I have always regarded Norman Blake as the best guitarist in the world. He has been my main inspiration in music over the past forty years. Thank you Norman. Absolutely brilliant musician.
The world is so much a better place for having a treasure like Norman grace it's presence. Thank you sir for everything you've done for us, I've enjoyed life so much more because of your music.
When I moved to Nashville in 1969 I had visited several times and decided that I wanted it to be my home. A year later I started Recording and Mixing Records at DBM, Glaser Sound Studios, Hounds Ear and SoundShop. Having met Chet, Jerry, Les, Reggie and many other incredible Guitar Players, I committed to Engineering and leaving my Guitars at my house. Norman was a big part of that decision. He is the greatest Flat Pick Guitarist who ever lived and a wonderful mild mannered. Southern Gentleman.
Players like Norman and Doc are as simple and deep as the very earth we all come from and walk upon. I've had the honor of seeing them both in person. Simply Amazing.
Excellent! Since Norman announced his retirement, I thought he was through. But no! I had the good fortune to catch he and Nancy last year in concert in Calhoun Georgia. Loved every minute of it. There may arguably be better guitar players, and there are certainly better voices, but there is only one Norman Blake. A unique treasure, for sure.
John Green Players like Tony Rice and Sutton? They get a little too sweet after a while. Norman plays the songs and makes the songs highlighted, not just flashy picking.
Norman Blake is sui generis, and the music has never left him, nor has he ever abandoned her. If a musician has accomplished this, there's simply no "better", no "greater". He is perfect as he is, as he's always been himself. Also one of the few remaining doors to a long lost world. A treasure indeed!
So glad his music didn't have much "commercial appeal". We'd never be able to say we got to hear one of the finest pickers of our time. God bless you, Sir. Thank you for your music. "The Old Brown Case" will forever be an important and beautiful touchstone.
Mercy! Thanks for all the great music. I started with 44 rpm and have replaced them all big tape, little tape, up to CD. Now I am on ipod transferring from CD again. IT is all Worth the WORK!!!
Norman is amazing to say the least. His touch on the acoustic guitar cannot be described with mere words. It's emotional to say the least. The nuances of each tone get right to your heart, soul and gut. Without words, his guitar playing tells stories.
Norman, I first saw you and Nancy when I worked for WHAS Radio/TV in Louisville, KY. It was in the mid 70's, and I think you two were recently married. I had the privilege of emceeing the "Bluegrass Music Festival of the United States," and you two were amongst the headliners. Since those days I have been in love with the guitar, and my favorite musicians are you, Nancy, and of course, Doc Watson. Now that I am retired and have a couple of "old Martins" to keep me company, I have the joy of playing several hours each day, and, as closely as I can, I try to emulate your playing.Your CD's and teaching books are always in easy reach. With your wonderful music (art,) you have influenced my life so very much and I am extremely grateful.(My two "favorites" are Poor Ellen Smith and Farewell Francisco Madero.) Thanks so very much for your incredible gifts
Norman has always been such a fluid and rhythmic picker. Just a virtuoso. Guys like Sutton and Kenny Smith might be today's best, but they stand on the shoulders of Norman, Doc and Tony...
I am more than pleased that Norman has recovered and still playing for folks. I met and heard him many years ago and could never appreciate where all the sound was coming from. His hands were so fast.
Norman is one of the most talented guitarists on the planet!! I still have not been able to play anything like him !! I have to close the door to my office when he is playing cause my guitars want to run out the door when they hear how they are to sound !!!!
Ask any acoustic guitarist about his influences and it's almost certain that Norman's name will be part of the list, and maybe near or even at the top of it. Norman made flatpicking sound simple, almost easy- his style is so "clean" that his playing, which I would call hghly sophisticated, advanced, and complex, somehow still sounds simple. Well, not all of it is that complex- not to an advanced student- but to me, anything by Norman is still a challenge to learn. He sets a very good example for all levels of guitarists, because his great respect for both the music and the instrument(s). But for as long as I can remember hearing about Norman, in maybe 1973, since then, anything he might play, countless guitarists before long would be trying to play it as well as he did, and so a kind of movement was born a few decades ago and is still growing. Thank you Norman (and Nancy too of course).
