Songs Of Summer

J.A.Stewart

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Description

Monday is Memorial Day in the U.S. and it marks the unofficial start of Summer here.

In celebration of that fact, I’m posting this sketchpad snapshot of a song I put together just to see if I could pull it off. The harmonies are all off-the-cuff, so they’re not as tight as they will be. What you hear in this version is the beginning and the end of the tune. There is an additional middle section that I’m working on, as well as a Motown-style vocal for the end part.

And then there is the... extended version. ;)

Songs of Summer is a tribute to all that great music that helped time-stamp my memories all those years ago and helped make summers fun. I hope you enjoy it. :)

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Song Stats

Hits: 1117
Comments: 46
Fans: 22
Plays: 87
Downloads: 0
Votes:
Uploaded: May 24, 2008 - 03:59:19 PM
Last Updated: May 26, 2008 - 10:56:30 AM Last Played: Oct 14, 2009 - 03:34:04 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Keywords:

Summer (84), Beach Boys (5), Beatles (18), Motown (4), sun (74), sunshine (26), fun (194)

Comments

	said 533 days ago (May 24th, 2008)
	WOW! Wonderful song, gorgeous work by all means. Amazing vocals and tasty music.... WOW!! Please more! Take Care - Yeman A. Al-Rawi

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	Re: WOW! Thanks, Yeman. I'm glad you liked it. "Songs of Summer" is the cornerstone for a CD concept I had, so you may here a lot more. ;) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

caroline	caroline said 533 days ago (May 24th, 2008)
	omg - i'm packing a picnic... blimey - i wish i could 'pull off' something like this - not only p & f but brill too - looking forward to hearing the 'polished' version - off down memory lane now - oooo-baba-baoooo - thank you xoxo Check out my latest song called clink that link mjrf

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	Re: omg... Thank you, Dame Caroline. Pack your surfboard, put on your Wild Bikini and head out on the highway in your pink fluffmobile, Deary. It's SUMMERTIME!!! ;) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

Roxylee	Roxylee said 533 days ago (May 24th, 2008)
	Beach boy with pizazz! Yeah!! I'm ready for summer, and the beach! This is cool! :-) Check out my latest song called Sweet Grace

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	Re: Beach boy... I''m glad you enjoyed it Roxylee. I think we're ALL ready for a Long, Hot Summer after not having much of a Spring. ;) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

davisamerica2	davisamerica2 said 533 days ago (May 24th, 2008)
	You did! You pulled it off. Loved those off the cuff harmonies. Yes, I did enjoy it. Terry Check out my latest song called It's Lonely Here

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	Re: You did!... Thanks, Terry. I'm happy you liked it. Your avatar picture works well with the vibe, too. :) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

dajama	dajama said 533 days ago (May 24th, 2008)
	Wow Is this is the snapshot, I can't wait to see the movie! This sounds great, and the harmonies sound pretty tight to me! Looking forward to hearing the next step in this one's development. Great stuff. Nicely done. Peace. Check out my latest song called Across the Wire (MJRF)

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	Re: Wow... Thanks, David. The old falsetto's not what it used to be, so I took it easy on those parts, just to see how close I could come... I didn't want to hurt myself in the process. LOL --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

sloparts	sloparts said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	The Beachboys ride again Nice track Joe. Has all the sounds I remember including the vocal bass line they used on some of there songs. Very cool way to start the summer off my friend. Thanks for sharing this blast from the past. Been there, done that, got the baggies and flipflops to prove it. Ed Check out my latest song called Just a little Something

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	The Beachboys... Thanks, Ed... Yeah, those vocal bass parts used to play a HUGE role in a lot of great music. I think you're going to really like what I have planned in the extended version. ;) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

magnatone	magnatone said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	Songs of Summer you NAILED this! I'm back in the 60's doing the "Swim" (a dance, for you youngin's) Check out my latest song called Symphonic Smackdown

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	Re: Songs... I'm pleased you enjoyed this, Karen. Thank goodness you didn't get stopped in the 70s on your way back. hehe --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

