When I was a child I used to sit in church and look forward to the next congregational song. Sometimes the song leader would ask for someone to volunteer a song number, and I remember a few times speaking up and requesting a certain song that I was especially fond of. I suppose it made me feel important to hear the congregation singing what I requested! But anyway, I guess my point is that music has always been a very important part of my life, even when the only music I knew were the songs out of that old black hymnal. Most of you are familiar with it? I think the Holdemans are still using the same one.
I am no longer a believer, but the melody and the poetry of those old songs still haunt me. I have worked out my own guitar instrumental versions of a few of them, and playing these songs passionately on the guitar can provide a very pleasant experience for me.
I started a google site this afternoon and downloaded a couple mp3 versions to it. You can go to the following site if you care to listen;
The first song is "Precious Memories". There is a line that goes something like, "And old home scenes of my childhood, in fond memory appear", that just kind of captures the heart every time. Dont know why.
The second song is "Sweet Hour of Prayer". I have a lot more attachment to the melody of this song than the message. But the words do have some poetry that I appreciate. "In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief". Substitute guitar playing for prayer in this song, and the words would become more meaningful to me.
It does seem to me that anyone who would find the need to spend a full solid hour in prayer would be dealing with some serious issues. It doesnt seem likely that the experience could be described as sweet! But regardless, the melody can be very sweet.
Good job, Stan!....I really enjoy this kind of music as well, and it's getting harder to find. I made sure to save these to my MP3 collection. As you said, the words seem sort of odd and out of date in a lot of hymns, but the tunes are simple and timeless.
I added one more guitar instrumntal to the above site. "Farther Along". I couldn't find it in the old black hymnal, so I'm not sure why it's so familiar. But it's a great simple melody; perhaps the best of the 3 posted.
Stan, I loved your guitar instrumental of "Farther Along". One question: You recorded the Chorus twice, any way you'd consider adding a verse to that? I appreciate the time you guys put into recording your talent and putting it out there for us to enjoy.
Sorry, I have not listened to the song for years and was just playing from memory. I guess I was thinking the verse and the chorus were the same tune. Now that I think about it a little more, I may remember a little different melody to the first part that goes "Tested and tried, we're all made to wonder..."
I'm a little red faced right now, but let me work on that and I'll let you know when I update it. I bet I can find this song somewhere on the net.
Amazing----------grace? Stan; Another example of the cognitive dissonance that exists in this paradoxical animal called Homo Sapien. Ecce Homo. A stark contrast between the rational man and the passionate man. Be forewarned of the madness that ensues when you try to reconcile the two.
Stan, I only had the nerve to ask because I enjoy your playing. And because that is a common tune in religious circles and easy to sing.
This message has been edited by A.T.Loewen on Apr 28, 2009 11:27 PM This message has been edited by A.T.Loewen on Apr 28, 2009 11:24 PM This message has been edited by A.T.Loewen on Apr 28, 2009 11:20 PM
I was searching for a Utube versio of "Farther Along" and found this one by the Peasall Sisters. They sang in the movie "Oh Brother Where Art Thou" and also on a concert DVD I have called "Down From the Mountian". This version has a lot of heart in it!
I'm always curious about technique. Do you use the "pinch" method of picking out the melody on "Precious Memories" or is this performed on a 12-string guitar?
BTW, good stuff! May I request "The Old Rugged Cross" next?
OS, I let the spell checker spell the word and didn't notice that it was different than Alf's word. Go with his.
Regarding my technique, I'm not familiar with the pinch method, and I use a 6 string. I am plucking several stings at the same time to get the melody, and then letting them ring as I strum to fill in. I am just using my fingers, no pick.
I'll give "The Old Rugged Cross" a try. If it fits well with my style I'll post it.
OS, thanks for the suggestion of "The Old Rugged Cross". Was never one of my favorites, but after working out an arrangement, I decided I am quite fond of that old melody.
Some of the techniques are stretching my talent a little, so there are a few buzzing strings and maybe a missed note or two, but overall I thought the arrangement worked fairly well. I now have it posted on my google site.
BTW, plucking strings simultaneously with the thumb and forefinger is what is known as the "pinch" method. It makes nice harmonies possible that you cannot get by flatpicking.
Your style of playing really fits those old hymns. It is smooth, flowing, and laid-back. If I may be so bold, try adding a 2-chord or a 6-chord occasionally. The minor chords add tension that makes for a nice resolution on the 5-chord.
Right, Scott?
This message has been edited by OriginalSinnick on May 3, 2009 5:44 AM
OS, thanks for the encouragement and the advice. I think I know what you mean about the minor chord, although I am not nearly as up on the chord structure as you or Scott. I just play with this stuff until it starts to come together. Sometimes I am limited by what chords I can use by the required finger positions for individual melody notes.
A.T., yes I will add songs from time to time. Most of the songs I play are secular and require singing. That is where my talent falls short, and I dont have the nerve to post those. But I think Ill continue to find old melodies, both gospel and folk, that fit my style. Ill put out a notice when I get a few more up, or just check it from time to time.
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