Hi Folks,

Please give a listen to this latest offering from Dave Rice's pen.

I heard something a little more dramatic going on in Dave's demo, and I tried to followed suit, making Neil Diamond's version of Belgian Frenchman Jacques Brel's "If You Go Away" a kind of template to get me started towards what I was going for.
Anyway, we hope you enjoy it. I sure enjoyed making it!

https://soundcloud.com/michael-zaneski-1/i-remember-autumn

I Remember Autumn

Jack Frost has brought me Autumn
the days go by too fast...
My thoughts return to Springtime...
and love that didn't last.

But I'll enjoy my Autumn...
at least most days are warm.
Too soon the grip of Winter...
will bring me pain and harm.

Then I'll remember Autumn...
the time I loved the best.
When life and love were present...
before she headed west.

Go slowly please, sweet Autumn...
the days go by too fast...
Go slowly please, sweet Autumn...
I want to make you last.

When Winter's frigid fingers...
are tearing at my dreams...
I'll wish again for Autumn...
when lakes reflect moonbeams.

And slowly, I'll surrender...
as life begins to fade.
I doubt if I'll remember...
Trout streams I used to wade.

One final wish for Autumn...
and then I'll breathe my last.
I'll make that wish for Autumn...
then I'll forget my past...
and love that didn't last.

Go slowly please, sweet Autumn...
the days go by too fast...
Go slowly please, sweet Autumn...
I need to make you last...
If only you would last.

***********************************************************

Lyrics and Music by Dave Rice
Copyright (C) 2016 Dave Rice
All Rights Reserved

Lovely.

Hi guys,

BEAUTIFUL LYRICS.

The performance is...
Lovely
Smooth
Sad
Dreamy
VERY COOL.

Calvin


[color:#3366FF]Russell..... [/color] http://www.soundclick.com/bands/0/calvinstewart

Really strong write and what a silky smooth performance. I second all of Calvin's adjectives. Congrats on a killer tune Dave and Mike.

Dave

Really strong write and what a silky smooth performance. I second all of Calvin's adjectives. Congrats on a killer tune Dave and Mike.

Dave

Thanks, Martin, Calvin and Dave:

I appreciate you guys taking time to listen. Mike, as usual, knocked this one "out of the park" for me. Out of the ten demos he has completed for me, I believe "Autumn" is pretty close to the top... but choosing which "child" you love best is a difficult assignment for a songwriter. LOL!

As observed here at JPF, Trailer Trash has garnered the most "listens and comments" so far. I'll be surprised if this one does not surpass it... but old songwriters are usually wrong about which one strikes a chord with the public.

Thanks again to all of you... and especially to Mike Zaneski for his talent, patience and creativity. He is one of a kind and we are lucky to have him here at Brian's place.

----Dave

What a Great Listen!

Excellent write, Dave. One of the best "season" songs I've ever heard. Most who try fail miserably. This is a total, resounding success!!! Start to finish.

Mike's production/feel choice is absolutely perfect (Perfect description of it, too, Mike...). The piano work is especially nice - the figure between the first chorus and "When Winter's frigid fingers..." - gorgeous! ....and the outro..

The balance of the dobro and accordion are exquisite.

The "vocal is what matters most" sense of the production is top-shelf producing.

This is beautiful, y'all.

floyd

Not to repeat what everyone else has said, but this really is beautiful, smooth as silk and so well done. Nice one Dave, and you put in in just the right hands.

Ricki

I liked everything about this song....
I especially enjoyed the Moody Autumn Feel.
Beautiful lyric Dave....B

Hi Floyd:

With a "review" like this, I may be discovered by a Promoter who can open doors... LOL! Thanks so much for listening and for your very kind remarks.

Thanks, Rikki:

"The Right Hands" is an understatement! Zaneski has untapped talent and I'm just beginning to understand the depth of his many-faceted abilities. Thanks for taking time to listen and comment. Coming from you, I'm thrilled.

Hi Barry:

I sure appreciate your comment about the moody, Autumn feel. Mission accomplished. Thanks for listening.

Martin, Calvin, Floyd, Barry, Ricki, and Dave..

Thanks all for listening, and it really makes me happy to know you appreciate Dave's great songwriting. His work has a distinct, brilliant and unique style and I find it most enjoyable setting his work.

Floyd, that figure you speak of and the "outro" was all written into Dave's rough demo. I thought like you--that they were perfect--adding a nice contrast to all the minor chords elsewhere. So I just needed to find some good (virtual) instruments to bring them to life.

When I took care of my mother, in the early part of the 'ought years' especially, we would play Scrabble every day, and listen to the same cassette I'd plop in in of her favorite music, which included the entirety of Neil Diamond's "Stones" album. His cover of Roger Miller's "Husbands and Wives" was her favorite three minutes of music, next to Jim Reeves' "He'll Have To Go." But my favorite songs on Stones were his version of Randy Newman's "I Think It's Gonna Rain Today" and his "If You Go Away" --which I had totally forgotten about, pretty much..

