My new Cover “ Bensusan” / Michael Hedges (Fingerstyle)

[SotosBakas]

Hello everybody!

I am Sotos Bakas and wanted to share with you my new cover of “Bensusan”, one of my favourite tunes by Michael Hedges.
All the recordings and audio production was done by myself.
I ll be really glad to know your thoughts! : )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLkMjLisoeY

[rick-slo]

Nice job. Sound wise I would use less reverb as currently it's blending the notes together too much IMO.

[SotosBakas]

Thanks Rick!Appreciate it! : )

[JoeCharter]

Very nice video and an interesting piece to cover.

Unlike Derek, I think the reverb is fine and I like the warm and powerful sound that you get.

That being said, I think that your sound is almost too "big" for this piece. I admittedly haven't listened closely to Michael Hedges until 5 minutes ago. What struck me in this piece is the evenness and the crispness of the notes in Michael's recording. I would suggest aiming for a less boomy sound.

As for the playing, I wish I could hear the melody a bit clearer and louder. I think a big part of the appeal in this piece is the way that Michael articulates every note.

There's a also a descending phrase that is repeated a couple of times (e.g. 1m54s) where I'm not sure I like the portamento borderline staccato that I hear. Michael's phrasing is more fluid.

All in all a nice effort.

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

That being said, I think that your sound is almost too "big" for this piece. I admittedly haven't listened closely to Michael Hedges until 5 minutes ago. What struck me in this piece is the evenness and the crispness of the notes in Michael's recording. I would suggest aiming for a less boomy sound.

As for the playing, I wish I could hear the melody a bit clearer and louder. I think a big part of the appeal in this piece is the way that Michael articulates every note.

Yep, the reverb is in part the cause of what you just noted. Given the recording as is less reverb and/or a different (brighter) reverb could help.

[J.R. Rogers]

Nice playing! Enjoyed your version and that guitar sounds good.

JR

[Tele1111]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

<snip> What struck me in this piece is the evenness and the crispness of the notes in Michael's recording. I would suggest aiming for a less boomy sound.

As for the playing, I wish I could hear the melody a bit clearer and louder. I think a big part of the appeal in this piece is the way that Michael articulates every note.

There's a also a descending phrase that is repeated a couple of times (e.g. 1m54s) where I'm not sure I like the portamento borderline staccato that I hear. Michael's phrasing is more fluid. <snip>

Hi Sotos,

First of all, nice playing. I rarely listen all the way through to covers of Michael’s
Music. But I did listen to yours.

I think Derek and joe are both referring to the same issue. To me it does sound like the reverb is too high or “wet”. Saturated if you will. But mic placement and technique also play a part.

The seperation of the notes becomes a little “lost”

In my opinion, Michael was one of the masters of controlling individual voices. Separation, muting, inflection, duration, motif, movement. All while able to control the volume of the several voices he was playing at any given time.
Generally speaking, the listener heard what he intended.

If you have the original recording, you could try reducing the reverb, and that may tell you how much boominess is coming from your microphone placement.

Mark

[SotosBakas]

Thank you so much for all your comments guys!
I agree that reverb and sound depends the taste also what instrument you have and how you want to make it sound, it's just a matter of taste after all.For sure I didn't want to sound or do exactly what Micheal or anyone does just to play a composition I really admire and play it in my own way.
Thank you for your time to check it and tell me your thoughts!Appreciate it!
Enjoy your day! : )

[ITB]

Great playing with really nice touch! The groove is great.

I'd go for a drier recording with less reverb. That guitar has plenty of tone and depth of its own.

Thanks for sharing!

[Doug Young]

Really nice performance, video setting, sound. Terrific all the way around. Reverb's a matter of personal taste/artistic choice, and I think it sounds completely appropriate on this tune. if it weren't for the comments, I wouldn't have given it a second thought - just a very good, musical performance. Makes me want to go learn that tune.

[Wrighty]

Great job - I like it very much. Good clarity and a nice arm sound along with great video setting and production.

[SotosBakas]

Hello guys!Thank you so much!I appreciate a lot you took the time to listen to it, means a lot!Enjoy your day! : )

[Kerbie]

Very nicely done!

[Gordon Currie]

Great job. No one covers Michael Hedges these days, thank you for keeping his music alive.

[SotosBakas]

Thank you so much Kerbie and Gordon!Appreciate it!