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Chris Cooper |
Posted by Chris Cooper
[download]
- Play count: 3489
Size: 987kb, uploaded 1/25/2011 4:22:39 AM
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish / Playing Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)
The band asked me to work this one up and to be honest it's a million miles away from my usual style. I tried to work it up in 'open G' tuning; then changed my mind and used 'open D' tuning, then decided I wanted a low drone so started again in 'open C' capoed up to D. It's a beautiful tune and I think i've done it justice, i'm quite proud of this one, hope y'all like it. I would like to thank my beautiful mother Colleen Cooper, for a fantastic job working the recording software and all the support whilst I was working up the tune. Thanks Mum!
18 comments on “Ashokan Farewell”
airborne Says:
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 @4:37:18 AM
like it, its not an easy tune to play.
Don Borchelt Says:
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 @7:43:56 AM
This is truly exceptional playing. A fine, fine arrangement, played with great grace and sensitivity. You have a superb job, Mr. Cooper.
Don Borchelt Says:
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 @7:46:37 AM
You have done a superb job, I meant to say.
John Kuhn Says:
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 @11:29:32 AM
YES!..Like how ya kept the melody in the lower octave. Really tasty man! Seasoned with just right LH embellishments.
buckbybanjoboy Says:
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 @12:13:29 PM
Sounds awfully good to me Chris, and if that`s played on the Huber its sweet...................Regards Peter V.
Carlaway Says:
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 @1:48:35 PM
What a beautiful rendition of one of my favorite tunes. Thanks for posting.
dubtom Says:
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 @2:38:10 PM
One of my favorites, you do it justice sir. You might, if the mood takes you, create a tab for those like me who dream of being able to play as well as your good self, but aren't there just yet.
rudykizuty Says:
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 @3:16:46 PM
Very sweet.
beaumont Says:
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 @9:56:52 PM
wonderful arrangement, shows how the banjo can weave around the tune, loved it!
Chris Cooper Says:
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @3:10:05 AM
Wow!
Guys I am absolutely blown away with all of your responses!
It is encouragement indeed to be given such praise by people such as yourselves.
It is indeed; as always, played on my Huber Lancaster, unfortunately my old Gibson rarely comes out of its case anymore. The Huber is THAT good.
I am delighted that so many of you took the time to listen and comment on this recording,
Thank you, all of you!
Chris.
AnsacsteveOLD Says:
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @4:24:02 AM
Its a cracker mate! Looking fwd to some more buddie
Tuneager Says:
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 @11:42:25 AM
That really is a beautiful melody, always loved this tune, you really did do it it great justice. Bona Fide!
Tom Berghan Says:
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @4:13:47 AM
This tune has a lot of "space" in it and our instrument doesn't really have the necessary sustain. But we sometimes have various tricks to fill the space without overpowering a spacious melody. The problem is few of us can find these "tricks!" You found all the right rolls and appreggio to fill the space and yet still leave the tune with enough air. It is the best banjo version I have heard. Nice harmonies, trills, slurs and appogiatura too. Very nice my friend! Much appreciated. Best Wishes, Tom
Chris Cooper Says:
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @5:00:43 AM
Thanks so much Guys!
This tune was a whole lot of work, but I had so much fun putting it together. It's great that the tune has gone on to get such a great reception from my friends here on the hangout.
When I started to work on the tune, I had he melody that the fiddle player from our band plays in the back of my mind and a rough idea that I wanted to do something similar to what Jim Mills did with "how great thou art".
Im amazed how the tune and my approach to it, evolved as I figured out how best to interpret the melody, as I said in the description of the recording I went through 3 different tunings before I settled on C tuning.
I just kept thinking melody, melody, melody, haunting drone, drone haunting LOL I'm really pleased with the outcome and for it to be descibed as the best banjo version any listener has heard is huge accolade and means the world to me, but for a banjo player to say that leaves me absolutely astounded.
Thanks again to all of you for leaving your thoughts for me to read, you are all really appreiciated.
Chris.
Grumps Says:
Friday, February 18, 2011 @7:38:17 AM
Really Great Chris!
Looking forward to meeting you & hopefully hearing more @your Derby workshop,
Regards, Ted (Grumps)
mikey5string Says:
Tuesday, July 26, 2011 @4:01:42 PM
nice. I am going to play this at a wedding coming up and your arrangement is great inspiration.
double E Says:
Monday, February 6, 2012 @5:04:23 PM
Chris,
You did some mighty good playing on this tune and the others also. The Huber sounds great. Elston.
lewis_86 Says:
Friday, November 16, 2012 @3:14:36 AM
Smashing stuff Chris!
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