The British Steelies Society

Hi All

Quite apart from the support, advice, constructive criticism...etc that I hoped to receive when I joined this forum, I have always thought that the possibility of collaborating with other musicians/steelies was something that might happen, maybe. Well, I'm pleased to say that my fellow steelie from Bonnie Scotland, Calum Maclean, recently suggested that we might collaborate. He is the producer of many loops using his MSA 12-string, his Infinity Looper and numerous other gizmos that look very confusing to me. He recently sent me 25 or so such loops and I'm working through them, picking out those that I think I can work with. The initial results can be heard on the link below. There are three tracks (done in three days), and they all end up going where the loops wanted to go...that's loops (and improvisation) for you. They're varied (!!) but I think they're good (or at least interesting and worth a listen). We'll be doing more over the next few weeks, so I'll post them up in small pristine little batches of looping delight. It was a great idea of Calum's, and it's been great fun doing it...more people on the forum should give it a go in there own way(s). Maybe you already are, if so, my apologies.

Each track begins with the loop, then it sometimes disappears for a while (loops can be annoying), but it's always around somewhere...that's loops for you...like wasps.

https://soundcloud.com/user-581188416

Thank for listening, and thanks to Calum for keeping me interested in the world.

Gary

Gentlemen! Your experiment works!
The first two would make excellent aids for Astral Projection, and the third makes me think of Hash (scots lang. not the relaxant). Very interesting.

As an aside, Gary, could I request a bit of mandolin use popping up? You probably don't realise this, but I am the finest bluegrass mandolinist in Hillington East.

Thanks Danny

Speaking as a fellow mandolinist (the finest in Yatton...a small and very unpleasant 'village' in North Somerset), yes I could see that happening. In fact there is some of my very fine mandolin playing on no. 13. Anyway, if you're suggesting a collaboration with me (and Calum) bring it on. I'll be working on some more very soon, so could call upon your services, assuming you've got the necessary recording gear.

What, when it's at home, is 'Astral Projection'? Something to do with Van Morrison?

G

Gary, now, having revisited the tracks wearing headphones(much better, I know) I plainly hear that tasty mandolin which was lost to me when listening on my phone

And, I wouldn't dream of parachuting into your collaborations. Although, I have the requisite recording gear my mandolin chops would best described as whitebread, or vanilla, and I think I'd be lost at sea when improvising like that. I'm more than happy listening along.

Astral Projection- an out of body state achieved through meditation. I reckon those two tracks aptly set the tone for those kind of shenanigans.

You’d be lost! I’m lost too but at least I can do the wasps! Start one from scratch Danny and see where it goes. It’s not like anyone is busy!
Cheers
Calum

Chicken!

OK, Danny: mandolins drawn at dawn on neutral ground...somewhere near Stoke on Trent perhaps.

G

I've got the loops, thanks Calum, I'll stick them into Reaper and see what's forthcoming. Gawd 'elp us.

Ha, ha, Gary, I wish I knew how to write chicken noises. 'Bawk, bawk, bawk', perhaps?

Chicken noises: just listen to th 3rd of the tracks just posted with Calum (Infinity No. 17)...full of 'em, and they're the more melodic bits.

Remember, Stoke on Trent...I'll be there.

G