	kristyjo said 56 days ago
	Bob- Thanks for stopping by. Although I enjoy playing many styles of music, this simple, single flute sound is more satisfying than most, and is really (at the risk of sounding new age-y) grounding. I'm glad you find some of that, too.

	kristyjo said 55 days ago
	Thanks for the comment. I appreciate the thought, and that you seem to have enjoyed it. Cool!

	kristyjo said 55 days ago
	Awww, Poody - Don't be too sad. Spring is coming after winter! Maybe I'll have some friskier tunes out for that season!

	poodyglitz said 54 days ago
	LOL! Okay, I'll try and cheer up!

	kristyjo said 54 days ago
	Hi - I'm so glad you stopped by during your sabbatical! This music is so enjoyable to play, and it's even more enjoyable to find that so many other people enjoy it, too! I've taken a cue from Midi Orleans, and added a few nuggets of historical info to this piece. I'm glad you like it.

	kristyjo said 52 days ago
	Doug, Thanks for the vote of confidence via the download. I know you graphic artist types like the album art, so I'll try to keep doing that. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

	kristyjo said 39 days ago
	Thanks I really do enjoy playing this flute. My other wind instrument is the Bari Sax, which is different in almost every respect. There are, indeed, so many nuances and ornaments used in this style, that even the simplest song takes on a lot of emotional and stylist qualities that are just very appealing. Thanks for returning to comment. I appreciate it!

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