And now, another edition of The Open Mic Sessions with me, Jim Fusco!
Today is “Good Enough”, a rockin’ track from my 2012 album, “Those Around Us”. The recording of this original song has some pretty tight harmonies on the bridge- I’ve always been proud of those. Plus, I got to add in some clever electric piano to fill-out the sound. Bet a lot of people didn’t even know there was an electric piano in there! Though I’m sure my good buddy (and Laptop Sessions songwriter) Jeff Copperthite would notice- that’s kind of his thing. 🙂
I recorded this at Sam Ash music store in New Haven, CT in September, 2013. There’s never many people at the store during open mic night (it’s just a nice place to get some practice in, really), but the staff really seemed to like this song. It’s always fun paying attention to their reactions to see what songs they like. I keep that in the back of my mind and use it to make setlists for other gigs in the future.
I came up with the line, “I’ve never been good enough to be your man, I’ve always been better than that,” and the song just kind of followed. I like that idea- saying that you’re “good enough” for someone kind of says that your ONLY “good enough”. I never wanted to feel like the things I’ve done are just “good enough”, though maybe in some of my older albums, I didn’t strive for total perfection. At some point, you have to say, “Yes, this is good enough and I won’t really get it much better,” or you’ll never get anything done. It’s been a life learning experience to balance “good enough” and “the best it can be”.
On that note, I’ll leave you with this performance of “Good Enough”, which, ironically, is not my best performance of the song. But it’s a new take on this original song and I hope you enjoy it! Stay tuned for more original music here on the Open Mic Sessions!
Welcome to another edition of The Open Mic Sessions with Jim Fusco! Today is the final video from my April 3rd, 2013 stop at Sam Ash music store in New Haven, CT. I played my original song, “Tuning In” from my 2009 album, “Halfway There”. I’ve always loved to play this song. Something about the beat always sticks with me.
The chorus is one of my favorites, as well. The words fit really well and the tune really resonates with me. If you haven’t heard the studio version yet, you should head on over to my website and check it out- click HERE to learn more about the album, “Halfway There”.
I hope these original songs are translating well solo acoustically. In my head, I hear the whole produced version. It’s funny that way- when I write the song, it’s usually just me and a guitar. But, after I record it, I kind of lose that original sound. Then, it’s tough for me to cut it back to its original solo acoustic roots. With the cover songs I do, that’s always been a fun exercise, but as a songwriter basically “covering” his own songs, it’s much more difficult. I always think I’m not doing the song justice or that I’m leaving something out that will detract from people’s enjoyment.
So, let me know what you think! I’ll be interested and appreciative to hear any feedback, especially if you’ve also heard the studio version. I hope you enjoy the video either way, and will come back for more original songs on my solo acoustic and electric live performances here on The Open Mic Sessions! And you’ll only find them here on the Laptop Sessions acoustic cover songs music video blog!
To see how it’s played in the cover song music video, CLICK HERE!
“Wilted Rose”
The Vanity Project
Intro: Am F G C – G – Am F G Em
Am F G C – G – Am F G Em
I almost cried on the day my country died; I almost tried to care.
They built a wall to protect them from us all; we should have left them there.
Am – G – C Dm G Am – G – C Dm E
Rev o lution is the first to go; the rest is forced to stay…
A D E F#m Bm D E
Shall I cast this out, this wilted rose? Yeah, yeah, yeah — no, no, no.
Like Pierre Trudeau’s walk out in the snow, can it be time to leave?
I spent my youth thinking people spoke the truth; now it’s hard to think.
Was I naive to say I do believe that none of us should sink?
They sold us out, and they sold us short. And we’re the ones who’ll have to pay…
Shall I cast this out, this wilted rose? Yeah, yeah, yeah — no, no, no.
Like Pierre Trudeau’s walk out in the snow, can it be time to leave?
E Am F G C G Am F G Em
Don’t go; you know, it’s all the same to me these days, I swear it’s hard to care.
SOLO: over intro chords
Revolution is the first to go; the rest is forced to stay…
Shall I cast this out, this wilted rose? Yeah, yeah, yeah — no, no, no.
