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"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
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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magnatone
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.
guitapick
...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.
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!
guitapick
...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...
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!
composerclark
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.
guitapick
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.
MarkHolbrook
Always one of my favs... You have done it justice too!
Love it.
guitapick
...must be a reason it's been around so long...eh?
Peter Bauckham
this is amazing in every way - exquisite!
Peter
guitapick
I loved "Rainy Day", Peter...
Thanks...
Feter
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 !!!
guitapick
Thanks, Feter. It means a lot to me..
gail60
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!
guitapick
...I've been a bit on the introspective side, lately. Glad you liked this.
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
guitapick
...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.
kassia
exquisite is right. beautiful playing, gorgeous composition. You truly succeeded in expressing everything with this piece. Thank you.
guitapick
...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...
drakonis
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
guitapick
...it's good of you to take the time out to write comments like these.
Roxylee
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.:-)
guitapick
...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...
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
guitapick
...has been my very close friend for a long, long time. I'm glad she speaks to you, too, Dee...
davisamerica2
....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
davisamerica2
Well then would you leave it up for a long, long time?
guitapick
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...
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
guitapick
Looking forward to hearing the medley, Yeman...and thanks for the visit...
J.A.Stewart
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
guitapick
...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.
Moviz
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
guitapick
...hope all's well on your side of the pond...
dajama
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.
guitapick
Thanks, David...
:)
TEXASFEEL
Excellent guitar control. Very well executed. Fantastic break. Thanks for sharing.
guitapick
...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...
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
guitapick
....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...
Vic Holman
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!
guitapick
...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...
kristyjo
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.
guitapick
...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...
davisamerica
sounds great on phones .... this is a beauty of a production and arrangement my friend .... thanks!! :-]
guitapick
Thanks...appreciate you taking the time to listen and drop a note, da...
thetiler
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.
guitapick
...I'm a happy camper, here at MacJams...
Ibstrat
have an amazing touch on the guitar-wonderful tone.Your phrasing is fantastic- nothing is ever rushed.I love listening to you play!
guitapick
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.
SJB
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
guitapick
...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...
SJB
Hi again,
I've just tried it through my M-Audio monitors and it stills sounds great!
Steve
Ed Hannifin
...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
guitapick
...very happy you liked this. Took me awhile to mix it...appreciate the comment.
Thanks for the drop by...looking forward to your next...
Bryan Bishop
Absolutely beautifull playing and production,one of my favorite songs,Always makes me feel at peace.Thanks ever so much
guitapick
...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.
ronnielong
Awesome. Good job my friend.
Cheers
guitapick
...listening to your latest sound bed of nails as I type...
Rock on, ronnielong...rock on...
lengold
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
guitapick
Thanks, Len...
Simply beautiful.
guitapick
...and I can relate to your name...looking forward to your music...
richardhowardjones
Beeeyuuutiful. You shall be rewarded, sir. And are already with that ability.
guitapick
...for the kind words...
Mystified
...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.
guitapick
...that you could sing this beautifully. Love to hear it...
perceptualvortex
This turned in cool directions that I wasn't expecting. It's really emotive and beautiful playing.
guitapick
Thanks, man...mutual admiration society...
rsorensen
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.
guitapick
...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...".
paul f. page
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
guitapick
...always a pleasure to have your company...
Thanks for the listen...I'm going to go feed the geese, now.
Dbily
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
guitapick
I'm very glad you liked this...looking forward to checking out your music, too...
Robert Rayner
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)
guitapick
...those harmonics came out better than I thought they would...little bit of the muse on that one, me thinks...
Thank you...
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.
guitapick
...a great deal to me that you'd consider the B part worthy. I thought of that when I put it in there: "I am tampering with an icon..."
Thanks...
Guitar playing, production and ambience
Nothing more I can add to what has already been said
Bravo
guitapick
Thanks, man...
HenriROGERsoloandbands
Wonderfull version .
guitapick
Des cieux plus ensoleillés pour la plage, je souhaite vous, mon ami.
Tadashi Togawa
Is the sky in Britain beautiful?
Your guitar is beautiful.
Terrific idea and harmony.
guitapick
...can take many colors and forms, as you know...
Thank you, Togawa-san...
私の友人ありがとう
Komrade K
Sounded excellent over my crappy computer speakers....
KK
guitapick
...it's funny, but it sounds best over smaller speakers and headphones. I've got a really nice system with Dunleavys and a subwoofer...that's where it loses some of the depth...really want to work on getting it right for those, too.
Thanks, Mr. Violin...loved your latest.
guitapick
I tried it at a louder volume on my larger speakers last night and, guess what!?
It sounded much, much better...
Headphones are closer to your ears...
Larger speakers need more drive to show the same nuances...
