Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST BEFORE VOTING!

(It's a little different this time around.)​

You are rating one of sixteen riffs in Round 1 of the February 2010 Riff-Off. Each of the other fifteen riffs can be heard and rated in the Tips and Clips room. More information about the Riff-Off can be found here.

Contrary to previous Riff-Off tournaments, this month's Riff-Off has no bracket; each riff will be rated on an individual basis according to a seven-point scale. Once all of the polls have closed, the scores for each riff will be averaged, and the eight contestants with the highest average scores will advance to Round 2.

I encourage you to score each of the sixteen riffs. You may wish to listen to each riff before voting in order to establish a baseline. Of course, you are free to score riffs however you like, in whatever order you like. You could even give each riff the same score, if your impressions dictate so. It's all in your hands!

Because not all contestants have access to the same quality of recording equipment, your voting decision should be based first on the actual composition, second on the player's execution of the riff. Try to look past recording quality. Some questions you may want to ask yourself while considering which way to vote: What is the emotional impact of the riff? How original is the riff? Does the riff inspire me? Would I want to hear a whole song built off this riff?

Note that each contestant has chosen a battle name for the Riff-Off; their identities have been hidden from all other contestants and the voting public, and will be revealed at the end of the Riff-Off, when a champion is crowned.

Lastly, while comments are strongly encouraged, please realize that each contestant put personal time and creative energy into his or her submission. If you have any critique to provide in this thread, give the contestants the courtesy of making it constructive. This competition is built on the premises of fun and musical growth.

Here is a link to this contestant's Round 1 riff: Gerry Troll

If you run into any technical issues or have other questions regarding the Riff-Off, PM or email me (kgmessier at gmail dot com).

Have fun!

- Keith

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

Bravo! Superb musicianship, great tone and articulation!

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

very original and nicely played.

 

[GoDrex]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

this one and Jack Butler sort of go together for me... it's nice but it's just sort of there. Don't get me wrong, it's well played.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

excellent - the other of only two 6's i gave (didnt give myself 6)

i was really on the fence because it really gets close to 'not even a riff' territory to me ... but the playing composition and emotional 'draw' was too strong - i had to reward it with full marks

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

Love it. Great note choices, tones, feel, everything. Mmm, love the little spaces in there too.

 

[Gamera]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

this one and Jack Butler sort of go together for me... it's nice but it's just sort of there. Don't get me wrong, it's well played.

I think I agree. It's sounds great. Lots of nice little filler stuff thrown in there for flash but overall there's a lot of notes that, emotionally, don't go very far. Very ambitious though and very well done.

 

[B2D]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

Oh man... beautiful!! I love the implied chord changes. The spaciousness and the subtle use of effects really carves out a neat sector of sonic space that lets this riff sit right at home.

The contestants in this round are really bringing their a games. I've listened to 4 riffs so far and heard nothing less than a 4, in my book.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

bad

ass

goddam

wow

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

Sounds good to me, though I've never been a fan of "noticeable" compression like that.

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

Reminds me very much of a Captain Beefheart song from the 'Trout Mask Replica' album from the 70s. (Moonlight on Vermont? can't remember...), But that's a great thing in my book. Well performed, lovely tone and unpredictable in a kind of jerky disjointed way. Great use of space and unexpected harmony. Unique and fresh, and the kind of qualities i look for in these tournaments (though i feel i am in a minority). there are three or four really unique entries in this comp, and this is definitely one of them. I hope this musical mind can go deep into the competition.

 

[elscorcho]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

I'm hearing some "tone is in the fingers" on this one......NIIIIICE!

 

[Redmist]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

Lovely.
Very accomplished and professional.

Not a clear riff as such, but I had to give it a 5.
This man is no stranger to calluses.

 

[Blue Calx]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

I'm hearing some "tone is in the fingers" on this one......NIIIIICE!

+1

Please tell me you've got the rest of this song recorded somewhere and will reveal it post-tourney.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

I just freaking love this submission.

So beautifully complosed & played.

I wish I could play like this.

 

[JollyRoger523]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

Very well done.

 

[DankStar]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

dang. master a 6 stringed instrument much? I think I know who this is, but we'll see.

peeps are giving stuff like this a 2? come on - it's making me lose faith in the tourney idear.

 

[Top Jimmy]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

Jesus, I didn't know Paganini entered the contest.

I hope this was a lucky mistake!

 

[firebirdV]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

Cool, unique, well played and composed, and most importantly, it sounds good.

 

[Tor]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Gerry Troll

Man, this is so so sweet...! Beautiful!