Jesus Is On The Mainline Gospel Blues Slide Guitar

[HudsonBendTX]

You should move to Austin. We need you here!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@HudsonBendTX Thank you for your comment. I lived in San Antonio while I was in the USAF and stationed at Kelly AFB back in the 80s. I made a trip once to Austin with a friend who was obsessed with Austin City Limits BBQ. If I remember correctly, it was about a 2 hour drive to get some dinner. LOL Happy New Year. Enjoy.

[Tobytwirl1000]

Lovely

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@Tobytwirl1000 Thank you for your comment. Keep your Faith.

[SmilinJackB]

Wonderful job, Rev.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@SmilinJackB Thank you for your encouraging words. Keep your Faith.

[Gauraonline]

Is this called open C tuning ? Are you really a Reverend ? You are reviving my love of Delta music that I used to play many years ago ! Thank you very much, and Praise God, Praise Jesus !

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@Gauraonline Thank you for your interest and questions. Actually, this is Vestapol tuning (commonly called open D, DADf#ad) but I am tuned lower for my voice to the key of C (CGCegc). Yes, I am a Reverend ordained by the Universal Life Church. I am a NYC subway platform perfomer and music teacher. Please feel free to write if you have any further questions. Happy Holidays. Enjoy.

[Gauraonline]

Keni Lee, you are reviving my love for the old country gospel of Delta music. I used to play in the clubs of Winnipeg and then migrated to Chicago to play in blues bands there. I knew that the blues originated with gospel music and then it became secularized. GIving praise to Christ and God is the best use of this soulful music style. I want to learn how to play it , even though I jsut have a simple acoustic guitar.

Is this called open C tuning ?

[journeyer58]

Keni Lee, wow! The Gospel album will be something else. This song is reminiscent of growing up in the church. Many years ago, the church still allowed some blues playing and this is GREAT! Thanks for the memory!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@journeyer58 Thank you for your encouragement. Soon, I will begin a series of lessons on gospel guitar. Unfortunately, due to my current financial situation the accompanying music CD will have to wait until I have the money for studio time.

[grandpasdobro]

Nice!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@grandpasdobro Thank you for your comment. Enjoy.

[bobhope7]

great!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@bobhope7 Thank you for your comment. Enjoy. 

[littlebird140]

Friend, I love it!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@littlebird140 Thank you for your kind words. Enjoy.

[gageman70]

movin the spirit in this wretch :)

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@gageman70 Thank you for your comment. Keep the Faith.

[cbellh47]

Thank you. Amen.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@cbellh47 Thank you for your comment. Keep the Faith.

[malinois]

I really enjoy your music. It has a great feel and I just love turning up the volume and stompin a foot with ya. Keep up the good work, thank you.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@malinois Thank you very much for your kind words and encouraging comments. I am glad to hear you are enjoying my music.

[punxy53]

Super enjoyable. Thanks.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@punxy53 Thank you for your comment. Enjoy

[jayletroll]

Thanks for all your videos. Just plain enjoyable. Ever been down to Clarksdale or and other Delta locale? BTW where are the dogs?

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@jayletroll Thank you for interest and comments. No, I have not been to Mississippi yet. I hope someday to make a pilgrimage down there. The smaller dog was just visiting. My dog, Onyx still appears in some of my more recent videos. Enjoy.

[zebrow23]

This is fantastic stuff! Your playing reminds me of Leo Kottke

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@zebrow23 Thank you for your comment. Enjoy.

[youcancallmeroy1]

Great job KeniLee, God bless

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@youcancallmeroy1 Thank you for your comment. Keep the Faith. Enjoy.

[TheDunums]

What a nice sound! You play great! I would be that happy if I had half of your talent. -David Friedli

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@TheDunums Thank you very much for your encouragement. It all comes down to desire. If you are willing to put in the time on a regular basis, anything is possible. Like the Nike ad...just do it.

Enjoy.

[healthnbeauty1]

That was a nice performance!!!! I felt the Holy Spirit in that song. Nice guitar too!!!!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@healthnbeauty1 Thank you for your comment. I always loved this sweet gospel folk song. Definitely dated by making telephone references to a main line. The guitar is from the 1930s. They are still easily found on ebay for a couple hundred dollars. Unfortunately they can require a hundred or two more to get them back into playable shape. Enjoy.

[getyourtruth]

ooooow whaaat dooo weee haveee heeeereee..... aaaa veeery veeery veeery jeeeaaalooouus fancy fancy fancy booobbyyyfaaadeeeel, well Get a life ok ok ok and just read word by word what the man said back to you, oh baby, sometimes life is too perfect, IN FOUR FACE, LOL !

