MacJams.com - Between Green Sleeves

Between Green Sleeves by guitapick [Email]

Genre: Acoustic

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Description:

"Greensleeves" was the first "difficult" tune I ever worked on, as far as figuring it out by ear. High school. Took a while but I've been playing the song ever since.

Not long ago, I was feeling very sad and I started picking it out. Didn't do "the trick"...and I started thinking of the song (and music, in general) as being like a very close friend. We can confide our sorrow to that open, caring ear... but at the end of the day, we are left, alone, to truly deal with the loss that we've attempted to describe in words or sound. To remember the beauty and then the pain and regret. All of it...can come toppling down at once.

Then to have to wake and face the world again...and try to describe the sorrow, gracefully and acceptably, once more.

So what did I do? I tried to express that in a song...

...hmmmm....

Perky, eh...?

On a technical note: sounds good either way, but the phones really bring out the most in this tune. I'm working on making it as effective on the speakers...but have a little ways to go, as of this moment.

© Bob Prince 2008

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Green Sleeves &mdash 06/02/08 - 05:37:23 PM

Bob, this is absolutely exquisite! One of the most beautiful things I've heard anywhere. I don't get why you're not famous. (Maybe you are!) Thanks for the description and this stunning guitar work.

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Not famous... &mdash 06/02/08 - 07:43:41 PM

...but happy to be respected among my colleagues and peers...of which, I'm pleased to say: you are one.

Thanks, Karen...the feeling's are mutual.

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Hey! &mdash 06/02/08 - 05:41:46 PM

Really nice Bob. Actually, this is better than Jeff Beck's old version (done so long ago...)

You've taken this piece to some wonderful new places over the years, eh?

I agree with Karen: EXQUISITE!

Be well!

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I Ain't Superstious... &mdash 06/02/08 - 07:49:18 PM

...but that "Truth" album really rocked MY plimsole. Many, many, many times.

The combo of "Greensleeves" (which really was wonderful and, as I remember it; played on one of Elvis' guitars), to "Rock My Plimsole", to "Beck's Bolero", etc was such an inspiration to me...one of my favorite rock albums of all time. And Rod Stewart was off the planet on that LP, too.

Thanks, Micheal...nice memories, there...

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I agree Bob! &mdash 06/02/08 - 11:11:56 PM

I still have and occasionally listen to both the "Truth" and "Beck-Ola" albums. I love all the ones you mentioned. Also among my faves are "Old Man River" (where young Rod really shines) and "Rice Pudding" (which out -Zepped Led Zepplin).

Yes, great memories indeed my friend!

Be well!

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More? &mdash 06/02/08 - 05:43:52 PM

Greensleeves is played very nicely, but what really took me to another place, listening-wise, was what followed. Really well done; love to hear more.

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More...? You want MOOORE!!!!??? &mdash 06/02/08 - 07:54:47 PM

You and my good friend/collaborator; Andrew. First thing he did when I played this for him was to say: "Let's work on that part"...same one you're pointing out.

We did a bit of brainstorming as far as extensions and where to go from there...but then he went back to France (short visit back here) and things have been pretty busy since...

Thanks, Clark...I agree; it's a nice section of the piece that could definitely be developed. Plate's pretty full right now, though. Down the road's a definite possibility.

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Spectacular &mdash 06/02/08 - 05:48:30 PM

Always one of my favs... You have done it justice too!

Love it.

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One of my faves, too... &mdash 06/02/08 - 09:32:17 PM

...must be a reason it's been around so long...eh?

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Wow &mdash 06/02/08 - 06:18:04 PM

this is amazing in every way - exquisite!

Peter

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~ &mdash 06/02/08 - 10:40:51 PM

I loved "Rainy Day", Peter...

Thanks...

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Between Green Sleeves &mdash 06/02/08 - 06:41:36 PM

Majistical ....what can I say ..a touch of a true
master ..the tone so awesome ..the feel so authnetic
way to go my friend ,best of kind ..true to the
subject and impressive creativity !!!
Hats off !!!