Until earlier this year, when I'm watching the brilliant, multi-layered USA series computer hacker/espionage series "Mr. Robot" --and it was in an early episode--suddenly the Diamond recording is foregrounded and we're just watching the main character walking while we listen to Diamond sing..this opened the floodgates of memory, as you can probably imagine..it also made me realize that few could get away with as dramatic a "sound" as Diamond..but in his hands the most mundane material can sing (and I'd realize this every time he'd remind me that "the chair" did not hear him sing the words "I Am I Said" lol..)..

Anyway, thanks again all, sorry for rambling..

Mike

Outstanding indeed guys.
Beautifully written Dave and Mike I can feel your joy in your performance... sounds like you're having a blast.

Wonderful production

We enjoyed the backstory on how the feel for the song came about.

This is readily one of the top productions we've heard on this forum. The first posters have grabbed the superlatives....leaving little unique to add.

As floyd said few are able to pull off a "seasonal" tune but you two succeeded...big time.

It's hard to imagine the patience, thought and creativity that went into writing and producing this song. It's beautifully written and sung.

Congrats to the two of you...We're looking forward to sharing this.

J&B

Hi Nelson:

Thanks for the listen and your encouraging words. I appreciate you taking time to share your thoughts. Mike really did a great job on "Autumn" and I believe it is his best effort on the ten demos he has completed for me.

Regards, ----Dave

Hey J & B:

Because it came from you, I'll tell you the rest of the story about the song. A few years ago, I came close to "buying the farm" because of the old ticker. I decided to write a sad song in case I didn't make it... but the "love that didn't last" is pure fantasy. I've been happily married for 56 years... to the same woman. (She is eligible for "Sainthood" now!)

I appreciate your encouragement so very much... and you are 100% correct... Mike really performed "Autumn" well. His arrangements are always top notch. Thanks for taking time to hear this and let us know what you thought. I'm stoked! ----Dave

I loved Scott Walkers version of If you go away guys which I've always loved.This is excellent, love the lyric Dave but an all round beautiful song mike
Travis

Travis:

I'm amazed at your following... after you commented, the song jumped nearly 30 points. Says a great deal about the esteem folks hold for you and your opinion. Thanks so much. ----Dave

Hahahaha...I could certainly, after 36 years, say the same for Janice. Congrats to the two of you.

Bud

Thanks, Bud:

Every day I count my blessings. The lives we share are truly gifts and though I often "make light" of marriage... where would our world be without it. The cornerstone of civilization!

Your kindness and good words (much like your music) are appreciated.

----Dave

Nicely done all around ... great job!

Hi Jimmy:

Thanks for listening and for your nice comment.

----Dave

Yeah, I dig it! Good lyrics and production! Love the music mood.

Best, John

Hi John:

Thanks for taking time to listen and comment on "I Remember Autumn." Mike did such a great job on one of my signature songs.

Best back at ya' Pal!

----Dave

Nice. Kind of a country western flip on autumn leaves.

Good stuff

I'm not familiar with the Neil Diamon song you mentioned Mike but all the better. I got a clean listen. And it was excellent.
I just sat back and enjoyed listening to it.
Beautiful song Dave!!
Nicely done Mike!!!

Hi Paul:

Thanks for listening to Mike's demo of my song. Forgive me for not responding sooner but I've been away most of the day. I was surprised to see that someone had "dug deep" to find an old song post. Thanks again for going to all that trouble. Mike Zaneski is a fantastic demo producer.

Regards, ----Dave

This is beautiful. I like the slow build....it’s quite mysterious in the beginning and the anticipation is all right there in the words and music/vocal delivery. The lyric is full of wonderful images...I especially enjoyed all the nature elements in the lines...how Autumn is being addressed directly and phrases like “grip of winter” and this verse...so vivid:

When Winter's frigid fingers...
are tearing at my dreams...
I'll wish again for Autumn...
when lakes reflect moonbeams.

The melody seems to sway in the lyric’s reflections and the soft music and vocal add a delicate, earnest, yet wistful tone to it all. I like that little unexpected piano twirl at the ending too.

Lovely song.

Kristi

Hi Kristi:

Thanks for taking time to listen to "I Remember Autumn." About once a month, I post my original version on the website link below in case you would care to compare my pitiful "chops" to Mike's "Silver Tongue with Harmony to boot!" LOL! He is such a great guy to work with and I really appreciate the value he represents to a pack of underpaid songwriters here at JPF.

Your comments are priceless to me.

Thanks, ----Dave

Dave,

It'd be fun to listen to it (not to compare), but I don't see the song on your page in that link.

Morning, Kristi:

Am I showing my age and forgetfulness or what? LOL! I was distracted and failed to add "Autumn" to the playlist at SYM.
Thanks for reminding me. Mission accomplished.

Regards, ----Dave

Hi Dave,

Thanks for posting your original version of the song. Hey, now. You know what? I just listened and that’s very nice! I enjoyed it! You have two versions of the song now. And ya know, I always appreciate a good piano and you guys both make me wish I paid more attention in my music theory class when I was a teenager! LOL (but...I believe some things can’t be taught!)

