File:Cogs.mid

MIDI file details

Notes

This is a General MIDI sequence of "Cogs in Cogs," from the album "[[The Power And The Glory]]" by Gentle Giant. I have tried, to the best of my ability, to program as note perfect a sequence as possible. This sequence has been optimized for the Yamaha TG-100 Tone Generator. It was originally programmed with the Power Tracks Pro sequencing software. As always, any comments or criticisms may be addressed to me at jd.mack@neteast.com.

Unfortunately, the General MIDI standard imposes certain limitations on what can be done in a sequence. For instance, there is no sound in the 128 General MIDI sounds to duplicate the analog synth sounds used on the original recording. Those with more complex tone generating set-ups may wish to re-patch the two synth tracks. Also, you may notice that tracks 9 and 10 contain tamborine 1 and 2. My tone generator does not allow me to choose the panning of my percussion sounds, nor to have more than one kit selected at a time. Those who have this ability should pan the two tamborine parts left and right.

The finger bass and percussive organ sounds on the TG-100 are fairly quiet, hence the high levels I have set for these sounds in the mix. You may need to lower the level of these sounds.

There are several points in the sequence where channel 10 (the drums) is reduced to a zero level. I did this to approximate cymbal grabs. If, at any time, you start this sequence and don't hear any drums, check you mixer level for the drum track(s).

When I started this sequence, I programmed the drum parts last, since I had never programmed drums this complex before. In doing so, I hit upon a technique that I would like to share with other programmers. I recorded the original song onto my four-track tape recorder at 3 3/4 IPS. I then slowed the tape down to 1 7/8 IPS, and fed the audio signal through a pitch changer set to transpose up one octave. This allowed me to slow the tape down, but still be able to make out the kick drum part.

I hope you enjoy this sequence as much I as I enjoyed making it. Part of my reason for doing this is becuase, to my knowledge, there are no other sequences of Gentle Giant compositions available. If you have sequenced other Gentle Giant material, please e-mail a copy to me at the e-mail address already mentioned above.

J.D. Mack
June 16, 1995