August 2026 Challenge Response (Memphis-Lonnie Mack) – science fiction

[sciencefiction]

I’m pretty sure Brian got what he asked for on this one.

I’ve been working on Memphis by Lonnie Mack (1963) for about a year now (start 7/18/25). This has relentless pace and blistering speed (especially in the second half of the second solo). Wherever in the song, you just have to keep going when you screw up or you’re done for. I recorded this for the first time yesterday. l made it through the first half OK but really started screwing up bad on the second solo, but just kept going. Luckily I was able to make it out of hyperdrive before I exploded, and return into real space in the chorus.

I definitely hear Lonnie Mack’s influence on Clapton playing in his early years like in the Blues Breakers and Cream. Also, my favorite Dave Clark Five song, Try Too Hard, is somewhat of a take on the Memphis riff.

Thanks,
Larry

[JoeD1]

Nice! Man, your fingers were flying…mine would have been tied in knots.

Joe

The sight of a touch, or the scent of a sound,
Or the strength of an Oak with roots deep in the ground.
--Graeme Edge

[Alan L]

Nice job on pushing yourself! You kept it moving forward and landed quite a lot of those licks!

[James B]

All right, Larry. Love your balls to the walls take no prisoners approach to this great song. Just when it looked like you were going to crash and burn you pulled it out and got back on the track, almost. Your passion for the music is inspiring. 🎶 🎸 😀

James

[Michael L]

Wow, Larry! This one does seem tough, and such a fast tempo! You did great with it! Super energy, so much picking, and great tone. Well done!

[Don Patton jr]

Hi Larry,
Yes you definitely chose a difficult song to try and master …You did a good job of keeping up a fast tempo and phrasing leads throughout the song..very well done ! 💯 👍

Don P

[Dieter]

Fine groovy playing.

Dieter

[Author]

Posts