Home › Forums › Active Melody Member Challenge Response Submissions › December 2020 Open Challenge Response – JoLa
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January 1, 2021 at 11:02 pm #227014
🎉HAPPY NEW YEAR, Active Melody pickers!🎉
Wowza! – as our AM friend Bob Ut would say, almost 60 submissions already – before I even had a chance to look! That’s like an online music festival going on! 🎶
December is usually a very busy month for me at work in the hospitals so I’m really happy that I somehow managed to put in some time into this one. In fact, I haven’t touched any standard tuned guitar for the whole month! I have challenged myself to learn something new for this open challenge and lately I have been into slide playing. It turns out the biggest challenge was to find a slide small enough to fit my fingers! Still looking for a perfect pinky slide but in the meantime I dig that Thimble slide which allows me to fret the notes and slide at the same time, pretty cool!
So anyway, here is my take on EP154 with some added verses in an attempt to have Gypsy Waltz meet Delta Blues in Open G minor tuning 🙂
🎸JoLa
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January 2, 2021 at 12:16 am #227040
For just getting into slide you are remarkable. Beautiful sound and played like a pro. I’m jealous. Ha.
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January 2, 2021 at 12:45 am #227077
Great sliding – very soulful playing – just impressing.
Dieter
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January 2, 2021 at 1:12 am #227105
Oh, I like slide guitar playing! This was very lovely. Happy new year!
Lights. -
January 2, 2021 at 1:20 am #227108
JoLa,
You had me right after the intro. Brings tears to my eyes. I love that tune.
Great work on the slide.Happy new year,
BruceJust focus on the notes you DID get right . . . Frank Vignola
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January 2, 2021 at 1:59 am #227118
Well JoLa, that certainly had me going, that was just superb. If someone had said to me “play a waltz, make it sad, add a touch of blues and by the way use a slide” I would have thought they were nuts, but that’s just what you’ve achieved, you’re truly an inspiration. Happy New Year JoLa.
Richard
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January 2, 2021 at 2:50 am #227122
Just fantastic Jola.
Seems like there’s nothing you can’t handle!
The sound was great the execution was flawless and that guitar looks awesome very well done.
Best,
Liam.
“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams. “
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January 2, 2021 at 3:26 am #227131
Well played JoLa. Kudos to you for challenging yourself to learn slide and ‘Wow!’ you learn fast. Loved the Waltz and the blues flavour you added. Not familiar with the lesson but I really enjoyed your rendition and performance. All the best and a Happy New Year to you. Also thanks for the Fireworks at the end. Our Melbourne Fireworks were cancelled this year in Australia for obvious reasons.
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January 2, 2021 at 4:13 am #227146
Very expressive playing.. a flower bud waiting to burst open with beauty. Keep it in the sunlight, continue to water. I can’t wait to see what blossoms next!
Happy New Year,
Jeff CPerfect vision is when 2020 is hindsight!
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January 2, 2021 at 5:04 am #227164
There is effectively a strong east European Gipsy influence in this, the breeding with blues gives life to a wonderful chimera stepping out from a wild faeries world
Where does the white go when snow melts?
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January 2, 2021 at 6:28 am #227183
Jola so beautful played.
You handle the slide and the fretted single notes like a pro.
With your music you are able to create pictures in my head
without closing my eyes.
Great stuff !!!Blue
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January 2, 2021 at 6:36 am #227186
Hola Jola.
That’s really fantastic. How well you mix this “gypsy” stile with the slide. I know how difficult slide is, and you did it here almos perfect.
you impressed me, really.
Happy 2021
David B. -
January 2, 2021 at 7:13 am #227214
I think the best compliment someone can give another player is something along the lines of what Eric Clapton said about Jeff Beck and that was “Beck could pull the very best out from the guitar in which he was playing.” You are doing the same my friend. You are sliding into and behind those frets with the precision of a surgeon… no ‘off’ or pitchy notes. Really well done. How do you like that Gretsch? Christmas present? I have been eye ballin’ those for some time… thank you for delving off into another genre… YOU ARE ALWAYS INSPIRING ME. Happy New Year JoLa. BTW, your submission was tasteful, tuneful and technically spot on!!!
