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03 Apr 00 - 09:59 PM (#206291) Subject: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: MK Hi all. I'm looking to expand my album collection and, influences, and frankly aside from David Bromberg, Kottke, Doc, Merle, Chet Atkins, Grossman, Traum, Baker, Van Ronk and few others, I've led a fairly sheltered life with respect to other good fingerpicking influences. (I'm excluding all the Blinds -Blake, Lemon Jefferson, McTell, etc..or Hurt, Lipscomb, Broonzy --have heard them all, like their playing but prefer something with a more modern slant to it, in a ragtime, or alternating bass feel, without getting into a lot of esotheric tunings...I tend to like either standard tunings, or dropped D. Keeps things simple...and easier to pick up quickly. Who are the more current (perhaps commerical people) out there still doing it?
Anyone heard any of Chris Proctor's stuff? ...Who do you guys/gals listen to for inspiration? ..and what is it about their/styles and technique that inspire you? Any shared knowledge would be greatly appreciated. Are there any ''absolutely must-have'' fingerpicking albums I should have? Do tell...and why. Thanks. |
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03 Apr 00 - 10:25 PM (#206301) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Paul G. Try Sam Pacetti (Solitary Travel - Waterbug Records). Sam was a protege of the late Gamble Rogers, and is an absolute wizard...Also try Thom Bresh (Merle Travis' son). All of Gamble Rogers' stuff has been recently reissued on CD (Oklawaha Records). Great Picker, Great Story Teller... pg |
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03 Apr 00 - 10:32 PM (#206304) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Mbo DEFINATELY Earl Klugh! --Mbo |
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03 Apr 00 - 11:23 PM (#206331) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Bugsy Check out Martin Simpson. AWESOME!!!
CHeers Bugsy |
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04 Apr 00 - 12:24 AM (#206355) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: GUEST,Arkie Here's a second to Thom Bresh. He has a website, I think that bresh is all that's needed. He is an incredible picker. Calls himself a thumbpicker, though. A couple of other thumbpickers of note are Comer (Moon) Mullins of Mountain View, AR and Eddie Pennington of Princeton, KY. Another Kentucky picker who is well worth a listen is Pat Kirtley of Bardstown. He is not as heavy on the thumb as Moon and Eddie but like them has won the National Thumbpicking Championship at the Folk Center in Mountain View. Moon is also a winner of the Land of the Legends contest in Kentucky. In addition he won the Land of the Legends playoff of champions. Andy Cohen of Memphis, TN is an excellent blues style fingerpicker. |
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04 Apr 00 - 03:42 AM (#206397) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Rick Fielding 'Course Ike Everly and Mose Rager are hard to beat. But the creme de la creme, the ne plus ultra, the Holy grail of jazzy fingerpickers was Snoozer Quinn. I'm told he was simply the finest...but....No one knows how to get his ONE ALBUM (recorded in Cincinatti in the 1950s) There are no company details that I can find. If anyone can provide any helpful info on how to find Snoozer's album, I'll wash their car for a year. P.S. He was one of Leo Kottke's favs. Rick |
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04 Apr 00 - 07:15 AM (#206420) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Murray MacLeod I second Bugsy's vote for Martin Simpson (and not only because I have booked him for our festival next February). Even if Celtic Guitar is not your thing, you should still check out my compatriot Tony McManus (Album "Tony McManus"). WOrld class fingerpicking. Murray |
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04 Apr 00 - 07:59 AM (#206431) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: MichaelM Rick I don't think this is entirely helpful but Snoozer Quinn sems to have recorded for Fat Cat records (not the modern UK label). I found this info att this address:http://www.trombone-usa.com/jazz-labels_f.htm Michael |