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~ &mdash 06/02/08 - 10:55:15 PM

Thanks, Feter. It means a lot to me..

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beautiful &mdash 06/02/08 - 07:24:32 PM

Bob, you have so much talent. It always, and I do mean ALWAYS, blows my mind to listen to your music. This is another gorgeous piece that although I have heard many times in my life, it never sounded better than right now. I love and understand your description very well and you did an absolute wonderful job here! How many words describe beautiful? Listen with your heart and you will hear it here. Thanks for sharing Bob!

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Thanks for the visit, Gail... &mdash 06/03/08 - 05:14:35 AM

...I've been a bit on the introspective side, lately. Glad you liked this.

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I must confess... &mdash 06/02/08 - 08:03:25 PM

I covet your skills on the acoustic guitar. Beautiful performance of a beautiful song. You give this a whole other dimension and interpretation.... interesting what a sad mood produces... for me often something deeper and richer than those songs from the up moods. Deep and tender song.

Jack

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Thanks, Jack... &mdash 06/03/08 - 05:20:23 AM

...I know exactly what you mean about the mood engendered by a sad piece. That's why I'll rarely listen to an "up" tune to get myself out of the blues. Letting ourselves to go through whatever it is we need to go through allows that feeling to be...and then pass away.

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wow &mdash 06/02/08 - 08:04:22 PM

exquisite is right. beautiful playing, gorgeous composition. You truly succeeded in expressing everything with this piece. Thank you.

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I'm glad... &mdash 06/03/08 - 05:39:43 AM

...this brought you here and you liked it. It got me to listen to your stuff, as I'd never "met" you before. Really enjoyed that and am looking forward to hearing more.
Thanks...

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sentiment &mdash 06/02/08 - 08:17:37 PM

resonance. regret. despair. introspection. resilience. hope.

There's an awful lot of deeply felt emotion poured into, and therefore pouring out of, this piece. Exquisitely paced, really wonderful choice of adding the light wafting "memory of distance" in the middle wash of ennui.

Great recording, sounded fine on my little speakers, but yes, sounded achingly beautiful on headphones.

This is one of those pieces that when you finish playing, the audience sits quietly in stunned silence for an awkward 10 seconds afterwards, before remembering that they should use their hands to both clap and wipe away tears.

Absolutely beautiful and perfectly apropos rendition of this classic piece... as only you could do. I feel a lot of very personal feelings in this from you. Thank you for sharing them!

ttfn,
Drakonis

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Thanks, Drak... &mdash 06/03/08 - 08:36:00 AM

...it's good of you to take the time out to write comments like these.

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So amazing... &mdash 06/02/08 - 08:27:59 PM

and we are fortunate that you picked up your guitar when you were feeling sad. This is achingly beautiful, Bob. (and I wrote this before reading Drak's comment). All it's missing is the download button.:-)

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Well... &mdash 06/03/08 - 09:30:45 AM

...I feel a bit selfish, but think that I might sell a few more cds (I'm shooting for August/September for it's release) if I enable downloads for some but not all of my tunes.

Production costs are...well..."costly"...so I'm trying to be a "shrewd businessman"...imagine me in a grey suit, sitting behind a desk with my feet up, big cigar sticking outta the corner of my mouth.

The new "me"...

;)

Glad you liked the tune, Roxie...

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Between Green Sleeves &mdash 06/02/08 - 09:06:25 PM

Bob this sounds absolutely fantastic . I must admit you can't beat a real guitar :) I love the song Greensleeves too.

You have done a marvolous job and that Guitar talks to you I can
definately hear it again- telling you it loves you honest- seriousely you are one great guitar player and singer. I never ever get tired of listening to your wonderful music. And I hope you are not down in the dumps now and are feeling better my freind.

Peace Dee x

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My nylon string guitar... &mdash 06/03/08 - 09:40:58 AM

...has been my very close friend for a long, long time. I'm glad she speaks to you, too, Dee...

