View Full Version : I am so depressed.....
emitfo
Oct-14-2007, 6:33pm
I started working on William Tell Overture out of the Tef files and I'm getting a little better at it when I had this brilliant idea to look for the "William Tell Overture Mandolin" on youtube. Of course I found this:
Bill Tell # 1 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=nCIJPCbAO1U)
and this:
Bill Tell # 2 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=AHLPvE7uiUc)
And to think I was starting to feel pretty good about myself for getting to 1/3 speed. I should know better than to listen to anybody but myself--it's so demoralizing. Anybody want to buy a mandolin cheap?
...unless...I noticed that Grisman called Evan "the world's fastest mandolinist" (paraphrased), maybe I can bill myself as THE WORLD'S SLOWEST MANDOLIN PLAYER!
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I don't know, 1/3 of Evan Marshall's speed is darn good.
If I can achieve 1/4 Evan Marshall before I die I will have achieved all I could ever dream of. He is amazing. And if I could learn that piece I would learn a lot.
What is a TEF file?
I hate to inform you, but you can't be the world's slowest mandolin player, because I got that covered! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Chris Biorkman
Oct-14-2007, 6:56pm
Yeah, he's alright. He has a free concert where I live in about a week. I think I'm going to go, although I'm sure he will make me feel bad about myself. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
The Old Sarge
Oct-14-2007, 6:57pm
I started working on William Tell Overture out of the Tef files and I'm getting a little better at it when I had this brilliant idea to look for the "William Tell Overture Mandolin" on youtube. Of course I found this:
Bill Tell # 1 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=nCIJPCbAO1U)
and this:
Bill Tell # 2 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=AHLPvE7uiUc)
And to think I was starting to feel pretty good about myself for getting to 1/3 speed. I should know better than to listen to anybody but myself--it's so demoralizing. Anybody want to buy a mandolin cheap?
...unless...I noticed that Grisman called Evan "the world's fastest mandolinist" (paraphrased), maybe I can bill myself as THE WORLD'S SLOWEST MANDOLIN PLAYER!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
Sorry, that is my title. And I wouldn't even consider Bill Tell's Overture. I'm still working on Amazing Grace.....and I need it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Mike Crater
Oct-14-2007, 7:33pm
My first teacher gave me sheet music to "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Beat that, fellow weak dogs....
mythicfish
Oct-14-2007, 7:47pm
If someone butchered Rawhide the way EM butchered the WTO you'd see locals burning down the castle.
Curt
emitfo
Oct-14-2007, 8:17pm
What is a TEF file? [QUOTE]
A phenomenal resource that someone here turned me on to. I don't recall who so I can't thank them (are there just so many cool people here or what!!) directly but I can pass it on. TEFview files are free Read-only files TablEdit files and available here:
TEFview Page (http://www.tabledit.com/tefview/index.shtml)
And here you'll find way too many songs:
TEFview files +++ (http://www.mandozine.com/music/index.php)
Enjoy and, even though I do get down about my playing sometimes as evidenced by this thread, remember:
Even the worst played music that YOU play is better than any you can buy!
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If someone butchered Rawhide the way EM butchered the WTO you'd see locals burning down the castle.
Curt
You know, you do have a point there.
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Peter Hackman
Oct-15-2007, 1:03am
If someone butchered Rawhide the way EM butchered the WTO you'd see locals burning down the castle.
Curt
Didn't Andy Statman already do that?
mythicfish
Oct-15-2007, 7:27am
Peter, you may be right. And I guess that you could add Old Joe Clark (?) to the list of Statman's "variations".
But somehow, Marshall's offering comes across as a parlor trick. And Statman ... well, I'll shut up before I make even more of a fool of myself than I already have. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Curt
JEStanek
Oct-15-2007, 7:28am
Nice to read such a positive thread. If you actually quit, then, you can be the slowest mandolin player.
Jamie
As I love mandolin, I love it all, but in small doses. Statman is hard to take sometimes. Same with Thile. Same with Monroe. Same with...
Peter Hackman
Oct-15-2007, 8:03am
Peter, you may be right. And I guess that you could add Old Joe Clark (?) to the list of Statman's "variations".
But somehow, Marshall's offering comes across as a parlor trick. And Statman ... well, I'll shut up before I make even more of a fool of myself than I already have. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Curt
I think Statman is a fantastic musician with a fantastic sound from his oval-hole; clear and precise. But I do sometimes question his taste. I've heard a clip of
Rawhide where he starts in a familiar way, then suddenly interrupts a phrase as if fearing to become too square. On Stacy Phillips' version of Valse Hot and Panhandle Rag he almost fights the beat, perhaps as a reaction to the all too many mando players who just drift along with it. Of course, he's in complete control, in the keys of Ab and E.