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04 Apr 00 - 08:16 AM (#206441) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: GUEST,Neil Lowe I'm partial to John Fahey....maybe not as whiz-bang awesome as some of the others mentioned above, but he plays his fast tunes with a lot of enthusiasm, and his slow ones with a lot of feeling. He experiments occasionally, and detours from conventional approaches to thumb/finger style picking, using alternative tunings and dissonant or "drone" note patterns that one doesn't normally hear in a folk or country vein. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Rick Fielding could tell you more, having seen him in concert, and from what I gather, was not too impressed with his performance. His opinion would serve as a counterbalance to mine, perhaps, and he would be far more qualified than me to comment on Fahey's technique, tunings, etc. As for myself, I just like his...ummm...brash?...unpolished?...devil-may-care?...approach to his guitar - the way he sounds like he's picking the strings close to the bridge to get a trebly sound. The only recording I have of his is titled, "The Essential John Fahey," which I wouldn't recommend, only because I'm not fond of most of the tunes on there, but I bought it anyway to replace another "Best Of" I had by him, titled (more or less) "The Best Of John Fahey, 1957-1977," which I've not been able to find. The latter was by far better than the former (IMO) as far as "Best Of" things go, and included his version of well-known tunes like, "In Christ There Is No East Or West," and "The Last Steam Engine Train." The one and only tune I learned by him was "Sunflower River Blues." If I still had that "1957-1977" recording, more of his tunes would be in my repertoire. Hope this helps. Regards, Neil |
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04 Apr 00 - 08:32 AM (#206449) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Mbo Oh Man! In Celtic music, I'd say David Allison. That guy's music moves my soul! --Mbo |
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04 Apr 00 - 08:43 AM (#206453) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Big Mick If any of you get a chance to listen to any of Brendan Nolan's albums, listen to his guitar work with a critical ear. You will enjoy the hell out of his playing. That man gets more out of a thumb, t'ree fingers and six strings than any player I have ever heard other than, maybe, Danny Doyle. Speaking of whom, The Doyler is another of the premier fingerpickers in the world. I would love to be listening when he and Brendan decided to have a showdown. All the best, Big Mick |
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04 Apr 00 - 08:52 AM (#206455) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Casey@50 Try Catfish Kieth or Chris Smithers. Don't be afraid of alternate tunings. You may find them easier to understand than you think. Could open up whole new avenues for you as a player. Casey |
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04 Apr 00 - 09:22 AM (#206471) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Whistle Stop I'll add another endorsement to Martin Simpson, and also Pat Kirtley. Also suggest John Renbourn (Celtic, Elizabethan and blues influences), and Ed Gerhard (very musical, great tone). Pierre Bensusan is another good one, although he gets kind of self-indulgent at times. A less well-known guitarist that you might want to check out is Al Petteway -- he's another Celtic-influenced guitarist who records for a small label called Maggie's Music. His stuff is not terribly difficult to pick up, and he is considerate enough to list his tunings and capo positions in the liner notes. Lots of great stuff out there -- enjoy. |
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04 Apr 00 - 09:59 AM (#206492) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: GUEST,Paul G. on the road Big Mick--- I offer a hearty endoesement of Brendan Nolan. Had the opportunity meet him last year at the Florida Folk Festival. Tremendous and articulate player. pg |
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04 Apr 00 - 11:04 AM (#206525) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Peter T. Dear Rick, I don't own a car, but there are all these windows in my house that are real dirty. You can hear a passel of Snoozer Quinn songs on Real Audio at:"http://user.icx.net/~bcassady/snoozer.html", a web page devoted to the legend. I see that he recorded with Bix and Tram!!!(lost, drat it.) yours, Peter T. |
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04 Apr 00 - 10:10 PM (#206804) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: GUEST,Frankie Michael, One of my favorite albums is Safe Sweet Home by John Miller on Rounder. It contains mostly standards (Blue Moon, For All We Know, Just in Time, etc.) an original, a Bob Wills and a country blues version of Hello Stranger. Miller's technique and tone are unbelievable but first and foremost he is so musical. His rendition of Molly is both touching and awe-inspiring.I hope it's available on CD. The albums before and after it, How About Me and Bidin' My Time [Gershwin Tunes] are also fine though not as strong all around, IMO. Incidentally, he seems to favor standard and Drop-D. Frankie PS Miller started recording again recently after a long hiatus. |
