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Topic: More fun with B11th - Wear a Lei |
Jerry Gleason
From:
Eugene, Oregon, USA
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Posted 21 Feb 2009 5:29 pm |
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Here's a fun song to play in B11th tuning. I don't really know the origin of this song, the only recording of it I've ever heard of it is John Ely's excellent arrangement on "No Peddlers Allowed" with Tom Morrell. I worked up a slightly simpler version here:
Wear a Lei
I played this on a Fender Stringmaster. The tuning is: E, C#, A, F#, D#, C#, A, B (top to bottom). There are some three note slants for some of the voicings. The cool thing about this version of B11th is that you only need to retune the fifth string up a half-step to get A6th across strings 1-7.
Last edited by Jerry Gleason on 15 Apr 2011 2:21 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Gerald Ross
From:
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Doug Beaumier
From:
Northampton, MA
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Don Kona Woods
From:
Hawaiian Kama'aina
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Posted 21 Feb 2009 9:32 pm
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Jerry,
You did a mighty fine job. Ditto what Gerald said,
Nice touch and tone. 
I think you should be making your appearance now at one of the Hawaiian steel guitar conventions. One is coming in Honolulu at the end of April. And the air fare is only $287 round trip on certain days.
Aloha from up here in Vancouver, 
Don |
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Jerry Gleason
From:
Eugene, Oregon, USA
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Posted 21 Feb 2009 10:37 pm
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Thanks for the kind words, guys! This recording was sort of a spur of the moment Saturday afternoon project. I've been playing this song with the Hawaiian group that I've been working with a bit lately, and I really like it. Anyone know of any other recordings of it?
Don, I'm truly flattered by the suggestion about the Hawaiian steel guitar convention, but this foray into Hawaiian music is a fairly recent thing for me. I need to absorb much more of the repertoire and essence of the style before I would want to perform it in front of people who really know this music. Right now, I feel like I'm faking it a good deal of the time. My in-laws in Hawaii think I'm way overdue for a visit, though, so maybe a good motivator...
Thanks again,
Jerry |
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George Keoki Lake
From:
Edmonton, AB., Canada
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Posted 21 Feb 2009 10:48 pm
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Stunningly Beautiful Jerry...Superb tone and technic.
I heard that lovely tune many years ago, but never knew the name of it until now. Mahalo, and as the 'other' Jerry would have said, "Keep that thumb pick hot" ! |
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Don McGregor
From:
Memphis, Tennessee
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Posted 22 Feb 2009 5:27 am
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Man! You got me with this one.
Beautiful!
Just a few moments ago, I was watching the same old Southern sun come up over my wooden back fence here in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I let my eyes close as your "Wear A Lei" came on, and the next thing I knew, I was on a moonlit beach somewhere in the Hawaiian Isles. A Hula girl was swaying nearby in the shadows of a palm, and a gentle surf whispered sleepily in the background.
At least I was there until my Wife came in and kicked my chair.
Don't get me wrong. She loves my music, too. She just likes to know, when she sees that look on my face, that I'm at least looking in her general direction.
Sweet song. Thank you.
Don McGregor |
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Mike Bagwell
From:
Greenville, SC, USA
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Posted 22 Feb 2009 5:53 am
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Thats beautiful.
Mike |
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Don Kona Woods
From:
Hawaiian Kama'aina
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Posted 22 Feb 2009 10:21 pm
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Jerry Gleason says,
| Quote: |
| Don, I'm truly flattered by the suggestion about the Hawaiian steel guitar convention, but this foray into Hawaiian music is a fairly recent thing for me. I need to absorb much more of the repertoire and essence of the style before I would want to perform it in front of people who really know this music. |
Jerry, while respecting your feelings, I would like you to know that each Hawaiian steel guitar player outside the State of Hawaii could make the same statement as you with regard to absorbing more of the essence of the Hawaiian style.
What is the essence of the Hawaiian style? It is in the touch and tone; the expression of your feelings in that touch. This is what persons responding to this thread are saying - that you have already possess the touch and tone, which is the essence of the Hawaiian style. Learning Hawaiian vamps are helpful to the Hawaiian style but it still comes back to touch and tone.
George Keoki Lake, whom I have known for many, many years have been on the Hawaiian music scene for a very long time. We both recognize that you have that special touch - the Hawaiian touch.
I hope that you will not underestimate where you are at this point. All of us would like perfection, but that is something we all work towards.
Don't miss the enjoyment of coming to the Hawaiian steel guitar conventions and growing with the rest of us as we continuing playing on and on toward greater perfection.
Aloha,
Don |
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Jerry Gleason
From:
Eugene, Oregon, USA
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Posted 23 Feb 2009 12:37 am
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Don, thank you for your nice comments and encouragement. To get such good feedback from experienced Hawaiian steel guitarists like yourself means a lot. I try to play in a way that's appropriate to the style, no matter what that style may be. I've spent a lot more time on pedal steel, so playing Hawaiian music (and non-pedal steel) requires a different mindset. I'm starting to get the feel of it. I have a ways to go, but I'll have fun getting there.
For the time being, I've settled on C13 and B11 tunings. Most of the Hawaiian music I'm learning seems to fit those tunings best. B11 is a very rich and lush sounding tuning, and way more versatile than I originally thought, especially since it converts easily to A6th.
I have to say, I am really enjoying being involved with the local Hawaiian music scene. I have been pleasantly surprised at the level of friendly acceptance and encouragement I have encountered. Hawaiian musicians, it seems, just want to have fun playing pretty music. How refreshing.
Thanks again,
Jerry |
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Andy Sandoval
From:
Bakersfield, California, USA
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Posted 23 Feb 2009 9:07 am
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Sounds dreamy  |
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Don Kona Woods
From:
Hawaiian Kama'aina
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Posted 23 Feb 2009 1:51 pm
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| Quote: |
| For the time being, I've settled on C13 and B11 tunings |
Jerry, those two tunings are excellent for Hawaiian music.
E13th also is used by some.
I play in all three tunings, but I also play in C#m7 to get the real old Hawaiian sound
Also, to get that special tone on Wear A Lei you, no doubt, have a good oscillation of the bar. The reason I make a point of this is because most pedal steel players appear to me to not have developed a good oscillation of the bar, perhaps due to emphasis on fast picking. IMHO
Happy pickin' and hope to meet you at one of the Hawaiian steel guitar conventions.
Aloha,
Don |
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Ron Randall
From:
Dallas, Texas, USA
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Posted 23 Feb 2009 11:18 pm
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WOW
R2 |
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Thomas Ludwig
From:
Augsburg, Germany
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Posted 24 Feb 2009 8:32 am
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| soooo beautiful |
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Don Kona Woods
From:
Hawaiian Kama'aina
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Posted 24 Feb 2009 12:07 pm
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Jerry,
Just look at this- Your fan club is growing everyday.
You are getting ready for prime time.
Your aikane,
Don |
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