Robert Johnson's Music

Subject: Robert Johnson's Music
From:
Date: 17 Oct 00 - 04:22 PM

Hello Everyone, I have been singing (practicing if you will) most of the songs contained on "The Complete Recordings" & I am wondering what sort of market or interest would there be to hear someone(me)sing said songs? Currently I can sing note for note along with the guitar parts all of the first takes and some of the second takes on "The Complete Recordings." Although I can not play the Guitar as of this date I would love to learn. When I sing along I also sing the guitar parts for right now anyway. I've come across some videos that claim they will show Roberts' Technique on the six string. Well thats all for now I guess. Feel free to either E-Mail me or I'll keep checking the board. Till next time Peace [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: GUEST,CraigS
Date: 17 Oct 00 - 07:51 PM

Not much market - I can do that, and play all the guitar parts as well (but I've been at it for 25 years). Might be some market in explaining what some of the more obscure lyrics mean to non-Americans! Seriously, though, I and others have found that performing certain of the songs seems to bring catastrophe and disaster on the household - be warned! I refuse to perform "Hellhound" and "terraplane", and there is a particular augmented chord in the A blues (eg, Dead Shrimp, Little Queen of Spades, Phonograph, 38-32-20) that I always play a little bit "wrong". The most distinctive feature of Robert Johnson's accompaniments is heavy use of the "tritone", an augmented interval which was known from medieval times as the Devil's chord and was forbidden in church music. I don't want to put you off - but there are some things we just don't understand.

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: Jon W.
Date: 18 Oct 00 - 11:18 AM

Woody Mann has published a book of guitar transcriptions of all of R.J.'s songs (though not necessarily each of the alternate takes) which is a good place to start once you've learned the basics of guitar. As for marketability - let's just say that it's best to do this kind of thing for your own enjoyment and satisfaction.

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: GeorgeH
Date: 18 Oct 00 - 11:43 AM

Yes, IMO there's no point in trying to replicate Robert Johnson's performances. Take him as a starting point and then try to make something of your own of the material.

Imitation isn't really the sincerest form of flattery - well, not in artistic terms it's not!

G.

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 18 Oct 00 - 11:46 AM

I have only heard one person pull this off successfully. Paul James is a very talented Toronto player who often does a solo acoustic show. He does Phonograph, 32-20, Terraplane, Sweet Home Chicago, They're Red Hot, Walking Blues and I think one or two others, but he mixes them in with Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Howlin' Wolf, Dylan and many others. Paul's band has a strong following in the Toronto area and it is because of his twenty some odd years of exposure with his band that he is able to draw an audience for his solo shows. I think most of his audience go to his guitar playing (wonderful). Paul also puts his own stamp on these songs. I think if one tried to do an evening of Robert Johnson it could be disastrous. I think it would only draw blues purists and if you couldn't play it almost exactly like Robert did the audience would be upset.

There have been some great acoustic covers of Robert's stuff. Johnny Winter doing Kind Hearted Woman and 32-20 are what made me seek out Robert. The late Joanne Kelly did a wonderful Come On In My Kitchen. Keb Mo does a pretty neat version of that one too.

If you like Robert check out Son House. He,Charley Patton and Willie Brown were apparently RJ's biggest influences. I haven't been able to find a decent recording of Patton and nothing by Willie Brown, but Son House is the real deal. Nowhere near the player that Johnson was, but a great singer and writer. His Death Letter Blues is a Blues classic.

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: Fortunato
Date: 18 Oct 00 - 01:56 PM

In most metro areas there is a blues 'association'. Some kind of jam or scene. Go to the big instrument stores and look for the local 'city paper'. find the scene and go hang out. find somebody to accompany you and sing a few tunes. you will know if you enjoy it and others do as well. regards, chance

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: StandingBear (inactive)
Date: 18 Oct 00 - 03:05 PM

There is an old saying among us Injuns: "You can't judge a man 'till you walk a mile in his shoes."

We as non-southern-Negro-children-of-sharecroppers cannot possibly walk a mile in Robert's shoes.

Find the things that you appreciate about his music, the roots of it emotionally speaking, and apply those feelings to something YOU care about and want to share. I am not saying that no one should do RJ covers or blues; I am just saying that you will find more fulfillment in expressing YOU rather than "note-for-noting" another man's songs.

