Hi, all:

Some weeks back Dave Rice and I got to thinking it might be worth working on a second tune together . . . and this is the one we chose, a song Dave had written and recorded some years ago. I really liked Dave's original version . . . so I wanted to try taking this cover in a little different direction. For better or worse, that road led us to this version of the song. We hope you enjoy the listen (and I hope I did Dave's lovely song some degree of justice). Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Here's the song:

JUST A DREAM

Here are the lyrics:

I close my eyes, then they appear,
and I still feel it can’t be true . . .
those peaceful times I hold so dear
return again . . . and I’m with you . . .
I’m with you.

Then night descends and it begins;
the visions fade and I’m afraid
you won’t return, I’ll never learn . . .
It’s just a dream… I’ll never learn….
It’s just a dream.

To my surprise the dreams return.
It’s so surreal; I’m still with you.
Your visions rise and teardrops burn.
The way I feel . . . it can’t be true . . .
It can’t be true.

Then night descends and it begins;
it starts to fade and I’m afraid
you won’t return, I’ll never learn . . .
It’s just a dream… I’ll never learn….
It’s just a dream.

Words and Music by Dave Rice
Vocals and Arrangement by DJ Lekich

Hi Deej and Dave,

The lyrics, music and production are fantastic. And your voice Deej is spot on and blends so well with the guitar.

I am listening on my studio monitors and the sound is wonderful. I have got my work cut out for me to get as good as you guys!

I love this line:

Your visions rise and teardrops burn.

Keep at it!

Jane

Hi Dave and Deej,

Beautiful lyric and excellent arrangement and vocals.

I love the sense of space in this and the deliberate feel the tempo gives it--it fits with the lyric.

Deej, I love the unusual echoed, filtered vocal in the right channel late. Very creative..

I enjoyed this very much!


Mike

Hi Deej and Dave,

Absolutely stunning in every direction....

Dave, no matter how good the original, you must be overjoyed with this.

God Bless to all

Roy

Morning, Deej:

I can't thank you enough for turning an ordinary "country" song into what I consider to be pretty darn close to a "masterpiece!" You worked so long and diligently whipping this thing into shape... and I appreciate it so much. I've listened multiple times and notice the subtle nuances you added that make it so special.

As I told you on the "first take" you shared with me... this thing has that quality when your vocal bears down on the words... then that guitar work grabs the listener's ears... and the song just soars.

I'm astounded and so appreciative of what you did with my song.

Regards and Bravo... ----Dave

Well done as usual Deej.
Great sounding song guys...lyrically and musical arrangement .

Regards
Mimmo

Thanks for giving "Just a Dream" a spin, Jane:

Always enjoy your comments and positive vibe. It looks like our long, hot and dry extended summer down here is coming to an end. We even have the possibility of some badly needed rain. Thanks for sending that cold front our way.

All the best, ----Dave

Really like this one, guys. Is that you playing that lead guitar, Deej?


Regards,

Bob

Thanks for taking time to listen, Mike:

Enjoyed your comments very much. Your opinion means a great deal to me.

All the best, ----Dave

Hey Dave/Deej,

What a great vibe and sound--loved it! Reminded me of perhaps how John Lennon would have produced this song. I would like to hear your lead vox up 3 db or the rhythm bed down 3 db. Don't remember the original, but from what Dave said, sounds like you gave the song some new clothes! Great job guys!

steady-eddie

Hi Roy:

"Overjoyed" is an under-statement, my old friend. Deej took this thing into uncharted territory. I hope all is well with you over there. Thanks for listening and commenting.

Regards, ----Dave

Hi Mimmo, Bob and Eddie:

Time is tight so I must lump the three of you together in one "Thank's for Listening and Commenting Post." I don't want to appear to be "touting" this song. I'd prefer for it to "stand on it's own two legs" without any assistance from me. Hopefully, Deej will respond to some of the comments as well. He is a pleasure to work with and his "cover" of "Just a Dream" was a really nice production.

I know he spends time at other music oriented websites and has shared his version with several JPF members who we don't get to see or hear often enough. Deej says the comments he's received are really encouraging.

Thanks for understanding. I have another "song-in-the-oven" and must get back to work.

All my best to all of you... and thanks again.

----Dave

Good stuff.
I especially liked the vocals and the guitar solos - no-one does them anymore!
Production is also good - song just washes over your ears

Paul