Peace,
John -
January 2, 2021 at 7:40 am #227232
Nice work! Slide guitar is pretty difficult (IMO), and you played that with ease. Makes me want to break my slide out.. I bought a glass one a year ago and I realized how difficult slide playing really was so I put it away and haven’t taken it out in over a year, maybe that will be one of my 2021 goals 🙂
Happy New year
Cory"Love the life you live. Live the life you love" - Bob Marley
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January 2, 2021 at 8:49 am #227268
Jola, I closed my eyes for a second and thought I was listening to Bonnie Raitt. That was great slide playing. Just lately I have been trying to get into playing slide except I have the opposite problem to you, my pinky is just a little too wide for the glass slide that I have. I can get it to fit but after 20 minutes or so my finger looks like it’s withered and about to drop off. I wouldn’t mind but I got the slide from a small company that specialises in making them near where I live in Stourbridge in the U.K. which used to be the centre of the glass making industry in this country until the late 1960s. Also that Gretsch is a beauty. I didn’t know they made them, I’ll have to check out the price over here, but first I need a slide that fits! Once again, superb playing. You never disappoint.
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January 2, 2021 at 9:10 am #227278
Well, pretty amazing! Putting together a Waltz and a Delta Slide Blues is very original and awsome! And you’re already a very good slide player (a style that I like very much) even if you say you’re just a beginner!
I like also your Gretsch Resonator. It’s among my option for buying a resonator. I don’t have one, and when I play slide I use my old acoustic.
Once again, congratulations for your nice and original composition, very enjoyable to listen to like the previous one in october!Guido
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January 2, 2021 at 9:46 am #227302
Very nice and original …I think first slide piece for this challenge. Sounds like something Jack White would play, great job!
Live on planet Earth ? You got the blues.
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January 2, 2021 at 10:02 am #227307
JoLa, you managed in a short time to give us this beautiful performance.
Your slide what precise very hard to do.
You always amaze me with all the stuff you come up with.
Congrats.
Do you like your Gretch? How is the action on it?
Im looking to buy a Republic resonator if they ever in production again.
But maybe i will go for Gretch.AndréM
AndréM
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January 2, 2021 at 11:41 am #227400
Great slide playing JoLa!! You continue to amaze me with your tough grit to get things done!!Keep up the good work,and Happy Safe New Year to you!!………Sal
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January 2, 2021 at 12:01 pm #227411
You immediately had me sitting on a barstool in a dimly lit bar with old hardwood floors covered with broken peanut shells equivalent to the number of tears shed by the brokenhearted. I too was pondering the consequences of lost lovers then chugging down my beer and ordering up another.
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January 3, 2021 at 8:30 am #228166
I got sidetracked trying to make this into a song. Anyway, I thought this was very well done and very mood provoking.
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January 2, 2021 at 12:49 pm #227447
Beginner on slide? With that vibrato and tone? Crazy good! I’ve never fully committed to learning slide, but you’ve inspired me!
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January 2, 2021 at 1:24 pm #227492
Golly, every month I keep saying this one was your best yet, but this time I really mean it, “This one was your best yet, JoLa!”
Just the idea to put the Gypsy Waltz to slide guitar is a brainstorm, but then you actually had to accomplish this. No pressure, heh? No problem,you pulled it off with aplomb. Such a talented player you are. Pro quality.
Happy New Year,
Larry -
January 2, 2021 at 1:37 pm #227511
That was fantastic. Your slides are flawless. That sounds like a spider cone. Is that a Bobtail? I think for bang for the buck Gretsch makes the best resonators. I own a National but keep picking up my Gretsch Alligator.
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January 2, 2021 at 2:12 pm #227550
Oh, I remember that track well; I liked to play him. You did it bravely and administered a blues influence. Pretty cool. I also noticed your groove; it was very appropriate and put a point on the track.
I really liked it lady. Compliment!Play guitar just like you live; don't get bogged down in theory, it's just a tool without feeling.
Wilfried
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January 2, 2021 at 3:49 pm #227617
Hi JoLa, you really did a great job! Were you learning or teaching to play slide guitar? I’d say the latter. You brought a nice, filmographic atmosphere. It’s inspiring to pick up new techniques to play the guitar, so thanks for the inspiration!
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January 2, 2021 at 4:07 pm #227637
I’m loving that Gm open tuning, it’s so haunting. You’re a natural on the slide. Great control, vibrato and muting. It is a difficult thing to play well. Very impressive Jola! 👍
JFL
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January 2, 2021 at 4:30 pm #227672
You post some of the most unique music Jola. This could be a movie score in some Louisiana swamp land crime drama. Very well done and captivating. Kudos on your progress on slide guitar.
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January 2, 2021 at 4:42 pm #227686
This is a great performance, I really liked the slide playing.
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January 2, 2021 at 5:08 pm #227708
Great playing jola you will never stop to amaze us
Fantastic job
Happy new year
Ale -
January 2, 2021 at 5:29 pm #227731
Brings a soulful tear to the eye. Just beautiful. You made it sing and cry!