Moviz	Moviz said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	This sounds so great, so full... you really captured that sound from way back... can't wait for the other parts, cheers M Check out my latest song called A Soldiers Dream (Remix/record)

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	Re: This... Thank you, Maurice. I hope it captures some of the energy and excitement of those great Summer songs. I don't know that there's anything quite like it nowadays. ;) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

davisamerica	davisamerica said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	alright! now this is summer from a better time indeed ... love this .. alot! so... waiting on the extended version! Check out my latest song called No Son(egobandit band)

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	Re: alright!... Right you are, Jack... a better time, indeed. Certainly more carefree. Thanks for listening and liking. :) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

gail60	gail60 said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	excellent Beach Boy Joe! I love it. You did a great job here. Enjoyed the singing and harmonies. Lots of memories and lots of fun! Looking forward to more! Check out my latest song called Sweet September

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	Re: excellent... Thanks, Gail. I'm happy it gave you a bit of a boost. Beach Boy Joe? I'm probably one of the few working musicians of the era that didn't play with the Beach Boys during the past 40 years. LOL --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	dang fantastic song John, man this is Beach Boys on steroids. Check out my latest song called One Step Over The Line

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 532 days ago (May 25th, 2008)
	Re: dang... Beach Boys on steroids... hehe, why not?... I believe they tried just about everything else. ;) Thanks, Vic. --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

Joe Brady	Joe Brady said 531 days ago (May 26th, 2008)
	You know.... Brian Wilson's music teacher didn't like the way he built harmonies, but then again, his teacher probably never shot through a wave's curl either. Quintessential summer sound Joe, great start. Could be a nostalgic pop-tune (crocodile rock) or a show tune. Amazing vocals. Joe Check out my latest song called The Refugee Blues by Feter with Jiguma

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 530 days ago (May 27th, 2008)
	Re: You know... I'm glad you liked this tease, Joe. Interesting point about Brian's music teacher. The "Paint-by-numbers" approach may have some validity in musical composition, but it doesn't account for the music that plays inside the heads of unique people like Brian. ;) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

Lennon714	Lennon714 said 530 days ago (May 27th, 2008)
	great job capturing the energy and excitement of summer. This piece is incredibly well constructed with enough little bits to keet you interested through several plays. Oh yeah, and it's catchy as hell, too! Check out my latest song called Anarchy, Inc.

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 530 days ago (May 27th, 2008)
	Re: great job... Thanks, Eric. Weaving the various genre elements together was an interesting challenge. Thanks for your comments. ;) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

BossHook	BossHook said 530 days ago (May 27th, 2008)
	That open is so big and wonderful. You make me feel like a kid on my 5 speed bike riding along the beach listening to those great summer records. You definitely cover all the Brian Wilson range Mr. Stewart. And I just got to the jump section, cool way to fit Earth, Wind and Fire into the mix! Check out my latest song called LAUGH OUT LOUD

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 530 days ago (May 27th, 2008)
	Re: That opening is... Thank you, John... I wanted to open with a big splash and some idea of the energy and enthusiasm those old tunes had. I'm glad you noticed. The final version, with all the various elements added should be even more fun. :) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

	said 530 days ago (May 27th, 2008)
	Baaa Oooooo wah wah ooow

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 530 days ago (May 27th, 2008)
	Re: Baaa Oooooo... EXACTLY my point, b_n. LOL Thanks... Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

paddler	paddler said 530 days ago (May 28th, 2008)
	yeeeehaaa! happy tune! love it! and its grey and raining here! Check out my latest song called Tiger Flame (Halloween Challenge)

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 529 days ago (May 28th, 2008)
	Re: yeeeehaaa!... Don't Worry, Richard... everything will turn out alright. We got teased with an 80 degree sun/clouds mix on Monday and then dropped down to mid-50s days yesterday and today. But Summer WILL soon lift ALL our spirits with sunshine and warmth. ;) Thanks... Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

Macaudion	Macaudion said 529 days ago (May 28th, 2008)
	Dangit For some odd reason, I can't llisten unless I'm able to dl, this morning! I'll comment tonight, Sir! I know it's warm! I know it's fun! I know that it'll make me smile - You always do! Macca Check out my latest song called 123 iGetU

