Well, if you had not mentioned it, I would not have known you were playing the slow version 😁.

As usual your own improvs to this are great Helen. I liked the way you maintained the same theme as the original and put your own swirl to them. Distortion is not something you normally use and it was nice to hear you giving this just a little bit of crunch there. I always struggle to dial in Distortion well so no mean feat on your part there.

Bravo on this Helen 👏 🙌

Like Geoff, I also thought this was the regular speed version ( I can’t imagine how fast the Brian’s version is 😂!).

A great lesson , in a Santana’s style I would say, and you played the first part just brilliantly, in a flawless way and with a great gritty tone, Helen! Then I loved your own original second part, beautifully crafted with so many interesting and original phrases! A special mention also to those rhythmic semi-muted strumming phrases, really very well played.

Helen, you have a good ear for creating very interesting licks. Well done. I have to check out just how fast the full tempo version is, it must be daunting.
John

Wow Helen very nice playing.
I think Iove your version more.
Well done.

AndréM

You rock Helen. This has got a great cool vibe and really the tempo seems to be spot on for this blues. Yes, love the muted rhythmic element and as mentioned above your own cycle follows on in the same vein as Brian’s. Thumbs up! 👍 All the best! 😎🎸😎

Both versions are great Helen! You play with your own distinctive style that makes you stand out like a true original. 👏

Hi Helen

A nice vibe going on there, in both recordings, get a bit more bendy and syncopated and it could easily be a Santana feel. Very nice feel, you should try Samba Pa Ti, that is if you haven’t already. Interesting guitar, what is it, a PRS maybe?

Cheers

Adrian

It sounds wonderfully jazzy and groovy and the speed fits perfectly. Everything is fine and very pleasant to listen to.

Dieter

Very Santana! Really nice groove and melody you laid down…..well done!

Awesome playing Helen! Both versions. The first sounded more jazzy but your 2nd version was more Santana-ish. At least that’s what I thought. I can’t believe how fast you played this and can’t imagine what the full speed version is like! 🎸🎶🎼

This is wonderful on so many levels – technique, tone, timing, phrasing, vibe and production are all perfect in my opinion. I love the distortion, which is unusual for you. Your improv is flawless – better than the original, and I love those bends and double-stops. I can hear and feel your skill and confidence growing with each post you share with us. Congratulations, dear Helen! You are like a fine wine that keeps getting better and better over time.

Very well played Helen. So smooth with a lot of feeling. I agree with David: I prefer your improv over the original. Sounds more interesting and open. I also love the little bit of growl in your guitar tone.

Ralph

That was awesome, Helen. Regardless of the slower pace (still fast enough to be no small feat), you made it your own. You really have a talent for creating new licks in the same vein as Brian‘ s original. That is really impressive!

Well, Helen, I have to admit that I don’t remember this one at all 😲 – I think it may have passed me by, but I’m now adding it to my “Must Try” list 😂😂

Your performance is wonderful, especially switching from the muted funk-strumming to the lead-licks, and your improv is masterful. Helen, it is such a joy to watch how your playing, singing, and confidence have grown so much since we’ve known each other – Mark 👍🎶😎♥️♥️