My First Stephen Bennett Cover

[D. Churchland]

Hey guys, I've been working on some new material lately and I thought I'd make a recording of a piece I've been working on, I got Stephen Bennetts flatpicking book and this was the first piece I learned out of it.

I don't play it exactly the way Stephen does, and I'm still working on a few passages but I'd like to know what you guys think of it, I've been working really hard on my flatpicking and I'd like some advice as to how I can improve further

One note, this has some minor EQ tweaks because the microphones were kind of rumbly with it and a touch of reverb to it as well.

http://www.box.net/shared/yn5i9udshb

Any comments are appreiciated, especially if anyone has any advice on how to improve my flatpicking

[Steve Berger]

I really enjoyed your rendition, you really nailed the spirit of the song. The only input I would give would be to slow it down just a bit.

I'm happy to hear that there is another Stephen Bennett fan out there. The guy is a fantastic guitar player and a wonderful dude. I'm working on a couple of his fingerstyle songs myself. All his songs have such great melodies.

[dberch]

Stephen Bennett Rocks! You did a very nice job on that. My hat's off to you. That sure is a lot of notes.

[tbondo]

Stephen Bennett flat picking? I've never seen or heard such a thing...been in his fingerstyle classes at Swannanoa twice (2007 & 2009)...never saw a flatpick in his hand.....live and learn...Stephen is the most amazing guitar player I've ever seen, period. Yes, I've seen Tommy Emmanuel.....

[D. Churchland]

Originally Posted by tbondo

Stephen Bennett flat picking? I've never seen or heard such a thing...been in his fingerstyle classes at Swannanoa twice (2007 & 2009)...never saw a flatpick in his hand.....live and learn...Stephen is the most amazing guitar player I've ever seen, period. Yes, I've seen Tommy Emmanuel.....

Here's a youtube clip of Stephen at a group jam, he's got quite the talented hands. He's even keeping up with Steve Kaufman!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4_AT4hiDj4

[birkenweg42]

I just discovered Stephen Bennett thanks to Pandora radio station. Since then I have been on the lookout for his music on Youtube. What a fantastic player and composer, especially on the harp guitar.
I have seen a couple of your clips on Youtube and really enjoyed you Leo Kottke style fingerpicking. Looks like you are also an accomplished flatpicker.
I don't know that particular tune but it sounds great. It also sounds like you picked a very hard piece to learn. Like dberch said, lots of notes.

[Steve Berger]

Stephen Bennett flat picking?

I could be incorrect. but I believe that Stephen Bennett is the only guitarist to ever win both the Best Fingerpicking and Best Flatpicking titles at the Winfield contest/show.

[D. Churchland]

thanks for the comments guys

[JoeCharter]

I don't know about the original but your notes ring loud and clear.

Very impressive technique (nicely recorded, too).

[D. Churchland]

Thanks joe