Statesboro Blues Blind Willie McTell Bottleneck Guitar Blues

[cammarasana2]

di solito è il cane che abbaia

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@cammarasana2 Translation: Usual, it is the dog that barks. Thank you for your comment. Enjoy.

[epasurr]

You sound beyond fantastic man! You perform much or is this just more of a hobby?

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@epasurr Thank you for your comment. Actually, I spent most of my life working as a professional chef. I play on the subway platforms in NYC and when I'm on vacation in Cape Cod on the streets. Not playing this year as much as last. I've been teaching more. I also teach therapeutic exercise (Tai Chi Chuan) too. So, I keep pretty busy. Enjoy.

[wc4dblues]

Another nice video, I am checking out those Republic guitars you recommended, was wondering if you would email me so I can pick your brain a little. I already have a 14 fret Duolian, And am thinking about getting a Tri-plate. I like the ones with the "mother of toilet seat" head stock. Want to get your opinion. Didn't know how else to reach you

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@wc4dblues Please feel free to write and ask questions. You can also reach me at kenileeburgess at aol dot com. Sorry about the delayed reponse. I just returned from a 15 day trip to China. Happy Hoildays. Enjoy, Keni Lee

[wc4dblues]

@KeniLeeBurgess I've always wanted to go to China, what an amazing culture! It

must feel so old, It must feel like the difference between the east coast, and the west coast. When I'm back east everything feels so old, and established compared to out here. Hope you had a good trip, did you see the guitar factories? They're making some nice guitars over there, it's scary just how nice.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@wc4dblues China is a very large place! There are areas like Beijing that are modern just like walking on the streets of uptown NYC. There are places just like an old Kung Fu movie. In addition to music, I teach therapeutic exercise. Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung. I went to China for further study. The manufacturing that brought great wealth to the west is now happening in the east. The sleeping Dragon is waking up. The new world order is taking place right in front of your eyes. Enjoy.

[CodySchofield]

wow that was great and the dog barking in the begaining of it topped it off

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@CodySchofield Thank you for your comment. I am glad to hear you enjoyed it.

[epasurr]

what part of the country do you live in?

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@epasurr Thank you for your question. I live in the north east, New Jersey. Right outside of NYC. Enjoy.

[gonzocurt]

Very cool. Dang I play a little guitar and I always thought a Dobro was a different instrument. Isn't this essentially a guitar with a metal body?

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for your comment. There are two designs: Square neck for lap playing (string height is very high) and Round neck that it basically a standard guitar. Due the resonator cone, I would compare it to playing a banjo. Enjoy.

[1958wvpicker]

well Keni

I seen 3 of your vidios

and your playing 3 different guitars

you must have quite a collection of these

keep up the good work

how many yrs have you been playing

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. All my instruments are for sale at the right price. There is one on ebay now. They are constantly coming and going. I started playing back in 1984 while serving in the USAF stationed in San Antonio Texas. Enjoy.

[TheDunums]

Your videos are always so awesome to watch! We love them! Your style is so unique. The way you play the guitar is so full with emotions. That's what we like about it that much. -The Dunums

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for your comment. I am glad you are enjoying my performances. I try my best not to hold back and keep in the moment. You got to preach or testify, if you want to play the blues.

[leftchicago]

Good stuff. Apparently I liked it better than your dog ;).

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. LOL My dog, Onyx got better things to do than sit around hearing me bang on this old box. Lord knows, he must of heard every song I play at least a dozen times. Happy Holidays. Enjoy.

[slackaware]

Very good man.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Enjoy.

[kiltedrebel]

Excellent, I really enjoyed the sound of the guitar and your voice compliments it perfectly! Nice!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for your kind words. This guitar is a 1930s fiddle edge Regal Alhambra. It has a spider bridge cone found commonly in Dobro resonator guitars. These cones have a more blended tone in comparison to the sharp crisp tone found in biscuit bridge National cones. Enjoy.

[BonoTheDwarf]

hi there Keni, Is that CGCEGC starting from the thickest string or the thinnest ?

Ta.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Yes from Low to high (CGCegc) I usually write the bigger bass strings in capitol letters. Just like Open D, but a whole step lower. Enjoy.

