Almain, by Robert Johnson (1583-1633)

**Colin Botts** · Mar-22-2023, 11:25pm

It seemed like my last Renaissance arrangement for mandola was fairly well received, so I thought I'd share tonight's project. This is Almain by Robert Johnson, reharmonized and arranged for solo mandola. Thanks for listening and for your feedback!

**Crazyquilt** · Mar-23-2023, 7:46pm

This is so good. I'm working on the much simpler Dix Bruce arrangement, but I may have to try & steal some of those juicy chords. And that mandola!

**Ranald** · Mar-23-2023, 9:43pm

I enjoyed that. It sounds as though the hellhounds weren't on Bob's trail yet.

**Colin Botts** · Mar-24-2023, 9:21am

Originally Posted by Crazyquilt

This is so good. I'm working on the much simpler Dix Bruce arrangement, but I may have to try & steal some of those juicy chords. And that mandola!

Thanks so much! If you're interested, I notated the arrangement before recording it and could email you a pdf.

**Crazyquilt** · Mar-24-2023, 12:22pm

Originally Posted by Colin Botts

Thanks so much! If you're interested, I notated the arrangement before recording it and could email you a pdf.

That would be fantastic. Dropped you a PM. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Ranald

I enjoyed that. It sounds as though the hellhounds weren't on Bob's trail yet.

As a lifelong slide player, I really, really want to throw a phrase or two of "Hell Hound on my Trail" or "Come On in my Kitchen" into the arrangement on mandola/mandolin.

**Gelsenbury** · Mar-26-2023, 4:46pm

This one will be deservedly well received too. Super nice!

**Martin Jonas** · Mar-27-2023, 9:31am

Very nice arrangement and playing, Colin. I love this piece and have recorded it as a mandolin trio many years ago, in 2012 (Link), but your solo setting is very effective and evocative. The lower register of the mandola also makes the sound richer.

Martin

**Colin Botts** · Mar-27-2023, 7:14pm

Originally Posted by Martin Jonas

Very nice arrangement and playing, Colin. I love this piece and have recorded it as a mandolin trio many years ago, in 2012 (Link), but your solo setting is very effective and evocative. The lower register of the mandola also makes the sound richer.

Martin

Thanks for sharing the link to your performance. That was wonderful!

**tmsweeney** · Mar-28-2023, 6:28pm

Wonderful! your playing is very "listenable"
I noticed you gently plant (more like a brush) with the index and middle on the right hand, not a criticism just am observation on your mechanics- as a mandola nerd might mention.
I do believe it is your right hand that is mostly creating that very even spaced set of tones.
Hats Off!

**Colin Botts** · Mar-29-2023, 12:31am

Originally Posted by tmsweeney

Wonderful! your playing is very "listenable"
I noticed you gently plant (more like a brush) with the index and middle on the right hand, not a criticism just am observation on your mechanics- as a mandola nerd might mention.
I do believe it is your right hand that is mostly creating that very even spaced set of tones.
Hats Off!

Yes, you're correct regarding my right hand. In addition to helping stay relaxed, it also functions like a set of calipers for picking accuracy. Honestly, it's not something I really thought much about, but just evolved over time. I do also know that when playing fast single-note lines I tend to close my hand up and hover over the strings. Thanks!