Blind Blake's recordings, made in the 1920s and 1930s, set a standard for ragtime blues guitar virtuosity that remains unmatched. His famous "double-thumb" right-hand technique is part of a syncopated sound that is unlike that of any other guitarist. His recordings, with their rhythmic drive and ingenious variations, remain a source of endless delight (as well as frustration) for today's acoustic blues guitarists.
In this double DVD Ari Eisinger explains and demonstrates two key components of Blind Blake's style: his right-hand technique and his unique chord progressions. He then provides detailed demonstrations of eight of Blake's guitar breaks and accompaniments from some of his best recordings. These include the well-known songs and instrumentals Rope Stretchin' Blues and the amazing (and amazingly fast) Southern Rag, as well as the wonderful, but often overlooked, Baby Lou Blues and Tootie Blues. The lesson provides both an introduction to Blake's style and a detailed demonstration of some of his most advanced instrumental breaks.
A detailed tab/music booklet is included as a PDF file on each DVD. In addition the original old recordings of all the tunes are included.
Titles include: Guitar Chimes, Baby Lou Blues, Rope Stretchin’ Blues, Tootie Blues, Stonewall Street Blues, Too Tight #2 and Southern Rag.
186 minutes • Level 3 • Detailed tab/music PDF file on the DVD
Review: Other than Blind Blake himself, the only one you want teaching the amazing guitar wizardry at play behind his doom-laden "Rope Stretchin' Blues" or a breakneck "Too Tight" is Ari Eisinger. He's the humble, fleet-fingered authority on blues and ragtime of 1920's-'30s vintage. To seal the deal, his utmost specialty happens to be Blake's legendary complexity. So, over the course of two instructional DVDs (supplemented with Blake's original recordings), Eisinger meticulously deciphers his hero's idiosyncrasies: that double-thumb technique; his distinct chord progressions; that way of anticipating the beat. After warming up on "Guitar Chimes" the lessons steadily gain momentum through the leisurely paced "Baby Lou Blues" and "Tootie Blues" to the double-timed "Stonewall Street Blues." Maximum drama is reached with "Southern Rag" a piano-like masterpiece of syncopated speed. But more than detailing these seven particular songs, Eisinger also imparts Blake's overall technical gestalt, which zapped razzle-dazzle into country blues guitar. – Dennis Rozanski/BluesRag
