Three to Get Ready

 

Three to Get Ready (mp3) (pdf)

"Well, it's one for the money, two for the show ..."

Last week I had a dream and this verse from Carl Perkins' immortal "Blue Suede Shoes" popped up. There was no reference to the song in the dream, just the first three lines of the nursery rhyme with an emphasis on the "three to get ready." When I recalled the dream I figured I had a good title for a tune.

I wrote most of this tune the next morning, still without Blue Suede Shoes intruding, and did a little tinkering the next day or two. I had an unusual amount of trouble getting a recording I can live with but I like what I'm sharing here. I hope you enjoy it.

The photo comes from a walk near Decorah's Phelps Park taken earlier this week. There is a trail that runs above the Dug Road Trail which features several classic WPA style bridges, steps and markers. Many thanks to the young workers from so long ago who created this path and to the men and women who have maintained it all these years for our public use. Our tax dollars at work.

Safe Travels, Safe Return

 

Safe Travels, Safe Return (mp3) (pdf)

Today's tune began back in 2017 but was left unfinished. Last week I spent some more time with it and, now, here it is. I like the major to minor bit at the start and in general how the tune wanders around. I realize that a certain percentage of excellent musicians will be put off by the half-diminished (minor 7, flat 5) chord in the A section. If it helps, you can think about it as an A9 chord with a C# in the bass. I also know this is two waltzes in a row. I'll try and not make it three next time.

The photo comes from my window on the Capitol Limited while going through the mountains on my way to D.C. on Feb. 28 of this year. Contratopia was able to have one final weekend of fun playing for dancers just before we began to realize that we probably wouldn't be playing together again anytime soon. Our travels, and returns, were safe and I'm looking forward to another train ride in better times.

O'Loughlin's Waltz in G, no. 2

 

O'Loughlin's Waltz in G, no. 2 (mp3) (pdf)

Contratopia band mate and friend Patrick O'Loughlin has recently created a new dobro/slide guitar-style instrument. He posted some photos on Facebook. It was tuned to open G when I first saw it and Pat requested a waltz. Here's the second one I wrote, the first isn't quite right yet. (I guess that implies that this one is "right" but you'll have to decide for yourself.)

The photo above was taken a couple of weeks ago while climbing up the back side of the Ice Cave ridge. I don't go up there as much as I used to but it's worth the climb.

St. Feriole Island Jig

 

St. Feriole Island Jig (mp3) (pdf)

As threatened last time, here is a new tune named after lovely St. Feriole Island, part of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. This island on the Mississippi River has a rich history and is a great place to visit and stretch your legs. We stop there often.

The tune itself offers an opportunity to practice some arpeggios in the key of D minor and is fun to play. See what you think.