Cold Rain And Snow is a traditional folk song that nowadays is most frequently heard as a bluegrass tune (as a traditional arrangement we own all rights to it). Some sources date it back to Appalachia in the 1870’s. During our bluegrass years we heard many, many interpretations of it. We thought that a blues version might be fun so here’s the result of that. We tweaked the lyric to make it from a lady’s perspective. Folks often argue over the scale suggesting that it is Dorian or Mixolydian. Meaning our two chord version is in an unknown key … at least to us. 😀 Hope it works for you and thanks to our music partner PeterF for the guitar rhythm and solos and to PG Music for the great session players. Comments are always welcome. We appreciate your time to listen.
I've never heard this song before, but then bluegrass is a genre that I've never explored much.
This is GREAT! Love the laidback groove, and Janice and Peter are awesome as usual. Mix is perfect, Bud! As far as key goes, I would say it's in 'C'. Not that I know much about theory, but when I was noodling along on my guitar while the song was playing, those were the notes that fit.
Outstanding arrangement and production. Janice sounds awesome as always. She really has some great phrasing here. The mix is upfront and punchy. Peter's guitar tones are perfect and never overplayed. So tasteful.
I also wanted to mention the piano track - it sounds like it was custom played especially for this track. It almost has a vocal quality.
I've never heard this song before, but then bluegrass is a genre that I've never explored much.
This is GREAT! Love the laidback groove, and Janice and Peter are awesome as usual. Mix is perfect, Bud! As far as key goes, I would say it's in 'C'. Not that I know much about theory, but when I was noodling along on my guitar while the song was playing, those were the notes that fit.
Loved it!
Speaking of genres I just discovered The Grateful Dead did a version! BTW the two chords are Cm and F so that’s where you found the notes. But what key would have those two chords? 🤷♂️ Glad you liked it. We appreciate your comments!
Wow, ya'll are so, SOoooo good! All of you really knocked your parts out of the park. Every time I hear Janice sing I hear something special that I haven't heard before, and this is no exception. Everything here is fab.
Not familiar with other versions the song, but am confident you did it more than full justice. I play it pretty loose with theory on the blues, but I'd label this "Cm blues" and call it a day. Or not, 'cause it makes me feel good, and though that sounds wrong for the "blues", it's really all that matters. Ha!
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One StudioCat DAW dual screen Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
What a great --no, better than that-- idea. Make this classic in a Blues style. Man, you can't go wrong with that idea when you have Janice, who sings better than just about anyone in that genre, and Peter, who can play Blues with the best of them. I listen to your stuff a lot, especially your Blues albums. I've played this songs many times in many different ways, but this is the best version ever.
Outstanding arrangement and production. Janice sounds awesome as always. She really has some great phrasing here. The mix is upfront and punchy. Peter's guitar tones are perfect and never overplayed. So tasteful.
I also wanted to mention the piano track - it sounds like it was custom played especially for this track. It almost has a vocal quality.
A big fan!
Bob
Bob, thank you for those kind comments. They mean a lot us. And we are very glad you liked the piano as it was comped from multiple regenerations. Those MidiSuperTracks are a lot of fun.
Your voice is as strong and expressive as ever. I haven't heard this song before. After hearing, your version, I can't imagine that it wasn't anything else but blues. So, I had to find me a bluegrass version.
Peter's guitar work is exemplary as usual. Mix is crystal clear.
Classic quality production all around and Janice's voice is superb.
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Wow, ya'll are so, SOoooo good! All of you really knocked your parts out of the park. Every time I hear Janice sing I hear something special that I haven't heard before, and this is no exception. Everything here is fab.
Not familiar with other versions the song, but am confident you did it more than full justice. I play it pretty loose with theory on the blues, but I'd label this "Cm blues" and call it a day. Or not, 'cause it makes me feel good, and though that sounds wrong for the "blues", it's really all that matters. Ha!
Thanks … a lot. The vocal comments are much appreciated. I (Bud) am obviously biased but I’m gonna mention that she did all of the lead on one take and the harmony on one or two which is typical of her but I thought this one would be tougher. OK enough bragging on my wonderful bride! And we are most happy that these blues made you feel good!
Two Chords? The right TWO chords. The superb rendering of "This a way..." is worth the price of admission alone. Then there's Peter's filigree and Bud's tracking & mixing. Absolute cool.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Well, those harmonies really take this over the top, along with some of the other more subtle BGVs. Which is not to diminish how stellar the lead vocal is . . . because it's a treat . . . as much as that slick lead solo. Wonderful mix!
What a great --no, better than that-- idea. Make this classic in a Blues style. Man, you can't go wrong with that idea when you have Janice, who sings better than just about anyone in that genre, and Peter, who can play Blues with the best of them. I listen to your stuff a lot, especially your Blues albums. I've played this songs many times in many different ways, but this is the best version ever.
