Members guitarist21 Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 I do! Coincidentally, I got this in my Berklee email today: Audition to perform with country and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder in the BPC March 12th. Looking for male and female vocalists, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, and acoustic bass. Should be able to rehearse Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:30 PM.Audition this Wednesday. Prepare at least two bluegrass standards (preferably at least one from Ricky Skagg's catalog). Sweet! But now the dilemma: what instrument should I play (I can't play fiddle to save my life and I've only got a tenor banjo) and what two songs should I do. I know nothing about Ricky Skaggs. Help! Ellen
Members OldGuitarPlayer Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 This would be the song. [YOUTUBE]f-H-3-p7H3M[/YOUTUBE]
Members outdoorgb Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 I do! Can I just sit back, enjoy the jam, drink a few brews, get up once in a while for a ballad, then sit back down...repeat? Probably not...back to practice
Members spokenward Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 This clip might be kind of a backgrounder. I first saw him in the 70's with Emmylou. [YOUTUBE]Xg0mhSsoiGw[/YOUTUBE] Maybe a Louvin Bros tune?
Members MattSkibaIsGOD Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 I'd suggest By The Mark.
Members DonK Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 Ricky rules! I've followed his music and career for a long time, and I can tell you he has a real reverence for the originators of bluegrass and other forms of American folk music. If you can get hold of a copy of his "The Three Pickers" CD (or better yet, the DVD) you can get a feel for what I'm talking about. That CD/DVD features Ricky playing with Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs. The performances are truly amazing: they eclipse most studio recordings in terms of musical precision and execution, yet have a spontaneity and intimacy not found on 99.9% of studio recordings. He pays homage to the roots of his craft in spoken insights between songs, as well as in his playing and in the selection of songs. He gives the nod to the importance of people like Earl and Doc (as well as indirectly to Bill Monroe, through Doc's own stage musings) in much the way Eric Clapton often does to his heroes like B.B. King and Muddy Waters If I had a chance to play with Ricky, I'd want to try doing either "Who Will Sing For Me", "Feast Here Tonight (aka "Rabbit In a Log"), or "What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul". None of those is an excursion in instrumental virtuosity, but they speak to the roots of what American bluegrass and country music were originally about. I think he would appreciate that. And even if I didn't get the gig, having the opportunity to play one of those tunes with Ricky would be its own reward. And watch out for Cody Kilbey: he is a monster player (he's in Ricky's band).
Members Steadfastly Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 Who wouldn't like to be in Ricky Scragg's band. Well, maybe some total rocker. I'd like to be good enough just to audition.
Members guitarist21 Posted January 17, 2008 Author Members Posted January 17, 2008 This would be the song. Okay this one looks the most awesome but also the hardest. Boy do they play fast! But I'm going to go for it. It's going to take me a while. If anyone has any tips or tricks or tabs or transcriptions or tequila (hey I had to keep the alliteration going and I'm going to need SOMETHING to slow this mess down ) that would be really helpful! Here's the studio version, no less terrifying: [YOUTUBE]ri_YvesIahA[/YOUTUBE] Any more suggestions? I was thinking the last one could be a fingerstyle arrangement of something but I don't know if that'd be appropriate. I've really got no idea what they're looking for but if they're looking for BLAZING FAST they'll sure get it with Country Boy. Ellen
Members totamus Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 Ricky doesnt do country boy in his acts any more. One of his standards is "Amanda Jewel" It is great piece and is good for guitar, although he does it on mandolin. Dons suggestion of the three pickers is excellent, if you get a chance to watch the DVD, it really showcases Ricky's musical taste. Good Luck!
Members babablowfish Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 Good luck at the audition Ellen. It is fantastic that you can even get the chance to play with those guys.
Members Terry Allan Hall Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 I do! Coincidentally, I got this in my Berklee email today: Sweet! But now the dilemma: what instrument should I play (I can't play fiddle to save my life and I've only got a tenor banjo) and what two songs should I do. I know nothing about Ricky Skaggs. Help! Ellen Bass or guitar, plus female vox! Hope it goes well for ya!
Members Queequeg Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 I saw Ricky Skaggs @ the Ark last fall after listening to him for years.Watch the youtube in spokenward's post#4 again. Vince Gill & ELH use the word "pure" several times. If you understand what they mean, play something "pure". Think: beautiful, in its simplicity and honesty.This is certain to get Ricky's attention and respect.Good Luck, Ellen. Let us know how it goes.
Members Minstrel Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 +1 on the good luck...hope you get it. I've been a Skaggs fan since "Roses In The Snow" with Emmylou. Really like Kentucky Thunder and the Bourgeois gits.
Members Samilyn Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 WhooHoo, Ellen! What an opportunity!! I wish you the very best of luck!! Us pickers down here have a saying: "Fast don't mean good." There are a lot of blazing fast pickers out there, but not too many of them get a the superb articulation and clarity of each note as do the likes of Earl and Doc. So, my advice is what Queeg said. "Pure" is definitely a keyword. Something beautiful, simple and honest, that is well-played, is indeed more likely to get Mr. Skaggs' attention than some guy who picks like he'll set his strings on fire, but whose notes don't ring clear and true. Find a song that really touches you, then play and sing from your soul. That nebulous intangible we sometimes call "heart" really comes through in the music. Some folks have it, some don't. Just give it your best shot. I'm so proud of you!!!
Members OldGuitarPlayer Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 Ricky doesnt do Country Boy in his acts any more. What...??? That used to be his...signature tune.... Shows you how long I've been out of the loop... It's a wonderful opportunity for you. Best of luck Ellen!
Members totamus Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 Here is a link to Amanda Jewell Amanda Jewell
Members MattSkibaIsGOD Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 Since Ricky's into traditional bluegrass and American music that predated it, you could work out a fingerstyle version of Red River Valley or Goin' Across the Mountain or some such like.
Members Samilyn Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 This might not help much, but if you happen to need lyrics to old-timey bluegrass songs, here's a good site. Lots of Flatt & Scruggs, Carter Family, traditional stuff here. http://www.bluegrasslyrics.com/index.cfm.htm
Members daklander Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 Break a leg Ellen. I loves me some Skaggs music.
Members fatback Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 What...??? That used to be his...signature tune.... Shows you how long I've been out of the loop... It's a wonderful opportunity for you. Best of luck Ellen! I've seen a local duet play that song. The singer guitarist starts it off while the other plays bass. Then the one who plays the bass walks behind the singer/ guitarist and plays the super fast part through his arms. Its a real show stopper for a pub band. Phil
Members denvertrakker Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 If you want an alternative - something a bit slower - Ricky and his wife Sharon have been known to perform Townes Van Zandt's "If I Needed You" on occasion. (He's also performed it with Emmylou Harris) It's a pretty song, with some great mando parts. Just a thought.
Members Hudman Posted January 17, 2008 Members Posted January 17, 2008 Albert Lee is a killer guitarist. He's the Eddie VanHalen of bluegrass. Good luck!
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