rudy - Posted - 04/12/2019:  05:06:08

It’s nice to hear tunes that are of recent composition that are instantly likable and are working their way into the musical vernacular.  Such is the nature of this week’s Tune Of The Week, Salt Spring, composed by John Reischman.

I first became aware of the tune when John played it during his interview on Cameron DeWhitt’s Get Up  In The Cool episode #122 (December 26th, 2018) with John Reischman and Eli West.

You can listen to the podcast and hear John discuss the tune at the following link.  As always, the Get Up In The Cool podcasts are well worth listening to and I heartily recommend you check them ALL out!

getupinthecool.fireside.fm/122

The tune title is listed as “Saltspring” for the official John Reischman and the Jaybirds video, but titled as Salt Spring on their CD recording of the tune.

 John is a mandolin player, but this is one of those tunes that transfers easily to other instruments.

The official Youtube video:

Watch on Youtube:

youtube.com/watch?v=AtEFXm7eobg

Lukas Pool has a great solo clawhammer version of “Salt Spring” posted on Youtube:

Watch on Youtube:

youtube.com/watch?v=AwmDBBvoOWs

There’s even a Bluegrass “backing track” on Youtube if desire to play along:

youtube.com/watch?v=b9mUVReGY4w

Here’s my version, first with solo banjo followed by a flushed out version with guitar/bass backup 1 minute and 20 seconds in, followed by a “banjo-less” version for you to play along with:

Watch on Youtube:

youtu.be/I5pnYR_Qp2w

I don't do tab or notation, so you have to figure out the tune by ear until somebody else posts tab or notation.  Don't forget that the little "wheel" to the left of "YouTube" at the bottom right of the viewing window is the settings icon.  When you click it you can then slow down the tune without changing the pitch, making it much easier to learn a new tune by ear.

Hope you find "Salt Spring" enjoyable and a tune that you can’t resist playing!

Edited by - rudy on 04/12/2019 11:45:21

lapsteel - Posted - 04/12/2019:  11:19:27

Many thanks Sir! You did a terrific job! I appreciate it.

BTuno - Posted - 04/13/2019:  09:34:07

Good Choice Rudy! I've played it 3 finger bluegrass style, Nick Hornbuckle plays it 2 finger, but imo it really sounds best clawhammer style. Thanks.