last semester of lessons

I decided to finish the semester with my lessons and then go on my own.  I can teach myself these acoustic blues songs.  I know the basics of form and technique.  I need a break from my teacher's moods, and he probably needs a break from me.  If I take lessons again I'll sign up with my college's other guitar teacher.  I look forward to working on my own.  It's been three years of lessons. 

updated blues song list

OK, here's my list so far:

Spike Driver's Blues -- Mississippi John Hurt (MJH)
Make Me a Pallet -- MJH
M&O Blues -- Willie Brown (just started this one)
32-20 Blues -- Robert Johnson (yup!)
Black Rat Swing -- Memphis Minnie 
January Thaw -- Me

instrumental versions only!


The ideal form will be head-head-improv-head.  So I gotta work on improvs for all these(except Jan. Thaw).  


My versions are not always accurate.  I simplify and change as needed to fit my abilities.  

progress in bible as literature

I've gone through Chronicles now, the sections dealing with the kings of Judah after Solomon.  Made a nice graphic organizer for each king and chapter/verse.

Also went through the sections of Kings that deal with the kings of Israel.  Still working on a graphic organizer for that; the text is more complicated.

Also made a chart for the judges in the Book of Judges.  Making your own charts is much more helpful than filling one out that others made.  I really have to do the legwork myself.

Still want to make an organizer for King David.  that's a complex story!  Also would like to make ones for Saul and Samuel.

After that, Ezra and Nehemiah.  Someday.

worst lesson ever

Man, what a grouch!  T. was in one heck of a bad mood.  Either that or he wants to get rid of me.  Which he might just do.  I'm considering whether or not to continue lessons with him after this semester.  I don't need this kind of behavior from a teacher.  I'm not a music major or a full time student.  I have limited time.

Perhaps it's time for a break.  I can learn on my own now, I'm discovering. 

Songs I'm working on

OK, here's my list so far:

Spike Driver's Blues -- Mississippi John Hurt (MJH)
Make Me a Pallet -- MJH
January Thaw -- Me
Black Rat Swing -- Memphis Minnie (just started on this one)

instrumental versions only!

Piedmont Blues

so i read about piedmont blues.  it's supposed to be more melodic than delta blues.  often the song's melody is in the guitar part, tracking with the singer.  thus to me it sounds like a good focus for me.  it would make a better base for instrumental guitar.  also it's supposed to have roots in ragtime, and that brings back my old interest in piano ragtime.  plus, the piedmont region is good ol' south carolina, my Skye's birth place.  so it's all wrapped up nicely. 

now I"m working on Make Me a Pallet by Mississippi John Hurt.  Finally I can play the advanced version from the xeroxes Tom gave me.  After that's down I will work on Black Rat Swing, an piedmont blues song from my book.  i can learn these on my own now.

maybe this will be the focus.

latest guitar lesson

OK, my guitar teacher wants me to work on three pieces!  dude, where you at?  I don't have time for three works.  One at a time, dude!  I'm not a full time music major!  He'll find out next week!

january thaw -- second recording

here it is, done a little better:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZENnfU92qY&feature=plcp&context=C39ebf1cUDOEgsToPDskIsurpOaO6jvXSfBWwlj3Pi

almost got it down!  sometime I gotta record the piece from my lessons, "First Solo."  a light somewhat jazzy subdued number.

fingerpickin' composition!

OK, here's my first fingerpickin piece, "January Thaw."  Mistakes included!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLryvCgN18M&list=UUgbfaJcYcN-uYBGwDgAAidw&index=1&feature=plcp

enjoy!