Buck dancer’s choice

This is my take on this old Sam McGee favourite which I put together mainly around the great John Fahey’s beautiful version, but I have also added a few new parts & tipped the hat to Sam himself as well as Stefan Grossman, Taj Mahal & some of the other great guitar players who have interpreted this wonderful old tune over the years. Hope you all enjoy!

[@EMRoscoe]

Two things: 1) mastering the original; 2) showing an intensity and drive, that create our dedication to the blues. Thank you, Murieann!

[@ejdevo]

Muireann, you can’t even imagine how happy it makes me hearing you play this. I’m 51 and grew up hearing my dad play it💟

[@mynameismark25]

That makes me emotional

[@canadice1999]

Can not wait till you are able to tour the states!

[@peterburke3035]

Muireann, everything I hear you play a tune/song it becomes my new favourite and I think you cannot top it and everything you do. This was as usual an incredible performance and you really are a master singer and guitarist. The sky's the limit as to how far you can go. Thank you.❤❤❤

[@user-xj4bt3pv3j]

Incredible strength and attack , never heard anything like it for years, high street guitar sister.

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

Your phrasing, timing and dynamics show a sophistication in playing that is way beyond your years!, I'm a huge fan now, and also love Waterloo guitars (I have 3 or them at present) which is how I found you on YT. But for sure you've got a career ahead if you want it; you're very special! I'm around your Dad's age and have played pro for decades in New York, and I can tell you truly, you are unique, and poised to do great things. My ONLY suggestion would be to start trying to write some tunes of your own as soon as you can. Having one or two originals on each of your records will make a big difference as to what you can earn. Best of luck to you; if you make it to the Southwest USA I'd love to see a show!

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

This is the very best advise

[@BrotherBrownMusic]

This is very sound advice.

[@Frankybroadcast]

Mind Blowing. So smooth. New subscriber here. I'm so happy I came across your channel. Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos to see the world you have to offer. Thank you for sharing. Great stuff. 🤙🏽

[@backadahand]

Such beautiful playing. Talent from the heart. I can't wait to hear more of your playing.

[@davidgeorge-powell9041]

Your timing is impeccable. Such an fresh updated feel to it., 👏

[@haroldsteinblatt2567]

And she’s back. It’s almost a tribute to the really good players who’ve recorded this song; I like that nod to Taj at the end, with the high G note on every chord. I’m sure you know how fortunate you are, getting your hands on (at least) two of those Waterloos. Covid seems to have put them on hold forever.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you Harold, I thought I’d heard & absorbed all the best recordings of this tune & worked out this version & practised it…then my father played me Larry Sandberg’s version from the Contemporary Ragtime Guitar album which really annoyed me because I think that might be my favourite now. He expands on the African feel that Taj brought & added in bits of barrel house & ragtime piano as well as bluegrass banjo & flat picking sounds. Still love John Fahey’s though! The Waterloos are amazing, my father got this one from South Korea, it was the only one for sale online anywhere in the world new or used when he bought it, that says everything!

[@haroldsteinblatt2567]

@@MuireannBradley That album was crucial in my developing an interest in country blues and especially ragtime guitar. My favorite performances are by Woody Mann who, sadly passed away last year. Sandberg’s contributions are also terrific. He is very a good guy who wrote for me for a while - and fine writer he is, as his books attest. I wouldn’t be too concerned about your performance. Even without Larry’s influence, it’s terrific. You are right on schedule.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thanks Harold, it’s so so sad that Woody is not with us anymore, but he left us so much.

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

Harold, you're quite right about the Waterloo guitars; Collings in Austin TX has more or less had to put them on hold since Covid because they lost a significant percentage of their workforce, and are just able to keep up now with the demand for their main guitar brand, Collings. Also, I think their electric guitars are getting a lot of attention lately... They told me a couple months ago that they are literally only shipping one single Waterloo guitar per month, just to 'keep the brand alive' so to speak. I'm thrilled to see a young artist like Muireann have two of them, because they are just the perfect instruments for what she is doing. I was able to get several, but lately have just been too ill to enjoy them properly. I'm hoping I'll recover, because I don't want to let them go just yet...

[@madeleineswords704]

Flawless, flowing, tight timing, Excellent ! beautiful talented girl, beautiful hair! I love the way you get into it and "bop along" boogie away there, you seem to love the music as much as we enjoy hearing you play it~ as much as all of your admiring fans!

[@stenmark2235]

I like that.

[@Messihippi]

Fabulous as ever, Muireann! Every finger picker should have a version of BDC under their fingers. Last time I played this live was as a duet with another guitar player. We had to work sooo hard to get our sections working together - everyone puts their own style into it. Yours is so perfectly you, and I love the twists you put into it. Can’t wait for the next upload! 👏🏽👏🏽

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you 🙏😊

[@user-ro3zt6ir7x]

Definitely a fan of all you are doing Muireann. A pleaser to listen to you and inspiring me to listen to more of my acoustic blues. 3:51

[@darnick54]

Everything this musician does is fabulous.

