NEILFEST - Powderfinger Collaboration Version

[Ferryman_1957]

NeilFest 2009 Index
Well, at last I'm going to post something (been a long time). Here's my take on Powderfinger, inspired by the wonderful Cowboy Junkies. Altho NY's version is great, the CJs version sends tingles down my spine every time I hear it. I also love the words - they evoke a real sense of despair for the young guy who is placed in a terrible situation, tries to do the right thing and ends up paying with his life. NY is very enigmatic about the meaning of the words, some people think it is a Civil War story, other think it's about a country boy facing a customs raid. I really like the idea it's a simple country boy faced with a hostile army, as an advanced cavalry patrol enters his farm. Foolishly he tries to defend the farm, thinking it's the right thing to do and pays a big price. NY's words are just heart rending in that context. I also think that "Powderfinger" could refer to the blackened fingers you get when firing black powder 19th century weapons. But as it's unclear in the original lyrics, I rewrote them slightly to make it very definitely a Civil War story (sorry NY).

Now the bad news. I had great hopes for this but the reality is I can't do it justice. My vox aren't strong enough to carry this, it's a bit too low for my limited range and an English warble doesn't really suit the story. I've redone the vocals many times, this is as good as I could get.

PLEA FOR MORE INSTRUMENTS: This version is the basic one, and I'd love others to add some more instruments, like harp, resonator, accordion, mandolin, nice soulful guitar, whatever. I'll post a fuller version by me in the mp3 section, but please anyone else have at this one here.

To hear how it should be done, go here. These guys are fantastic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7iJ5WrXthY

Cheers,

Nigel

[Bluesberry]

I have to say Nigel, I never heard the Cowboy Junkies version before (and I am Canadian!), but I just got goosebumps watching that video you linked.  I see what you wanted to achieve and why.  You are close to the mood for sure, just needs some more instrumentation.  Your voice is pretty darn good to my ears.

[Ferryman_1957]

Thanks Bluesberry, you're very kind. I still think I bit off more than I could chew, but glad it doesn't sound too bad too you. This version is designed for more instruments, would love you to try some nice soulful guitar over this if you are up for it....

BTW, checkout more Cowboy Junkies. They are famous for doing lo-fi country-ish stuff, I think you will quite like them.

Cheers,

Nigel

[launched]

Picture perfect, Nigel - Always liked this song. Love the way you play it here. Excellent vocal harmonies and great bass line build-up toward the end!

Great post, glad you found time to put this up!

Catch you later,

Mark

[Flash Harry]

Hey Nigel,

Stripped down and great.

[Ferryman_1957]

Thanks guys. Flash, we've both been stripping down today.....

Cheers,

Nigel

[SE]

Hey man really loved the vox and guitar really powerful excellent work don,t hear enough your really talented.
                                              Well done John

[Ferryman_1957]

Thanks John, apprecaite the nice words. Sadly I don't get enough time to post much stuff. This is made worse by the fact that I take a LONG time to do anything. I spend too much time fiddling about and redoing stuff for my own good!

Cheers,

Nigel

[Geir]

Yes !!! I was hoping someone would do this and Nigel, this is a great version! Your voice is really good and fits this song!! And the harmonies at the end is just perfect. Love it !

[The Reverend 48]

A big Well Done Nigel!.its great as it is!
I hold my hands up I have never listened to the CJ's but after this I certainly will they are the dogz......
I'll see if my sad guitar can add anything but I'm reluctant to mess with this