Solace: A Mexican Serenade (Joplin)

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 30 Apr 2023 12:38 pm

When I’ve mentioned this tune to people, a few have said this is their favorite Scott Joplin composition. I’m glad I’ve had a chance to learn this piece and put my own spin on it. While there is a habanera rhythm, which is really the crux of the piece, I have altered the groove slightly hoping to give an uplift. Jelly Roll Morton was very fond of the habanera rhythm.

I am pleased with the way this turned out, though when I record the album I may have new ideas.

https://youtu.be/_Slz5tG8oas

Jim Mckay · Post by **Jim Mckay** » 30 Apr 2023 12:58 pm

WOW Mike !! Prettiest post I have heard on here in while.
Beautiful touch and tone.
That will take some heading off

David Matzenik · Post by **David Matzenik** » 30 Apr 2023 3:40 pm

Very, very nice, and a great idea to include the sheet music to follow along.

Mike A Holland · Post by **Mike A Holland** » 1 May 2023 5:32 am

Great Mike. I am loving the direction in music you are taking at the moment. Great arrangement and playing of a wonderfully composed piece of music!

Miles Lang · Post by **Miles Lang** » 7 Jul 2023 1:05 pm

I listened to the soundtrack from The Sting a lot in my youth, and Solace was one of my favorite cuts. Does anybody have an arrangement for lap steel?

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 7 Jul 2023 2:02 pm

Miles, while I don’t have an arrangement to share, I did make the video public again for a minute. I hadn’t heard this one in a while myself.

Miles Lang · Post by **Miles Lang** » 8 Jul 2023 6:50 am

That’s quite lovely, Mike

David Irving · Post by **David Irving** » 8 Jul 2023 8:18 pm

That's lovely, Mike. I'm looking forward to the release of the album.

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 10 Jul 2023 2:20 am

Exquisite. Bravo, Mike.

The muted parts are very cool and probably tricky to get in and out of those phrases, I'd guess. Also dig the tempo changes.

There whole things sounds so musical and relaxed; a culmination of all the hard work you've put into the instrument over the last few years.

Joe Cook · Post by **Joe Cook** » 11 Jul 2023 3:52 pm

Really nice work, Mike! I love what you're doing. Keep 'em coming.

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 11 Jul 2023 5:15 pm

Wonderful playing.

Guy Cundell · Post by **Guy Cundell** » 11 Jul 2023 5:21 pm

Beautiful and unique! The vocal qualities of the lines are a wonderful new take on Joplin.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 13 Jul 2023 4:23 am

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to listen and comment!

I’ve released this track as a single on all streaming platforms. I’ll continue to do this with tracks I record in my studio and reserve the release of a CD for my band recordings. Steelonious plays ragtime is gonna be lit! I hope to do that before the year is out or early in 2024.

Joe Burke · Post by **Joe Burke** » 13 Jul 2023 7:35 am

Looking forward to the album!