Joseph Spence of Andros Island in the Bahamas was a unique, brilliant guitarist. Influenced by the the many sources of music he heard, and especially by the unaccompanied vocal music of his community, he developed a powerful and lyrical guitar style featuring contrapuntal melody, harmony and bass voices weaving seamlessly together with immense musicality and joy. His repertoire, set almost exclusively in drop-D tuning, ranged from Bahamian songs and gospel to blues, calypso and pop standards (including such deathless compositions as “The Glory of Love” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”).
This class will examine this master musician’s playing in all its genius and mind-boggling simplicity. Be prepared to experience the guitaristic equivalent of patting one’s head, rubbing one’s belly and dancing a polka all at the same time. Please bring a recording device. For advanced intermediate to advanced players.