I am sitting here listening to my records of Ruby's songs with some friends and they have just come up with a suggestion for me but it may require a bit of help from people closer to Ruby ie family and friends.
I am a semi pro singer here on the Island of Lanzarote and we have quite a large older generation who appreciate the wonderful music of such artists as Ruby Murray.
It has just been put to me that it might be nice to do a tribute night to Ruby here on the Island to raise money for the cancer cause here which is sadly very small and costs a lot of money to fund. Many of the patients here have to go to Las Palmas and even Madrid for specialist treatment.
The problem that I have is I can only find one backing track to any of her songs and that is Softly Softly. If anyone has any backing tracks that I could borrow or purchase it would be wonderful as I have done many tribute nights to artists such as Connie Francis, Patsy Cline , Tammy Wynette and many others and this has always been a challenge for me.
Many people only hear the songs that are popular and aren't aware of all the others that have been recorded and are very pleasantly surprise when they hear them.
I have just played My Little Corner Of The World to friends for the first time and they love it, I think it has been on replay now for abut the 20th time tonight.
If anyone can help in this field I would so love to do a tribute show to such a great lady.
Perhaps her family will have backing tracks or sheet music that we could borrow with great respect so if anyone can help please get in touch.
Kind Regards
Valerie
Help
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Bernie Burgess
- Posts: 1051
- Joined: Sun Feb 13, 2005 12:45 am
- Location: Sutton Coldfield
Re: Help
Hello Valerie,
To be honest, I am quite surprised to hear that you have found a backing track of 'Softly Softly', I was completely unaware that such a thing existed. The fact is that when Ruby was recording such things as backing tracks were non existent and therefore what came out of the studio was a complete item. I daresay that in this age of technology it could be conceivable for a voice track to be lifted off the record but I am not an expert on these things so I cannot say whether it has yet been done. If you say that you have a backing track then that suggests that someone has in fact achieved what was once impossible.
There might be someone else connected to the website that can come up with better information. Good luck with your venture.
Kindest regards
Adios Senora. Bernie.
To be honest, I am quite surprised to hear that you have found a backing track of 'Softly Softly', I was completely unaware that such a thing existed. The fact is that when Ruby was recording such things as backing tracks were non existent and therefore what came out of the studio was a complete item. I daresay that in this age of technology it could be conceivable for a voice track to be lifted off the record but I am not an expert on these things so I cannot say whether it has yet been done. If you say that you have a backing track then that suggests that someone has in fact achieved what was once impossible.
There might be someone else connected to the website that can come up with better information. Good luck with your venture.
Kindest regards
Adios Senora. Bernie.
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Valerie Phelps
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Sat May 01, 2010 2:53 am
Re: Help
Dear Bernie
thank you for getting back to me about backing tracks. Believe me when I found the one to Softly Softly I was so shocked and over the moon at the same time.
There are devices that can remve vocals from records and CDs but when they are used it also runs the risk of actually losing some of the music as well. I have made several inquiries about getting a backing track made from a recording of a song in the past without the lyrics but these can cost anything from 50 to 100 pounds each and then they are not exclusively yours as they are then added to an archive where others can buy them on line for as little as 3.50 each.
I am getting in touch with a friend of mine who is a musicin and who I hope will be able to listen to some of the songs and maybe recreate the music for me as getting sheet music for these songs is also difficult. I do not want to do this project unless I can get the right thing as I would not want to in any way make a mess of a tribute to such a lovely lady as Ruby.
If I do manage to get the tribute together and we are able to find a suitable venue for it here on the lovely Island of Lanzarote I will post any information for all her fans and perhaps some of them may even make the journey to see how I have put it together. If not we will film it and send you a copy.
I am by no means in such a class as Ruby but when I sing I sing from my heart and I hope that will be enough for all the fans out there . Please keep in touch as I will, and in July this year I will be going to Torquay for a visit and hopefully will be able to go and pay my respects to our wondful star.
I am sure she is being bored to tears hearing her songs being sung to her by our late Son Liam as his favourite song was Goodbye is the lonliest word I know, which we played after the funeral for him and believe me there wasn't a dry eye in the house, he was just 26 years old but he knew a good song when he heard it and he loved Ruby's music as we all do.
Kind Regards
Adios Amigo Keep Smiling
Valerie
thank you for getting back to me about backing tracks. Believe me when I found the one to Softly Softly I was so shocked and over the moon at the same time.
