Norman Blake Fans

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34 Comments

Comment by Bruce Bushaw on June 4, 2009 at 7:31pm

donald, thanks! I wasn't aware that it had been transcribed - I'll take a look - after - I'm done with my ear training. I'm trying to get it pretty much verbatim and it will be interesting to see what (if any) liberties/simplifications Kaufman has taken. I'm also getting the accompanying base line (pretty simple) but it is what gets me out of my chair as much as the lead does (or maybe the combo is what does it).
Weezer??????

Comment by Bruce Bushaw on June 4, 2009 at 6:10pm

Well, my favorite playing guitar is a 000-28 NB, and it is named "Norman," that should say it all, and qualify me for this group. Have recently started transcribing Norman's version of 'Done Gone' as played on 'Back Home in Sulfur Springs'. Work in progress, but some day when I grow up, I hope to play it kinda' like Mr. Blake does.

Comment by Jack Shannon on March 25, 2009 at 10:41pm

Yes! Norman is the Man. I work midnights in a county jail. I work in control and only have to push buttons when someone needs through a door. That = about five hours practice a night. It is making a difference. So all you pickers go to your county jail and get hired!!! The smaller the jail the better!!! I'm thinking of doing a DVD on Late night Jail picking!

Comment by Capt' Vic on March 22, 2009 at 12:10pm

hi eric, i agree that mr. blake certainly plays pretty spontaneously, and after listening and learning a lot of his songs and licks i find there is much you can put to use in other songs. he has always been a major source for ideas as i find his style lots easier to figure out (as compared to tony rice and others). i like his timing, accents and the little off beat things he does and particularly the tone he gets. do you know about the software called "amazing slowdowner" it's not too expensive , downloadable and just a wonderful tool for learning tunes. i've even managed several bryan sutton tunes although i'll never be able to play them at his speed. capt' vic

Comment by Eric Holt on March 22, 2009 at 11:35am

As many have said Norman's playing is really the essence of melodic. I believe that his playing pours out of him the same way his singing does, melds together to make a complete soulful statement. That's also kind of the problem with emulating his style. You can learn the licks he plays on a certain recording but I think Norman would tell you he never plays the same way twice, it's about what he feels being moved through his fingers (and voice) and that certainly takes a greater connection between the brain and the fingers than I have.

Comment by Chad Fette on January 24, 2009 at 5:22am

Stefan,
Your best bet would be through his agent, Scott O'Malley and Associates:

http://somagency.com/

Chad

Comment by Capt' Vic on January 21, 2009 at 7:57pm

I JUST STUMBLED ON TO THIS PAGE AND THOUGHT I'D ADD MY TWO CENTS ALSO. NORMAN WAS THE FIRST REALLY GOOD PICKER I WAS ABLE TO FIGURE OUT AND AS A RESULT MY STYLE HAS BEEN GREATLY INFLUENCED BY HIM. I ALSO LOVE THE WAY HIS SONGS TEND TO SOUND LIKE SOMETHING WRITTEN LONG AGO AND AS A RESULT DO QUITE A FEW OF THEM. RECENTLY I CAME ACROSS A FELLOW BY THE NAME OF ROGER LASLEY WHO ALSO HAS A NICE SMOOTH ROLLING/CROSS-PICKING STYLE AND AM WORKING ON SOME OF HIS STUFF. I LIVE IN NW. WASHINGTON STATE (FRIDAY HARB., WA.) AND WOULD LOVE TO DO SOME JAMMING WITH OTHER BLAKE FANS IF YOUR EVER IN THE AREA. CAPT' VIC

Comment by Stefan Jadefjord on January 8, 2009 at 1:27am

Do you guys know how I could get in touch with Norman? Any address?

Comment by Vic Hair on December 4, 2008 at 4:52pm

Been a huge Norman fan since hearing his Home In Sulphur Springs LP back in the mid 70's. WBB is on my short list of favorites.

Comment by Chad Fette on November 14, 2008 at 7:29am

I really enjoyed those clips and I was intrigued to see Norman playing a big ole D-28. It sounded really nice, of course. I guess Norman and Nancy are traveling less and less these days. I'm really glad I have seen him twice. Both shows were really enjoyable.

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