Erik Darling's Guitar technique

Subject: Folklore: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: GUEST,mando-player-91
Date: 25 May 12 - 08:47 AM

I have always been blown away by Erik's ability on guitar as well as his banjo playing he seemed more dextrous then most folk musicians can anyone way in on his technique? Maybe Frank? thanks

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 25 May 12 - 03:57 PM

He had lots of techniques. Try contacting Bob Conroy---he studied with Erik

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: Mark Ross
Date: 25 May 12 - 06:29 PM

Frank Hamilton(who posts as STRINGSINGER) might be able to help.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: GUEST,mando-player-91
Date: 26 May 12 - 11:56 AM

Thanks.

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: Stringsinger
Date: 26 May 12 - 12:47 PM

Erik had an unerring talent as an accompanist for the voice. Every note he played on the instrument of his choice enhanced the vocal.

He was influenced by Brownie McGhee, adored Leadbelly, had a sense of swing like a good jazz musician (to me he almost sounded like a good early jazz trumpeter), revered the music of African-Americans and incorporated it in his playing. His album "True Religion" is in my opinion one of the best of the revivalist folkies. His contribution to the Weavers was to bring a gospel swing to the group evidenced by "Fight On".

His version of "Weave Room Blues" is an exceptional folk guitar accompaniment to a song.

"Walk Right In" was Erik's interpretation of Gus Cannon and the reason it was so popular is because it contained the Erik Darling "swing". Erik loved the "Golden Gate Quartet" and their remarkable interplay and rhythmic drive. He loved Josh White as well.

When you talk about what makes people play the guitar the way they do, you have to discuss all their influences because even if you play the notes exactly the way they played them, it will come out different depending on who you are and what you love.

Erik wasn't just a guitar picker, he was a unique musician.

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: GUEST,mando-player-91
Date: 26 May 12 - 03:14 PM

Thanks stringsinger I never knew of a musician who handled the banjo 6 and 12 string more willingly than Erik. "Fight On" is one of my favorite tracks on The Weavers Almanac along with Jack Hammer John.

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: BrooklynJay
Date: 27 May 12 - 01:16 AM

To the songs mentioned above I'd like to add "Train Time."


Jay

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: GUEST,Gibsonboy
Date: 27 May 12 - 06:19 AM

Didn't he play on a lot of Tom Paxtons early albums

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: GUEST,mando-player-91
Date: 27 May 12 - 12:00 PM

I don't know about Tom Paxton but I know he played with Oscar Brand and Ed Mccurdy on many albums

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: GUEST,Gibsonboy
Date: 27 May 12 - 03:38 PM

Sorry, I was thinking of Eric Wiessberg.

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: GUEST,mando-player-91
Date: 28 May 12 - 10:59 AM

I think he played on some Ramblin' Jack recordings too... hell I could name probably dozens that has Erik listed .

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: Stringsinger
Date: 28 May 12 - 01:40 PM

He played on a recording by the Kossoy Sisters. I think the Tradition label but I don't recall.
I think the recording was called "Bowling Green".

I doubt very much he played on Jack Elliott's recordings.

Oscar Brand and Ed McCurdy were two featuring Erik's accompaniments.

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: Stringsinger
Date: 28 May 12 - 01:41 PM

He was also a part of Pete Seeger's "Songswappers" album early on.

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: GUEST,mando-player-91
Date: 28 May 12 - 02:34 PM

I think Mary Travers also started with them too I could be wrong.

-Shepard

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: GUEST,mando-player-91
Date: 28 May 12 - 05:34 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wuz2Vyrv5Y

In the liner notes of my C.D it has Erik Darling listed on banjo with Jack

- Shep

Subject: RE: Erik Darling's Guitar technique
From: GUEST,Cheri Foster
Date: 17 Feb 18 - 06:26 PM

I have six of Erik's CDs so far, I wish all of his albums were on CD, though Finding a good record player could be a pain in the neck in 2018.Why people have ignored Erik Darling for so long, I have no idea, people should play him more often. He was masterful and he looked good doing it as well, if I may say so myself. Thanks