As much as I love up-tempo Bluegrass and Old Time, it is guys like Norman Blake whom we have to thank for making this music subtle and pensive. What Blake has given to the World, is among the very best that the U.S. mysterious South has to offer in music. So sad, Norman reportedly did never want to fly thus we could not hear him live in Europe.
First heard Norman do this in 1975 in Nashville at GTR. Learned it and been playing it ever since. Sullivan was real, and made his living off mtn ginseng and selling it to NE alternative holistic med cos. He never did make it back home, as Norman says. Just a beautiful song.
First time I've heard the original. Very nice and precise. I must say, I love how Phish speeds it up and makes it sound "slap-happy." It's just not even the same element. This version is laid back and thoughtful. Phish's version is upbeat and dance-worthy.
Thank u so much for posting this. I've played the song for years, but never knew the back story. This is a lovely version, too. Time to get out the box and try some of those licks!
nothing' better as the honest,pure,original performance from the original songwriter! Thanks you Mr Blake,you 've done to make us all better,sorry 'bout my poor english,i'm only alsacien,god bless you all, P
Looks like Norman is playing either a Gibson L-00 or Gibson Nick Lucas model, which is basically like an L-00 with a thicker body. I believe in more recent years Norman prefers the smaller body guitars. What a great picker! It took me a while to figure out this is what real guitar picking is all about. Hot licks are cool for a while but this is what it's really about.
I heard this song for the first time in a workshop concert played by Norman and Nancy and James in 1982 (Walnut Valley Festival, Winfield Ks.) and got a basic monaural tape recorded of it and used to listen to this song over and over and over, until the tape wore out, and I don't think I ever wore a tape out from too much playing except that one. This is one of the greatest folk songs ever written. It's such imagery and a story and just takes you in. Norman Blake is an American treasure.
So smooth and effortless, it's like he's not even playing. He's my favorite.
fngrpkn06 3 months ago
As much as I love up-tempo Bluegrass and Old Time, it is guys like Norman Blake whom we have to thank for making this music subtle and pensive. What Blake has given to the World, is among the very best that the U.S. mysterious South has to offer in music. So sad, Norman reportedly did never want to fly thus we could not hear him live in Europe.
EldoNorte 6 months ago
Just doesn't get any better'n norman blake!
martinmaniad35 7 months ago
Norman God Bless you- May you stay forever young thanks
kgcomojo 10 months ago
Lots of folks seem to over look how good of a songwriter Norman is. It's great to see posts giving him the praise he has deserved for a long time.
chrisjmccune 1 year ago
First heard Norman do this in 1975 in Nashville at GTR. Learned it and been playing it ever since. Sullivan was real, and made his living off mtn ginseng and selling it to NE alternative holistic med cos. He never did make it back home, as Norman says. Just a beautiful song.
altstrasse 1 year ago
First time I've heard the original. Very nice and precise. I must say, I love how Phish speeds it up and makes it sound "slap-happy." It's just not even the same element. This version is laid back and thoughtful. Phish's version is upbeat and dance-worthy.
Druss1586 1 year ago
Norman is THE MAN
deborahkauffman09 1 year ago 3
Thank u so much for posting this. I've played the song for years, but never knew the back story. This is a lovely version, too. Time to get out the box and try some of those licks!
isurelike 1 year ago
GRANDISSIMO!!!!
bloodboiler666 1 year ago
IF you think this is good, you should see this man live and in person!! AWESOME!!
KatieG53 2 years ago
Amazing! Nothing like the songwriter himself singing and playing his own music... He's always been one of my favorites! You go, Norman!
KatieG53 2 years ago 3
nothing' better as the honest,pure,original performance from the original songwriter! Thanks you Mr Blake,you 've done to make us all better,sorry 'bout my poor english,i'm only alsacien,god bless you all, P
spitzmanndm 2 years ago 7
Does any one what brand and model of this guitar? Most times he plays a D18H.
Norman has been a huge influence on me. He is my favorite flat picker.
plowhand247 2 years ago
Looks like Norman is playing either a Gibson L-00 or Gibson Nick Lucas model, which is basically like an L-00 with a thicker body. I believe in more recent years Norman prefers the smaller body guitars. What a great picker! It took me a while to figure out this is what real guitar picking is all about. Hot licks are cool for a while but this is what it's really about.
acousticspectrum 2 years ago 10
I heard this song for the first time in a workshop concert played by Norman and Nancy and James in 1982 (Walnut Valley Festival, Winfield Ks.) and got a basic monaural tape recorded of it and used to listen to this song over and over and over, until the tape wore out, and I don't think I ever wore a tape out from too much playing except that one. This is one of the greatest folk songs ever written. It's such imagery and a story and just takes you in. Norman Blake is an American treasure.
Dulcimerea 1 year ago
sweeet stuff. nice post
adamschmalenberger 2 years ago
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Great song. Did you record the whole show? You posted "The D18 song" too as well, didn't you?
Mntgoatsfan 2 years ago
A true legend and master. Makes it look effortless. Thanks for sharing.
bob01480 2 years ago
Norman is the best. Thanks for posting this!
mheldo 2 years ago