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If I could play guitar like this... &mdash 06/02/08 - 09:08:39 PM

....I wouldn't work my mouth so much. I envy the satisfaction you must get from this. Very nice work. And will download now. Thanks for it. Terry

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no download? &mdash 06/02/08 - 09:27:49 PM

Well then would you leave it up for a long, long time?

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~ &mdash 06/03/08 - 10:26:20 AM

Always another mountain to climb...satisfaction is a relative term and can be fleeting...I used to be a better player and sometimes find it frustrating to be off that level, nowadays. Can't play a lot of the classical tunes I used to...but so it goes. Not like I didn't make these choices on my own, ya know. And, in the end, I'm able to forget it all and enjoy the sounds...

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Very wonderful piece Mr. Bob &mdash 06/03/08 - 02:13:11 AM

Greensleeves is a timeless favorite piece for me. I've always liked Blackmore's version of it (arpeggios) and I already composed a medley of some famous pieces with Greensleeves and hopefully will be posted in Christmas time.. Amazing playing and very nice job done here! Thanks for sharing.

Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi

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~ &mdash 06/03/08 - 11:59:51 AM

Looking forward to hearing the medley, Yeman...and thanks for the visit...

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Nothing Up Your (Green) Sleeves... &mdash 06/03/08 - 02:14:46 AM

but certainly some *magic* fingers below them, Bob.

Lovely interpretation and performance of this timeless classic... and the promise of an intriguing extended extrapolation, to boot. Perhaps as your spirit lifts you will help move the tenor of this tune from melancholy to bittersweet. ;)

--- Joe

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LOL &mdash 06/03/08 - 01:33:19 PM

...and then from bittersweet to angry and from anger to rage and from rage to tears and, from there, to eventual acceptance...

The emotionally correct greensleeves...

That was funny...thanks.

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Loved &mdash 06/03/08 - 04:22:07 PM

the Greensleeves and then the other part came with that hauntingly dramatic shimmer in the background and it all went beautifully 'deep' and pensive/reflective. A wonderful listen Bob, Thanks; regards M

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Thanks, M... &mdash 06/03/08 - 09:39:55 PM

...hope all's well on your side of the pond...

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Terrific &mdash 06/03/08 - 06:05:34 PM

Beautiful playing, and excellent sound. You're right - it sounds great in the phones. You have such a great touch, my friend. Sorry to hear that sadness brought this out in you, but we are the beneficiaries of your soulfulness. Nicely done. Peace.

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~ &mdash 06/04/08 - 05:16:33 AM

Thanks, David...

:)

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Great Version &mdash 06/03/08 - 06:25:52 PM

Excellent guitar control. Very well executed. Fantastic break. Thanks for sharing.

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Hey John... &mdash 06/04/08 - 05:21:53 AM

...that's a cool avatar...

...I've been a bit overwhelmed, lately...but managing to keep my head above water. Glad you like the tune. Will be by to check out "Half Way..." soon...

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I can tell &mdash 06/03/08 - 07:53:52 PM

Scott Carmichael

or I imagine that often, this is what the inside of your house sounds like... guitar on the porch... guitar in the parlor... guitar in the kitchen.... all played exquisitely.... brother Bob, you handle this with precision and heart... a great combination...

I would say cheer up... but there might be another song in there first...

carry on

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~ &mdash 06/04/08 - 05:38:53 AM

....guitar in the bedroom....guitar in the hallway....guitar in the bathroom...wife and daughter running out of the house, arms in the air, screaming...

;)

They've gotten used to me...thankfully.

Thanks, Mr. C...for the visit and the laugh. I'll squeeze out another one fer ye before I dig my way outta this hole, by crackee...

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brings back some memories &mdash 06/03/08 - 09:19:46 PM

this is one of the first songs I ever played when I was learning to play guitar. Naturally. it didn't sound anything like this. But, it brought back the cool memories of just learning to play for the first time.

Also, I really like how you expanded on the theme. excellent!