"Love the blues, feel the blues, even embrace the blues, but make sure they're YOUR blues."

Peace on you,

'Bear

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 18 Oct 00 - 03:29 PM

Amen StandingBear

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 18 Oct 00 - 06:23 PM

This thread arrived just in time. I was about to sue Mudcat for that description at the top: "a magazine dedicated to blues and folk music."

It seems that Ive been hearing people recommend Son House all my life. But any time I've gone looking, I've never found any of his stuff. This time I'll try harder.

Anyway thanks, guest poster, for giving this forum just a tiny tilt in the blues direction.

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 18 Oct 00 - 09:06 PM

Hi , There are so many incredable people of Robert Johnson's era and earlyer.. Have a listen to Lonny Johnson. Blind Blake, Blind Willy Johnson, Skip James(A faverate) Tommy Johnson, Big Bill Broonzey. The list realy isnt endless but can get long, and very exciting ! Robert came from somewhere and lots happened after his passing.. Have a listen to his work in context to the times and it will get even bigger for you.. All the best , Guy Wolff

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 19 Oct 00 - 11:55 AM

Guy,

I din't want to start that list as I find it pretty intimidating. Bukka White is one I would add.

My sister has a very good compilation CD called Bottles, Knives and Steel that features many of these Delta performers. It could be a good starting point.

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: GUEST,Edgar A. Guest
Date: 19 Oct 00 - 01:17 PM

We're probably at the edge of a huge early blues reissue. For all I know we may be farther along than the edge. There were at one point lots of these guys available on vinyl (and of course on 78 lacquer before that) but there are probably lost masters, artists screwed out of salary and royalties, etc. (what else is new?), plus, of course every generation becoming less capable of listening to that scratchy old reality.

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: M. Ted (inactive)
Date: 19 Oct 00 - 03:14 PM

I think that most of you didn't read Moejoerisen's post carefully-He doesn't play guitar at all, but apparently is very good at singing the guitar part along with the record-And would like to know if there is a market for that sort of thing--

I don't know, about this, though I do know that lip-synching has been a very popular entertainment in recent years--Any other thoughts?

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 19 Oct 00 - 09:00 PM

Hi Steve Latimer, I love Bukka White!! I will go look for "Bottles Knives and Steel" Thanks.. I do enjoy Stefon Grossman's (SP?) guitar workshops for country blues. A consice look at the full picture.. M. Ted thanks for reminding us he is singing Robert's work. Just think what Blind Blake's work would sound like sung.. All the best, Guy

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: ddw
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 12:35 AM

Hey Mrmoejoe — get yourself a guitar, man. Seriously. If you can sing all the parts, you should be able to progress pretty rapidly on the thing with just a little instruction — maybe even with just tablature books. Being able to HEAR the music is about 70 per cent of the battle. The rest is just practice.

cheers,

david

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 10:49 AM

I put a tracer on this one........I want to be sure to track it or at least have it for "reference."

Spaw

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: mrmoejoerisen
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 12:00 PM

Thanks to all of the catters that responded to my thread topic. I found both ctriticism (constuctive) and praise and that was my very first posting on your fine board. I know it wont be my last post either. I tried to add information to my membership profile yesterday by using a different "nickname" Son House but for some reason I kept getting an error message when I tried to submit my post. I'm going to give it another shot. Oh by the way I am looking for a way to make Robert's songs Kareoke Songs. I need to know how I can get "The Complete Recordings" burned onto a Kareoke CD (With Words) My local Kareoke spot will not allow CD's off the street unless they have the words included ala Kareoke on the CD. Any Ideas Catters? I look forward to the responses. Till Next time. Peace. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 12:00 PM

Guy,

I looked it up at amazon and the actual title is The Slide Guitar: Bottles, Knives and Steel. Son House doing Pearline, Bukka doing Special Streamline, Blind Willie Johnson Doing Dark Was The Night among others. It's a wonderful introduction to some Delta Classics.

They are also listing a volume two.