Wish You Were Here
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January 2, 2021 at 5:44 pm #227760
Wow, you are really getting there, or even ARE there. I am sure it takes a lot of practice time to get to the level where you are. Each note is clear as well as accurate, which is amazing. Do you listen to Rye Cooder? Lowell George and of course Bonnie Raitt are other slide greats. I admire your expanding your horizon! Merry Christmas to you. Hide
Hidetada Shimizu
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January 2, 2021 at 5:47 pm #227765
Hi JoLa,
That is a truly creative and beautiful rendition of the beloved Gypsy Waltz.
Your slide guitar playing suits the song very well.I listened to it several times. Thanks for sharing,
Wim.
Wim
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January 2, 2021 at 6:28 pm #227807
Simply sublime JoLa! Getting a resonator is next on the list. I love playing slide. Great job! 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻
-Bryce
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January 2, 2021 at 6:37 pm #227814
Is there anything you can’t do well??? Superb.
FGM
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January 2, 2021 at 6:46 pm #227820
Another creative composition, your slide playing is impressive after such a short time , and it fits perfectly with the gypsy waltz , the GM tuning had a real haunting mood to it . A resonator is defo on my list of guitars ,
Nice work well played .Martin
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January 2, 2021 at 11:54 pm #227925
Firstly, that resonator has got character. I’m amazed that you even thought of adapted the Gypsy Waltz to slide let alone successfully producing a gem of an arrangement with it. Beautiful, so many bows to your cap. Some people make their own glass slides from of a glass bottle (with string and a lighter) if you can’t find one smaller enough. Happy New Year, just lead the way and we’ll try and follow.
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January 3, 2021 at 4:41 am #228032
Amazing sound on your resonator…..Gretsch!!
Haunting melody you have created to the track, wow.
Your sliding skills are improving in a fantastic way. I guess it’s not easy to play fingerstyle with a thumb pick.
It’s great to see how you are doing your own unique and recognizable style.
Happy New Year to you.
Your friend DeniseMore Blues!
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January 3, 2021 at 4:47 am #228037
Wow, JoLa. That was good! The jam track harmonized very well with your slide-playing. Top. I never did use a slide myself, but now I definitely have to look into it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Bluesige Grüße
Juxi -
January 3, 2021 at 7:15 am #228091
Yola
Good performance very much felt that communicates a yearning sadness.
happy new yearLivio
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January 3, 2021 at 8:18 am #228146
Oh my, everything worked together so well. Excellent!
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January 3, 2021 at 8:21 am #228148
Another great one Jola!
Ron -
January 3, 2021 at 8:52 am #228202
You created a beautiful piece of music here. A real melancholy vibe that the slide brought out perfectly. Love, love, love this one!
James
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January 3, 2021 at 9:05 am #228234
Jola, that was amazing for a distracted months effort. No, that was amazing for months of effort. I was really impressed with your vibrato. Slide and open tunings definitely on my to do list this year, thanks for the inspiration.
John -
January 3, 2021 at 9:25 am #228276
Real nice Jola, you are making great progress with that slide and I really like the sounds you make. There’s a lot going on there to stay on top of I think!! Very well done 🙂
Gary
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January 3, 2021 at 9:46 am #228314
Hello again Jola, that’s a very inventive take on one of my all-time favourite lessons. You managed to summon up a whole range of licks with that seamless floating left hand. Hope you get time to put your feet up for a change!
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January 3, 2021 at 11:10 am #228399
Superb stuff and excellent recording, there’s a real balance between the backing track and slide.
Inspiring stuff makes me want to get the resonator out and play
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January 3, 2021 at 12:12 pm #228456
Beautiful JoLa! that was a very clever (and fitting) pairing of the slide lead to that Gypsy jazz rhythm. They were made to go together. You played this beautifully as always.
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January 3, 2021 at 2:51 pm #228665
Good one, Jola! I’m feeling increasingly left out because I have no idea how to play slide guitar.
Sunjamr Steve
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January 3, 2021 at 3:09 pm #228690
Hi JoLa! Happy New Year to you and your family! Beautiful playing, beautiful gitfiddle and awesome song!!!! You always impress me how you push yourself to learn different types of gitfiddle playing!!! And do it so well. You are so talented and you put in the time!! Congrats!! I hope your job lightens up soon so your can crank up dem other gitfiddles JoLa! Great submission my friend! Bobby Ut
Bob U. (aka Bobby Ut)
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January 3, 2021 at 3:12 pm #228696
A resonator! You play very well and it sounds awesome!
Israel
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January 3, 2021 at 4:08 pm #228741
Happy New Year Jola! It sounds like you got the new year’s resolutions in early with the slide playing but you were well on the way to mastering it before 2021 had even begun! Beautifully played with a full slide tone.
