I found another song of mine that Stephen had recorded vocals on while going through some old tunes. I had 4 different vocalists put down tracks for this particular song over the years. Stephen had recorded his tracks in the middle of 1994 or so. I had completely forgotten about it! Oh well, getting up there in years…(smile)
Just finished the first draft of “and if…”. I realized while doing this and looking back at what notes I had, that Stephens vocal tracks were rough and we had scheduled time to redo them. However, he had work out of town and shortly after he passed away. We never redid the vocal tracks. I could have cleaned them up and pitch corrected etc, but I thought that the raw tracks had enough emotion as is. So rather then going down a rabbit hole, which is easy to do, I spent a few nights making this last video of his vocals.
Yep. The final installment in the three song demos (now 4 songs – (smile)) that Stephen Wolfe Smith and I recorded together at my home studio in the 90’s. As promised, “no promises”. (smile)
This song always made me laugh because the teen neighbors a few houses down were basically in love with Stephen. He dressed quite well, talked with a slight accent and was always flirting with them. They came over in the middle of a session while we were working on the finishing touches (vocals) and they melted while listening to him sing. As they left the studio I could hear them singing “I like this, I love that…” etc.
Sadly, that was the last tune I recorded with him before he passed. Work got in the way with him being a daytime soap opera regular and my days were numbered as money was tight and bills were piling up.
This whole experience of making a lyric video almost 30 years after recording a few songs is kinda cool! And since I have a CD upcoming, I’ll probably apply some of what I’ve learned from this adventure!
I’m including the other 2 songs below in case you missed them earlier. Original posts are here: just-a-dream and always-love-me
And of course the newest addition : and if
Warmly,
carl jasper hoffman
and if…
no promises
just a dream
always love me
Tony Johnson
Thank you mr. Hoffman 4 posting this, I was Stephen’s partner for a decade before he passed and it’s nice to actually have access to one of the songs here that I never been able to. get a copy of. As a matter of fact always love me was written for me.
carl jasper
You are welcome Mr. Johnson. Stephen was very strong willed and had some great ideas regarding music. While we had our differences, they were wonderful and real! Something I always appreciated about him. Working with him was a blast and I felt that keeping these tunes in my archive was dumb. Sharing his singing can only bring laughter and love to those who listen. Although I can hear him looking down at me saying ” What do you think you’re doing posting the songs? Some notes are off, let’s do it again. ” (smile)
Thank you for letting me know.
Carl Jasper Hoffman
Cheyenne Cramer
I missed these songs! Yes, I would be one of those neighbor girls ? Being there watching the recording process was amazing! I only met Stephen one time but the little bit of time was enough to know what a great man he was.
Carl, thank you for letting us stay and watch that day, I’ll never forget.
Mr.Johnson, I’m sorry for your loss, he was a wonderful person.