...a musician's musician.... saw Norman Blake live in Toronto years ago... Down from the Mountain concert... most of the audience didn't 'get' his solo performance, but I did! :-)
I have admired Mr Blake since I first heard him, and more so since I first saw him play! Very smooth, soulful style. Reminds me of Tommy Jackson on the fiddle!
Hi Norman.I have many memories,and some tapes of your performances from the 80 s. You have always been the master of acoustic guitar.Your approach is like a classical musician. I heard about your health issues,and hope you are good. All of us have been out of the loop in 2020..Take care.
In your younger days you was the best flat picker in the entire world. You still are my friend. You and old Doc rest his soul gave all you had.. All gave some . Some gave all. Thank you for all you have gave of yourself . We Love you Norman. Your friend Robert H.
Beautiful music! Excellent documentary! A poet and a scholar. You cannot help but like Norman and Nancy. BTW, what is the name of the opening tune? I liked it so well I've learned to play it.
I think he was in his mid 70's at this time... looks a lot better than me and I'm a few years younger. Wish he was playing his older Martin that in his words " was all beat up " Nothing says authentic than an old Martin and an older player.
My dad spoke of his talents often. Went to see him whenever he was close by. As a Chattanooga boy my dad would have loved to have known he recorded the at Lookout Mountain. They were only two years different in age. I didn't realize Mr. Blake was from Chattanooga too.
I'm 72 years old and I had a stroke in March 2018 which wasn't as bad as it could have been because I got to the hospital in time to get the miracle drug in me that almost eliminates a stroke. They found that both my carotid arteries were 80% blocked and scheduled me for surgery on the left side which was successful and painful then they sent me home and told me to come back in 30 days to do the right side and I'll tell you that was the longest 30 days of my life. I love every song that Norman does and I can relate about his health issue.
Norman Blake will be in concert at the Rome Ga., city auditorium Friday, May 29, 2015 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are only $10.00. Be there for a great performance with Norman and crew!
Norman, I hope your read this... I spoke with you once about a song idea that only you could pull off. In the vein of your Lincoln's funeral train, there is a confederate cemetery in Chicago with 4000 confederates buried there.... died at Camp Douglas. Private donations brought tonnes of Georgia marble up to Chicago to biuld the monument for the mass grave. You could do that story some justice.
Norman Blake will perform at the Calhoun, Ga., Harris Art Center on Friday night beginning at 7:00 PM. There will be a $25.00 cost per ticket. A great opportunity to see
Beautiful. Glad he recovered. Never heard of him. Someone mentioned him on a Billy Strings video, in the comment section. Figured I'd take a gander. That guitar sounds amazing. Glad the video picked up the name. What type of Martin is it? The resonance sounds better than a D28! Never critiquing but realizing that I have similar playing style which makes me happy because I can learn a lot from him. Amazing video, thank you.
It's his personal Martin sig, I can't remember the body size- probably 000. When Martin offered him a signature guitar he wanted 12 frets clear of the body, puts the bridge smack in the middle of the top.
Great. I especially like that 4th track "The New Dawning Day". Sounds like it was written by someone who more than once has laid awake late in the dark of night thinking and remembering. I hope I make it back to lookout mountain again someday. It was a great place to enjoy a lazy summer back in the '60s. June bugs, fire flys.
No I believe that he playing the EIR version. The Brazilian version does not sound as nice as the EIR one. I owned a Brazilian and sold it to buy the EIR. No regrets.
I have always regarded Norman Blake as the best guitarist in the world. He has been my main inspiration in music over the past forty years. Thank you Norman. Absolutely brilliant musician.
Dear NORMAN I love everything, your playing and certainly your modern music and your way of singing, brings me back to England in some odd way.
The world is so much a better place for having a treasure like Norman grace it's presence. Thank you sir for everything you've done for us, I've enjoyed life so much more because of your music.
