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Saturday, April 25, 2020

Playing with Myself: "Dreams"

Several years ago I attempted an acoustic cover of my favorite song, the Allman Brothers Band's epic meditation "Dreams". It was pretty messy - bad mics, out of tune piano, bad rhythm, etc. I tried it again. Not sure if it's any better, but at least it's sonically cleaner.




Friday, April 10, 2020

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Playing with Myself: "Albatross"

This was a tough one. Not an easy arrangement since the original is so dependent on reverb atmosphere.



Thursday, April 2, 2020

Playing with Myself: "The Weight"

I've been meaning to work up a full version of "The Weight". I guess now seems as good a time as any to record a quick solo version.

Everyone loves The Band's "The Weight". It's an FM radio staple, a bar band anthem singalong, and been covered by too many artists to count from the moment it was released. Robbie Robertson's evocative tapestry of a drifter weaving through a colorful cast characters is both fantasy and relatable at the same time. The simple, folksy song structure lends itself to interpretation by artists as diverse as The Staple Singers, Joe Cocker, and even Aretha Franklin, among so many more the song would have reached over saturation were it not so good.

It's Aretha swampy take that inspires this version. Duane Allman famously played slide guitar on her funky, soul take that downplays the melancholy original. Decades later, the Allman Brothers would cover "The Weight" in the same style as an homage to their fearless leader.


Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Playing with Myself: "Ain't Wasting Time No More"

Most artists can work alone at home, but musicians are feeling the isolation. I even got a little tired of being limited to just one instrument, so I decided as long as I'm alone together I might as well play with myself. Here is a favorite, the Allman Brothers Band's "Ain't Wasting Time No More"