[endofdays212]

MAN...this guitar has a very nice sound to it...I love your cigar boxes' and the stella as well, but this is a really nice one too....very rich, and deep. You are an amazing talent as well....I can't stop watching these here videos of yours!!! HAHAHA! Can't wait for the CD to get here!! <3

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for the nice comments. This guitar has a spider bridge cone resonator. This set up is typically used by country bluegrass slide players who mainly play with the guitar laying across their lap. Please see my video: How to select a Resonator Guitar and Bottleneck Slide for Blues

[argo984]

good vibe :)

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you.

[wokwolo]

Hi KeniLee,

it's my first post, so I congratulate you to ALL your videos - I'm gonna buy your instructional videos for sure. But one question: I ordered a National Style 1 Tricone and now worry about it's possible to tune it down to "open c" (open d "vestapol" one step low). What's your experience on this? Or should I have ordered a Baritone?

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Don't worry, you don't need a baritone. It is just a relationship between string gauge and tuning that makes it possible to play in higher or lower pitches with a Bottleneck. Please see this video, Bottleneck Slide Blues Guitar Video CD Sample Lesson $9.99 It will explain about tuning. Enjoy.

[paulthebob]

thats some great playing and i love that steel acoustic man

so nice

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for the encouragement. Happy Holidays! Enjoy.

[LeviMan2001]

does that have a bigsby on it?

[KeniLeeBurgess]

No, but after viewing the video again, it does look that way. lol. It is just the design of the tailpiece and cover plate that is creating the illusion. I've never seen a bigsby on a resonator guitar. Interesting idea, but I assume I can just create the same effect with the slide. Enjoy.

[rooiewil]

Oh my that boy can play.

I'm jealous of the way you can play.

Very good.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. If you are interested in learning I can help. I will send you some information. Enjoy.

[opel47]

bad ass

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for your comment.

[mara235]

As always - wonderful stuff, if I could sing I'd love to join ya in this sweet summertime scene! Oh, and give the cute pooch in the doorway a pet for me.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. My dog's name is Onyx. He is four years old. I rescued him from the animal shelter when he was one. He is a cocker spanial poddle mix. Learning to sing isn't that hard. If you have a guitar or a piano you can learn to match the notes in a musical scale to your voice. Then start with simple songs that have a strong melody line like Happy Birthday. After a lttle practice, come around back, and we will sing a little song. Enjoy.

[JohnLadas1973]

very good !

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you.

[nolahoff]

Great voice, fantastic playing, I couldn't have asked for more. Thanks for sharing.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for the kind words.

[joshmatica]

I would love to play harp with you man!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Hey, I could certainly use a harp player. Thanks for the offer.

[joshmatica]

so cool with the dog and porch...way old school blues!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. This is just like the back porch referred to in so many Blues lyrics. The sun is going to shine in my backdoor someday.

[VenusInAries]

Awesome!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you.

[southbranchdaddy]

KeniLee: Just got a Republic single cone, distressed finish steel body guitar and man looks like I came to the right, soulful, bluesy, righteous place to learn.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. I know you are going to enjoy your Republic Guitar. The best value your money could buy. Enjoy. Stay tuned. More information on the way.

[richardcorysghost]

Excellent news, Keni, looking forward to the new instructional DVD.

Glad to hear you're keeping it goin' and are planning series three already.

Thanks for the background on the Blind Willie song, didn't know Mr McTell had nicked ideas from elsewhere, and hadn't made the Canned Heat connection at all!

Little snippets of Blues history are always a very welcome addition to my own knowledge of what is, in effect, a lifetime pursuit for me,

Thanks again,

Rich

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Henry Thomas wrote Going Up The Country as perfromed by Canned Heat. The orginally name is Bull Doze Blues. The lyrics are different, but clearly the melody is the same. It has the flute in it also. I just finished recording Series 3 Lesson 1A. I'll post it to announce the availablity of Series 2 on ebay. Series 3 will build on Series 1 & 2. It will show the relationship between the two tunings and how to optimize what you have learned by understanding how to transfer ideas between keys.

[richardcorysghost]

Hey Keni,

I finally got my hands on a tricone resonator, and have been going through your instruction DVD which I am thoroughly enjoying.

Can I just say I really like your approach, particularly your Fred McDowell/Hubert Sumlin/ open D material.

Thanks a lot Keni, you're a true star!

After the film is done, are you gonna do a second instruction DVD?

Some of your instruction material seems to have gone from your channel, and I'll happily purchase it on DVD.

