Hey Sonic Junction -
Rick Estrin, back again. This time I'm doing my take on Lightnin'. It's a tune that James Cotton and Otis Spann recorded on the Prestige label back in 1964 when they were both members of Muddy Waters second great band. I'm playing it on an A harmonica, in crossed position. This is a driving song that conveys a lot of ferocity, but producing the impression of that ferocity, requires a certain amount of finesse. I chose to do this song, rather than creating an original piece like I normally do, because I've had Cotton on my mind. Last month I participated in a tribute to Cotton that's going to be part of a documentary on his life. During an interview segment, Paul Oscher suggested I do this song. This one's for the late, great, James Cotton.
Rick
Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
Chicago Blues
A Harp in the Key of E.
Loop 0:15 Whole Performance
Loop 0:00 First Verse
Loop 0:26 Second Verse
Loop 0:50 3rd Verse
Loop 1:14 4th Verse
Loop 1:38 5th Verse
Loop 2:02 6th Verse
Loop 2:26 7th Verse
Loop 2:51 8th Verse
Loop 3:15 9th Verse
Loop 3:39 10th Verse
Comments
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Is there a backing track for this lesson ?
Wow! What a gift! Thanks for sharing this with us Rick. I hope you'll let us know when the documentary becomes available.
Bill
Hi Bill, I'm not sure when the documentary might be completed, but it's being made by a legit company called Northern Light Productions, out of Boston. They flew a bunch of us in for interviews and a tribute concert. It was a lot of fun just hangin out with everyone and reminiscing about Cotton.
I eared that song long time ago at Manny s Car Wash by you Rick !! I think It was in 1996 or so ?? That was the only time that you played in the high end of the harp ... and Yeah the "dinamyc" of that song to me , Really intense !! Love that song !! thanks Rick !!
Yeah, Lightnin' was part of the LC repertoire for decades! Glad you like it!
A nice Friday treat! Thanks Rick
Thanks Paul, I hope you enjoy the series.
It's always so pleasant to disvover a new piece of you, asking "where is he bringing us this time?".
Happy to land in the field of Cotton!
Thanks
Thanks Tomi, Have fun with it!
I like it
Thanks Boyd - Glad you like it!