Saturday, September 7, 2013

Recording a Song

On Sunday, April 7, Jimmy and I had one of our 'weekend only' tasks to enjoy: Recording a Song Together! Easier said than done, especially when 'together' is over skype and phones, half way across the country.

Undaunted, we set forth.

After discussing our strategy for about half an hour, we agreed on rough instrumentation, song outline, and a title: Gordi Triumphant. Then, we split off to record our tracks, each building on each others' previous work.

First, Kate laid down a drum track, using sophisticated equipment: coffee drums and wooden spoons! The result was a driving, deep, somewhat goofy sounding beat, mostly in eighth notes with fills between verses.

Next, Jimmy recorded a ukulele track while listening to the drums. I added guitar, then Jimmy took an extra long time to write and record lyrics recalling the personality and playfulness of his dog, Gordi:

Gordi, Gordi
Gordi Triumphant
King of our hearts 
and our days

Gordi, Gordi
Gordi Triumphant
Gordi, Gordi, Gordi
Ever the Gordiest dog

Jimmy also added banjo and a whistle solo, and Kate finished the track off with harmonica, and a vigorous mixdown.

Gordi Triumphant is perhaps one of our finest artistic endeavors and recording it made for a fantastic afternoon of collaboration and silliness.

But enough writing, have a listen for yourself:

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