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Thread: Almain, by Robert Johnson (1583-1633)

  1. #1

    Default Almain, by Robert Johnson (1583-1633)

    It seemed like my last Renaissance arrangement for mandola was fairly well received, so I thought I'd share tonight's project. This is Almain by Robert Johnson, reharmonized and arranged for solo mandola. Thanks for listening and for your feedback!


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  3. #2

    Default Re: Almain, by Robert Johnson (1583-1633)

    This is so good. I'm working on the much simpler Dix Bruce arrangement, but I may have to try & steal some of those juicy chords. And that mandola!

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  5. #3
    Registered User Ranald's Avatar
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    Default Re: Almain, by Robert Johnson (1583-1633)

    I enjoyed that. It sounds as though the hellhounds weren't on Bob's trail yet.
    Robert Johnson's mother, describing blues musicians:
    "I never did have no trouble with him until he got big enough to be round with bigger boys and off from home. Then he used to follow all these harp blowers, mandoleen (sic) and guitar players."
    Lomax, Alan, The Land where The Blues Began, NY: Pantheon, 1993, p.14.

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  7. #4

    Default Re: Almain, by Robert Johnson (1583-1633)

    Quote Originally Posted by Crazyquilt View Post
    This is so good. I'm working on the much simpler Dix Bruce arrangement, but I may have to try & steal some of those juicy chords. And that mandola!
    Thanks so much! If you're interested, I notated the arrangement before recording it and could email you a pdf.

  8. #5

    Default Re: Almain, by Robert Johnson (1583-1633)

    Quote Originally Posted by Colin Botts View Post
    Thanks so much! If you're interested, I notated the arrangement before recording it and could email you a pdf.
    That would be fantastic. Dropped you a PM. Thanks.

    Quote Originally Posted by Ranald View Post
    I enjoyed that. It sounds as though the hellhounds weren't on Bob's trail yet.
    As a lifelong slide player, I really, really want to throw a phrase or two of "Hell Hound on my Trail" or "Come On in my Kitchen" into the arrangement on mandola/mandolin.

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    Ranald 

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    Peace. Love. Mandolin. Gelsenbury's Avatar
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    Default Re: Almain, by Robert Johnson (1583-1633)

    This one will be deservedly well received too. Super nice!

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    Registered User Martin Jonas's Avatar
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    Default Re: Almain, by Robert Johnson (1583-1633)

    Very nice arrangement and playing, Colin. I love this piece and have recorded it as a mandolin trio many years ago, in 2012 (Link), but your solo setting is very effective and evocative. The lower register of the mandola also makes the sound richer.

    Martin

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  14. #8

    Default Re: Almain, by Robert Johnson (1583-1633)

    Quote Originally Posted by Martin Jonas View Post
    Very nice arrangement and playing, Colin. I love this piece and have recorded it as a mandolin trio many years ago, in 2012 (Link), but your solo setting is very effective and evocative. The lower register of the mandola also makes the sound richer.

    Martin
    Thanks for sharing the link to your performance. That was wonderful!

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  16. #9
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    Default Re: Almain, by Robert Johnson (1583-1633)

    Wonderful! your playing is very "listenable"
    I noticed you gently plant (more like a brush) with the index and middle on the right hand, not a criticism just am observation on your mechanics- as a mandola nerd might mention.
    I do believe it is your right hand that is mostly creating that very even spaced set of tones.
    Hats Off!
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  17. #10

    Default Re: Almain, by Robert Johnson (1583-1633)

    Quote Originally Posted by tmsweeney View Post
    Wonderful! your playing is very "listenable"
    I noticed you gently plant (more like a brush) with the index and middle on the right hand, not a criticism just am observation on your mechanics- as a mandola nerd might mention.
    I do believe it is your right hand that is mostly creating that very even spaced set of tones.
    Hats Off!
    Yes, you're correct regarding my right hand. In addition to helping stay relaxed, it also functions like a set of calipers for picking accuracy. Honestly, it's not something I really thought much about, but just evolved over time. I do also know that when playing fast single-note lines I tend to close my hand up and hover over the strings. Thanks!

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