I’m a reasonably lapsed whistler who was circa a decade ago capable of acquitting myself to a borderline acceptable level at a local session but am no natural…
I have been pressed out of retirement to play a few tunes along with other family members for a party. Mairi’s Wedding, The Gael will feature amongst others. There is a desire to play Country Roads by John Denver.
I know it is a far cry from the proverbial … But I thought I’d throw it out there. There are various easy bits of sheet music on a google image search, has anyone ever used one before? Also what damn key whistle should I get for this endeavour? (I have a collection of D’s and transposition is not my strong point - I refer you to “am no natural…”
Any suggestions gratefully received. Or just head shakes I’m sure.
Most songbooks I saw and played from (with a guitar) had it in ‘G’ so it’s fairly easy to play with a whistle in D.
Just tried it and it’s really easy. For the most part I only needed my left hand to play the melody on a D whistle starting the song with fingering a G: xxx ooo.
I’m pretty certain that as soon as a guitar is involved it won’t be in ‘D major’ like in the link so you’ll have to use cross fingering for the C natural: oxx ooo.
Doesn’t matter what key. I have a John Denver book somewhere, I can’t find it at the moment. I can’t remember what key it’s in, in that book.
Yes when I need sheet music for some gig I just Google the name of the song and “sheet music” and search “images” and there’s plenty that show up.
Though it has become something of a State Song in West Virginia, the song strikes me as being about western Virginia rather than my home state.
I had an interesting conversation some years ago with an older couple from rural Donegal. They love that song, and say that it speaks deeply to them about their own rural home. It’s cool how songs can do that, function across borders and cultures.
pancelticpiper - that’s really interesting to hear! I’m glad it’s got a strong legacy on whistle.
Thanks so much for the recommendations everyone. Clearly was a bit of a case of “google is your friend” but I feel much better having someone else also recommend a version - and “doesn’t matter what key” is certainly music to my ears..
Timely post, Faustus. Our band is working up our own version of the song, and hope to use it for the first time in a July concert. We use the key of G, which seems to allow space for some fine harmonies, above the melody. Our version has a Hawaiian feel to it, in honor of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole - complete with ukulele. Other instruments in use on the song are guitar, D whistle, flute, and hand percussion…
Do not live there, but I love West Virginia… I have memories of so very many hammer dulcimer festivals, up in the mountains.
Best wishes for success in your endeavors, Faustus.
Byll
