March 2026 Challenge – James B “Greenback Dollar”

[James B]

Happy Challenge Weekend to everyone.
I took a song from the early 1960’s folk era and played it on an electric guitar with some overdrive and added some power chords and minor pentatonics to spice it up a bit.

[Raffaele S]

Excellent performance…..sounding and also singing, very beautiful

[Alan L]

You really brought that to life! I especially like the harmony vocals and that little outro riff. But that crunchy guitar really drives it!

[John H]

Great interpretation James… this is really fun. You have a great repertoire. I’m sure Hoyt Axton was awakened from his eternal slumber and was movin’, shakin’ and beboppin’ all about when he heard your version. You have a way of evoking memories and emotions in me my friend. Great lead playing as well. Rock on!

John

[James B]

Thanks John, Hoyt wrote some great songs and supposedly was quite a character.

[Michael L]

Hi James, this was excellent! Great vibe to the tune, and it had that 60’s flair. I don’t know the original, but the electric guitars and power chords fit the era. I could imagine this as coming from the British Invasion wave.

[Michael Krailo]

Well again you step up to the musician plate and hit a home run. Just the total package James.

Go slow and practice correct technique, and your abilities will dramatically improve.

[sunjamr]

Where the heck do you come up with these old songs from James? I swear it’s been at least 50 years since I heard that song. Doing a deep dive into my brain cells, I seem to recall that it might have been sung or made famous by the Kingston Trio, true? Of course you owned it, and I would not have expected anything less from you.

Sunjamr Steve

[Pap]

Wow James…you always blow me away with your musical repertoire and how well you play and sing it too. I always look forward to what you come up with. Fantastic job here! Cheers. Pap

[AndréM]

Awesome return to the 60’s.
A different style from you.

AndréM

AndréM

[JoeD1]

Very cool James. Most enjoyable as always.

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

[Guido]

Not familiar with this song, but it’s a very nice one and your rendition brilliant, James! Both guitar parts very nicely played, soulfully in the melodic leads and with a great timing in general. Beautiful vocals as always, and the brilliant vocal harmony parts are always very inspiring for me!

Guido

[Mark T]

Another excellent performance from you, James – your ending riff reminded me of another song, and – as I’m writing this – I suddenly remembered what it is: Little Things, by Dave Berry. – Mark 👍🎶😎

[charjo]

Nothing to see here, folks, just more great musicianship from James. I love this electrified version of yourself, I need more of that.
John

[Wayne Nunez]

Awesome James,your very talented great playing and singing,it has a nice johnny cash type feel,well done my friend 👍

[Werner]

Great post, James. I don’t know this song, but I also really enjoy rediscovering songs from my youth. Your singing and guitar playing are top-notch, as always.

Werner

[Catherine Arsenault]

Totally enjoyed this!!

[JoLa]

Oh, how fun! Never heard this song before so I had to look it up just to appreciate more what you did here 🙂
Really cool with the overdrive and all the spice – a fine performance from you, James, as always (you make it look so easy)!

🎸JoLa

[Manfred M]

You’re definitely the entertainer of our challenges, James. It’s amazing how you’ve given this song a whole new twist. Great version!

Take the chance to meet your AM friends on Zoom
The next Meetup will be May/June
There will be a detailed announcement here in the forum
I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

[Denise]

I like how you created that 60s sound with (only) some driving overdrive chords and a tambourine.
That sounded awesome together with your vocals.

More Blues!

[Dieter]

Unfortunately, I don’t know the song, but I think your version is wonderful.

Dieter

[Laurel C]

I really enjoyed your version James. I did check out the original. You brought it to life but still kept the 60s vibe with the tambourine.
Top Notch and as always, entertaining.

[Martin W]

Nice groove James very catchy ! You made this one your own , the instrumental interlude was a cool idea .
Once again a top performance.

Martin

[Gary W]

Ahh James – fantastic! What more can I say?

Gary

[Paul S.]

You win the title of Best AM community vocalist, and even if you weren’t the only person singing, I would vote for you for this rendition of This Kingston Trio classic I grew up with. Your harmonies were excellent.

[Bill]

That rocked James! Great track.

[Jonathan Amos]

That never made it in the UK but it’s a great song so now’s your chance, James!

Jonathan Amos, Matsuyama, Japan

[Bruce D]

James,
Man, that’s fun to listen to. Great idea. Sounds cool.
Nice job!

Bruce

Just focus on the notes you DID get right . . . Frank Vignola

[snakechisler]

Great performance
A pleasure to listen to

Keep up the good work

[Author]

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