1 + 1 = 2
ziti
so beautiful....i have heard you play beautifully before, but nevr more beautifully that this.
total bliss
great great music, my friend
deepest bows to you
z
guitapick
...you know how much I appreciate it...
Macaudion
Thoughts that I was having during the opening of this piece:
"Sometimes it's a bit challenging to listen and comment on a tune in the way that I'd like to, but on music that doesn't reflect what I'm feeling inside...." "maybe I'll listen and be able to feel this tune some other time..."
"I should start a forum to ask others how they deal with this little challenge..."
The opening of this piece -- it sounded like you were telling a story that, initially and quite obviously, my mood didn't want to be present for. (I can clearly assess that my mood hasn't really wanted to be present for anything or anyone today -- but, I'm not in a bad mood)
And then the "second movement" or, at the first transition on this, it sort of lifted me into a fairly surreal space where, I was listening, but not... - everything around me was the vibrations of the music - stuff got lighter - it was like all things started to float as if to be supported and "carried away" by this very PLEASANT, cloud of pain.
The next thing you know I was saying to myself, self!, "it's over!"... "the music stopped" And then thought, "great!..., this would be the tune that he doesn't allow us the privilege of downloading..."
I was really struck by how complex and multi-dimensional this piece is. Maybe it's just me, but even after listening to this a few times, (more like, over and over many times and again) each time I felt as if I was being transported into and by, a space of pain. Not just any pain, I'm talking the type of pain that at times, it's too deep and, unbearable - and so much so, that it tends to suspend reality closer to a place that is, not real...
Likely, I'm thinking too much and maybe this is just meant to be another, "sad song". However, for me, this piece was apparently significant enough.
Bob, your music is always mindful and heartfelt.
And again, thank you! Macca
guitapick
...ya mean ya liked duh tune?
I'm sending you a message...u crazy man, u...
;)
mowguy3
I have nothing more to add. Just some fantastic guitar playing on a journey into a very creative mind.
Thanks and be well, Russ
guitapick
..to take the time to say "hi", Russ. Thanks...
Bob
chipan
I really love what you have done with this classic piece. Your playing is beautiful. I wish I could hear it live.
chip
guitapick
...I'm planning on playing out again, starting in September. Shouldn't be too much of a hassle for you, getting here and back...
;)
Actually, I wish you could show up...thanks for the listen, Chip.
bud
It's nice to drop in on the conversation with your old friend. I love what you did with the middle section. Very subtle and effective.
guitapick
...thanks, man. From me and my old friend.
:)
Dj French Toast
: )
guitapick
Thanks, DJ...
spitlogic
I can feel the sorrow in this song. The playing is one of solitude and a shedding of that pain's skin. I usually begin to comment while I listen to a track, but I could do nothing until the song was finished. Well done sir.
guitapick
Excellent description of the core of the tune...well said, man...thanks
VicDiesel
You've made that tune your own. I love the way you've developed it. I hope it gives you comfort.
guitapick
...actually, it kept me sane the night I wrote the middle part. Brought me great, great comfort...
Hectorious
and very skillful my friend. Great job buddy!!
guitapick
...brother...
Glad to see ya...looking forward to listen to your latest(s)...
Thankssssssss......
sloparts
Sorry to be so late to the party, but life happens sometimes.
Karen nailed it when she said this is exquisite, it is. Very open and expressive in all regards. Your playing is flawless, but you soul is showing here my friend. This is a truly wonderful piece, thanks you for sharing it with us.
Ed
guitapick
...as far as showing up late: I've been very, very guilty of that, lately, myself...and will probably continue to do so, at times, as time rolls along...
Just glad you stopped by...
Best to you (each morning),
Bob
DWL
thanks for this Bob.
Apologies for the late start....
Cheers
Dick
guitapick
No problem, Dick...glad you liked it. Thanks...
lavalamp
Sweet piece. Can't believe I missed this on. Utterly beautiful.
You always humble me with your playing.
Dave
Tom Atwood
Great piece.
Tom
guitapick
Thanks, Tom...
Bob
Dbily
you are really good at guitar
guitapick
...I love the guitar and music...so I practice a lot. It took awhile, but I love to practice, now.
I'm glad you dropped by and took the time to say "hello". Thanks a lot...
notsosweet
Who doesn't love Greensleeves? I love hearing new takes on this old favorite and you've definitely done it justice, adding your own flair without taking away from the beauty of the original.
guitapick
Thank you. The original is a classic, to be sure.
macoco
It might be something organic in this notes that makes one to embrace the tune with an irracional love.
I come from a land of nylon guitars, perhaps differently used. But I learned the taste of the wood and catgut, nylon strings.
You have gifted golden fingers, Bob.
Gracias for this beautiful piece.
macoco.
guitapick
...and thank YOU for dropping by and taking the time to say "hello".
South America is heaven for nylon string guitarists (along with Spain, of course). I'm honored by your compliment.