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I remember... &mdash 06/04/08 - 07:39:17 AM

...teaching myself this up in E. Chatham, MA on summer vacation. Cape Cod. It was so beautiful there. Was picking an Amin chord and heard the opening melody to it. Couldn't resist. Like you, it really was the first tune that I really taught myself. I worked at it religiously...it's a classic.

Thanks, Vic...

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Really nice &mdash 06/03/08 - 11:17:16 PM

Clean and simple opening statement. Then, when you keep on letting it unfold, and then add the extra chordal colors... it's just wonderful. Really bittersweet, then, that second A section that goes up an octave. Just perfect.

No, not particularly perky, but really beautiful.

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Thanks, Kristy... &mdash 06/04/08 - 08:00:01 AM

...I'll be thinking of you, relaxing on vacation, whilst I work the summer school circuit. Enjoy your time off and please post some of your fine sounds, soon...

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right then bob &mdash 06/03/08 - 11:30:29 PM

sounds great on phones .... this is a beauty of a production and arrangement my friend .... thanks!! :-]

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~ &mdash 06/04/08 - 10:44:05 AM

Thanks...appreciate you taking the time to listen and drop a note, da...

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Thanks for sharing ! &mdash 06/03/08 - 11:55:46 PM

sounds nice. Like the variations in sound. It is a real plus to come in with the chorus and harmonics and give that new age feel. Great idea, kinda reminds me of a rainy day instrumental. Good in and out fades in places, and then going back to that classical feel at the end! Nice!

Thanks much for sharing and being such a good part of MJ.

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Thanks, Bill... &mdash 06/04/08 - 10:58:14 AM

...I'm a happy camper, here at MacJams...

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You &mdash 06/04/08 - 07:01:22 AM

have an amazing touch on the guitar-wonderful tone.Your phrasing is fantastic- nothing is ever rushed.I love listening to you play!

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Hi Mark &mdash 06/06/08 - 07:49:40 AM

You know; I once attended a master class of a very well known classical guitarist. Truly great player, but I have to say that, of all the things I learned that day, the most important was what he DIDN'T teach. As great as he was; everything was rushed. Just too much "dazzling technique" and not enough substance, for my taste.

Ever since then, I always do what I can to hang back a bit (unless the passage calls for something else)...which was stressed even more when I took jazz lessons.

I'm a big fan of yours, Mark...thanks for the listen.

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Greensleeves &mdash 06/04/08 - 07:09:34 AM

Hi Bob, I took your advice and went for the head phones. It's fantastic what you've done with this old Tudor hit - easily one of the best acoustic posts on MJs.
All the best to you
Steve

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Yeah.... &mdash 06/04/08 - 11:38:10 AM

...the phones really bring it all out. I'm gonna have a pro look at this (he's already doing my tunes with vocals) and give me some advice on how to make it as effective on the speaks (if that's possible).

Got your new one on my email queue...looking forward to hearing it...

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Speakers &mdash 06/04/08 - 12:54:07 PM

Hi again,
I've just tried it through my M-Audio monitors and it stills sounds great!
Steve

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Beautifully done, Bob... &mdash 06/04/08 - 07:37:18 AM

...I like the arrangement, the performance is great, and you've done a fine job recording it...

You're quite right that it sounds terrific over headphones.

More than anything, the feeling on this is simply 'right'...

Ed

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Hi Ed... &mdash 06/04/08 - 12:54:33 PM

...very happy you liked this. Took me awhile to mix it...appreciate the comment.

Thanks for the drop by...looking forward to your next...

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BrotherB &mdash 06/04/08 - 09:49:30 AM

Absolutely beautifull playing and production,one of my favorite songs,Always makes me feel at peace.Thanks ever so much

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Hey... &mdash 06/04/08 - 11:50:25 AM

...I've heard you with my buddy, Fran, on guitar...

So cool...love your stuff...thanks for the visit and nice comments, man.