But I Love "Barbara in the Morning".
As for Marshall, neither the "duo style" not that kind of material is my cup of tea, but he plays with great dynamics. Too bad the sound is so bad on the YouTube clips. Why do we buy expensive instruments and CD players, and cultivate our tone and then put up with such horrible sound quality?
emitfo
Oct-15-2007, 8:27am
Nice to read such a positive thread. If you actually quit, then, you can be the slowest mandolin player.
Jamie
I don't know if your 1st line is facetious but your 2nd made me smile! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I'm surprised I didn't think of that...which means you're thinking like me and I don't know who should be more scared at that prospect, you or me!
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JEStanek
Oct-15-2007, 8:41am
I was being a bit sarcastic in my first line. There's been some negativity lately in a bunch of threads. I watched the clips and thought, wow! that was fast. I understood your OP as tounge in cheek.
Even though I'm a very begginer player who doesn't practice enough, even plunking out a melody line and trying some chords gets me some relaxation and pleasure.
I'll never be the slowest... unless I'm dead. Pick on, Brother Ernitfo!
Jamie
JeffD
Oct-15-2007, 10:54am
But I Love "Barbara in the Morning".
That and the title cut are my favorites on that album.
I have used "Barbara in the Morning" as an example of a tune that could not be done better on any other instrument. A guitarist could do it justice, as could a pianist, but it really "works" best on the mandolin.
I played it once for a girlfriend of mine, and I tell you, had I lied and told her I wrote it for her, she probably would have proposed right there on the spot.
JeffD
Oct-15-2007, 10:57am
But somehow, Marshall's offering comes across as a parlor trick.
Once again you nailed it.
Its a parlor trick, as opposed to "here is a nice piece by Rossini that sounds great on mandolin".
Frank Russell
Oct-15-2007, 11:12am
Parlor trick? I must have missed something. It's pretty impressive when you stand a few feet away from him and watch him play it live. Plus, Evan is a real unassuming, friendly guy. Frank
Was Jethro Burns' chord solo technique a parlor trick? I think that that is a very poor analysis of a beautiful peice. How should one play that peice on mandolin? I am really curious as to how one could play it so that it would come off as "genuine".
mrmando
Oct-15-2007, 12:23pm
Man, I gotta learn me some more parlor tricks!
Bernie Daniel
Oct-15-2007, 12:33pm
mythicfish:Marshall's offering comes across as a parlor trick.
lgc: Was Jethro Burns' chord solo technique a parlor trick? #I think that that is a very poor analysis of a beautiful peice. #How should one play that peice on mandolin? #I am really curious as to how one could play it so that it would come off as "genuine".
I agree with lgc. #
What are earth could you guys mean when you refer to some virturoso mandolin work as a "parlor trick"? #I'd really love to hear a answer to lgc's question -- if an answer exists. #
If I did not know better I'd put it down to a bit whiff of envy. #And yes, it seems true this guy Marshall is probably a technically better mandolin player then almost ANYONE out there including a lot bluegrass stars we are more familiar with. #
Why would that be a matter of concern?
sinebar
Oct-15-2007, 1:20pm
mythicfish:Marshall's offering comes across as a parlor trick.
lgc: Was Jethro Burns' chord solo technique a parlor trick? #I think that that is a very poor analysis of a beautiful peice. #How should one play that peice on mandolin? #I am really curious as to how one could play it so that it would come off as "genuine".
I agree with lgc. #
What are earth could you guys mean when you refer to some virturoso mandolin work as a "parlor trick"? #I really love to hear a answer to lgc's question -- if an answer exists. #
If I did not know better I'd put it down to a bit whiff of envy. #And yes, it is seems true this guy Marshall is probably a technically better mandolin player then almost ANYONE out there including a lot bluegrass stars we are more familiar with. #
Why would that be a matter of concern?
I'm a rank beginner on mandolin so what do I know, but that guy has to be the very best mandolin player there is. Definately no parlor trick.
Jkf_Alone
Oct-15-2007, 1:35pm
i think what they mean by that is that #he alters the tune to show his virtuosity. its the reason why musician's musicians arent really popular with the general public. to us, he has amazing technical skill and wonderful taste. to non musicians, he is the guy that plays really fast ukelele, but messed up that tune about shooting an arrow through an apple.
From what I can find, a parlor trick is a slight of hand. I'm pretty sure that his rendition is just as hard as it sounds. No trick. Maybe the critique is just poorly worded and I failed to extrapolate the posters intended meaning.
the_guitar_guru
Oct-15-2007, 2:07pm
Don't feel bad; I posted a link here to my MySpace page of something I recorded just looking for feedback and recived over 200 e-mails telling me to give up the mandolin, I suck, I have no business playing etc. That is a reason to be depressed about playing mandolin. This can be an unfriendly place. No advice or constructive ideas; just you suck 200+ times over!!! I haven't been too inspired to play mandolin since that.
