A Quiet Moment

Episode #220: A Quiet Moment   (Song starts at 3:31) This episode features the song 'A Quiet Moment', composed by Paul Dredge and myself. It’s a song about reflecting back on the history of a friendship, so it’s a quite a personal document, in a way. On that intimate sort of a note, you’ll get to listen to some audio of Paul and I composing and arranging the vocals for this song. So you get hear some of the actual process of a song coming together. The style of ‘2 voices to the fore’ appeals to Paul and I. It’s something that comes to us easily. We were inspired by the Finn Brothers (NZ), Simon and Garfunkel, the Everly brothers. I think 'A Quiet Moment' is a very nice album track. Its the 3rd song on our new album 'River Walking' (folkrock, streaming now)  - great to unwind with listening with headphones on - or in the car perhaps). It’s a really good example of Paul and I almost in a live performance mode with the singing when the chorus hits, after a more conversational verses. Listening to the audio of us composing together, you can hear us sort of kneading the song into shape, almost like 2 potters working on a piece of clay as it becomes art. I’m glad we took the time to bring this song together. We’ve had it in the vault for a few years. Once we decided it needed to fleshed out and lengthened with a guitar solo it was ready. Sometimes you have to be patient. Songs seem to have a mind of their own sometimes as to when they are released out into the world. The guitar solo was a good idea …it lead into a high lead line over the 2nd chorus that really added to the drama l - and made the recording, I think. Paul wasn’t expecting to do this ...he got to the end of the solo and just ‘winged it into - and along with -  the vocals on the chorus. This sort of thing is what we really enjoy when we record. The magic of being completely in the moment, in performance mode, responding intuitively with the right notes and lines to embellish what’s already been recorded, without taking over, or getting in the way. I’m glad I took a quiet moment to write the lyrics in the first place. OK, join us in the songwriting session…this is one of those songs where we were in the room together. Paul had a quick read of the lyrics and kicked in on the guitar with some chords, playing with muted strings. I like winging the vocals over the top so away we went. Hope you enjoy some more music and chat. The River Walking album is brand new, recorded in 2 countries Australia and NZ . It’s streaming on all the usual platforms - also available for steaming and downloading from www.petepascoe.bandcamp.com Enjoy 'A Quiet Moment' with us.

Om Podcasten

Be entertained with a song and an extended chat, ranging from off the cuff banter/humour to life observations and song analysis. Welcome to Song and a Chat. This is the podcast where you'll have the pleasure of listening to a new song each week - plus, you'll get to step into the shoes of a songwriter : You'll hear about the background of the song, the inspiration, how/ why the song came into being.  After the song finishes, I'll go over the lyrics and finish each episode by looking at the song from a songwriting point of view. If you just want the song and no talk, the time where the song kicks in will be in the title of each episode. Hi, my name is Pete Pascoe. I am a performer and composer - I love lyrics and I love a melody. I play piano and sing. I have a number of albums to my name.  I have written over 800 songs. Of course, not all of these songs I written will make it onto an album. As a songwriter, the first step for a new song is ( or was ) to record a demo. Often you catch something unique in this demo - something that is often not replicated in the studio cut....a certain feeling.  If you're looking to be entertained, like listening to new songs and live recordings, I hope you'll enjoy what's on offer here. I have a stack of demos from which I'm sharing one on a weekly basis. Plus I relate anecdotes about my life as a piano man, from around the time each song was written. I treat each show as a mini intimate concert - with extended chat, which ranges from off the cuff banter/humour to life observations and analysis. The idea is : the song can be listened to for pleasure in its own right, or the listener may choose to also be entertained and informed by the story around the song.  I'm really enjoying recording these podcasts. Each week I look forward to getting behind the mic, setting aside my current musical and artistic projects and casting my mind back in time by focussing on a song I've composed. It's turning out to be a satisfying - and sometimes surprising - time of reflection and discovery for me.  The lyrics and the recordings take me straight back to when the song was written. Gain an insight into songwriting and listen to a series of snapshots of life of a songwriter / performer / artist.  It's a great way for me to archive a song and it's 'back story'. Music is to be shared. What point is there In having five songbooks and piles of demos gathering dust?  I welcome feedback - whether you're tuning in to enjoy music for music's sake, you enjoy finding out about the origins of songs, you're looking for tips on songwriting or perhaps you've got tips for me. Either way, I'll be learning plenty as I go along. Thanks for a having a read. Come on and join me for a listen.