Warren, Brooklyn Mike: "You Ain't Going Nowhere"

I had heard this before and enjoyed it; especially that you make it your own.  You seem to really been growing steadily; something I hope to get back on track. 

The DVD on practicing actually showed me how gawd-awful my playing is, and discouraged me.  I had been practicing 2 hours a day and still can't stay on pace. 

(see http://soundcloud.com/peter-hyatt/redcaddv on how I go off pace by myself).

I am going to discipline myself to use a metronome as I don't have a drummer, for example, to keep my on pace.

I do think the DVD is well worth it, and I am at a loss to explain why it hit me the wrong way.  He is a great instructor.  

http://www.homespun.com/Instruments/Guitar/guitar-practice-and-musicianship/the-guitarist-s-personal-practice-trainer-and-warm-up-plan

Keep up the good work, Brooklyn Mike!  You're doing well.  

Hey Peter, 

Thanks for all the advice.  I'm a pretty low-tech sort, so I haven't ever thought of doing this kind of thing.  But I appreciate your suggesting GarageBand and a mic.  I have used GB for other recordings, maybe it's time to think of using it for guitar.  

Also, I wanted to know if you've listened to my version of St. James Infirmary.  There's a link just a few postings down on this Forum.  Please tell me what you think!  

cheers, 

Brooklyn Mike 

thanks, Mike.  I am going to re-record it, in "takes" instead of just 'winging' it in practice. 

For about $100, you can get a multi track recorder and you will, like me, have "others" to play with!  

I have been using Happy and Artie's DVDs, learning lead, blues jamming, to play along with.  These are a great help, and now I am using a portable Tascam, with rechargeable batteries, to have fun. 

 In adding in the uke, I attempted to mimic Happy's banjo sound from the '73 recording.  Eventually, I will consider purchasing a 6 string banjo. 

 I picked up an inexpensive bass guitar and have found out how difficult it is to play bass!  

I think you'll enjoy multi tracking if you give it a shot.  There are several alternatives:

Zoom H4n does a great job. It also has some effects.

Tascam DP 004 is tiny and the DP 008 has reverb and some effects. 

I use a Mac but haven't learned to use GarageBand yet, but people seem to love it as they only need to buy a condenser mic for it. 

My son had me email him "You Ain't Going Nowhere" and he is going to add in a keyboard sound and run it through GarageBand to make it sound better. 

There is even software which recognizes the precise note your voice is supposed to hit, and will make subtle changes to make your voice accuracy.  The technology is stunning. I won't be purchasing such software as I am going to do most always non vocal recordings, but it highlights how amazing technology has become.  

On top of everything else, Dylan's "Tempest" is coming out in September and an early report raves about it.  

I have two weeks vacation, finally, and am relaxing and playing guitar (with the recorder on) and having fun.  Thank you for your encouraging words.  

Hey Peter!  Really nice to hear from you... 

I have one word for this piece.  WOW.  It sounds so professional.  The harmonica, the uke, your vocals, and of course the guitar, just lovely.  It's such a great song and you really do it justice.  I am impressed.  

I have trouble finding time to play with others as well.  The only person I know who really plays is a pianist, which isn't the greatest combination, my guitar is totally drowned out.  But we've taken to just singing together sometimes which has been really fun.  We don't do it much, but it's better than nothing.  

cheers, Peter and keep up the beautiful playing! 

Brooklyn Mike 

As Mike has said previously, a compliment from Happy Traum speaks for itself.  

Warren, you're already aware of my respect and admiration for your work.  This makes your compliment is of great value to me. 

I reached a point where I wasn't growing as a guitarist, which was discouraging, so between that and working 2 jobs, coaching Little League and raising a family...

Having no time to play with others has been awful...so when I picked up a Tascam multi track...well, it is a lot of fun and I can start to learn the lead material that Artie taught so well with my own backing tracks. 

Thank you for the kind words.  

Hey Peter, what a great job. That happens to be one of my all time favorite songs. I always thought it was a Joan Baez tune, because I saw her perform it when I was a kid. The point is that you've come along way. This is very beautifully done. I'm glad that you are singing. Your voice fits well here and besides you have a nice tone. My only criticism would be, Where the Heck have you been?   And do more in this style it seems to fit you like a glove,

Take care,

Warren Mayo

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Very nice job, Peter. Sounds good!