Haven't seen much of Z, lately. Please say "hi" to him and pass my condolences about Big Papi. Much as I'm a Yankee fan, I really admire that man.

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The sorrow of Ann &mdash 06/04/08 - 10:57:10 AM

Awesome. Good job my friend.

Cheers

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Hey... &mdash 06/04/08 - 11:08:53 AM

...listening to your latest sound bed of nails as I type...

Rock on, ronnielong...rock on...

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Just read all &mdash 06/05/08 - 01:41:18 AM

the above comments and can't think of anything extra to say except that I agree with everyone's well deserved praise of a fantastically played piece of beautiful music.
Cheers
Len

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~ &mdash 06/05/08 - 09:30:19 AM

Thanks, Len...

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Wonderful. Music. &mdash 06/05/08 - 03:15:00 AM

Simply beautiful.

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Thank you... &mdash 06/05/08 - 09:31:33 AM

...and I can relate to your name...looking forward to your music...

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MMMM &mdash 06/05/08 - 10:00:17 AM

richardhowardjones

Beeeyuuutiful. You shall be rewarded, sir. And are already with that ability.

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Thanks, Richard... &mdash 06/05/08 - 04:13:21 PM

...for the kind words...

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For some reason... &mdash 06/05/08 - 08:41:52 PM

...playing or singing something in a minor key always makes me feel better.
And Greensleeves has long been a favorite of mine (I even have an a cappella file of this lying around somewhere...)

So, to hear your version is joy to my ears :)
Beautiful, emotive, rich and poignant.
Thank you for sharing it with us here.

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I'm quite sure... &mdash 06/05/08 - 10:24:19 PM

...that you could sing this beautifully. Love to hear it...

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Great &mdash 06/05/08 - 10:17:08 PM

perceptualvortex

This turned in cool directions that I wasn't expecting. It's really emotive and beautiful playing.

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~ &mdash 06/06/08 - 03:17:03 PM

Thanks, man...mutual admiration society...

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wow &mdash 06/06/08 - 01:00:26 AM

Greensleeves is perfect. a hard song to pull off with real feeling but you've done it. and what follows is pure gold. really well done.

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Thanks so much... &mdash 06/06/08 - 06:05:45 PM

...them's some kindly words, thar, Mr. Sorenson...and you're right: it's a tougher tune to pull off than it seems. I actually pulled a bit back on the "straight" melody to get more of a contrast between the A and B parts. From: "Thanks...I'll be ok...gotta go" to: "This can't really be happening...".

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Rhapsody... &mdash 06/06/08 - 12:51:31 PM

Bob,
Just amazing what you have done with this. The layout of the tune is perfectly performed (and recorded); but it's your rhapsodic improvisation that follows that is so very captivating. The whole thing is so interestingly and carefully conceived and your playing is truly exquisite. I am spellbound.
Peace.
Paul

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Mr. Page... &mdash 06/06/08 - 06:14:49 PM

...always a pleasure to have your company...

Thanks for the listen...I'm going to go feed the geese, now.

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oh man &mdash 06/07/08 - 12:45:11 AM

incredible!!!
every second every nuance every change
the layering is cool but my favorite part is the center cut...where you take it to another zone...
very hip
love it man this is great

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Thanks.. &mdash 06/07/08 - 06:41:19 PM

I'm very glad you liked this...looking forward to checking out your music, too...

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Wow &mdash 06/07/08 - 01:04:03 AM

I wonder how many people have tried to play this over the years (me included) and have not been able to get it quite right.

Not only do you play it perfectly, but add your own superb bit in the middle. (Loved the harmonics too)

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You know... &mdash 06/07/08 - 10:36:36 PM

...those harmonics came out better than I thought they would...little bit of the muse on that one, me thinks...

Thank you...

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Holy smoke &mdash 06/07/08 - 04:53:36 AM

Really amazing finger work! Great tune and so well played. Greensleeves itself is one of the most beautiful and enduring western folk melodies, and the B part was absolutely worthy of the pairing. Just beautiful work.