Crossroads Blues, Nov. 30, 2007

This performance of Robert Johnson's signature tune was recorded at the New England Youth Theatre in Brattleboro, VT on 11/30/07

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Ainslie
• Johnson
• blues
• slide
• guitar
• acoustic
• clapton

[1963FDH]

I really enjoyed your interpretation of the "meaning" of the Crossroads. Never thought of it that way. As you know, there are a lot of blues terms that take some time to unravel. I never considered that the devil might be a white man with violence in his heart. Makes one think… AND BTW- that version flat out gets it. Great job.

[scottainslie]

dear: @1963FDH

Thanks for having a look at the work here. There's more information on the music and the songs at our site. There's also an on line video component to my article on Robert's music and techniques from November 2009's Acoustic Guitar magazine. I believe you can still access those short guitar demonstrations at their site.

[DerikSarver]

Glad I came across your videos! You're a great, new inspiration!

[scottainslie]

Derik,

Thanks for having a look at some of this work. I'm struggling with the technology of extracting DVD footage to turn it into more YouTube videos. Stay tuned. I'll figure it out or get help.

cheers,

s.

[scottainslie]

The Quarterman Cones are great with the usual set up for Nationals (maple biscuit/maple bridge). I tried one and removed it, but my guitar is set up with an ebony biscuit and a bone saddle: the hardness in the sound chain is up front and suits the aluminum cones beautifully. Adding the Quarterman introduced more stiffness/hardness to the materials in the sound chain and robbed me of volume and sustain. Exactly the opposite of what we expected. Paul Beard of Beard Guitars is the guy for set up.

[slidenpickit]

Great voice and sweet tuneful slide playing. Is you Reso just mic'd or does it have a pickup as well?

Regards

Chris

[scottainslie]

No pick up, Chris. I use condenser mics, don't have drums or anyone else to be worried about, don't have crushing monitor mixes, etc. Once you put a pick up in a guitar, you hear more of the pick up sound, less of the guitar sound. The question I keep asking myself is why mess with the sound of a 1931 guitar that sounds great as is. Stagecraft doesn't require it, so I use mics. Hope that helps.

s.

[jamne1]

so much action and great vocals too. 5 stars 'cause that's all they offered.

Mark

[hunthurd4]

Great Guitar playin im into Blues more now that i listened to the white stripes then son house death letter! :) good job!!

[BottleneckJohn]

Cool stuff!!

[sophontologist]

Scott,

Just got back from seeing you in New Fairfield tonight. Great stuff!

Paul

[slidenpickit]

Thanks Scott,

I have a recent style O with a hot rod cone so I'll try the mic option.

Regards

Chris