By Joe Carr

  I’ve been working on a book of Monroe style mandolin for Mel Bay and in the process, I wrote several “in the style of” arrangements of tunes I didn’t have recordings of Monroe playing. This caused me to start thinking about Monroe’s approach to complex tunes like “Blackberry Blossom” and how the solos might sound if he had ever recorded them.  I borrowed 2 techniques Monroe used extensively (and I talk about in the book) note repetition and efficient solo design.

  To keep an uninterrupted flow of eighth notes, Monroe would often repeat a note rather than play a series or run of notes as a fiddler might.  The resulting phrase gives the impression of a continuous musical flow while using fewer left hand moves.  The resulting phrase is therefore easier to play rapidly.

  Monroe re-stated certain musical phrases to make them more playable on the mandolin.  This designed-for-speed approach allowed him to play tunes much more quickly.

  Blackberry Blossom features a complex eighth note melody that is challenging at high speed. By varying the melody, repeating certain notes and removing others, I’ve devised a solo that retains the general shape of the original melody while becoming much more playable. I think Bill would be proud of me.

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