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04 Apr 00 - 10:20 PM (#206811) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Rick Fielding Peter and Michael THANK YOU! And I was lying about doing your windows, but I love you anyway. Rick |
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04 Apr 00 - 10:33 PM (#206816) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Rick Fielding Shoot the snoozer thing doesn't work. Could some kind soul do a "blue clicky"? I reall WILL wash your windows. Rick |
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04 Apr 00 - 10:38 PM (#206818) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Mike Regenstreif I'd highly recommend anything by Guy Van Duser, both his solo albums and duo albums with clarinetist Billy Novick. BTW, Guy & Billy will be at the Champlain Valley Folk Festival in Burlington, Vermont on the first weekend in August. Mike Regenstreif |
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04 Apr 00 - 10:41 PM (#206819) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Margaret V Okay, hardly commercial but totally great is Breton guitar player Bernard Benoit. I only know of one album by him, called "Lutunn Noz," or Celtic Guitar Music. It was recorded by Musical Heritage Society (now defunct?) I guess in the 1970s, but I just discovered it's been re-released on CD. A few tracks are marred by Star-Trekish female background vocals, but the great beauty of the album makes that little lapse forgivable. The Breton tunes really lend themselves to his style of picking. Margaret |
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04 Apr 00 - 10:44 PM (#206823) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: GUEST, Threadie I'm a bit biased, but: |
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05 Apr 00 - 12:29 AM (#206879) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Rick Fielding Well Michael..commercial enough for you? Gotta tell you, there's a guy named Tony Marcus (good swing guitarist) who did a "driving" version of Maple Leaf Rag about 35 years ago on a fingerpicking sampler (the label escapes me at the moment ) that just knocked me out. Rick |
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05 Apr 00 - 07:42 AM (#206929) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: black walnut bruce cockburn....lots of good stuff recorded on his early albums. canadian, eh? ~b.w. |
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05 Apr 00 - 08:31 AM (#206940) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Peter T. Dear Rick, just tried the site click here. Maybe you put in a "www" first or something....yours, Peter T. |
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05 Apr 00 - 10:39 AM (#206996) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Rick Fielding I'm listening now. I've gotten a bit teary, cause it's taken sooo long to find this man's music. This is sublime genius. An absolutely one of a kind player. Oh I wish more folks could here this. Maybe I'll trick them into listening, heh, heh, heh! Thank you Peter Rick |
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05 Apr 00 - 10:47 AM (#207004) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: GUEST,Neil Lowe Rick, here you go and here also. No charge...well, ummmm...how about a free music lesson in trade? Regards Neil |
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05 Apr 00 - 10:48 AM (#207006) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler I can't listen to on-line music here at work but this thread may make me check my Paul Whiteman tracks at home to see if he is on any of them. I love the name: Snoozer Quinn conjures up a relaxed genius like Jack Teagarden. RtS |
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05 Apr 00 - 10:51 AM (#207008) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Rick Fielding Neil, Rog. Ya gotta listen to these cuts. Forget the Whiteman, he's inaudible. Rick |
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05 Apr 00 - 02:21 PM (#207168) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Jim Krause I'm personally intreagued by Pat Donohue's playing. I widh Garrison Keillor would feature him more often. Got to catch a little of his show at the '99 bluegrass festival in Winfield KS. Great stuff. |
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05 Apr 00 - 05:27 PM (#207274) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Richard Bridge What no mention of Bert Jansch? Having recently seen Martin Carthy live in a small club and watched what he was doing to the Harry Lime Theme (honest) I think we forget.... Also I think we should remembr that more is not necessarily better, and sometimes, a bit like funk bass guitar it is what you leave out that makes the guitar, particularly in accompaniment. |
