I think the true blessings of friendship involve candor, honesty, and compassion.

With one of my long-time friends, Billy Bowers, I made a “rough-cut” recording of my song “The Voice in Your Ear.” It serves as the “soundtrack” for my soon-to-be-released novel of the same title.

Billy B is a premier guitarist, a poignant songwriter, and a recording pro. When I told him I wanted to record my song, he said, “Let’s do it!”

Now, for those who have heard me sing and play guitar, you know I can be rather “polyrhythmic.” That’s a nice way to say I can miss or add a beat to a measure or more (when I’m not supposed to). Perhaps I’ll thud a chord or two (or more). Billy and another long-time friend, Mike Shackelford, helped me record two CDs of my music (2007, 2010). I’ve often joked that they kept me from hurting myself in the studio.

When Billy B and I got together for this latest recording, I asked him to play bass while I’d sing my lyrics and play my guitar. Short, simple, sweet! Well, almost.

We recorded my lyrics track. Billy added his bass. I played rhythm guitar—and I missed a few beats. Billy then added some percussion to help guide me. I missed a few more guitar beats. (You see where I’m going with this?) Finally, with a smile and gentle voice, Billy said, “How ‘bout I play guitar?”

In the recorded version below you will hear me singing the lyrics and Billy B adding the instrumentation.

Issue 582 of this blog examined the five stages of friendship. I think the true blessings of friendship involve candor, honesty, and compassion. A friend will respect your boundaries while helping you challenge them. At times, frankness might sting, but at those same times, a true friend is there to offer support, guidance, collaboration, and a path through whatever might be standing in the way.

He or she helps provide the harmonies and instrumentation as we move forward. A good friend helps to make the song better.

Thank you, Billy B!

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The official release of my novel, The Voice in Your Ear, will be Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The eBook can be pre-ordered now. The eBook will be “delivered” to your device on the release date. The paperback will be available for ordering on September 17.

You can listen to the song on my website or my YouTube channel. Or click the image above.

Thank you for taking a chance on a “first-time” novelist.

©2024. Steve Piscitelli
The Growth and Resilience Network®
Atlantic Beach, Florida