Jkf_Alone
Oct-15-2007, 2:22pm
what do you expect guru? posting ANY thing on myspace or youtube is allowing yourself to be turkey basted. i really havent heard anyone actually be hurtful on this forum about any (posters) efforts at music making. artists are another story though.
Bernie Daniel
Oct-15-2007, 2:36pm
the_guitar_guru: posted a link here to my MySpace page of something I recorded just looking for feedback and recived over 200 e-mails telling me to give up the mandolin
That would be pretty much a downer I agree. #You will not get that response here. #By the way that is a great MySpace page you have there. #
(off topic part: why not post some of your mando work on your own page? - and hey that old time mando builder link looks pretty interesting!).
By parlor trick, I (and Curt I assume, forgive me if I am wrong) mean that the tune is being played for its showmanship, as opposed to its musical qualities. Not that Evan is doing any slight of hand, or that there is anything wrong with it. Nor do I (we) mean to take anything away from his playing, jeez what I wouldn't give to wake up one morning able to play that tune that well.
Its the setting. The William Tell sounds beautiful as an orchestral piece. It was never meant as a solo piece, and that notwithstanding it doesn't work well as a solo piece. (The way a Bach piece might.) A single mandolin just can't do the music justice - no matter how well played. A mandolin orchestra might do a very beautiful job at it though, (hmmmmm).
Evan Marshall's playing is stratospheric on that tune. Just wonderful. But you don't enjoy it for its music, as much for the virtuosity in being able to play it on the mandolin. You don't appreciate Rossini or William Tell when you hear it, you appreciate Evan Marshall's abilities.
Compare to a Butch Baldassari recording of Bach, where you not only appreciate Butch's playing, but you fall in love with the Bach piece all over again.
Bernie Daniel
Oct-15-2007, 3:56pm
JeffD: Its the setting. The William Tell sounds beautiful as an orchestral piece. It was never meant as a solo piece, and that notwithstanding it doesn't work well as a solo piece. (The way a Bach piece might.) A single mandolin just can't do the music justice - no matter how well played. A mandolin orchestra might do a very beautiful job at it though, (hmmmmm).
Evan Marshall's playing is stratospheric on that tune. Just wonderful. But you don't enjoy it for its music, as much for the virtuosity in being able to play it on the mandolin. You don't appreciate Rossini or William Tell when you hear it, you appreciate Evan Marshall's abilities.
Understood. #I think your views(you and Curt) are reasonable in that context. #Seen as a tour d'force in mandolin virtuosity -- not to expound on the finer points of Rossini?
It was both inspiring and depressing at the same time!
jbrwky
Oct-16-2007, 6:53am
There's a good version in the MP3 section here on the Cafe.
jbrwky
Oct-16-2007, 6:57am
I want to be like Evan and do parlor tricks. First I'll need a parlor which means the dining room has to go. Then I need to practice for 10,000 hours to develop the tricks. Then I need to go to a shrink to change my personality from Grumpy dwarf to Happy dwarf to be anywhere near as nice a guy as Evan is. I'll get back to you in 15 years and let you know how it's going. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I want to be like Evan and do parlor tricks. First I'll need a parlor which means the dining room has to go. Then I need to practice for 10,000 hours to develop the tricks. Then I need to go to a shrink to change my personality from Grumpy dwarf to Happy dwarf to be anywhere near as nice a guy as Evan is.
I'm with you there.
Evan is pretty amazing on everything he plays, tricks or not. Have you seen/heard his Vivaldi?
The parlor trick I want to learn is Maple Leaf Rag.
sailaway
Oct-16-2007, 8:29am
hey don't listen to all those jealous folk on uTube who probably are all B@#$o fanatics. Fellow weak dogs: if you want kudos, fame and instant perpetual adoration, learn to play The Eensy Weensy Spider on mando. every 3 year (and their parents) will flock to you. I had the most fun at a bg church program my band played, at the end number i invited all the kids to come on stage and 'see the instruments.' the whole band then had bunches of intersted kids and parents looking as we played simple tunes. while showing kids the mando and playing Wheels on the Bus and EWSpider, i got questions like 'how do all those musics can get inside there 'when is the spider coming ' and my favorite; 'let me let me let me !!!!' so give your self esteem a boost and go demo music for some little kids......
sailaway , part of the BG band " The Various Others" (a name chosen because at all the r eally big BG fests, when the big names won't commit, the posters say 'And Various Others' http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif