quick feedback needed - arrangement of Southwind

[zenpicker]

I'm supposed to work up an original arrangement of a familiar piece for the Alex De Grassi workshop I'm attending a week from tomorrow. I picked the traditional song "Southwind" and have been plugging away at it....now I could use some feedback on my interpretation. Those who know the song will hear that I've had my way with it - changed some things (the second half of the minor refrain, for example) and added some things (a bridge).

One query I have is whether I have stretched this too far to still be called "Southwind" vs "inspired by Southwind." What are the limits one should obey in arranging a simple piece? Sort of an interesting question, I think. I would welcome anyone's thoughts on whether I've strayed too far from the original.

Southwind - Updated July 5

[zenpicker]

Just posted a better version of this - improved recording quality, some refinements in the arrangement.

Southwind

Still would really appreciate comments, especially on whether the arrangement works or not. Thx

[Guit Hacker]

I really enjoyed the arrangement.

As for taking it too far........have you listened to Chick Corea play any jazz standards? Most of those "greats" take standards to a place that's unrecognizable. I thought your interpretation stayed true the original with some added style that said Zenpicker. At least I could still tell what tune it was.

BTW, which one of your wonderful instruments did you use for the recording?

[zenpicker]

Originally Posted by Guit Hacker

I really enjoyed the arrangement.

As for taking it too far........have you listened to Chick Corea play any jazz standards? Most of those "greats" take standards to a place that's unrecognizable. I thought your interpretation stayed true the original with some added style that said Zenpicker. At least I could still tell what tune it was.

BTW, which one of your wonderful instruments did you use for the recording?

Thanks, Guit, that's reassuring. I do know it's a folk tune and one can take liberties, but it's a fine line. Three other versions I've listened to - Pat Kirtley, Robin Bullock with Al Petteway, and Stephen Bennett - stay a bit closer to the received version.

The recording was on my Paragon MJ maple/sitka with not totally fresh strings...not meant to be a finished recording, just experimenting.

Thanks for listening!
E

[mesa]

"Inspired by Southwind"....Zenwind, call it what you will...I liked it. great job Ed!

curt

[zenpicker]

Originally Posted by Guit Hacker

...have you listened to Chick Corea play any jazz standards?

Forgot to mention - in a moment of '70s nostalgia I just picked up an early Return to Forever CD, the one with Flora Purim groaning in a fashion that was...errrr...very intriguing to the 16-year-old I was when I first heard it. What a great CD! I don't know why it came into my head one day while I was driving, but it did, and I'm glad I ordered it. Early fusion still has a certain appeal. On to Mahavishnu now.

[zenpicker]

Originally Posted by mesa

"Inspired by Southwind"....Zenwind, call it what you will...I liked it. great job Ed!

curt

LOL...thanks, Curt. When you gonna make it over the big hills and attend one of our Front Range gatherings?

[rick-slo]

Sounds true to the melody to me - a little stretched out in the slow places but that is just some needed variety. Seems ready to me and sounds great. Have fun at the workshop.

[Raystrack]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

Sounds true to the melody to me - a little stretched out in the slow places but that is just some needed variety. Seems ready to me and sounds great. Have fun at the workshop.

I don't know the original. Sounds lovely to me but I agree that it's a bit stretched in places. Kept at a steady(ish) tempo I think it's a cracker

[zenpicker]

Thanks, all. I'm continuing to fuss with it but it sounds like at least I won't be embarrassing myself.

[mesa]

Originally Posted by zenpicker

LOL...thanks, Curt. When you gonna make it over the big hills and attend one of our Front Range gatherings?

If I could just get my horse over the pass... thanks Ed, I'd love to make it sometime.