HIS NAME IS NORMAN BLAKE NOT NORMAN GRACE
Norman Blake is woefully under rated as a songwriter. Dig into his work and you'll be rewarded.
When I moved to Nashville in 1969 I had visited several times and decided that I wanted it to be my home.
A year later I started Recording and Mixing Records at DBM, Glaser Sound Studios, Hounds Ear and SoundShop.
Having met Chet, Jerry, Les, Reggie and many other incredible Guitar Players, I committed to Engineering and leaving my Guitars at my house.
Norman was a big part of that decision. He is the greatest Flat Pick Guitarist who ever lived and a wonderful mild mannered. Southern Gentleman.
Claude Hill thanks for sharing your story. So many great guitar players in Nashville. Norman such a unique, relaxed, tasteful style.
@@jysmtl | 👍
Each and every time I watch a Norman Blake video I get more impressed with his pure talent !!!
Norman I still love your music, you're definitely one of my heroes. -Gib Sosman
Players like Norman and Doc are as simple and deep as the very earth we all come from and walk upon. I've had the honor of seeing them both in person. Simply Amazing.
Excellent! Since Norman announced his retirement, I thought he was through. But no! I had the good fortune to catch he and Nancy last year in concert in Calhoun Georgia. Loved every minute of it. There may arguably be better guitar players, and there are certainly better voices, but there is only one Norman Blake. A unique treasure, for sure.
John Green Players like Tony Rice and Sutton? They get a little too sweet after a while. Norman plays the songs and makes the songs highlighted, not just flashy picking.
Norman Blake is sui generis, and the music has never left him, nor has he ever abandoned her. If a musician has accomplished this, there's simply no "better", no "greater". He is perfect as he is, as he's always been himself. Also one of the few remaining doors to a long lost world. A treasure indeed!
So glad his music didn't have much "commercial appeal". We'd never be able to say we got to hear one of the finest pickers of our time. God bless you, Sir. Thank you for your music. "The Old Brown Case" will forever be an important and beautiful touchstone.
Mercy! Thanks for all the great music. I started with 44 rpm and have replaced them all big tape, little tape, up to CD. Now I am on ipod transferring from CD again. IT is all Worth the WORK!!!
Thank you for blessing the world with your brilliance
So glad he is still playing, Norman is one of the biggest influences on my own playing. Love that loose right hand.
Mine as well.
Yes, that relaxed right hand. I’m fixated on his right hand whenever I see him play. Nobody else has that quite like Norman.
@@jysmtl Been a fan since 1975, and I'm still trying to get that down. Norman is the best.
Norman is amazing to say the least. His touch on the acoustic guitar cannot be described with mere words. It's emotional to say the least. The nuances of each tone get right to your heart, soul and gut. Without words, his guitar playing tells stories.
Norman, I first saw you and Nancy when I worked for WHAS Radio/TV in Louisville, KY. It was in the mid 70's, and I think you two were recently married. I had the privilege of emceeing the "Bluegrass Music Festival of the United States," and you two were amongst the headliners. Since those days I have been in love with the guitar, and my favorite musicians are you, Nancy, and of course, Doc Watson. Now that I am retired and have a couple of "old Martins" to keep me company, I have the joy of playing several hours each day, and, as closely as I can, I try to emulate your playing.Your CD's and teaching books are always in easy reach. With your wonderful music (art,) you have influenced my life so very much and I am extremely grateful.(My two "favorites" are Poor Ellen Smith and Farewell Francisco Madero.) Thanks so very much for your incredible gifts
I do believe this video is the finest I have ever witnessed. Thank you for sharing
Norman has always been such a fluid and rhythmic picker. Just a virtuoso. Guys like Sutton and Kenny Smith might be today's best, but they stand on the shoulders of Norman, Doc and Tony...
One of the very few, true greats of all time. An American music legend. Such a gentle, pretty pick stroke. Love it.