Like Pierre Trudeau’s walk out in the snow, can it be time to leave?
Shall I cast this out, this wilted rose? Yeah, yeah, yeah — no, no, no.
Like Pierre Trudeau’s walk out in the snow, can it be time to leave?
Don’t go; you know, it’s all the same to me these days, I swear it’s hard to care.
** These chords and lyrics are interpretations and transcriptions, respectively, and are the sole property of the copyright holder(s). They are posted on this website free of charge for no profit for the purpose of study and commentary, as allowed for under the “fair use” provision of U.S. copyright law, and should only be used for such personal and/or academic work. **
Welcome to another episode of The Laptop Sessions with me, Jim Fusco! I can’t believe it’s been two weeks since my last video- the time is flying lately. Now that things are coming along nicely with the new house (driveway is in and the grass is looking better), I hope to start enjoying everything a bit more soon.
Today is a record-breaking day here on the Laptop Sessions acoustic cover songs music video blog. Today, the site got it’s highest view count EVER: over 5,600 hits and still counting! Yes, most of these hits were to the homepage, which is great. But, the part I’m very excited about is the fact that close to 200 of those hits have been to “deep” pages on the site (past posts, etc.)! That’s a pretty big deal, especially considering that just a couple months ago, the site was getting only about 200 views a day- total! So, the promotion I’ve been doing seems to be working nicely.
Now, you would think that, after last week’s article, I would be playing on my new Martin MMV guitar tonight. But, some sad circumstances lead me to this new video- the first in a long time on the piano.
“The Long and Winding Road” is a song by the Beatles that everyone knows. It’s one of those songs that you hear in a restaurant, a department store, and the radio from time to time. It’s a great Paul McCartney song that appeared on the “Let It Be” LP, but I personally like the one on “Let It Be…Naked” better. Even though I found the chords with the words “Capo on 1st fret” above them, I transposed the chords to piano on the fly and let this one rip. As with most Laptop Sessions cover songs I do, it’s SO much easier when I already know the words by heart. Chords are easy to remember because they’re logical- for instance, if the sound goes up (in pitch), then chances are the chord goes up (in pitch). So, I almost always instantly remember the chords. But, when you have to think about lyrics, things get difficult.
Tonight, I dedicate this cover song music video to my good friend and colleague, Diane. For the past year and a half, she’s been my SAVIOR at work. She works down at the warehouse our company uses and is always so helpful. She’ll get anything done instantly- she’s truly the best. She’s made my life so much easier over the time I’ve been with the company. Plus, we’ve come to have countless conversations over the phone and we’ve always had a great relationship. It’s even possible that we’re distantly related! We’ve been out for drinks after work on a few occasions, as well, and we always have a great time.
But, unfortunately, the higher-ups at my company decided to move to a different warehouse. I understand- business is business. But, I know I’m not the only one that’s going to miss Diane terribly- she’s that valuable to my working life. Hey, maybe she’ll want to move to Florida and work at the new place! 🙂
Anyway, months ago, she requested “The Long and Winding Road” by the Beatles as a Laptop Session after she began watching my videos. She waited patiently for a long time. But, Steve (of the Traveling Acai Berries) was very, very busy and we couldn’t find the time to get-together and play this song on camera. The goal was to bring Steve’s electric piano in, too.
So, when I heard the news about Diane no longer working with me, I knew I had to record “The Long and Winding Road” for her. Now that I have Becky’s piano in the house, it was easy to set everything up and record one of my more unique videos. I think it came out great (especially the way I got the audio to record) and I hope it will make Diane realize how much I’ll miss her. Plus, what a perfect song (subject matter) for the occasion.
Thanks for stopping-by for this edition of the Laptop Sessions in HD with Jim Fusco. Stay tuned for a special “26th Birthday” post by me next Thursday night and then two weeks from now, I’ll be back with my first cover song music video on my new Martin MMV acoustic guitar. Have a great week and enjoy “The Long and Winding Road”, one of our many Beatles cover songs!
