December 1, "Twelve Sticks" by Rev. Gary Davis
Added 2020-12-01 15:00:06 +0000 UTCWelcome back everyone. What a month it has been, or two months for that matter. I started "Twelve Sticks" back in September, not knowing the path I was starting down. I haven't gotten this wrapped up in a piece of music in a long time, in a good way. This will be one of the more challenging posts. It's taken me two months to finish this transcription and get the song under my fingers. It might be my favorite thing I've posted so far.
Please familiarize yourself with Davis' 1965 recording here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hqML-b84EM
Don't be overwhelmed by what you are hearing. This follows a very regular harmonic structure, going through 10 different variations with a very cool bridge in the middle. Davis is playing at the speed of light (over 220bpm) and a little loose. The piece is very enjoyable at a more relaxed tempo, and there are a few recordings where he has been under 200bpm. My instructional play through will help get you through the nuance and the fine details:
https://youtu.be/3pmVC4BHH5g (sorry about the "um's" "so's" and all the other number of filler words, it drives me crazy and I'm trying to lose the habit)
My YouTube performance is now available to view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOs4DGprLxg
As always please feel free to ask questions or engage in any variety of lively discussion about the piece in comments below.
Comments
HI Andy. Almost forgot about this piece as busy learning other songs. Great performance and will start working on it. Thanks and Happy New Year!
mark blomquist
2020-12-28 16:26:49 +0000 UTCI know it isn't the right place to comment, but this is the last one and maybe someone still look at this. If someone is interested I put a comment on RED PONY talking about the Holst's Planets. Sorry for the very late reply to it
Marco G
2020-12-26 13:26:04 +0000 UTC
