I am fortunate enough to have a very nice viola on loan from a bluegrass friend. It’s been very fun to play with. The video above is the poignant one; next is the contrast piece:
Details on the songs
Look Up, Look Down That Lonesome Road is an old folk song I learned from a Watson Family album. I have cross-tuned the viola to CGCG (normally it’s CGDA, five steps lower than the violin’s GDAE).
Walk on Boy I also learned from Doc Watson. This is such a fun one to play… every time it comes out a little different because I get different ideas, and make different mistakes that I “get to” incorporate into the song.
These were filmed on our “white wall” because it was nighttime and that room had lights all set up already.
The viola is one of my favorite instruments, hearing it is a very moving experience for me in itself.
But that had no bearing on my opinion of your overall performance.
It was in 2 words … “SIMPLY AWESOME!” Very expressive and full of heart, well done Luke.
BEAUTIFUL!
Do you know the difference between a viola and a violin?
Ready?
The viola will burn longer.
Yes.
Also, the viola holds more beer.
Do you know the difference between a viola and a violin?
Ready?
The viola will burn longer.
it's awesome
Attention Villa owners
SO I am a Viola player and trying to turn Fiddle music into Viola music to introduce the Viola to Bluegrass. I sat forever trying to figure out the notes for this, writing them on sheet music. It is really difficult!
I figured I'd just ask and see if you HAD sheet music for this or if you did it by ear. If you do, where can I get it? I would love to play this at an open mic night!
Thank you!
Totally by ear. But good luck! Walk on Boy killed at my local open mic.
By the way, FWIW, my experience with the viola has been this. Viola in bluegrass is tough…not because of any basic incompatibility or lack of capability, but because it's a sound not usually associated with bluegrass. So it doesn't blend in the same way the fiddle does…but probably more because people aren't as used to it. And some bluegrassers would say fiddle –> viola is an improvement.
Viola in old-time and more fiddley music is a more natural fit, especially for backup. Love it.
Could I get some viola lessons on Skype. I begun learning viola and love your approach and am sure I would find some lessons really helpful. Please email me at srgrainger@yahoo.com.au if this is possible.
Thanks