Description

Spence’s uniquely personal style has been compared to the great blues masters, the African acoustic pioneers, and Thelonious Monk. Born in the Bahamas in 1910, Spence worked as a stone mason, playing mostly the religious songs he sang in church. His arrangements are master classes in how to fingerpick in waltz time and capture the rolling Caribbean rhythms of Trinidad, Cuba or New Orleans. His separation of bass and treble, and the parallel voicings of his melody lines, teach interesting ways of harmonizing fingerstyle improvisations. His unorthodox technique breaks down old habits. Tunes taught: “Oh How I Love Jesus,” “Happy Meeting In Glory,” “Brownskin Girl,” “The Glory of Love,” “The Lord is My Shepherd,” “Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer.” Intermediate. 80 min. Tab booklet included as a PDF file.