Muireann Bradley Special Rider Blues — DeepCutsArchive

DeepCutsArchive

Muireann Bradley Special Rider Blues — DeepCutsArchive

One of the Mississippi’s great Blues exports Nehemiah Curtis ‘Skip’ James was a unique voice from the Delta region. He made many outstanding recordings when re-discovered in the early 1960’s and this wonderful ‘Special Rider Blues’ song which he originally recorded for Paramount Records in 1931 is covered here by Muireann Bradley for her ‘Rose Dog’ E.P. and as always plays true homage to her love of this music. The arrangement was inspired by the Jo Ann Kelly & Stefan Grossman arrangement from 1977. Muireann’s feel and technique are superb which can sound dry and awkward in other hands. This arrangement shows she has the talent to make it her own with subtle changes which takes nothing away from the overall power of this song. For more information on the life of Skip James, put his name in your browser and click on the Wikipedia page. While you’re there look up Jo Ann Kelly & Stefan Grossman. Insight: The tune is in Open G with a capo at the 2nd fret making it the key of A in 12/8 and 6/8 time. Note that with the regular use of the flatted 3rd and flatted 7th this gives the arrangement a much darker sound which supports the forlorn story of a lost special rider! Note: The quarter note bends are mainly a subtle bend on the 3rd string. Muireann plays with thumb and two fingers of her picking hand and is written in the transcription with the finger notes on the up stems and the thumb on the down stems. It is important you follow these to be able to play it fluently. Don’t rush it and take your time. Her feel, voice and guitar playing make this an outstanding performance. Not unusual for this lady. Muireann is an extremely gifted musician. CORRECTION: BAR 37, THE LAST NOTE SHOULD BE AN OPEN 3RD STRING AND NOT AN OPEN 5TH STRING. ALSO, THERE SHOULD BE A FIRST NOTE ON THE 3RD FRET 2ND STRING PLAYED WITH THE 5TH STRING 3RD FRET AS WELL. Enjoy. If you would like a free pdf (corrected) of this transcription send an email to strollingjamesbeano@hotmail.co.uk. No spam from SJB.