Monk Main Theme (original) - Jeff Beal

[kustze]

Hi all,

I've just started out making my own MIDIs and I am kinda stuck. I am working on the theme to Monk (tv series) and I've gotten the main melody down. Somehow I can't manage to "fill up" the soundscape with the background guitar and percussions.

Basically I'm searching for a kind soul to have a look (listen?) and aid me out by completing the MIDI. Of course tips on how to start building up those extra layers of sound are also welcome.

I've put the MIDI and an MP3 of the theme song on some webspace, so you don't need to waste your hard earned $$$ on them. Here are the MP3 version (http://users.pandora.be/pixelsonparade/midibuddy/monktheme.mp3) and the MIDI version (main melody only) (http://users.pandora.be/pixelsonparade/midibuddy/monk_tune.mid)

TIA

[ZelRiptha]

Heya kustze,

Here's a quick attempt at fixing up your sequence. See if it doesn't get fairly close to what you're after. :thumbsup:

Ah, here's a free version too:
http://home.houston.rr.com/oehl/mid/monk_tune_mod.mid




Edit: Since kustze seems to have removed the original files he posted, I'm going to post links to them so the progression of the thread can still be followed.

Original Monk Theme MP3 (http://www.jeffbeal.com/Pages/FILMS%20Pages/MONK.html#)
kustze's original MIDI file (http://www.midizone.info/zelriptha/monk_tune.mid)


Last edited by ZelRiptha on 10-21-2004 at 11:01 AM

[Black_Kat]

(this is just proof that this man has too much time on his hands ;) And he's a good Uncle too!)

What program are you using, kustze? Do you mean you want to make another track?

[ZelRiptha]

Originally posted by Black_Kat
(this is just proof that this man has too much time on his hands ;) )

Don't I wish!! :)

[kustze]

ZelRiptha: saying it's "fairly close" to what I'm after would be understating the case :) That is one very nice makeover you did there, thanks a lot!

Black_Kat: I'm using Anvil Studio, still getting the hang of it really. Yes, I want to insert another track(s) into my song. I know how to do that, technically, though. It's just that I can't seem to get anywhere sequencing those background sounds/music. Guess it's more of a "learning to hear what's going on" issue than a technical one.

[ZelRiptha]

You're welcome, kustze. :)

If you need pointers on listening, feel free to ask questions. This tune was a little tricky to get the "ears" for. ;) I find laying the bass line down first helps to get the harmonic progression into perspective.

[ZelRiptha]

By the way, my accompaniment isn't perfectly true to the original. Where my hearing failed me, I just faked it! :-p

[dueden]

nice hehe

[ZelRiptha]

So, kustze, have you continued your midi practice? Your first melody was spot-on pitchwise. It just needed a little jazzing up. :) Have you made any other sequences yet?

[kustze]

Hey ZelRiptha, haven't gotten around to some MIDI practice. Just found out the department I'm working at will be shut down starting September 1st, so I've got more important things on my mind for the time being :(

[ZelRiptha]

Ouch!! :( I hope things go your way... good luck! :thumbsup:

[tuesday]

yes good luck =it takes a lot of practice and good ears it seems

[musicant]

hi all i'm Jack from switzerland. and workin on the Monk Theme with a mandolin. i play with a trio ( acc. guit, e-bass, acc. mandolin ) the melody i found on tabs on the website

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/tabs/j/jeff_beal/monk_theme_tab.htm

and

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/tabs/j/jeff_beal/monk_theme_ver2_tab.htm

and the chords

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/tabs/j/jeff_beal/monk_theme_ver3_tab.htm

enjoy it
best wishes from switzerland.
jack

[ZelRiptha]

Hi Jack,

By the way, Jeff Beal (http://www.jeffbeal.com/), the composer of the original Monk theme, has generously provided sheet music (http://www.jeffbeal.com/MONKMainTitleJB2002.pdf) on his web site (http://www.jeffbeal.com/).

Here is the link:
http://www.jeffbeal.com/MONKMainTitleJB2002.pdf (http://www.jeffbeal.com/MONKMainTitleJB2002.pdf)

Another fellow has since helped me improve my MIDI file. His nom de plume is "MikeSound", but I don't have my original e-mail here at the moment to gather his formal name. He used the correct Jeff Beal chord progressions to correct my original mis-hearing of some of the chords.

Here's a link to his work:
http://home.houston.rr.com/oehl/mid/MonkTVCompbyJeffBealSeqbyMarkOehl2.MID (http://home.houston.rr.com/oehl/mid/MonkTVCompbyJeffBealSeqbyMarkOehl2.MID)

Cheers and good luck on your working out the theme. I bet it'll sound great!
ZR