Kristi

Hi Kristi:

Thanks for taking time to listen after I'd fumbled the ball... LOL! Yes Ma'am... it's nice to have two versions but I'll be pitching Mike's demo if and when the opportunity arises.

Have a great week. ----Dave

Hey Mike and Dave,

Wow ! How did I miss this one ? I'm glad someone dug deep.

The production is great, the lyrics are great and the performance is spot on.

Strong, subtle, sublime, it's a great piece of classical work.

Mike, just love the ?accordian, and the repose at the end is just brilliantly stylish.

I'm gunna listen again.

cheers, niteshift

PS - not a nit, but an addition. When you ghost your lead vocal at 2.30 and 3.00 , the addition of a female ghost lead would lift those parts even further.

Nelson, Janice, Bud, Travis, Jimmy, John Schick..

Sorry I left y'all hanging!!!

I appreciate your support and am very happy you enjoyed this!

Miss you Janice and Bud..

*********************************************************************************

Ben, Paul, Kristi, and niteshift,

Thanks for keeping this song afloat. It's Mr. Rice showcasing his awesome "inner monologue" style story-telling and mastery of minor keys, and I could easily connect with it via my Diamond/Brel obsession.

nite,

Thanks, and that's a really cool idea..I may just ask around.

Mike

Hi Niteshift:

Thanks for sharing your kind words with us. Mike always goes the extra mile when producing and vocalizing demos. JPF is a better place because of his talent, generosity and patience.

After Mike finished producing an entire album of my songs, I've continued to write, vocalize and create new songs... or re-cut many of my older songs in my catalog. Eventually, I hope to persuade Mike to do the vocals on several others because my voice is incapable of doing what is really needed.

Thanks again for taking the time to listen and comment so positively.

All the best, ----Dave

Hi Dave and Mike, I really enjoyed "Remember Autumn" a lovely lyric and sung with a lovely, gentle Autumn feeling.

Ross.

The music and production fit the lyric's melancholy vibe to a "T". Great job, guys!

Thanks Ross, thanks Kurt!




No persuasion needed Dave. Just give a holler any time.

Thanks, Mike:

I'm doing my best to pour through my catalog and find long-forgotten songs in a specific genre for a new album. When you have more than a thousand lyrics and nearly a thousand recorded songs, it becomes a real task. LOL!

I'm finding that a significant portion of my previous work needs to be re-recorded. Nobody to blame but me for not doing my best to go to Julliard and learn the entire process properly.

The selection situation is not quite as "dire" as I've painted it but I'm guessing within 30 days I will start sending you some "candidate" songs and a "game plan."

Regards, ----Dave

Wow, great write/song Dave and Mike! I love the feel this exudes. A gypsy tone adds a great vibe to the piece in my opinion. Nice work, enjoyed this thoroughly.

Thanks for listening, James. Pleased you enjoyed it. I delayed because this is technically Michael's thread... but he stays so busy doing demos, he probably has not see it yet.

Regards, ----Dave

Wow Michael....love this melancholy melody....great lyric work, as well.
A very nice piece of writing. All the performances are great, too.

A very original piece of fresh air.....nice job!

Thanks, IronKnee:

Glad you enjoyed Mike's demo of my song. Hope all is well in my Islands.

Thanks for listening, ----Dave (Kawika)

Listening again,
this song makes me yearn for Summer........this is so melancholy, as only winter knows.
Beautifully done, Michael. Wow! (Is that an accordion?) Cool sound
-Tom

Hi Michael,
what a great song! I love your production work. Really awesome. The vocal arrangement is sensational. This track has radio airplay quality. Great songwriting from Dave. Keep up the good work !!!

All the best
Robert


www.robertbaitinger.de

Hi Tom and Rob:

Sorry for not responding sooner. I assume Michael is busy preparing more demos for members of JPF or other sites... so I'll take the time to thank you for your kind words about one of my signature songs, "I Remember Autumn." I hired Michael to do a demo because I enjoy hearing my work being sung by someone other than me. To date, he has completed ten demos of my songs and each was posted here at JPF at different completion dates. His work is dependable, well performed and at "bargain basement rates." I highly recommend him and plan to do another album of songs using his demo abilities at some point in the near future.

Thanks again for listening... and taking the time to listen again. ----Dave

Nice melancholy tune with some solid production.

I really like your vocal sound on this tune; very personal. The drums sound very nice as well. The latin percussion is a nice touch. Overall, really well done all the way around.

I am hearing an issue with a vocal edit around the 0:28 mark.

I really liked this one!

Peace,
TC

Hi TC:

I didn't want you to think your comment had gone un-noticed. Thanks for taking time to listen... and listen with exceptional "ears." As you observed, editing is such an important aspect of recording. Sometimes, guys like Mike are "in such demand" they do well to keep up with a schedule most of us would not attempt.

Best regards,

----Dave