[getyourtruth]

powerful, purity, guts, amazing football tackle going gently, balance, inner peace no matter the world's rules man you simply GOT IT

[bobbyfadel]

Get a bag and put all those tuning terms and all the knots and vines attached and clinging to the long neck and the skinny bulk. Put 'em all in a bag and throw 'em into the nearest far moving river. Not the Mississipi because the bag won't make it to New Orleans, despite all the rotten clean middle class hopeless college grads singing her praises. All those terms, those germs, and technology won't make through the silt beds and the mucky oyster brine.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Words can never replace the actual experience. Pictures cannot illustrate it either. We live through it minute by minute. It is always changing. Never the same. I can't speak for others, only for myself. I don't know their minds, I barely understand my own. Thank you for your comment. May your life go well.

[bobbyfadel]

Keni,

 Fuck all that shit. Go out with your repertoire and play it in the clubs. Take your stones. And take your stones. There's your lessons. There's your curves. Wear suits. Fine suits. Save your pennies and buy the fine suits - 6 1/2 inches on the bottom. No pleats. Forget the hats. Your head is a fine head. And your face has all the depth of a deep sea dingle.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for your comment and suggestion. I take it to the street...down under the ground...I do not wear fine clothes...I wear what is inexpensive...what I can afford...financial times are tough now. Playing my guitar, not only feeds my belly, but feeds the many hungry souls I encounter everytime I pick the strings. Enjoy.

[nomadak47]

That pick'n reminds me of Maybelle Carter.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Now, that is a very fine compliment. Enjoy.

[GilhamBob]

Every time I watch this it's still brilliant - lifts me up every time. I ain't much into religion but they sure have some goiod tunes, and this one done by you is one of my all-time favourites. I remember seeing a concert film of Ry Cooder that featured this tune and he did a great job too, but you still have the edge I reckon. Good luck for the festival. Ands after that why not come and do some shows in the UK?

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. I have this theory, I've seem to be developing. Originally people sang. They added rhythms next. Clapping, foot stomping, beating drums. Even early string instruments prior to frets had a percussive quality. Frets changed a lot of things. Playing the guitar today is not an accompaniment instrument like it once was back in the day. Today, I like to sing the song first, then add the guitar. I like arranging. Figuring it out. Maybe this might be a good lesson? Enjoy

[mannysaude75]

I love the way you play this song,do you know were i can find the Tablature to this song?You play it AMAZING!!!!!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you very much for your comment. Currently, I have no tab available for this song, but please consider purchasing my instructional video CD1. Go to ebay. Search: Keni Lee Very reasonably priced. It's main purpose is to clearify open tuning and help students figure out or arrange songs like this one all by themselves. The CD starts with another Gospel tune called Go Tell It On The Mountain. I am quite sure if you study with my CD, you will have no problem playing this song. Enjoy.

[revolutionstrtr]

Ha Great!! I am 22 yrs old and I love these old songs. As a matter of fact i am in the process of making an album featuring these forgotten treasures to supplement my income to pay for college. I was looking for a new country sound when i found your video. GREAT STUFF!! JESUS IS AWESOME!!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for your kind words. Best wishes for your upcoming album. Check out my Sacred Slide Playlist on my main page for more Gospel tunes.Enjoy.

[firstdayofspring1974]

can i get the tabs and guitar tunning?

[KeniLeeBurgess]

I'm tuned to Open C. CGCegc I'm sorry but I have no tab for this song. If you are interested in learning this style please consider purchasing my Series 1 instructional video CD that is available on ebay. Search: Keni Lee. It will help you develop a firm foundation in this style and teach you how to figure out songs or make arrangements like this song yourself. Thank you for your interest. Enjoy.

[trogon101]

This is out of this world. It just got to me big time.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you.

[excaliber2784]

Hey, That is Awesome!  I am just learning to play guitar, can you play this Slide guitar on an Acoustic Electric I just got one for my Birthday. ??

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Yes, you can play slide on a regular acoustic or electric guitar. If you tune below standard to Open D or G, you might need slightly heavier strings to provide the correct tension for the slide. Usually at least a medium gauge set of strings will be enough. Enjoy.

[excaliber2784]

Sweet! Thanks for the video and info, ! :) God bless.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Enjoy. Please write if you have any further questions.

[Bushbanger02]

Thanks for the response, I'll be sure to write if I need any help. God bless you

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you again. Take care.

[Bushbanger02]

Mr. Burgess, first of all I would like to say that you are a true inspiration, it's because of you that I am now learning slide guitar, thank you. Also, the videos are awesome!!! Keep em' coming!!! God bless you and I wish you the best!!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you are finding my lessons helpful as you learn to play slide guitar. Please feel free to write if you have any questions. Keep the Faith.