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 529 days ago (May 28th, 2008)
	Re: Dangit... Holy Cow! Dion... on top of everything else, you're psychic!!! It IS warm... It IS fun... It WILL make you smile. :) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

	said 527 days ago (May 30th, 2008)
	Huh... what's this?? Mike Love?? Brain?... Carl?! Maybe Al or Dennis? I'm back in time... an audio time warp, waiting for the next track (Wendy or All Summer Long?) ;) I can't wait for the final. Maybe the White House will let you play at the Washington Monument Mall for Independence Day festivities (James Watt anyone?) two thumbs up Joe!

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 527 days ago (May 30th, 2008)
	Re: Huh... what's this?... James Watt? LOL, Jack... what's been going on here for the past few years makes Watt seem like a visionary by comparison. Thanks for the thumbs-up on this little musical time warp... It's just a jump to the left. And then a step to the right. ;) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

bud	bud said 526 days ago (May 31st, 2008)
	Wahoo - wah wahoo! Love this. Can't wait for the final. Your strolling low piano is fantastic - and the harmonies are delicious. Check out my latest song called Expanding Toys (Halloween Remix)

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 526 days ago (May 31st, 2008)
	Re: Wahoo - wah wahoo!... I'm glad you enjoyed this, Kevin... it is just a taste of the final. It was a real challenge to come up with that Motown-style piano part at the end... emulating, rather than just ripping off a bass line. Motown music provided so many memorable ones, it was hard to avoid. ;) Thanks again, Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

guitapick	guitapick said 520 days ago (June 6th, 2008)
	Wow... ...so sorry I missed this, Joe...but so happy I caught it now...our roots intertwine...great tune, man...just a great tune! Love the horns...it's real fine without 'em, but they put it over the top. Nostalgic. I love nostalgic... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 520 days ago (June 6th, 2008)
	Re: Wow... Thanks, Bob. I glad you liked this tease. What kind of Motown part would it be without the horns? ;) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

announcer	announcer said 512 days ago (June 14th, 2008)
	Is that you? The surf picture that is. You surfing on Lake Erie? :) Good tune. Good song for a dreary day like the one it was when I visited this page. Check out my latest song called It Was a Dark and Stormy Night

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 512 days ago (June 14th, 2008)
	Re: Is that you? No, Bill. I believe the Euclid Beach Band answered that musical question a couple of decades back with their tune, "There's No Surf in Cleveland." But I do surf the Internet. :p Glad it brightened up your dreary day. Thanks, --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

	said 500 days ago (June 26th, 2008)
	Where 's my surfboard ??? Way to capture the sounds of the 60s,,wonderful harmonies Joe. Was that a muscle CAR?? how cool!!!! Thanks for sharing ,,Terry

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 500 days ago (June 26th, 2008)
	Where's my surfboard??? Have you checked your Woodie, Terry? Yeah, I wanted to get the tune off to a roaring start, so I put the pedal to the metal. ;) Thanks for your comments. --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

Jarvoid	Jarvoid said 497 days ago (June 29th, 2008)
	Funky and Summery alright,lightly refreshing and having just pushed a motorbike and sidecar two miles in the p*****g rain to back home,I am in a foul mood and this is helping enormously in helping me chill out........ Jarvoid Check out my latest song called Witches in Texas-'Hallowe'en Challenge 2009'

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 497 days ago (June 29th, 2008)
	Funky and Summery... Bummer, Chris. Sorry about your ride breaking down, one of those "Why me, Lord?" moments, for sure. I'm glad this was up to provide some help in The Big Chill afterwards. Thanks for your comments. ;) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

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Artist Info

Name: J.A. Stewart

Played in a variety of Folk/Rock, Pop and Rock bands for more than a decade. After collaborating on a musical, I got hooked on songwriting and recording. After years of intense "lobbying," I'm due to "enter" The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. (W... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

Genre Info

Pop music is a music genre that developed from the mid-1950s as a softer alternative to rock 'n' roll and later to rock music. It has a focus on commercial recording, often orientated towards a youth market, usually through the medium of relatively s

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