There are devices that can remve vocals from records and CDs but when they are used it also runs the risk of actually losing some of the music as well. I have made several inquiries about getting a backing track made from a recording of a song in the past without the lyrics but these can cost anything from 50 to 100 pounds each and then they are not exclusively yours as they are then added to an archive where others can buy them on line for as little as 3.50 each.
I am getting in touch with a friend of mine who is a musicin and who I hope will be able to listen to some of the songs and maybe recreate the music for me as getting sheet music for these songs is also difficult. I do not want to do this project unless I can get the right thing as I would not want to in any way make a mess of a tribute to such a lovely lady as Ruby.
If I do manage to get the tribute together and we are able to find a suitable venue for it here on the lovely Island of Lanzarote I will post any information for all her fans and perhaps some of them may even make the journey to see how I have put it together. If not we will film it and send you a copy.
I am by no means in such a class as Ruby but when I sing I sing from my heart and I hope that will be enough for all the fans out there . Please keep in touch as I will, and in July this year I will be going to Torquay for a visit and hopefully will be able to go and pay my respects to our wondful star.
I am sure she is being bored to tears hearing her songs being sung to her by our late Son Liam as his favourite song was Goodbye is the lonliest word I know, which we played after the funeral for him and believe me there wasn't a dry eye in the house, he was just 26 years old but he knew a good song when he heard it and he loved Ruby's music as we all do.
Kind Regards
Adios Amigo Keep Smiling
Valerie
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Gerald Lawrence
- Posts: 696
- Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2005 2:48 am
- Location: Kenilworth, UK
Re: Help
I am not an expert on creating backing tracks from records, but I know such software does exist. It is generally used, I think, for making Karaoke tracks. However, I was under the impression that it only works on stereo music, where the solo singer is located centrally between the two speakers. The software can be asked to eliminate anything that is the same in both channels. This removes the singer, but as you have pointed out Valerie, it may also remove some of the music that is also located in the middle.
Of course, most of Ruby's recorded material, especially during her heyday of the 50s was recorded in mono anyway, so I am not sure if software that can work on mono recordings actually exists.
Regarding sheet music, it is possible to pick up copies of Ruby's most famous songs on Ebay at very reasonable prices. Not all of her recordings exist in sheet music form, and the less popular songs are generally quite rare and therefore can go for a higher price. Again there will be a snag - they are all written for piano and voice, so you would need someone who can turn this into an orchestral arrangement.
I am sorry this is so negative when you are doing your best to re-create the sounds of Ruby singing her songs, and I wish you all the best in your search.
Of course, most of Ruby's recorded material, especially during her heyday of the 50s was recorded in mono anyway, so I am not sure if software that can work on mono recordings actually exists.
Regarding sheet music, it is possible to pick up copies of Ruby's most famous songs on Ebay at very reasonable prices. Not all of her recordings exist in sheet music form, and the less popular songs are generally quite rare and therefore can go for a higher price. Again there will be a snag - they are all written for piano and voice, so you would need someone who can turn this into an orchestral arrangement.
I am sorry this is so negative when you are doing your best to re-create the sounds of Ruby singing her songs, and I wish you all the best in your search.
Gerald
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Valerie Phelps
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Sat May 01, 2010 2:53 am
Re: Help
Hi Graham
thank you so much for your input to my dilema which has been a nightmare not only for Ruby's songs but also for many songs sung by artists such as Connie Francis. Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette.
It is great when we are able to find a track but as you said they are the more popular ones and the rarer ones go unnoticed which is a shame as some are so great.
I have tried before to remove vocals but some of the music is often lost but I will go on trying as I have been passionate about singing all my life and first sung at the age of four, many years ago.
Hope I will be able topost some positive news regarding the subject in the very near future. I have just finished recording my second CD for my family and among the songs is the great Nat King Cole, I Love You For Sentimental Reasons.
I actully think that title sums up how we all as fans feal about Ruby
Kind Regards
Valerie
thank you so much for your input to my dilema which has been a nightmare not only for Ruby's songs but also for many songs sung by artists such as Connie Francis. Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette.
It is great when we are able to find a track but as you said they are the more popular ones and the rarer ones go unnoticed which is a shame as some are so great.
