Discoved a different kind of fingerstyle artist

[RonBloor]

I guess we are all on a journey of discovery and music certainly plays a big part in the lives of the folks here on chetboard. So, I thought I would share this with you folks. Briefly.. I would like to tell you about an artist that seems to be on the fringes of the fingerstyle community (well this one anyway)! I've been listening to Ed Gerhard and I really like his approach to music and in particular his arrangements of old favorites. Some hymns and folk music. I've been listening to his arrangements of "The Water is Wide" and "A Closer Walk with Thee". I was wondering if he has ever attended CAAS? There is a series of workshops on youtube that he did back in 2009 for Breedlove Guitars.. If you just search his name and the word "workshop" they will will pop up. He imparts wisdom about his style and how keeping the spaces between the notes energized is important etc.. You pretty much need to use headphones to hear what he is saying but I think all 8 of these videos are worth watching. He does his arrangement of "The Water is Wide" during one of those videos... but for what it's worth.. I tried playing it on my little parlor guitar here..
http://soundcloud.com/ronbloor/the-water-is-wide
Any thoughts about Ed and his thoughtful kind of playing would be appreciated... BTW I'm a really big fan of John Knowles. John's arrangements are extremely thoughtful and offer much of the same kind of feeling as I get from listening to Ed Gerhard.
To keep this in the context of chetboard.. Chet seemed to be on a journey of discovery all his life. I remember him talking (during a TV interview) about how Jerry Reed changed his life (musically).. and of course many others artists were appreciated and used by Chet to energize his music.. So I suppose in a way I'm learning from Chet

[Randy Finney]

Sounds great, Ron. And, it sounded great live at the open stage last night - really caught everyone's attention.

Randy
P.S. Love that little parlour guitar. I should sell all my expensive guitars and get one of those for each room in my house.

[RonBloor]

Thanks Randy.. My little Parlor sure ain't going to cause any GAS attacks... Unlike Chuck's new Gretsch HOF Guitar. LOL

[Dan Northrup]

Hi Ron,
I have one of Ed Gerhards CD's, I really enjoy his arrangements and his touch on a guitar!! Have you listened to his arrangement of Moon River?
Dan.

[David Elliott]

Thanks Randy.. My little Parlor sure ain't going to cause any GAS attacks... Unlike Chuck's new Gretsch HOF Guitar. LOL

Thanks for the post Ron, you do a very credible job with that beautiful old song!

I have to confess, I'd never heard of Mr. Gerhard, but like many great guitarists, he exemplifies the major ingredient in all music (in my opinion), and that is taste and feeling. That's one of the reasons why I'm also a big fan of John Knowles! John's arrangement of 'Vincent' for example, is by far the best I've ever heard!

While she wasn't strictly a guitarist, I wonder if you've ever listened to Eva Cassidy's performance of 'The Water Is Wide"? Like Ed Gerhard, she imparts a great deal of feeling into the song.
Here's a link to her singing the song, as well as her guitar playing of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIFA8z-2Rq0

David

[John Knowles]

Ed Is one of my favorite guitarists. I'm glad to see you guys checking his music out. John

[RonBloor]

The two people that come to mind when I listen to Ed's music are John Knowles and Eva Cassidy... I was even going to mention Eva in my original post, so we are of one mind on that one David. Dan.. No I have not heard Ed's arrangement of Moon River.. I will give it a listen. Thanks for the comments guys.. Music is really a journey and sometimes you find some nice roads on the way.. Take care.

[gitzilla2000]

Ron-

Ed's not only a fabulous player and Grammy winner, he's a very, very nice and humble guy! I was fortunate to see him live twice and attend a clinic he was putting on here in the North Burbs of The ATL. As a matter of fact, Eddie Mathis (Six String Social Club) is putting on a series of concerts featuring great guitarists (Including ED, Laurence Juber and more!)


http://www.sixstringsocialclub.com/

[keener]

Ron,
Such beautiful playing of a beautiful tune, my friend. Very, very nice.

Thank you also for bringing Ed to my attention. Apparently my life has been too sheltered since I was not aware of him.

Take care
Bruce

[RonBloor]

Thanks Bruce and Tim.. It's Ed's beautiful arrangement. That's the beauty part for sure.. Tim... Thanks for the information about the Six String Social Club. I wish it was closer. Back when I had a real job, I spent quite a bit of time in the burbs of Atlanta.. As I recall every second name had a peach in it.. LOL.. Randy Finney is the man who sets up most of the guitar concerts here in Toronto and he has Frank Vignola lined up for March.. I noticed that Frank is coming to one of the "Social Club" Concerts. Small world! If anyone here is interested in going to one of Ed's annual workshops, he is holding one in March. The announcement is on his website. Take care.