[@shanewade9975]

Such clean playing,for such a tempo. Really nice

[@jonmelum7707]

Well done ! Love your style Thank you for sharing

[@TexasRagtime]

This was absolutely incredible. You have an unbelievable sense of touch and timing. I hope that you're able album to record an album of this type of material someday, because I really think you have the chops to do it well.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you🙏 ☺️

[@Oklahoma-Dreaming]

I like the flat black on the guitar. That’s pretty nifty. I used to play classical but I still have my guitar lying in my closet. But I had an Ovation steel string too which I liked but I was never a great player on that. I still remember my fingers bleeding trying to play anything but my classical or electric guitar. At any rate you’re a terrific player. I’ve been working my way through your videos and it’s really entertaining. But it’s like going back in time and listening to the really good players from so long ago. I must be in a Time Machine or something.

[@unkldave7973]

That guitar was made just for you! Your touch and tone are a breath of fresh air!

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you Unkl Dave 😊

[@SlimDavenport]

👌Good job. Nice Waterloo too.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you Slim !😊

[@MrJameswingham]

The Nora Brown of country blues; an astonishing talent. Bring on the debut album please!!!

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you James 😊 that is a lovely compliment, Nora really is something else.

[@MrJameswingham]

@@MuireannBradley I've shared your Police Dog Blues with a number of veteran musicians. It's easily the finest rendition I've ever heard. Makes me cry every time I hear it...(Jeremy from the original Fleetwood Mac called it "amazing!")

[@MuireannBradley]

@@MrJameswingham wow ! Blown away by that, can’t wait to show this to my dad who’s a massive fan of Peter greens Fleetwood Mac.

[@MrJameswingham]

@@MuireannBradley PG's FM is my favourite band. Jeremy is living in Ireland now btw... Keep up the great work!

[@backadahand]

It really is breath of fresh air. Ah, she's beautiful

[@drychaf]

Just heard of your existence! Your playing, knowledge and commitment all add up to you being the 'real deal'. I imagine all the blues you can enjoy ahead, and then I remember - you've got all that world of Irish music available to you too. Who knows what you'll come out with in your career, if that's where you wish to go. All the best, you're already great.

[@justinbendich6686]

Such fine pickin'

[@sporranheid]

Speechless. 🙏🏻

[@kerrykrishna]

Some fab playing here!

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you 🙏😊

[@Clearlight201]

Very pretty tune, beautifully played. Reminded me of some of the acoustic styles a certain J. Page would like to play at times.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Just outstanding. 👏🏼👏🏼

[@robthompson964]

WOW! :) Awesome!!!!

[@daviemcf]

What an amazing cover Muireann.

[@vieuxbouc2900]

Good performance ,and great guitar sound.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thanks 😊 These Waterloos are amazing guitars.

[@NaShuhire]

This is amazing!😃

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you 😊

[@jamescassidy5852]

We enjoy. Your timing is amazing the old blues masters would be proud of your respect for their legacy Thanks Muireann.

[@outtathyme5679]

I look forward to your videos sooo much

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you 🙏 sorry I post so seldom, must try to do more😊

[@prof_tim]

Taj Mahal’s version of this is nearly as enjoyable as yours, but not quite as enjoyable (I like yours more). Well done, lass; we can hear the hours you have put into this and it has paid off - lovely, lovely music! I’m so impressed.

[@kidkong637]

I’d like to learn this. Thanks ❤

[@davidtower3093]

Great picking, plenty of fire!

[@MrPvgo]

Well done. Keep it up.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you, I will 😊

[@tac7.625]

Great job!

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you 😊

[@ronsmith4434]

You have an amazing talent

[@anthonyclegg1511]

Beautiful. ❤️🎸👍.

[@funkyavocado-wd1tb]

That was class. Have you heard Don Ross' August On The Island. Similar feel and I think you'd love it.

[@marklaskey3891]

Really nice job on one of my favorite tunes to play. Great job and keep it up!

[@MuireannBradley]

Thanks Mark 😊

[@gameboy228]

You make the Green happy my dear. Marvelous as usual. By chance have you heard Taj Mahal’s version? Another great take on this classic.

