I'm currently putting together a Skip James lesson for Stefan Grossman's Guitar Workshop. Though he's possibly more famous for his Crossnote tuning numbers I find his Special Rider Blues in Spanish tuning to be the most enjoyable to play. Special Rider Blues was his only recorded song out of Spanish tuning, which seems odd. But if you only got one than this is a darn good one to have.
According to Skip he came up with his arrangement from Little Brother Montgomery's No Special Rider blues recorded in 1930. He was famous for his Vicksburg Blues, a great number.
I couldn't find Montgomery's 30's recording of No Special Rider on Youtube, but here's a version from later in his life.
Lastly, Son House recorded Special Rider Blues in 1942. No real relation to Skip's or Montgomery's recordings, but what a great recording!
What's your favorite Skip James tune?
The Skip James lesson will be filmed in June. To be notified when it is released sign up on the email list at: www.tomfeldmann.com
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