Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 28, No. 12
December 2023
Live meetings are Cancelled due to CoronaVirus.
However, we will be having on-line Zoom meetings.
The next zoom feedback session will be Sunday December 3rd.
We will send details under a separate e-mail,
and an announcement on the Facebook group page.
If you want the zoom meeting details,
please e-mail us at isgorlando@gmail.com
Hopefully we will soon be meeting in person again.
Please stay tuned for more info.
Any Details not in this newsletter are at:
If you wish to join our Facebook group, please check us out at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/831814850193553/
WebChatter
by CyberToad
https://www.andreastolpe.com/articles/how-to-write-from-the-title
We are asking members to renew their dues for 2023/24. It costs only $5 per year,
and it helps us to defray costs for the zoom meetings.
We have 2 methods of payment. Either paypal to our treasurer Asli Goncer's
paypal account. The paypal access is at aslivision@gmail.com
or you can mail a $5 check to
Asli Goncer
2849 Babylon Court
Oviedo, FL 32765
Either way, we appreciate your continued support.
Wichita Lineman 2
by Jackie Mason
Last month I wrote about this YouTube video, “Wichita Lineman: Talking with Tunesmith Jimmy Webb” It features an interview between Rick Beato and Jimmy Webb. It’s a deep and complex conversation about music. We learn about Webb’s roots in rural Oklahoma. his musical roots playing piano in his father’s parish, We learn about his music teacher. We hear stories about the legendary, LA session group The Wrecking Crew and it’s colorful members. We, also, are treated to a music lesson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8pRKAgMaP4
“By The Time I Get To Phoenix” is about a lonely journey. Webb describes how producer and arranger Al De Lory felt that loneliness in the song. The strings evoke that feeling of prairie expanse and isolation. De Lory was a part of that !960’s LA studio scene. Webb describes him as avant-garde and a minimalist. Webb then gives us a dissertation on 12 tone music. Here we plunge deep into music theory.
Jimmy labels the string arrangement as “Prairie Gothic” with its endless horizon. There is a “whole mythos that’s working there.” His other song “Wichita Lineman” has the same mood. They are what Webb calls “flat country songs because you can see for 50 miles out there.” He is convinced that De Lory heard that in the music. Listen to De Lory play piano on “By The Time I Get To Phoenix.” Listen with your eyes closed and imagine those flat lands. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy2g9kGvL0Y
It’s a fantasy song with its story built on a timeline. It’s easy to construct a story song on a timeline, it has a built in beginning, middle and an end. Try writing one for yourself. It makes an excellent song exercise.
He reminisces about Glen Campbell being at his house. Jimmy had an old church organ at his house. It was a pre-synthesizer electronic organ with lots of bells and whistles on it. There was a sustain that repeated and sounded like a satellite. Glen liked it so much that he called the guys to bring a truck and take it to the studio. This organ was massive and weighed a thousand pounds. They took it to Western Studios and overdubbed that funny satellite sound on “Wichita Lineman.” This is Al De Lory playing piano on the song and reproducing that satellite sound on his keyboard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNeINjCVVvs
I had always thought it was the strings that made that sound. It would be wise of me to provide links for both songs so you may hear what I’m referring to. First “Wichita Lineman.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8P_xTBpAcY
And here is “By The Time I Get To Phoenix.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkDKT0ngkFs
It’s important to set moods with our instruments and songs. It’s a lesson worth learning. I really recommend this video. There’s so much more than I’ve been able to cover. I keep watching it, learning more. I hope you do.
We are a month shy of Christmas. The older I get, the faster it rolls around. I bought a kalimba last year. I hope to use it on some Christmas songs. The days are getting shorter. So long from the song motel. Stay well.
ISG Bulletin Board
Meeting space graciously provided by Central Florida Musicians Association,
Local 389. You are invited to join the largest union in the world, representing the
interests of the professional musician. Visit their website at afm389.org for more
information. You may reach them by phone at: 407-894-8666.
Why isn't your gig or live stream announced here? Members in good standing call SusieCool with your appearance schedule! 407-760-2153 or e-mail her the details at isgorlando@gmail.com
If you are interested in open mics in the Central Florida area, SusieCool has compiled a list.
Steve Hodak hosts several newly listed open mics on the East coast.
https://sites.google.com/site/susiecoolsongs/Home/open-mic-directory-central-florida
SusieCool is the admin for a Facebook group called "Orlando Creative Music Network"
where we give out info on songwriter meetings, playing circles, open mics, workshops and concerts.
We have a Facebook page for this group if you want to join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/274152179716552/
No Critique scores for November, since no live meeting.
New members and guests are always welcome!
© 2023 ISG
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International Songwriter's Guild
Website: www.tinyurl.com/isgsongs
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/831814850193553/