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05 Apr 00 - 05:38 PM (#207283) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton Pat Donahue is amazing! I think he can play any style and make it sound great. Chet Atkins is the King of Fing-erpicking on the "commercial" end of things in my view. But then there was Lenny Breau. Anyone tried to play "The Claw"? Frank |
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05 Apr 00 - 05:53 PM (#207295) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: MK Appreciate all the recommendations. Now...I've got some CDs to get. Thanks all! |
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05 Apr 00 - 07:31 PM (#207379) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Mike Billo Rick; Snoozer Quinn can be heard on LOTS of Jimmie Davis' stuff re-issued on Bear Family. |
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06 Apr 00 - 12:53 AM (#207544) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Rick Fielding Mike , love the stuff with Oscar Woods. "Comin' Through Town in a Red Nightgown" is one of my favourites. First heard the Jimmie Davis Bearsville releases in England, and it really surprised me when Leo Kottke said in an article that Snoozer had made SOLO cuts. Boy am I glad I heard them today. What a fine (and original) player. Rick |
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06 Apr 00 - 10:46 AM (#207671) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: GUEST,aldus I like a lot of the players mentioned..I would also suggest John Renbourne and Dave MacIssac. Dave plays an awesome celtic Guitar but unfortunately he is not widely known outside of Nova Scotia. But he has a number of CDs and I just love his stuff, a great player. |
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06 Apr 00 - 10:58 AM (#207677) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: GUEST,Julie You just have to listen to Keith Hinchcliffe who is currently based in Sheffield. Albums- O'Carlan's Dream and Islands. |
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06 Apr 00 - 11:31 AM (#207702) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Peg um...Geoff Bartley? I believe he has won some awards for flat-picking... good songwriter too! |
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06 Apr 00 - 09:29 PM (#208043) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Willie-O The two pre-eminent fingerpickers in this part of the world (east Ontario) are probably Terry Tufts and Alex Houghton. Surprised no one's mentioned Don Ross, of whom you must be aware. Of those three, Terry plays the most in "conventional" tunings, I think. Most you-should-pardon-the-expression cutting-edge fingerpickers today seem to prefer getting away from standard, a pretty understandable urge when you're using the guitar as a solo virtuoso instrument. Snoozer Quinn, now there's a name to be reckoned with. Never heard of him, was he a recurring bit player in an early sixties American sitcom? (Mayberry RFD?) Sounds like... Damn it, another name popped into my head...and I could not BELIEVE how obvious it was...meanwhile another Ontarian to reckon with would be Dave Essig... Willie-O |
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06 Apr 00 - 09:32 PM (#208045) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Willie-O Heard an interesting story about John Fahey, by the way. Seems he makes part of his living these days buying his own records in secondhand music stores, and reselling them by mail to fanatic European (of course) fans. Now there's a guy who knows how to make lemonade! W-O |
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06 Apr 00 - 10:21 PM (#208072) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Lucius Dave MacIssacs is incredible, but does he really fingerpick, or just flatpick faster than thought? Good thing that someone mentioned Tony McMannus, Chris Proctor too. How about Stefan Grossman, Phil Keaggy, Richard Thompson, Woody Mann, Ken Perlman, Preston Reed, Muriel Anderson, John Hammond, Mark Hanson, Rory Block, Rick Foster, Martin Taylor and Dale Miller. Getting further away from standard tuning are Adrian Legg, Pierre Bensussan, Martin Carthy, Marcel Dadi, and of course, Michael Hedges. Oh, I guess none of them are "commercial". |
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07 Apr 00 - 09:20 AM (#208268) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: GUEST,Neil Lowe Re Willy-O's John Fahey anecdote: I guess it beats pickin' for a living. |
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07 Apr 00 - 11:14 AM (#208345) Subject: RE: The best COMMERCIAL fingerpickers? From: Easy Rider Michael: Some of the names I had in mind have already been mentioned, but:
You should look for a CD of Eric Schoenberg, for Ragtime, also Ton VanBergyck [sic].
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