Gordon Lightfoot Forums - View Single Post - Billings Montana Concert last night review.

Cathy · 10-09-2009, 04:00 PM

Your comment on Mike having to transpose songs into different keys because of Gord using a capo struck me. I go to New Brunswick (Canada) for fiddling lessons. After lessons, we have a jam session. By that time, I'm ready to put the fiddle down (which I'm really not very good at playing) and ready to get the old D15 out. Most of the songs the fiddlers play are in the key of A, D, G or C, so the capo stays in my pocket. When it comes my turn, I'm usually asked to sing a Lightfoot song. So, the keyboardist, who is an amazing musician, plays a keyboard that changes keys with the push of a button. I often play IYCRMM, but capo it on the fifth fret to match my vocal range. Larry has got it down to a science. He gives the button 4 or 5 pushes and he's automatically in my key. I suppose, in a way, a seasoned musician would say he's cheating. But then again, a seasoned guitarist would also say using a capo is cheating. It works for some of us. We've worked up quite a nice arrangement of IYCRMM, and have played it often during performances.
I wonder why Mike doesn't have one of these rigs on his keyboard? Hmmmm... I guess he probably doesn't need it, after playing these songs for 35 years.

Cathy

10-09-2009, 04:00 PM	#2
Cathy Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,967	Re: Billings Montana Concert last night review. Your comment on Mike having to transpose songs into different keys because of Gord using a capo struck me. I go to New Brunswick (Canada) for fiddling lessons. After lessons, we have a jam session. By that time, I'm ready to put the fiddle down (which I'm really not very good at playing) and ready to get the old D15 out. Most of the songs the fiddlers play are in the key of A, D, G or C, so the capo stays in my pocket. When it comes my turn, I'm usually asked to sing a Lightfoot song. So, the keyboardist, who is an amazing musician, plays a keyboard that changes keys with the push of a button. I often play IYCRMM, but capo it on the fifth fret to match my vocal range. Larry has got it down to a science. He gives the button 4 or 5 pushes and he's automatically in my key. I suppose, in a way, a seasoned musician would say he's cheating. But then again, a seasoned guitarist would also say using a capo is cheating. It works for some of us. We've worked up quite a nice arrangement of IYCRMM, and have played it often during performances. I wonder why Mike doesn't have one of these rigs on his keyboard? Hmmmm... I guess he probably doesn't need it, after playing these songs for 35 years. Cathy __________________ http://www.cathycowette.com