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: mrmoejoerisen
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 01:09 PM

Thank You Thank You Very Much! (said like that Elvis Guy) Son House is a growing favorite of mine especially the song "Death Letter" from the 1965 Jam album with "pearline" and "John The Revelator" Blind Lemon Jefferson is so cool too except all of his songs are a mournful wail and sometimes that gets a bit tiresome. Don't get me wrong Blind Lemon can Jam on the six string. Well not to go off the intended thread topic of Mr. Johnson's Music; however all of these and soon to be many more artists added to my Soul Catalog. For you see when the Blues Hit You Your Soul Is Nourished By Hearing The Joyous Sounds. My mother is almost gone from Breast Cancer and "The Sky Is Crying" [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: mrmoejoerisen
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 01:12 PM

She was a "Kind Hearted Woman" who'd do anything in this world for me. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 01:24 PM

Robert Johnson karaoke huh?

Glad I tagged this one.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: M. Ted (inactive)
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 01:26 PM

I like the karoaoke idea a lot--let us know when you get it worked out--You can have fun with karoaoke, maybe even sing the guitar parts!!!

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 01:33 PM

Just out of curiosity here moejoe..........

Did you have to sell your soul to the devil to sing RJ's guitar parts?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 01:41 PM

Guy, were you actually at Stafan Grossman's workshops? I vaguely knew him 30 years ago, but must admit I thought his playing was a bit suspect. He seemed to be playing at the limit of his ability, or just beyond, with the tempo running away with him at the most difficult bits. It's not a feeling I ever had about most of those who turned up in the best-guitarist-ever threads - but I know some pople who put Stefan up there with the all-time greats.

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: M. Ted (inactive)
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 06:09 PM

MrMJR--It must be very difficult--what you are going through with your mother--sounds like your blues collection is helping you to get through it--hang in there--

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 07:22 PM

Hello Fionn, I was speaking of the taped cassett's that give an over veiw of the whole era sold by Grossman.. Tunes and songs played by the originals.. There is almost none of Stefon's playing.. It is a GREAT overveiw !!! He works area by area.. CHarley Patton and Willy Brown start the whole thing off (If I remember corectly..) but a section on Atlanta , Statesbough NC and so on.. There are other tapes on tequnique that are workshops with small bits of Grossman trying to follow but he is very good at getting what he cant always DO across.. I found them all a real eye opener and have just emailed him the same compliment.. All the best., Guy

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 07:24 PM

Hello Fionn, I was speaking of the taped cassett's that give an over veiw of the whole era sold by Grossman.. Tunes and songs played by the originals.. There is almost none of Stefon's playing.. It is a GREAT overveiw !!! He works area by area.. CHarley Patton and Willy Brown start the whole thing off (If I remember corectly..) but a section on Atlanta , Statesbough NC and so on.. There are other tapes on tequnique that are workshops with small bits of Grossman trying to follow but he is very good at getting what he cant always DO across.. I found them all a real eye opener and have just emailed him the same compliment.. All the best., Guy <><><>< Ps there is a link to Grosman's site in the John Hurt thread from yesterday

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: mrmoejoerisen
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 09:11 PM

In answer to Spaw NO not even my 60's Early 70's Rolling Stone Collection! Amazing isn't it? I'm trying to keep myself in a good frame of mind all things considered. Thanks for everyones' kind words during this difficult time. You are right though The Blues do have a way of soothing because whn you hear someone else's troubles yours seem similar so that you know you are not alone. Thats what "The Blues" are to me in a synopsis. TNT Also I tried to share this with ddw a link to a Technique Video concerning Mr. Johnson. The link is as follows: http://www.guitarplace.com/TT050.html sorry I don't know how to make this a live link via your fine message board; maybe someone can offer some help with that too. TNT PEACE mrmoejoerisen

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 09:50 PM

Here ya' go Moejoe....Hope it works! You can read all about how to do the HTML stuff in the FAQ and if you want to practice, there are practice threads.....Set the refresh for 30 days and enter HTML in the filter box and you should find one to practice on.

CLICK HERE....I hope

Spaw

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson's Music
From: mrmoejoerisen
Date: 20 Oct 00 - 11:00 PM

Thanks Spaw I'll try that tomorrow, I have to get ready for the daily grind of we call work. have a good night all you mudcatters in cyberland. "Goodnight and God Bless" Red Skelton late 60's early'70's. PEACE moejoe