Producer, instrumental arranger, vocal arranger, vocal coach, multi-instrumentalist (including drums, bass, piano, guitar, percussion, tabla drums, trumpet, and harmonica), musical director, background singer, engineer and mixer.
Major,
Rest in peace, my friend. You left too soon.
You changed the world, touched so many and were misunderstood by even more. But anyone who met you would've known the truth.
This world is not always kind and I wish you didn't have to deal with the scrutiny. The bigger you become, the bigger the magnifying glass...and sadly, people love to build heroes just to watch them fumble, fail, fall and feel pain. But you more than paid for your success and lived a million lifetimes in your short one. Your life was a show...but now you can watch all of us.
If you have Internet wherever you are right now and you're reading this, then I have to thank you...for sparking my musical life...for being so kind to me the times we've hung out...for taking an interest in my music...for being a "fan" as much as someone like you could've been...and for liking my sound-alike versions of your songs for obscure projects. Three sound-alikes you enjoyed the most are in the MySpace player on this page...my tribute. Enjoy.
I still remember the nickname you gave me...and when I asked why you called me "3c" you said it was because you thought I was like a "carbon copy cat" and you never heard anyone sound so close. Caught me by surprise, for sure. Truth be told, it wasn't easy to sound like you and wearing underwear three sizes too small in the recording studio is not all that fun--in case you were wondering how I did it (I never did tell you, but now you know the truth). You just assumed it was talent. Nope, just undersized underwear.
But seriously, at that difficult time in your life, you jokingly told me not to sound too much like you because the world didn't even seem to want "one guy who sounded like MJ, let alone two." I didn't know how to respond, but I understood nonetheless...and I really felt bad you didn't feel wanted or truly appreciated, especially in your later years.
However, the planetary response to your sudden and premature departure should assuage any doubts you may have--you were and are immensely loved...and missed. Thanks for all you've left us with and I hope the world will be more kind in your absence than it was during your short life. You were undeniably the most talented and visionary musical talent I've ever met. And you know I'm a harsh critic. Float me some inspiration from time to time...maybe we'll finish that song in some other life.
Always,
3c
P.S. I also never told you that my mother really loved that pin and wanted me to thank you for it before she passed away...but maybe now she can tell you herself. Give her a big hug for me if you see her...and tell her I wish......just tell her I really miss her and making her laugh...and tell her I'm really proud she was my mother and that she was the greatest mother I could've asked for...and lastly, please tell her I'm sorry that I chose the drums in beginning band just to deliberately piss her off. I'm just not a flute kind of guy.
(Michael Jackson's "Black or White," "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" and "Earth Song" Copyright MJJ/ATV/SONY Music. These versions: instruments, tracks and vocals by S.A.. NOT FOR SALE, DOWNLOAD OR DUPLICATION)
PROCEEDS FROM ALL SHANE AUGUST SONGS DOWNLOADED AT THE SNOCAP STORE ABOVE WILL GO TO CHARITY. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INTEREST AND KIND MESSAGES. ENJOY AND SPREAD THE WORD!
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR KIND COMMENTS AND MESSAGES. WE WILL TRY OUR BEST TO GET BACK TO YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
HOPE YOU HAD A RELAXING WEEKEND THANKS FOR THE ADD. I LOVE YOUR SONG FOR HEATH. IF YOU CAN, PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN BUY THE EXTENDED VERSION WITHOUT HAVING TO DOWNLOAD IT. :)
Shane - Just stopping by to wish you and your family an awesome 4rth and a terrific weekend! Please, stay safe and keep those sweet sounds flowing! Congratulations! on your new addition to be! Take care - Pat
