Andrew Lardner

Judy, by John Renbourn

Added 2020-08-01 20:33:42 +0000 UTC

Judy is the first track on Renbourn's first LP, John Renbourn on Transatlantic Records, released in 1965. I had originally considered a post on "Angie," as recorded by Bert Jansch, but it seemed too obvious a choice for my first dive into the 1960s British Folk Revival. Renbourn later played "Judy" and "Anji" as a medley, and I believe he certainly thought of the two as companion pieces since the early 60s, and it's possible he wrote "Judy" as a nod to "Anji" which was recorded just a few years earlier, highlighting the influence of Davey Graham. Both pieces had three sections, both were originally recorded in the key of C minor (playing in the key of A minor with a capo on the third fret).

The transcription is based exactly on the 1965 recording (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3u0Ar1HX98). Renbourn made a number of changes to "Judy" over the years, and I thought it was important to finally have a great transcription of the original, a slightly less well-known product of the era. Renbourn used his thumb and three fingers in the right hand. Indications for right and left hand are provided for the first iteration of each section. There are a few tricky fingerings in this one so pay close attention. The transcription is attached below.

The YouTube performance is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9upePlZxcg

The Patrons only instructional video has been uploaded as a private link to youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o2kOoLklEg&feature=youtu.be

The transcription is attached below.