November challenge Martin W

[Martin W]

Hi folks , my submission for the Xmas challenge, I went with John Lennon’s Happy Christmas “ War is Over” .
My brother Chris kindly produced an orchestral backing track for me , so I just had to fill in the lead which was quite intricate in places . I’ve put a link to his music on my YouTube video .
It so happens that on the 8th Dec it is the anniversary of John Lennon’s passing,
45 years ago , so it seems apt I went with this tune .
Happy festive season to you all
Martin

[JoeD1]

That’s one of my favorites and your playing was super. The backing track from your brother was great too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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

[AndréM]

Very well played, should be played every Christmas to the end of eternity.
I think I have some affinity with your brother but he has some serious classic tools.
Love it.

AndréM

Merry Christmas

AndréM

[Michael Krailo]

Great playing, we all want that backing track. 🙂

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

[Guido]

Very nice rendition of this classic song, very well played Martin! And the backing track composed by your brother is a very cool arrangement in a classic orchestral style, very well crafted and atmospheric. Enjoyed to listen one more time to this evergreen piece of music!

Guido

[John H]

Martin,
Thank you! Both inspiring and beautiful. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

JH

[Denise]

Wow what an epic arrangement of your talented brother Chris. Beautiful!
He made it easy for you to fill in the melody and you played it so smoothly.
Yes this is a great Christmas song. So sad that John Lennon’s life ended so early.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Hopefully there will be a new guitar under the Christmas tree!
Denise

PS: Yes we want the backing track!

More Blues!

[Richard G]

So well played Martin and a beautiful rendition. It’s not often you can say ‘I had an orchestral backing specifically composed for the occasion’

Richard

[charjo]

Perhaps my favourite Christmas song. Beautifully played, Martin, with a beautiful, warm tone.
Can’t believe it’s been 45 years, I think most of us can remember where we were when we heard.
Your brother is very skilled.

John

[JoLa]

Martin and Brother, this is incredible!

Love LOVE the choice you made to play this song, every time I hear Lennon’s music I get very sad because of his premature passing. It was such a loss to the humanity. Good timing on its anniversary, I second what André M said as well.

The symphonic backing track is out of this world, apparently talent runs in families….. Beautifully done, Martin!

🎸JoLa

[sunjamr]

Great idea, Martin – what a professional level production! That’s a seriously complex song, and you guys nailed it.

Sunjamr Steve

[math07]

Awesome Martin ! It does sounds perfect with the backing track. It must be pretty fun to practice the lead with custom backing track like that. You are lucky to have a brother who makes it for you.

As I find it hard to play both rhythm and lead at the same time for songs like that. So with a backing track you can focus on the melody and makes it sound awesome.

good job !

[Dieter]

Yes, the old rocker John Lennon wrote wonderful songs—you played them beautifully.

Dieter

[Alan L]

Very well played, that guitar sounds great

[Manfred M]

Martin, that was just wonderful. Everything here is great. Wonderful backing track from your brother. Compliments to him!
One of the most wonderful modern Christmas songs, which unfortunately is still so relevant today. And your wonderful playing is the icing on the cake. I just melted away.

Take the chance to meet your AM friends on Zoom
The next Meetup will be at the beginning of next year 2026

A detailed announcement will be posted here in the forum in good time.

I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

[Juxi]

Great job, Martin. You chose a fitting tone to this brilliant backing track from your brother. Skillful and tasteful playing!
Music seems to run in the family. We already know that your granddaughter is a skilled musician and now we learned about your brother – I cannot wait to hear from more family members. 😊

Bluesige Grüße
Juxi

[James B]

Lovely arrangement, Martin. You and your brother put together a beautiful rendition of this song.

James

[Andy N]

Oh yes! A timely reminder of what we and music lost 45 years ago. What might John have treated us too in those years? Unlikely to have been the frog chorus that’s for sure!
It was also a heartfelt rendition of one of the best Christmas songs ever. A great decision to keep it very simple and just play the melody, with that sumptuous backing track filling the space. Fabulous 👏

[Bill]

That’s great Martin. What a lovely backing track to play over, wonderful collaboration.
Happy Christmas! 🎄

[Author]

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