Hey Sonic Junction!
This week we'll be dissecting verses two and three of the James Cotton/Otis Spann gem, "Lightnin". Verse two is a variation of the verse one theme, with some, different hand effects, some contrast devices, and a couple other small twists. Verse three is a departure from the theme. It's almost all tongue flutters and trills up to the V change. There're a lot of textural variations coloring this tune. Add as many as you can to your expression pallet and learn to incorporate them as you feel 'em!
Rick Estrin
Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
Chicago Blues
Print Chords & Tab
A Harp in the Key of E.
Loop 1:11 Run-Through of 2nd Verse
Loop 1:44 Breakdown of First 4 Bars
Loop 3:47 IV Chord Breakdown
Loop 5:32 Turnaround Breakdown
Loop 9:35 3rd Verse - Breakdown of First 4 Bars
Loop 12:30 3rd Verse - IV Chord Breakdown
Loop 14:12 3rd Verse - Turnaround Breakdown
Loop 15:20 3rd Verse Practice Loop
Comments
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It took me 10 years to do the flutter at that speed. I would measure against Kim Wilson in "Oh Baby" off Smokin' Joint.
Kim can do it beautifully
3rd Verse is a little tricky, I like it
Glad you like it, Boyd!
Very fun to play. A lot in here
Wow Rick ... that s the Scariest thing I ve heard lately .... définitely want to play with intentional slop !! love that s stuff !! witch album of Cotton would you recommand with that stuff ?? thanks a lot !!
There's a CD series called Chicago The Blues Today - Volume 2 of that series has some songs by the Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet. Get that! Get The Blues Never Die, by Otis Spann. Get Johnny Young's Chicago Blues Band on Arhoolie records. Those'll be a great place to start