Thank you Marty. And your kind words are very special given your familiarity with the tune. Genre twisting is always fun! 😀
Well done, Janice! An edge to your voice I'm not sure I've heard before. Peter: I love how your solo is both a "solo", but also sits in the mix, without being too far forward ... excellent. This blues and rock take on it really works! Congratulations to all involved, the production (Bud, I'm looking at you) is nothing short of flawless.
Your voice is as strong and expressive as ever. I haven't heard this song before. After hearing, your version, I can't imagine that it wasn't anything else but blues. So, I had to find me a bluegrass version.
Peter's guitar work is exemplary as usual. Mix is crystal clear.
Thank you. That is a hard core traditional bluegrass version for sure as are most of them. There are a few more progressive BG versions - one by Peter Rowan and Tony Rice used the same odd scale as ours. Glad it worked for you!
J&B
PS Here’s the progressive BG version. WAY long but worth a few minutes as the musicians are great. The lady bass player has a degree from Berklee and also a degree in nuclear engineering. Tony Rice is among the best. It’s a great example of musicians supporting each other.
J&B...what a great production and interpretation of this classic song...(really cool to hear all the different takes on this one)...but guys your treatment was unique and on par with any other rendering...as usual your production mastery was top-of-the-line...Janice this is certainly your wheelhouse vocally...bluesy and passionate...Peter you nailed it instrumentally and Bud...you are the man when it comes to great arrangements and production work! So well done guys!
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You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
Janice's vocal stylings on the verse work really well.
Peter's playing fits hand in glove, and the trills are pretty cool.
I had a listen to the more traditional version Scott posted. The rock blues is a nice variant.
I see Bud's brought in a plate reverb on the snare and cymbal. Since I didn't notice it in the mix, he didn't overdo it like I would have.
Thanks for all the nice comments. The plate reverb is one of the modules in a very old version of Nectar. I've kept the version because it's what I've used on Janice's vocals for nearly a decade. Sometimes I try it on other tracks. I had a heckuva time getting the snare to sit in on this track as the piano and RT guitar were chording (almost held) on the upbeat which is what I wanted but the snare got lost. Following several of my usual snare fx I tried the plate instead of the Logic reverb I typically use and it seemed to work.
Wow this one sounds really great guys! I love the vocal technique on this with the inflections across the various registers.
It seems so effortless but I know it requires a whole lot of talent!!
The sound on this in the mix is just superb and the musicianship all around is wonderful.
Love this one!
Thanks David! That is a very generous review and we three much appreciate it. Janice had fun with the vocals given her long familiarity with bluegrass versions. The lead was one take and the harmony took two … when she says she’s ready to record she is, well, ready. 😀
Two Chords? The right TWO chords. The superb rendering of "This a way..." is worth the price of admission alone. Then there's Peter's filigree and Bud's tracking & mixing. Absolute cool.
Thank you Ray for those comments and your support.
You 3 + BiaB nailed this! Top shelf all the way. Job well done.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2024 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
Great rocking intro, you get into mood immediately. Cold & snow, I know those words better than my pockets, although I cannot solve my problem in the dark room Janice rules the world again with her amazing voice gliding up and down like that long golden hair swaying in the bitter wind. Enjoyable playing by Peter, I really like the dark tone of his guitar. Great mix. I know you guys can turn ANY song into an excellent blues rock song
Well, those harmonies really take this over the top, along with some of the other more subtle BGVs. Which is not to diminish how stellar the lead vocal is . . . because it's a treat . . . as much as that slick lead solo. Wonderful mix!
Yeah, like this one! Good stuff folks!!
Deej
Thanks you! Janice had fun with this having heard the bluegrass version for years. And we agree re Peter’s work. Much appreciated.
If anyone could do this, it would be you guys, BUT, not anyone could do this. This is terrific. I knew you guys had a background in bluegrass and could really dig into the blues, but combining them like this is just ... wow! Great job. All three of you consistently team up to make some great music - from the chosen music to the music you choose. Love it.
Now, how is the rest of us supposed to measure up to this? You make it tough! Janice's voice is the textbook definition of Blues. And this arrangement is just so good. Looks like I'm going to have to work a lot harder on my music.
I first fell in love with that song when I heard the Pentangle version in the early 70s. Of course, the Dead did it as well. You did a cool bluesy version...whole different vibe.
Writer. Author. Music Producer. Technologist. Former contributor to Mix, Electronic Musician, Recording, Cleveland SCENE. www.tonythomas.net
Well done, Janice! An edge to your voice I'm not sure I've heard before. Peter: I love how your solo is both a "solo", but also sits in the mix, without being too far forward ... excellent. This blues and rock take on it really works! Congratulations to all involved, the production (Bud, I'm looking at you) is nothing short of flawless.
I like how you guys take those old songs that everyone else has forgotten about and make them new again. There's a lot to be said for the simplicity of the old songs.
