Blind Willie McTell - Tuning for last session CD
Michael Hartman
Session" CD, and I was wondering if anyone knew what tuning he was in for
these sessions (and I guess whether he kept it the same).
Specifically, I'm working on Dyin' Crapshooter's Blues. I think that he is
in standard tuning at either 2 or 3 half steps down, but I could be wrong.
Any insite would be helpful, my 12-string ear seems to be a bit weak.
Thanks,
Mike Hartman
Neil Harpe
> Specifically, I'm working on Dyin' Crapshooter's Blues. I think that he
is
> in standard tuning at either 2 or 3 half steps down, but I could be wrong.
I do not think you are wrong. Standard tuning, only lower in pitch would be
right.
McTell was photographed more than most other blues performers of his
generation. I have seen him pictured with a bunch of different 12 string
guitars. At least three were Oscar Schmidt Stellas, which had very long
scales. (Leadbelly and Barbecue Bob were among the list of others who played
Stellas). These instruments actually would require a lower (than concert
pitch) tuning just to be playable by most guitarists. But the guitar I
remember him holding in a photo taken late in life was a Harmony/Stella 12
string, which had a somewhat shorter scale. However, he still tuned it low,
as he had always done before.
NH
hed...@my-deja.com
"Neil Harpe" <ha...@toad.net> wrote:
> In reference to Blind Willie McTell, Mike said:
>
> > Specifically, I'm working on Dyin' Crapshooter's Blues. I think that
he
> is
> > in standard tuning at either 2 or 3 half steps down, but I could be
wrong.
>
> I do not think you are wrong. Standard tuning, only lower in pitch
would be
> right.
>
> NH
>
>
Neil
Isn't "Dyin Crapshooter" essentially a worked over version of "Saint
James Infirmary?" I have a friend who does a pretty decent version of
"Crapshooter" in standard tuning and Am. I haven't listened to the
McTell version that I have (on an old Atlantic record called "Atlanta
12-string" or something) in quite a while so I'm really not sure if
McTell's version sounds like an Am progression or not -- it would be my
first guess, though.
I seem to recall hearing a Dave Van Ronk version of "Saint James
Infirmary" a long time ago. I would suspect that Van Ronk's version
probably owes quite a bit to McTell.
Harold
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
carbonmn...@ecentral.com.invalid
<recall hearing a Dave Van Ronk version of "Saint James
Infirmary" >
I am just now working DVR's version of SAINT JAMES INFIRMARY.
It is infact in Am. Simple chords, but getting the timing
right on each verse when singing is a task.
Regards! Bill Crider
* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
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Neil Harpe
Yeah, "Dyin' Crapshooter's Blues" is in Am. The way McTell did it, the song
is a bit more complicated (chord structure-wise) than the common forms of
"St. James Infirmary" I have heard. "Dyin' Crapshooter's Blues" is a great
song with some fun lyrics. I have heard David Bromberg, for one, do a very
nice job with the song on one of his albums.
NH
Michael Hartman
The reason that my interest in Blind Willie was rejuvenated yesterday
was that I had the privilege of stopping off in Thompson, GA (on my way back
to Athens from watching a Master's practice round in Augusta) and visiting
Blind Willie's grave site. There is a nice grave marker there beside the
Jones Grove Baptist Church which is about 9 miles outside of the town.
Also, there is a historical marker sign about Blind Willie down the road a
bit. I must say that it was very exciting and inspirational to be standing
over Blind Willie's grave and to be in Thompson near place where he was
born. If anyone finds themselves in the area and wants to take a blues side
trip I would be happy to give directions.
Mike Hartman
Andrew Mullins
Paul Geremia does a nice version on Live From Uncle Sam's Backyard as well.
Andrew Mullins
George C. Kaschner
Andrew Mullins wrote:
Anyone seen Paul lately? What 12-string did he end up with after he sold his
Froggy?
Anyone played any excellent new Stella-style 12-strings lately (12-fret slothead
mahogany or similar)? Ever since Franklin dropped out of the running, there seem
to be darn few builders who make 'em - Ralph Bown and Froggy Bottom come to
mind. Anyone else?
Go for the tone,
George (happy to have Paul's hand-me-down Froggy - even if it was run hard and
put away wet) K.
Neil Harpe
Festoival. He had a genuine 1920s Stella. It began as a 6 string, which Paul
converted to 12, adding a new neck, as well as rebracing the top. He said he
found the guitar in a barbershop somewhere in Rhode Island near his home.
NH
slgis
McTell Festival next month? It's an annual event that takes place in
Thompson, GA. From what I've been told, the acts will include Paul
Geremia and John Jackson.
Charles
Michael Hartman
slgis wrote in message <38EC81...@slcog.org>...
Yeah,
It is May 13th at the Thompson Festival Site. I picked up a flyer when
I was in Thompson on Monday, the acts include Little Charlie and the
Nightcats, John Jackson, Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets, Steve Riley & the
Mamou Playboys, Peter Case, Chris Smither, Slim Fatz, Paul Geremia, and the
Blind Boys of Alabama. Should be a good show, I'm going.
Mike
Andrew Mullins
Paul has a new CD listed at Amazon.com coming April 11. "Hard Life Rockin' Chair"
from Adelphi - I am presuming the Genes series. Don't they only do reissues?
Is this a reissue?
Saw Paul last fall in Vermont. He was sick and missed a scheduled workshop :-( but
put in a good set. You could tell he was dyin' to get off stage and recuperate
though.
Andrew
Mothra666
Philip Stevenson
Http://members.aol.com/mothra666/chris.htm
"I'm too fucking busy and vice-versa"
- Dorothy Parker
neil harpe
Andrew Mullins wrote, concerning Paul Geremia:
>Paul has a new CD listed at Amazon.com coming April 11. "Hard Life Rockin'
Chair"
>from Adelphi - I am presuming the Genes series. Don't they only do
reissues?
>Is this a reissue?
Paul, Roy Book Binder (formerly Bookbinder), Chris Smither and (yes, yours
truly) Neil Harpe were all Adelphi recording artists way back in the early
70s. Adelphi had a lot of others, too. Roy Buchannon, Pat Sky, Backwards Sam
Firk, Jerry Goffin....many others (due to loss of healthy brain cells from
non-musical activities back then, I am forgetting names at the moment). They
also had some of the best old blues performers (those who were still living
at the time) on the Adelphi label. Rev. Robert Wilkins, for one!
NH