[setonz]

I like it.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Gospel tunes because of their strong melody lines are perfect songs for Vestapol tuning, and are relatively easy to play and arrange. Just the other day, Give Me Oil in My Lamp popped into my head and like magic appeared on my guitar. Enjoy.

[GilhamBob]

I'm new to YouTube and I'm really enjoying it; most like your films, pieces with Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and an English bloke who plays a mean version of John Hurt's Stagolee and has some instructional films on playing it too. I'm using those to try to play it myself, and that should tell you I'm no great guitar player. Yet. I Love your style and I'm going to buy your tutor CD; in the meantime I'd like to ask you about the guitars you use, what should I be looking for?

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for your comments. Bottleneck style can be played on any steel string acoustic guitar, but if you are interested in a resonator guitar, please check out Republic Guitars. I will send you some information. Even though you are across the pond from them, I believe they have dealers in the UK. Enjoy.

[GilhamBob]

I notice that your gutars are a deal smaller than my big folk jobs; I quite fancy something smaller - it's probably just an excuse to buy another guitar... Thanks for your reply.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

The guitars I prefer from the 1930s are called concert size, and the lower bout is about 13 inches wide. They sit comfortable between your legs in the classical style.

[BordiniBlues85]

great!!! pay attention on this lyric.. Jesus is the real line.. the line for the peace and hapiness.. and salvation..the way, the true, the life.. JESUS IS

God bless you Keni and your talent!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Keep the Faith.

[wachman]

awesome. i always find something interesting or cool to learn from any instrument-based style of music. do you ever feel like modern technology has taken something away from the spirit of music today?

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Certainly, everything is in a constant state of change, but there are Classics that we keep returning to, and will probably embrase well into the future. There will always be a tactile creativity to art. Back in the day, I use to listen to Larry Fast and his computer generated music backing the group Synergy. I think regardless of how you create the sound, ultimately it will be just vibrations hitting our ears. How we choose to intrepret it, is always a matter of taste. Enjoy.

[mandlnpickr]

Great Keni. I loved it. I want to learn this style so bad.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. If you are interested in practicing with me, please consider purchasing the instructional video CD Series 1that is for sale on ebay. Search: Keni Lee This CD teaches the method I use to figure out and arrange songs. It will provide you with a firm foundation. Also, you can write to me, if you have any questions while you work thru the lessons.

[granniejans]

Nice, nice, nice!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for your comment. Please visit my page and click on Playlists. The videos are organized for better selection. Also, if you would like to hear the first three tracks of my new CD, Good & Evil please visit myspace/kenileemusic.

[longtoothslim]

Great stuff, I'm getting better at playing but I'm lacking in direction and form so I'm hoping your CD will help. Just waiting for the post man!

Cheers.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for your purchase and your comments. If you have an interest in playing Bottleneck style guitar, I know you will find the CD a lot of fun. Please feel free to write if you have any questions. Enjoy.

[jlslreyn]

Awesome. Any chance of getting a lesson on doing that song? I'd love to try that one out at my church.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Maybe in the future, but currently my hands are full. Please consider purchasing my instructional CD. I use the gospel song, Go Tell It On The Mountain to teach setting a melody line to an alternating bass. I believe if you work thru these lessons, you will have no trouble understanding how I arranged, Jesus Is On The Mainline. In addition you will be able to figure out other classics like, Michael Row Your Boat Ashore. Go to ebay search: Keni Lee Thank you

[cams6673]

grate stuff

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Please visit my page, and click on "Playlists". the videos are organized for better selection.

[ShalomYal]

I feel it down to my bones - thanks for your posts. What a great slow groove!!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you.

[ebake74]

The stella once again sounds great. I like the gospel stuff. Very nice.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. The old Stella in open tuning sounds instantly vintage like an old 78rpm. The gospel songs have been working out well lately. Soon I want to post, Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning. If you have any suggestions, for more Gospel songs, please let me know.

[kokoro86]

We need Onyx for some backup vocals!

Once again, well done!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Ya, I don't know where he was during this shoot. I shot this in the morning. He must have been still sleeping.

[selfdestruct999]

I'm not religious at all but I love those blues/hymnals you do. This one is really great, love the subtle slide work you do on this. A lot of guys i've seen who play slide are overly aggressive with it which doesn't impress me at all. You have a great technique going on for sure Keni Lee, i'm a new fan.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Bob Brozman would say most people sound like they are playing with a brick. The trick is to try to play clean and accurately, then if you want to add noise for effect, it is your choice. I love how this song works out with the melody line on the third string while I'm singing. Combined with the alternating bass (6 & 4) and first treble string, the sound gets really full. It is one of those arranements that worked out so well, it just had to be.

[marshmelow]

Love it! Now if you were in NY I could shoot a music video for you. :)

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. I sent you an e-mail.