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Steve Khan's Hand-Written Lead Sheet |
Steve Khan's Acoustic Guitar Lead Sheet: "Both Sides Now"(Joni Mitchell) When I was first sent a rough mix of "BOTH SIDES NOW"(Joni Mitchell) by Drummer/Producer, Bengan Andersson from Sweden, I was immediately struck by the fantastic vocal performance and interpretation by Nicki González and the wonderful arrangement, complete with new harmonies by Stefan Pettersson. Initially, I wasn't certain just what I could contribute to a piece that sounded so complete.  But, I kept listening, and listening, and finally something came to me as I reflected on the acoustic guitar styles of the late '60s, and especially some recordings by singer/songwriter Tom Rush. I began to work at a particular concept where I would need to play three different guitar tracks that would be meant to end-up sounding like it was just one player doing everything. Of course, that is truly the art of illusion, because it would be impossible to play like that.My plan would involve using some 7 different guitar tunings to enable me to play lightly percussive harmonics splashes to accentuate certain moments in the song and Pettersson's arrangement. When I finally accomplished that, I was stunned by what I had achieved. Long after I had done everything on the guitars and sent off the files to Bengan, I came to realize that what I had done was to create a guitar performance that was really intended to sound as if Nicki had played the guitar herself, accompanying her vocal. And if one hears it that way, I believe that it all makes great musical sense. In addition to this work, during the process, I heard that the piece needed another element, and that would be to have Bobby Allende play bongó throughout the song, from beginning to end. And so, to demonstrate what that could sound like and feel like, I decided to pay Bobby myself so that Bengan could hear what it could be. As I sit here today, writing this? I don't know that he ever really heard it. He was very rooted in his own concept of what the piece should be. As a sideman, this was very hard to gain ground against. In the end, what I have learned, yet again, from this experience - not unique to me - is that I still get too involved sometimes with projects where I am just a sideman and nothing more. Most producers or artists, just want their sidemen to play, do their best, and leave - never to be heard from again. I so very much admire the players, and even singers, who can do that. Do the work on a high level, and once it has been done, just "let it go!" That becomes the key. And sadly? I am just no good at that. And what ends-up happening is that caring too much leaves one open to great disappointment and sometimes even, anger. I look at myself, my personality make-up, and just shake my head in disbelief that, after all of these years, I am still like this. And so, I am hoping that some of you will go to this new page and enjoy the story as I tell it from my perspective, as I introduce you to Nicki González, a truly wonderful vocalist, who did a remarkable job with this old and very familiar song to many. I admire her greatly because, in the end SHE is the "artist"! And, without her performance, there is nothing here! And on top of that, Nicki is capable of doing great work, sending it off, and just letting it go!!! I am amazed by that, and filled with admiration. As always, I sign off by sending out: PEACE, LOVE and FLOWER POWER - Steve 
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