Playing what is on the original recording

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 23 Mar 2011 7:52 pm

,if one of those tunes ends up being a hit,players will be woodshedding YOUR lines.So be merciful!

Not to worry, Dave, I never really play anything that isn't fairly easy to execute, it's the hearing it out of thin air that is always the challenge!

http://www.reverbnation.com/ronrogersandthewailingwind

Johnny Cox · Post by **Johnny Cox** » 23 Mar 2011 9:31 pm

Here is my take on it. If I'm playing in put together or cover bands I'll try to keep it recognizable both to the audience and the other musicians and singers. If it's a song that I really liked what was one the record I may go with it note for note. When I'm working with an artist such as Gene Watson I do it the way he wants it. Some of his stuff has changed on the live shows over the years and sounds totally different from the original record. Personally I feel the artist that had the hit should do it like their record. I also feel that when playing in cover bands where there are songs that have been recorded by several artist the audience wants to hear the hit version. For example, if a singer calls "There Goes My Everything" then it should be the Jack Green version, not the Ray Price album cut that most of the crowd or band has never heard. What I don't like is taking a song and adding a bunch of bar band garbage. For instance, it totally pisses me off when a band or singer wants to put a six minor in the Ernest Tubb song "Half A Mind". I realize that bands want to have their own arrangements but the are certain songs you just don't mess with. When I record a cover tune unless specifically asked I stay away from what was on the original. That's called creativity and at one time in country music's history was a desirable trait in a studio musician.
Bottom line, the situation dictates and the best musicians know when to copy what's already been done and when to be themselves musically.

Ronnie Miller · Post by **Ronnie Miller** » 24 Mar 2011 6:09 am

I totally agree with Dumplin.
I make a good living copying those Pride cuts.. I get to stretch out on a few, but most of it is the same as the record, and I don't get tired of playing any of it...I get to play more than anyone else in the band.
Why would I think I could come up with anything better than Lloyd Green, who did almost all Prides hits (52 top tens, 36 # one's.) It was Gene O'Neal That played on Prides biggest Kiss An Angel Good Morning, and I play it note for note on every show, and proud to be doing it since 1993...cheers..Ronnie