AFTER
THE FIRE
SOUTH WEST & UK COMMUNITY
SINGING & RECORDING
PROJECT FOR 2021 AND 2022
You can get more info on the project here
DEMO RECORDINGS
The theme of the project is Empathy. Eight original songs arranged for community choirs that celebrate the rich colour of all our life journeys and encourage us to cut each other a bit of slack even when we might see the world very differently. This is an independent project with no agenda of any kind, religious, political or otherwise.
We explore the eternal
tension that exists for some between faiths and science and offer the
innocent, perhaps naive thought that whatever our personal beliefs,
ultimately love conquers all. A simple idea and as old as time.
GUIDE SINGING
Two of us have recorded rough vocals to give you an idea of some of
the melodies and harmonies. Here and there we use vocal samples for
higher parts. These 'guide vocals' are deliberately neutral and not
expressive. You will provide all the extra colour, dynamics and energy
to these songs.
IF POSSIBLE
PLEASE WEAR HEADPHONES
PLEASE READ THE NOTES
00 : INTRODUCTION
An ethereal opening which will want some improvised Asian ornamental singing using 'gamakas'. Gamakas means 'decorations'. These are specific ways of varying the pitch of a note within a melody, often associated with many different Asian and Persian singing traditions. There will be a workshop to introduce us all to 'Gamakas'. The introduction here leads into a short acoustic guitar passage and some brief gentle opening harmony.
Welcome to the world
Will you find what it is to be free
Welcome to the world
01
: FAITH
This is a traditional four part choral arrangement. There will be
a workshop to explore this method of singing rooted in the western monastic
choral tradition.The guide voices try their best here but this is a
specialised form of singing and something for us all to learn about
in a workshop. There is some distortion due to Youtube compression.
In nomine Patris Filii et Spiritus Sancti Amen
In the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit Amen
02
: KNOWLEDGE
This is a framework only, rooted in rock music. The song is not
complete. You will learn and record the basic choral patterns shown
here and then, next year, offer lyrics and melodies to lay on top of
the framework. There will be a workshop on rock singing methods.
Tell me what it is truth or lies
Come into my garden let me show you round
There's fruit upon the table can you hear the sound
There's reason on the wind there's magic in the air
They're shouting from the rooftops listen if you dare
03
: WONDER
This is a framework only and so the song is not complete. Again,
you will learn and record the basic choral singing patterns shown here
and then, next year, offer lyrics and melodies to lay on top of the
framework. The music is partly meditation, partly chant, partly pop.
Again it will benefit from the use of Gamakas.
Where do we go from here I hear you cry
Higher take me higher
04
: LOVE
A framework again for you to offer lyrics and melodies next year.
The music is pop rock, an hypnotic rotating groove with some simple
choral ideas as a starting point. There is an improvised soprano part
at the end and it is illustrated here using a couple of computer samples.
Love will be there at the end of the day
Always be there
05
: EMPATHY
Another song framework. You will learn and record the basic choral
singing patterns shown here and then, next year, offer lyrics and melodies
to lay on top of the framework. The music is indie rock, an hypnotic
rotating groove with some simple choral ideas as a starting point.
Love light and understanding
Take my hand understand (me)
06
: PEACE
The last song framework of the project. The song is not complete.
You will learn and record the basic choral singing patterns shown here
and then, next year, offer melodies to lay on top of the framework.
This is a chant and has an islamic ethnic feel. The arrangement is perhaps
a bit too big at the moment and will probably be simplified depending
on what you all think of it. The lyrics will include the traditional
Islamic conclusion to prayer. Gamakas will be used here as well.
Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessing of Allah
07
: HOME
This is a completed song and might feature a small group of female
voices singing the verses in unison and perhaps a little harmony. We
will build between us all some more substantial harmony parts for the
middle section. Sadly Youtube compression has messed the background
audio on this.
Doves, seagulls - whatever next !
Hold out your hand open your heart
Show me something of which I'm a part
It's there it's there that you'll find me
Open your eyes shake off the mask
Is offering love too much to ask
It's there it's there that you'll find me
Show me the way heed what I say
Don't take too long it's the end of the day
Toes in the sand head on a stone
Here is place calling me home
It's there it's there that you'll find me
08
: JOY
This is a completed song but there is room for extra stuff too.
This is in the music theatre tradition and we shall have a workshop
exploring this singing style.
Take me as I am I'll be yours
Take me by hand I'll be yours
There's no need to hide there's no need to cry
We're getting high on the other side
I have written all the music myself and I really hope you like it.
You
can get more info on the project here
and more stuff will follow by email if you
are on our email
list.
PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS
The project kicks off early October.
Email now to be kept up to date
Thank you to Kim Neill for all her help with
the singing on these demo recordings
Nigel Neill
www.musichealth.co.uk/about.htm
Other projects from the last few years