Thanks again,

Rich

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you Rich. I'm glad you are enjoying the method and your Tricone. Series 2 will be available for sale very soon. With any luck, the CDs will be all pressed by Tues. or Wed. So, please stay tuned. I'll be starting Series 3 soon also.

[trevorm1]

Great song.

You do busking right? Im going to start doing that here in my town and I was wondering if you have any tips that you'd like to share.

Thanks again for all the great music.

Trevor

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you Trevor. Advice? Make sure your pitch (location) is legal. You don't want problems with the man. If the man tells you to go...pack up to go...and then ask why. It's all about location. A place with a lot of foot traffic, but where people might be waiting around. That's why the platforms are a great place. New crowd every 10 minutes. Although it may be legal to perform and collect donations, vending CDs on the street may be illegal. Know the laws, are find out the hard way. Enjoy.

[organicpaul]

Hi Keni

is this this taught on the cd?Great playing by the way.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Yes and No. Please, let me explain. Series 1 teaches the method I use to arrange and figure out songs. I think if you take the time to work thru these lessons, you will have no trouble watching this Staesboro Blues video and understanding what I'm playing. This song is made up of a variety of simple ideas that are presented on the CD. If you are interested in practicing with me, please consider starting with the Series 1 CD. It will make future free lessons easier to learn.

[fingercheese]

Wonderful blues man....your guitar skills are impressive

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you very much for your comment.

[guitarstuff89]

nice nice nice

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you.

[downhill240]

A good dog, a good back porch,a good guitar, good health, a beautiful day, And the best of all a great talent. What more is there anyhow?!

[NixonMcvicar]

great isn't it ? love this guy's stuff, the whole approach too... Keni, this is so cool.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you are enjoying the videos. I've been working on some new ideas. So, please stay tuned. Please feel free to write if you have any questions.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Life is Good!

[lasht2monyon]

and the tone quality of that guitar is awsome in the open air,

another good tune

out doors in june :-D

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. I'm always surprised by the power of the resonator guitar. I guess in reality, a resonator guitar really pushes some air and the vibrating cone is reproducing tones no differently than a regular electric speaker.

[Thouchins]

Keni,

Do you play all your tunes in Open tuning?

I'm just using Open G tuning and it's great.

I don't think I"ll go back to standard tuning.

How did you learn the fingering chords that you throw in?

Terry in Texas

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Well, I do play standard guitar, but 95 percent of the time, I play in open tunings. If you are interested in learning this style, please consider purchasing my instructional video CD that is avaialable for sale on ebay. Just search: Keni Lee It is only $9.99, and it teaches the method I use to arrange and figure out songs. Also, I am always available to answer your questions. Thank you again for your interest.

[davensonya]

Hey, Ken, it looks like the sun's actually shinning on your back door! about time!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Great comment!!!

[bluescollarband]

Well done Keni . Very tasteful.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you.

[bluespower]

great keni!superb as always, stay kooool

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you Bluespower.

[csnym]

Once again Keni well done! What type of guitar? Interesting tone between the subdued resonance of a Dobro and steel. Just about finished with your instructional CD. When are you releasing the new one? Thanks again Tom

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you Tom, This is a 1935 M14 Fiddle-edge Regal Alhambra Dobro (Spider Bridge) Resonator. You are exactly right, they seem to fall tonally between Dobros and Steel Nationals(Biscuit Bridge) Resonators. They tell me, I'll have the Series 2 instructional video CD available for sale by early next week (6/25/08?). Thanks for your support. Enjoy.

[hezzart]

Nice video composition, this guitars works well outside with the rays of light :D

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Ya, sitting on the back porch in the sun worked out nicely. You can't beat natural light for filming.

[bigfrank1961]

Sounds great Keni.....What's the name of this song?

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you.

From Wikipedia: "Statesboro Blues" is a blues song in the key of C written by Blind Willie McTell. The title refers to the town of Statesboro, Georgia. First recorded on October 17, 1928.

McTell borrowed part of the lyrics from a 1923 Sippie Wallace recording of "Up the Country Blues", which was later popularized by Canned Heat as "Goin' up the Country".

A familiar version of the song is by The Allman Brothers Band, as recorded at the Fillmore East in March 1971

[fendermac]

Excellent job.Excellent dog!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Ya, my dog Onyx is a good one.