Nicely done
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
What a sound!!!! Among the best production I've ever heard on the forum.......and these days, that's saying a LOT!!! Peter's guitar work shines, and Janice never misses!!! Great work at the helm by Bud......that is a LONG mastering chain but the result is impossible to argue with....FANTASTIC!!! Take care. Greg
J&B...what a great production and interpretation of this classic song...(really cool to hear all the different takes on this one)...but guys your treatment was unique and on par with any other rendering...as usual your production mastery was top-of-the-line...Janice this is certainly your wheelhouse vocally...bluesy and passionate...Peter you nailed it instrumentally and Bud...you are the man when it comes to great arrangements and production work! So well done guys!
That is much appreciated. It was fun and we had hoped folks might like the arrangement. So a big THANKS from the three of us!
Peter's best work. Musical. Bud's best work. Pro. Can Janice even have a "best"? That's always "whatever she just sang".
This should become the Standard by which all others are judged. Classic.
fj
mr jane, what to say? How about reading your comments make the time and effort learning this production thing more than worthwhile. Your friendship and counsel over the last decade played a huge part in our journey.
Great rocking intro, you get into mood immediately. Cold & snow, I know those words better than my pockets, although I cannot solve my problem in the dark room Janice rules the world again with her amazing voice gliding up and down like that long golden hair swaying in the bitter wind. Enjoyable playing by Peter, I really like the dark tone of his guitar. Great mix. I know you guys can turn ANY song into an excellent blues rock song
Janne
We love your vocal description and your kind remarks! Thank you for your continued support of our productions.
If anyone could do this, it would be you guys, BUT, not anyone could do this. This is terrific. I knew you guys had a background in bluegrass and could really dig into the blues, but combining them like this is just ... wow! Great job. All three of you consistently team up to make some great music - from the chosen music to the music you choose. Love it.
Brad
Thanks Brad and we are happy you mentioned and enjoyed the genre mashup!
J&B
Originally Posted by Al-David
Hey You Three ...
Now, how is the rest of us supposed to measure up to this? You make it tough! Janice's voice is the textbook definition of Blues. And this arrangement is just so good. Looks like I'm going to have to work a lot harder on my music.
Really, really nice.
Best to all of you,
Alan
You are too kind! But we'll take and appreciate it
I first fell in love with that song when I heard the Pentangle version in the early 70s. Of course, the Dead did it as well. You did a cool bluesy version...whole different vibe.
Thank you! And we much appreciate your comments especially since you have a familiarity with the tune. We are familiar with the Dead version and will have to check out Pentangle's.
I don't know the original version, but I think this version is a masterpiece. And I think the arrangement is a perfect fit for Janis. I would recognize Dorian right away, because I often hear it in Scottish folk songs like Greensleeves. I don't know much about musical modes, so I don't understand how they're used in this song. Peter's guitar solo is also wonderful, and totally this is a great performance as always. Enjoyed my listen a lot.
I like how you guys take those old songs that everyone else has forgotten about and make them new again. There's a lot to be said for the simplicity of the old songs.
Nicely done
Thanks Herb and they are a great option to writer’s block. 😀
I normally don't spend time listening to re-makes either posted on this forum, or YouTube, etc., however, since it was a 'bluegrass' remake it piqued my curiosity. SO GLAD I took the plunge into this one! Amazing arrangement, vox, instrumentation, etc.! A BIAB classic to be sure!
What a sound!!!! Among the best production I've ever heard on the forum.......and these days, that's saying a LOT!!! Peter's guitar work shines, and Janice never misses!!! Great work at the helm by Bud......that is a LONG mastering chain but the result is impossible to argue with....FANTASTIC!!! Take care. Greg
Thank you very much for those comments Greg. We three do appreciate every word of it. Regarding the mastering chain I've been using Ozone via a reference song of our choice. I then make major or minor tweaks to what it suggests - sometimes deleting or adding modules. We've been pleased with that approach. We select a reference song that is about the same tempo, same genre and female. We've used Lucinda Williams several times.
I don't know the original version, but I think this version is a masterpiece. And I think the arrangement is a perfect fit for Janis. I would recognize Dorian right away, because I often hear it in Scottish folk songs like Greensleeves. I don't know much about musical modes, so I don't understand how they're used in this song. Peter's guitar solo is also wonderful, and totally this is a great performance as always. Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi
Thank you very much for the kind remarks. It was a fun project. We three appreciate your time to listen and comment!
J&B
Originally Posted by tony10000
Molly Tuttle also does a cool version:
We are familiar with it and yes it is cool ... as are all of her songs -- we are fans! Her current band Golden Road is great.
J&B
Originally Posted by Jon Thomas
Great performance, great production. I really enjoyed it.
Thank you!
J&B
Originally Posted by Dewey_MI
Janice and Bud,
I normally don't spend time listening to re-makes either posted on this forum, or YouTube, etc., however, since it was a 'bluegrass' remake it piqued my curiosity. SO GLAD I took the plunge into this one! Amazing arrangement, vox, instrumentation, etc.! A BIAB classic to be sure!
Dewey
Well we are glad we made the cut! And we much appreciate your nice and supportive comments. Old public domain songs are technically covers but we have fun rewriting the lyrics, tweaking the melodies and often changing the genre.
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