I’ve got a steel bodied Gretsch resonator that looks like its from the same stable as yours lying idle in storage in the UK. I do miss it whenever I hear a resonator being played. The combination of slide and resonator tone is so evocative. -
January 3, 2021 at 7:27 pm #228847
Wowza is right, Jola… Holy cow was that good!! If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you had been at the slide for years from listening to that. Beautiful piece of guitar playing!
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January 3, 2021 at 10:10 pm #228893
Well played Jola. I am impressed you took to slide so quickly. I just can’t get the hang of it. You make it look and sound easy.
Happy New Year and best for a healthy happier one. -
January 3, 2021 at 10:31 pm #228897
Thank you, everyone, for the nice comments 🙂
That sounds like a spider cone. Is that a Bobtail? I think for bang for the buck Gretsch makes the best resonators. I own a National but keep picking up my Gretsch Alligator.
Roger, this is a Gretsch G9200 Roots Collection resonator. The website specs mention a Gretsch Ampli-Sonic resonator cone, hand-spun in Eastern Europe from nearly 99-percent pure aluminum for fantastic volume and sonic projection. It’s got a smaller comfortable body, shorter scale, good playable action. I love it 🙂
Some people make their own glass slides from of a glass bottle (with string and a lighter) if you can’t find one smaller enough.
Laurel, I actually thought about it. Unfortunately the standard bottle neck is still too large for my pinky. It would have to be something custom made. Well, I’ll keep looking.
🎸JoLa
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January 3, 2021 at 11:16 pm #228898
Really great slide guitar playing Jola.
I just loved that ethereal “he done gone and left me” feel. Nailed it!
Thank you for a great submission!!Blues forever!
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January 4, 2021 at 4:21 am #228993
Never tried slide guitar, it looks so difficult, but you sound great. Really well played.
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January 4, 2021 at 6:13 am #229017
This is a beautiful melody and your unexpected and creative take on it really worked! Very well done, Jola, and best wishes for 2021!
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January 4, 2021 at 8:54 am #229083
Jola….I suspect the reply threads have reached an all time high on this little gem you laid down…..I could swear I saw smoke coming out of my computer….lol The masses have spoken: You are the newly appointed queen of Active Melody….Be sure to watch for your check in the mail…….LOL
PS…I am very jealous as I’ve always wanted to play slide…..maybe this year???
Best regards
Marty -
January 4, 2021 at 2:15 pm #229166
Jola, I really loved it! I’m so impressed and surprised by your submissions. They are creative and unexpected. Always a pleasure!
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January 4, 2021 at 3:53 pm #229199
Nice job. Love the playing. I have always found slide to be a challenge (one I am far from mastering).
Love the video effects as well!!
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January 5, 2021 at 4:02 am #229256
Very good intonation and playing for someone just starting slide,the following might help with your search for a pinky slide, size chart of Jim Dunlop sizes below one of the smallest internal diameters is the signature porcelain 256 at 16mm internal and glass 212 at 17mm both about 50mm long, I stick rolled up paper in some of mine and you can also use sticky velcro loop inside for a better fit, I like the chunky ones better tone.
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January 5, 2021 at 6:39 am #229288
Fantastic take on Gypsy, I remember this lesson from back around the time I joined AM. Took me months to get it right, near demented me did this song..
..Billy..
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January 5, 2021 at 8:24 am #229299
Sliding like a pro, great vibrato, plus clear focus on melody; you made that Gretsch sing the blues. Well done Jola
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January 5, 2021 at 12:51 pm #229333
WoW Jola! Super beautifull work! You play with your hart! So nice inspiration! You have the magic touch and the soul!!
Thanks
Patrick
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January 5, 2021 at 6:29 pm #229398
Great playing Jola. You sound so easy and comfortable with that slide. Totally impressed.
Dave
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January 6, 2021 at 11:40 am #229476
Happy New Year JoLa,
Now that was the Blues! I felt like I was down in New Orleans, listening to the blues, sitting on the porch of a shot gun shack with a glass of moonshine in my hand…
Nicely done!
Michael -
January 7, 2021 at 11:38 pm #229644
Jola, listened to this twice. You always play like a pro and reminded me a bit of Justin Johnson. Love your fury friend in the background too. Happy New Years. Pap
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January 15, 2021 at 5:41 pm #230315
Hi JoLa, that’s great control over the slide, you seem to have an affinity for it. I’ve heard this two full times now too, about two weeks apart. That’s a great arrangement for the “Gypsy Waltz.” You know who it reminds me of? Tom Waits. I think he splits the difference between blues and some Eastern European sounds.
Don D.
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