Help!

“Help!” served as the title song for both the 1965 film and its soundtrack album. It was also released as a single, and was number one for three weeks in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

“Help!” was credited to Lennon–McCartney. John Lennon was the main writer, but the song was developed in songwriting sessions with Paul McCartney.

One of things I often like to do with uptempo Beatles songs is to slow them down for my instrumental arrangements.

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Lost Without Your Love

“Lost Without Your Love” was written by David Gates, and originally recorded by his group Bread. It is the title track of Bread’s 1976 album, and became their final Top 10 hit.

The single lasted 16 weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, longer than any of their other songs except their greatest hit, “Make It With You. It peaked at #9. It was a “comeback” hit after an absence from the chart of three and a half years, during which time Gates began his solo career.

My instrumental arrangement has an late 50’s – early 60’s vibe.

Night Shadows

“Night Shadows” is an original composition in which I try to combine the feel of 60’s instrumental guitar rock with a somewhat more sophisticated musical and harmonic language than was typical for that genre. This one is like the style of the Shadows.

It Don’t Matter to Me

“It Don’t Matter to Me” was written by David Gates and originally recorded by his group Bread. The song was their second Top 10 hit in the U.S., reaching #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970.

It also was included on the group’s 1969 debut LP. The 1970 single release was a new version, different from the 1969 album cut.

My instrumental version is very straightforward.

I’ll Cry Instead

“I’ll Cry Instead” is a John Lennon composition credited to Lennon–McCartney, and recorded by the Beatles for the soundtrack to their film A Hard Day’s Night.

Joe Cocker’s first single was a cover of this song in 1964. Johnny Rivers included a cover on a 1965 album. Chet Atkins recorded an instrumental version in 1966.

My instrumental arrangement is based on the distinctive country-swing feel of the original Beatles version.

 

Shadow Hunter

“Shadow Hunter” is an original composition in which I try to combine the feel of 60’s instrumental guitar rock with a somewhat more sophisticated musical and harmonic language than was typical for that genre. This one is like the style of the Shadows.

Make It with You

“Make It with You” was written by David Gates and released by his group Bread. Gates reportedly played every instrument on the track except the drum part.

The song first appeared on Bread’s 1970 album, On the Waters. Released as a single that June, it was the group’s first top-ten and only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

My instrumental arrangement attempts to recreate much of the original feel.

Next Time Up

“Next Time Up” is an original composition in which I try to combine the feel of 60’s instrumental guitar rock with a somewhat more sophisticated musical and harmonic language than was typical for that genre. This one is like the style of the Shadows, with perhaps a few Ventures mannerisms as well.

If

“If” was written by singer-songwriter-producer-multi-instrumentalist-wrecking crew member David Gates in 1971. Originally popularized by his group Bread, the song charted at number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 when released as a single.

My instrumental arrangement is based on the original but has an earlier sixties feel.

Goliath

“Goliath” is a wonderful, 8-year-old German Sherherd that we recently adopted from a local shelter. I wanted to write him a “welcome to your new home” song. He is so calm and sweet, and is accepting us so quickly, that it felt appropriate to make that song a pretty ballad. It’s amazing how fast you fall in love with a dog. This is in the instrumental style of the Shadows.

 

Twing, Twang, Twung

“Twing, Twang, Twung” is an original instrumental that combines elements of the styles of Duane Eddy, the Ventures, and the Shadows. All three are artists I’ve spent considerable time studying.

The most prominent lead instrument is the baritone guitar.

 

Yes It Is

“Yes It Is” was released as theB-side to “Ticket to Ride”. Written by John Lennon (and credited to Lennon McCartney), it is similar in some ways to  “This Boy”, which is derived from doo-wop. In the USA, it also appeared on the album “Beatles VI”.

My instrumental arrangement attempts to preserve to poignant quality of the original.

 

Shadow Rider

“Shadow Rider” is an original composition in which I try to combine the feel of 60’s instrumental guitar rock with a somewhat more sophisticated musical and harmonic language than was typical for that genre. This one is like the style of the Shadows.

Smooth Shadow

“Smooth Shadow” is an original instrumental that combines two of the styles in which I work. The harmonic and rhythmic setting is like a smooth jazz or 80’s ballad, while the melody is a bit more simple…in a sixties guitar style similar to Hank Marvin of the Shadows.

 

Town Without Pity

“Town Without Pity” is the title song from the 1961 film of the same name. Written by composer Dimitri Tiomkin and lyricist Ned Washington, the track was originally recorded by Gene Pitney. In 1962, the song received a Golden Globe award for “Best Motion Picture Song,” and was nominated for an Academy Award for “Best Music, Original Song”. It was also Pitney’s first Top 40 hit.

My instrumental arrangement is in the style of a 1960’s guitar group like the Shadows or Ventures.