I spent the weekend working on Evening Prayer Blues. I slowed down the Monroe recording and worked on it carefully. It was a good time and I love the tune. Every time I really dig into a Monroe recording I have more respect and appreciation for Bill's playing.
Like some on the cafe, when I first started I thought Bill was a little sloppy or old fashioned. But I really feel that everything in his playing is deliberate and the old fashioned sound he achieves is what he was going for. Evening Prayer Blues in particular made me realize the power of combining all downstroke playing with tremolo. Lot's of good slurs and nice use of open strings. good stuff.
I really appreciate also the era in which we live in where it is so easy to pull a recording into a computer program where it can be slowed down and listened to with such detail. It's a great way to learn and a way to feel close to musicians who are long gone. Rest in peace Bill.
Anyway, happy Monday.
Marc
Bookmarks