"Blackwaterside" and "Reynardine" by Bert Jansch
Added 2021-05-01 14:00:01 +0000 UTCWelcome back friends. This month I'll be teaching you how to play two of my favorite arrangements by Bert Jansch, the traditional folk song "Blackwaterside," thought to be of Irish origin, and the English Ballad "Reynardine."
Though these are best known as vocals, the focus will be strictly on the guitar arrangement. It is true that I'm breaking my tradition of only transcribing unaccompanied guitar solos, but this is for good reason. I feel the arranging of the guitar is so well done it deserves proper study.
Both pieces are in drop D tuning. The "Blackwaterside" transcription is from footage of him performing the piece on the Norwegian television show Blanda Drops. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0h5-2i4Xeg&t=789s
The "Reynardine" transcription is from Rosemary Lane.
Jansch is tuned down a half step from concert pitch in the Rosemary Lane recording. He is at concert pitch and is using a capo on the third fret in the attached recording of "Blackwaterside."
I decided to record the two as a medley, with many of the repeated verses removed since I was not singing. https://youtu.be/9HgP6sJ3doc
Here is the lesson video for "Blackwaterside"
https://youtu.be/83SamZWlUcc
And here is the lesson video for "Reynardine"
https://youtu.be/5A88swJhCQc
Comments
Thanks Rabbi John. You’ve highlighted the exact reason why I wanted to start this project. Lucky there are those of you out there who this makes a difference for. Glad you’re here. Andy
Andrew Lardner
2024-09-13 12:28:25 +0000 UTCHi Andy, thank you so much for your exquisitely beautiful renditions from maestro Bert, olav hashalom. For my two cents, your take on this work is the best among the many that i’ve encountered since first being captivated by Bert’s musicianship ca 1970 at age 16. You have brought this music closer to me; by now, I wouldn’t have thought this was possible. Many blessings to you in all your endeavours. - Rabbi John in Winnipeg
John
2024-09-13 05:26:53 +0000 UTCAndy - I think I am one of the people who probably requested this. Thanks so much for doing it. I don't know if I will ever be able to play it properly but it will give me something to do in my dotage.
Barry Levin
2021-10-03 22:15:28 +0000 UTC