I have tried before to remove vocals but some of the music is often lost but I will go on trying as I have been passionate about singing all my life and first sung at the age of four, many years ago.
Hope I will be able topost some positive news regarding the subject in the very near future. I have just finished recording my second CD for my family and among the songs is the great Nat King Cole, I Love You For Sentimental Reasons.
I actully think that title sums up how we all as fans feal about Ruby
Kind Regards
Valerie
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Valerie Phelps
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Sat May 01, 2010 2:53 am
Re: Help
Sorry got the name wrong Gerald forgive me
Valerie
Valerie
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Bernie Burgess
- Posts: 1051
- Joined: Sun Feb 13, 2005 12:45 am
- Location: Sutton Coldfield
Re: Help
Hello Again Valery,
Our son (Ruby's and mine) Tim Murray (he uses his Mother's name in his show business career), is constantly asked to include some of his Mother's songs in his cabaret performances. He engaged an arranger to do an orchestration of a medley of Ruby's songs. I think that if there had been any backing tracks for any of them he would have laid his hands on them and used them. If you care to look him up on Youtube he has uploaded quite a lot of material including, Big Band numbers, Swingeasy ones as well as the medley of Ruby's hits. It is not going to help your cause but it might interest you. Let me know if you manage to find him on the internet.
Good luck Valery.
Adios Senora. Bernie.
Our son (Ruby's and mine) Tim Murray (he uses his Mother's name in his show business career), is constantly asked to include some of his Mother's songs in his cabaret performances. He engaged an arranger to do an orchestration of a medley of Ruby's songs. I think that if there had been any backing tracks for any of them he would have laid his hands on them and used them. If you care to look him up on Youtube he has uploaded quite a lot of material including, Big Band numbers, Swingeasy ones as well as the medley of Ruby's hits. It is not going to help your cause but it might interest you. Let me know if you manage to find him on the internet.
Good luck Valery.
Adios Senora. Bernie.
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Valerie Phelps
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Sat May 01, 2010 2:53 am
Re: Help
Hi Bernie
I have seen something about Tim on the net but haven't had a good look however I shall make a point of doing so at some stage this evening after my practise session for my new CD that I am recording for my family.
I have been working on it for a while as I have been in and out of hospital and it takes it's toll after a while to get back into it. One of the sngs I have recorded is from the great Nat King Cole called I Love You For Sentimental Reasons, and while singing it I ws actually thinking that it was a very apt sentment for Ruby as that is one of the reasons we as fans all love her even today.
Well I shall get back to the mission in question and at the mo I have a friend who is listening to some of the songs to see if he can recreate the tunes for me on his key board but with some orchestral backing which will be fabulous. It is the first time he has heard these songs as he is only a pup but he does an Elton John tribute act and he is great so if anyone can help I am hoping it will be him.
Another suggestion that has been put to me is that I record Ruby singing her songs onto mini disc and join in with her, that could be fun but not quite the same, still something to think about and who knows it may bring a new meaning to some of those wonderful songs she sang. If I do attempt to have a go at doing something along those lines I will send you a copy first so that you can be the first to listen to it and give me an honest opinion about how you feel regarding me doing so.
Kind Regards Amigo
Valerie
I have seen something about Tim on the net but haven't had a good look however I shall make a point of doing so at some stage this evening after my practise session for my new CD that I am recording for my family.
I have been working on it for a while as I have been in and out of hospital and it takes it's toll after a while to get back into it. One of the sngs I have recorded is from the great Nat King Cole called I Love You For Sentimental Reasons, and while singing it I ws actually thinking that it was a very apt sentment for Ruby as that is one of the reasons we as fans all love her even today.
Well I shall get back to the mission in question and at the mo I have a friend who is listening to some of the songs to see if he can recreate the tunes for me on his key board but with some orchestral backing which will be fabulous. It is the first time he has heard these songs as he is only a pup but he does an Elton John tribute act and he is great so if anyone can help I am hoping it will be him.
Another suggestion that has been put to me is that I record Ruby singing her songs onto mini disc and join in with her, that could be fun but not quite the same, still something to think about and who knows it may bring a new meaning to some of those wonderful songs she sang. If I do attempt to have a go at doing something along those lines I will send you a copy first so that you can be the first to listen to it and give me an honest opinion about how you feel regarding me doing so.
Kind Regards Amigo
Valerie