Yeah Norman, I've been emulating your scruffy ass since we were young; like this fellow before me, Norman Blake is my favorite guitarist.
I am more than pleased that Norman has recovered and still playing for folks. I met and heard him many years ago and could never appreciate where all the sound was coming from. His hands were so fast.
A phenomenally talented and humble man. Just discovered his music and enjoying every second of listening time .
Norman is one of the most talented guitarists on the planet!! I still have not been able to play anything like him !! I have to close the door to my office when he is playing cause my guitars want to run out the door when they hear how they are to sound !!!!
Norman Blake. An American treasure. Simple as that.
A time capsule full of talent.
Very true!
Ask any acoustic guitarist about his influences and it's almost certain that Norman's name will be part of the list, and maybe near or even at the top of it. Norman made flatpicking sound simple, almost easy- his style is so "clean" that his playing, which I would call hghly sophisticated, advanced, and complex, somehow still sounds simple. Well, not all of it is that complex- not to an advanced student- but to me, anything by Norman is still a challenge to learn.
He sets a very good example for all levels of guitarists, because his great respect for both the music and the instrument(s).
But for as long as I can remember hearing about Norman, in maybe 1973, since then, anything he might play, countless guitarists before long would be trying to play it as well as he did, and so a kind of movement was born a few decades ago and is still growing.
Thank you Norman (and Nancy too of course).
One of my favourite American guitarists love this guys music, Melbourne, Australia
...a musician's musician.... saw Norman Blake live in Toronto years ago... Down from the Mountain concert... most of the audience didn't 'get' his solo performance, but I did! :-)
I have admired Mr Blake since I first heard him, and more so since I first saw him play! Very smooth, soulful style. Reminds me of Tommy Jackson on the fiddle!
This guitar sounds just fantastic !
Norman, your tone is exceptional. Love your music, and your ear for a great sounding guitar tone.
I love the video, and it's a great album!
Norman Blake is incredible. One of my dreams would be to meet and play music with him and Nancy.
Hi Norman.I have many memories,and some tapes of your performances from the 80 s. You have always been the master of acoustic guitar.Your approach is like a classical musician. I heard about your health issues,and hope you are good. All of us have been out of the loop in 2020..Take care.
That guitar has great tone. Love his fluid right hand.I like the way Norman constructs a tune. Nice Unique.
In your younger days you was the best flat picker in the entire world. You still are my friend. You and old Doc rest his soul gave all you had.. All gave some . Some gave all. Thank you for all you have gave of yourself . We Love you Norman. Your friend Robert H.
He truly is a NATIONAL TREASURE !!!
Norman Blake was my guitar inspiration in 1975. Plays so clean. I did not realize until now how much he sounds like Bill Clinton :0)
This is what America sounds like when it sings to you.
Grateful for your recouperation. Had a “light” HA in 2012. It’s Amazing how good the sunrise looks each day
What a wonderful man I grew up listening to him and hs wife ❤️
Damn that's a fine sounding guitar, think it might have something to do withnwho's playing it too LOL
YESSSSSSSSSS!!!! Can't wait for this to come out!
Beautiful music! Excellent documentary! A poet and a scholar. You cannot help but like Norman and Nancy. BTW, what is the name of the opening tune? I liked it so well I've learned to play it.
Now that's quite nice! Sounds beautiful.... I'm excited!
and tell Norman and Scott O'Malley I said howdy! ;-)
A national treasure
Sometimes it just happens that songs build up and you finally have the confidence to get them out.
I think he was in his mid 70's at this time... looks a lot better than me and I'm a few years younger. Wish he was playing his older Martin that in his words " was all beat up " Nothing says authentic than an old Martin and an older player.
This is no documentary, it is a commercial advertisement....I'll take one.
Normans playing is pure as it gets
Super excited for this album.
Great man, privilege to hear him.
My dad spoke of his talents often. Went to see him whenever he was close by. As a Chattanooga boy my dad would have loved to have known he recorded the at Lookout Mountain. They were only two years different in age. I didn't realize Mr. Blake was from Chattanooga too.
