• Zurf
  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Topic: Stepping up - being more "covery"

So I've been doing my own arrangements on songs for a long while, which is all well and good.  I like doing it.  However, I have recently come to realize that while that opened a lot of doors for me initially and that it was a good idea when I started, I am now using it as a crutch that is keeping me from pushing to improve.  So now I'm stepping up to take some of the songs I already do and make them more "covery".  I still obviously can't make my guitar be a mandolin, banjo, two guitars, bass, horn section, harmonica, and drums, and so some arrangement is still necessary.  But still.  There it is.  Trying to work in those signature riffs and melodies.  Wish me luck. 

I'm starting easy with "Jolly Mon" by Jimmy Buffett and improving upon "Distantly In Love" by Jimmy Buffett and Steve Goodman. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • auxi
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  • From: Arkansas, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-20
  • Posts: 255

Re: Stepping up - being more "covery"

Sounds like fun. Good luck! wink

"absolutely epic and really really loud" ~Zurf
                            ^
                      Life right?
Katie tongue
  • From: Probably Somewhere
  • Registered: 2010-12-09
  • Posts: 2,446

Re: Stepping up - being more "covery"

Do you mean closer to the originals in terms of arrangement?

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
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Re: Stepping up - being more "covery"

Baldguitardude wrote:

Do you mean closer to the originals in terms of arrangement?

Well sure, if you want to use English. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Stepping up - being more "covery"

English is great, but carry on.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.
  • From: Probably Somewhere
  • Registered: 2010-12-09
  • Posts: 2,446

Re: Stepping up - being more "covery"

Except for a few cases I really don't like doing covers like they were written...maybe it's due to the fact that I live in a city where 95% of the live music does just that. I'd rather arrange a song in a way that challenges me and changes the song. Some listeners wont get it, some will think it sucks, but others will love it...and those are the ones I want to invite back out!

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
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Re: Stepping up - being more "covery"

My idea of being more covery means to work in a signature riff or two and be able to play a lead line over the melody during the break.  I'm never going to be a note-for-note tribute band kind of guy.  I figure that I can play a record if I want to hear it originally recorded.  Or the CD. Or, wait, I'll get this, the MP3. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Hendersonville, NC USA
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,521

Re: Stepping up - being more "covery"

So if you cover a song again, and this time you covered it better, would you say you were playing recoverier? Just pondering...Reminds me of a girl I knew who lost weight and gained it back....she got recurverier...

J  E  T  S
...and yet a Washington Commanders fan (unless they change their name again) ...long story...HTT...C

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