Blind Arthur's Breakdown
Added 2021-02-01 15:01:03 +0000 UTCHappy first of the month everybody. We're back with another Blind Blake solo, "Blind Arthur's Breakdown." I hope to engage in some lively discussion about this one. Most of the pertinent details are covered in my talking play-through lesson. Have fun, this is about as good as it gets.
YouTube recording: https://youtu.be/gJ-j2vAp7IU
YouTube lesson only for Tier 2 Patrons: https://youtu.be/vb0dr8AfUs8
Transcription attached.
I have a little more research to do regarding Blind Blake and where he played in relation to concert pitch. This is discussed a little bit at the end of the lesson video.
Comments
The big challenge for sure will be what I assume is that forward thumb roll he did, if I do it authentically. Kind of the opposite of Doc’s reverse index roll.
Andrew Lardner
2021-12-01 14:38:30 +0000 UTCYeah, we have discussed this one before. I have looked at the Pearson version and I remember not liking it as much as the original...can't remember why..its been a long time. I think he did it in a different key than Merle. The Merle version is a bit tricky....for me anyway, but its a tune I have always thought very highly of.
Mike Frederickson
2021-12-01 14:36:34 +0000 UTCThanks for the suggestion Mike, very good justification and I agree, not much out there on Merle Travis. I don’t think this is the first time that particular tune has been suggested. I worked out Gareth Pearson’s version many years ago, so somewhat familiar with the tune.
Andrew Lardner
2021-12-01 14:20:53 +0000 UTCHello. Thanks for the great music. I look forward each month to your next project. I especially enjoy the Lonnie Johnson, Gary Davis, Blind Blake type stuff, but really...every month you come up with a great piece. If you are looking for ideas for the future might I suggest Merle Travis? Merle used some really interesting chord voicings and had an approach that I find fascinating. I don't find it that hard to figure out what he is doing, but yet I have a hard time having is sound like Merle..if that makes any sense. Anyway.....a Merle Travis piece, especially Blue Smoke...would be awesome. I'd add that there is SO much tab available out there for so many artists like RGD, Fuller, etc......much less for Merle Travis and specifically for the tune Blue Smoke.....maybe because its a really challenging piece.
Mike Frederickson
2021-11-30 20:16:17 +0000 UTC