[@cristianramirez9148]

Hello! I greet you from Santiago of Chile, South America. You sing and play the guitar very well you should keep uploading videos of old blues songs and singers such as: Lead belly, Charlie Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Bo Carter, Mississippi John Hurt, Lonnie Johnson, Blind Blake, Rev Gary Davis, Jimmie Rodgers (blue yodel), Sam Chatmon, Blind Willie McTell, Barbecue Bob, Skip James, Son House, Big Bill Broonzy, Tampa Red, Blind Boy Fuller, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Bukka White, T-Bones Walker, Howlin' Wolf, Robert Leroy Johnson, Sonny boy Williamson I and II, John Lee Hooker, Lightnin' Slim, Muddy Waters, Buddy Moss, Josh White, *Elmore James, Charles Brown, Slim Harpo, Hosea Leavy, Buddy Guy, Jimmy "Duck" Holmes; and many others that I did not put on this list ordered by date of birth due to space. I think you would do very well. Bye (04/16/2023)

[@kaecake9575]

Welcome to the good side of KZbin ✨

[@user-xj9oy3mq6v]

Great arrangement. Could you recommend a tab version close to this. Thanks

[@MuireannBradley]

Glad you enjoyed it, most of this arrangement is John Fahey’s , then some parts closer to the original by Sam McGee, then some bits influenced by Stefan Grossman’s version then some ideas of my own and it finishes with a part influenced by Taj Mahal, and all learned by ear I’m afraid, I don’t have any tab, but I had a quick look for you there are some tabs online which claim to be Fahey’s arrangement but they are all miles out, there are a few lessons on KZbin also but these are all very inaccurate, there are a couple of decent lessons on Taj’s arrangement on you tube, and I’m pretty sure you can buy a download lesson on guitarvideos.com of Stefan’s these will get you pretty close then you should be able to work out the Fahey variations from there. Good luck with it🍀

[@robthompson964]

YOU RULE!

[@stevewalker2114]

That’s fine

[@drwierd]

Real nice, just real pretty

[@MuireannBradley]

Thanks 😊

[@williamthurstoniii5]

I think she may have a little bit of Jerry Garcia spirit in her. To me she kinda sounds like early Jerry. THANK YOU.

[@wolfgangvonsusselhousencai4009]

where can i find the tab to this version?I only have the 1 minute version...this is faheys cover right?would be nice if you could drop me a link

[@MuireannBradley]

This is indeed John Fahey’s arrangement + a bit of the original Sam Maggee + some of how Stefan plays it & a little bit of Taj Mahal. Sorry I don’t have tab for any of them, learned them all by ear and just stuck them together. Stefan Grossman’s guitar videos.com will definitely have tab for this tune but probably not the Fahey version… it’s pretty tricky in places.

[@wolfgangvonsusselhousencai4009]

@@MuireannBradley thanks for the reply ,i guess ill have to stick to what i have.Thanks any how and nice playing im very impressed.Would be cool to see you do some Fahey cover,i really love his Spanish dance, would be nice to hear you play it.

[@MeatbagYourBuddy]

Can you post some fingerpicking tutorials? I want to play like that

[@gonzooon]

Amazing, do you have a tab for this version?

[@skummisrocker]

😳😁 (🇸🇪)

[@TheDavidfallon]

Really might need a decent microphone to capture that great sound.

[@MuireannBradley]

I know…the mic on the iPhone does not do this guitar justice at all, all you can hear is the room🤣 I have a little Shure MV88+ which is great but I am just so lazy…

[@TheDavidfallon]

@@MuireannBradley But you are definitely not a lazy musician. Which is what matters. All that tech stuff is for engineers and roadies, anyway.

[@martincummins8528]

Éist leis an chailín seo, shíl mé go raibh tú ar iarraidh ón gcomhad, ach.

[@MuireannBradley]

😂 Tá an cailín seo fós anseo Máirtín

[@martincummins8528]

🫡 seinm giotàr marfach 👍

[@dandrechesterfield5411]

You’ll be able to have a career in music for the rest of your life if you want it. Please stay humble!

[@billbailey7193]

Did you just kick someone out the room? lol……anyway, you play it pretty fast and I believe it only brings out the syncopation when played fast. I had an old folk album and someone on it played buckdancer’s choice rattling on at a great speed, it sounded great. I notice you rest your 4 and 5 fingers on the guitar, 5 is ok but if you really want to pick fast complicated stuff, like Marcel Dadi pieces, you’ll probably need your 4 finger ( classical guitar technique) You’ve still got the 5 to steady your hand…….with 3 picking fingers and a thumb on the go you’ll be better able to tackle really complicated pieces - just a bit of advice. At the moment you have a banjo technique, which maybe you play as well. Anyway, sounded great

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Would make that “helpful” comment to Doc Watson?

[@MrXyzzy99]

Doesn't need saying

[@ebybeehoney]

One of my absolute favorites!

[@williamhole1914]

I love your naturalness. You play so well. You become one with your instrument. No doubt the passion. Cheer !

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you William 😊

[@gitariskolamusztydobay]

WOW & WOW ! I learned from The New Lost City Ramblers - your's great too... from Budapest...