I'm 72 years old and I had a stroke in March 2018 which wasn't as bad as it could have been because I got to the hospital in time to get the miracle drug in me that almost eliminates a stroke. They found that both my carotid arteries were 80% blocked and scheduled me for surgery on the left side which was successful and painful then they sent me home and told me to come back in 30 days to do the right side and I'll tell you that was the longest 30 days of my life. I love every song that Norman does and I can relate about his health issue.
Norman is my hero
Norman Blake will be in concert at the Rome Ga., city auditorium Friday, May 29, 2015
at 7:00 PM. Tickets are only $10.00. Be there for a great performance with Norman and crew!
A brilliant guitarist. Always has been.
Thanks for teaching me Mr. Blake!
That special feeling when you actual feel like you miss someone youve never met.
Norman, I hope your read this...
I spoke with you once about a song idea that only you could pull off. In the vein of your Lincoln's funeral train, there is a confederate cemetery in Chicago with 4000 confederates buried there.... died at Camp Douglas.
Private donations brought tonnes of Georgia marble up to Chicago to biuld the monument for the mass grave.
You could do that story some justice.
Norman Blake will perform at the Calhoun, Ga., Harris Art Center on Friday night beginning at 7:00 PM. There will be a $25.00 cost per ticket. A great opportunity to see
This is just wonderful
I just realized the source of Norman's otherworldly talents. Look at 'em ears--he's from Vulcan!
Great stuff Norman. 🙏
I believe he's not only good guitarist and singer but a good person.
im here watching your videos
the best acoustic player ever ;o)
I love him so much :).
Me and my dad know his son he tells us all his story’s it’s awesome
One man with a whole lotta soul..
Beautiful. Glad he recovered. Never heard of him. Someone mentioned him on a Billy Strings video, in the comment section. Figured I'd take a gander.
That guitar sounds amazing. Glad the video picked up the name. What type of Martin is it? The resonance sounds better than a D28!
Never critiquing but realizing that I have similar playing style which makes me happy because I can learn a lot from him.
Amazing video, thank you.
Appears to be a Martin D-35
Martin 00-45
It's his personal Martin sig, I can't remember the body size- probably 000. When Martin offered him a signature guitar he wanted 12 frets clear of the body, puts the bridge smack in the middle of the top.
Good documentary..thanks for sharing.
I was really hoping he'd walk out to the parking lot and get on a horse instead of a blue car...oh well. Norman is the best
Or a horse and buggy.... maybe that car is steam powered
Norman and Tut-twin sons from different mothers.R.I.P. Tut.
Guitar sounds incredible. Is that the 000-28NB?
Gerry Laverty Pretty certain it is, doesn't it sound beautiful. I play a 000-28 which sounds lovely, but it doesn't sound THAT good.
Great. I especially like that 4th track "The New Dawning Day". Sounds like it was written by someone who more than once has laid awake late in the dark of night thinking and remembering. I hope I make it back to lookout mountain again someday. It was a great place to enjoy a lazy summer back in the '60s. June bugs, fire flys.
Loves me some Norman...
God bless you Norman Blake.
Does anyone know in what studio this was recorded? Thanks.
Chet Atkins and Tony Rice are great - but I like Blake's feel for this. Personal preference. Thanks Blake.
An American legend
Pure finesse
No I believe that he playing the EIR version. The Brazilian version does not sound as nice as the EIR one. I owned a Brazilian and sold it to buy the EIR. No regrets.
A true gentleman
A true American Master.
And on the Eighth Day, God created Norman Blake.
martin sure knows how to make them right!!
Greatest flat pickers: 1. Doc Watson 2. Norman Blake 3. Tony Rice
Legend!
a huge influence on me
What Joey Bologny said!
So did 14 Tommy Emanuel devotees put the ridiculous thumbs down ?
The Rocker! Simple as that!
looks and plays kinda like dave bromberg
American treasure
Is Mr. Blake really a woman?
What a chicken shit comment. U would get your ass kicked down here for that. Pussy