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Discussions => Tune of the Month => Topic started by: Clive Williams on October 31, 2012, 11:31:55 PM

Title: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Clive Williams on October 31, 2012, 11:31:55 PM
With great thanks to Martin for his ok for us to play it, this month's tune is Martin Ellison's classic Herbert the Sherbet!

There's a good video for this one for us to learn it from; beautifully played by Sandy here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZXsVeJIGUc - the first tune. For avoidance of doubt, Herbert is a 32 bar jig, 2 parts. A lot of ABC's out there have it as a 3 part jig with me as the writer of the 3rd part (which I did actually a long time ago when I needed a 48 bar jig for a ceilidh band I was in, but it kind of escaped into the wild a little unexpectedly) - but that 3rd part is *not* how Martin wrote it, or intended it to be played. Sandy's version is the correct 32 bar version.

Courtesy of Lester and his MASSIVE melnet ABC file, here's the ABC for this tune:

X:1
T:Herbert The Sherbet
M:6/8
L:1/8
C:Martin Ellison
S:PDF file of written music supplied by the composer.
K:Emin
"Em"E2E e3 | "Am"cBA "G"B3 | "Em"GBA GFE | "Bm"FAG FED |
"Em"E2E e3 | "Am"cBA "G"B3 | "Em"GBA GFE | "B"AGF "Em"E3 :|
|: "Em"EFG "B"F3 | "Em"EFG "B"F3 | "Em"Bef gfe | "G"ded B3 |
"G"ded "D"A3 | "D"ded "G"G3 | "G"Bde dBG | "D"AGF "Em"E3 :|

[[[ Edited to Martin's PDF version ]]]

It's a great tune to play and dance to; one of a select number of recently composed tunes that's become a session classic and standard. I find it works well across the rows on a D/G if played in Em ( despite what the abc above says, this is a minor tune), and there's plenty of opportunity for fancy bass work if you want.

As ever, good luck and happy playing!

Clive
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: derekc on November 03, 2012, 09:21:39 AM
As a newcomer to this forum, last month was my first TOTM - I found the whole exercise very useful, especially with regard to interpretation, so thanks to all. So on to this month - hmm - tricky in parts as I just can not decide how to finger bars 3 & 4 as this part requires some deftness to make it flow, so am looking forward to seeing how others translate this. A great tune though, as was last months.

An observation - the ending of the 2nd section on a B, to me sounded a bit unresolved - but am unsure if that is just my playing (probably). I had a quick look at the version with the 3rd part where the 2nd section ends differently (AG F E3)  and on an E - to my ears this ending sounds better regardless of whether you move to the the 3rd part or not. I am now not sure which one is correct.

 
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: folkbluesnbeyond on November 03, 2012, 02:40:59 PM
I think my fingers have got fatter! They don't seem to fit into the same space nowadays that they used to, (separate thread?).

http://youtu.be/8ZUbWLXKUGQ

All the best

Bill

PS wrong version (again), see subsequent posts, perhaps I'll hold fire next month, although I quite like the unresolved feel....
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Ellison on November 03, 2012, 03:10:17 PM
Ah, I think I understand although I can't do the ABC thing. The B part doesn't end on a B note, it always runs down to the E (same as A part).

Blimey that's too many letters denoting different things. I'll try to post an audio soon. Martin
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Ollie on November 03, 2012, 04:13:30 PM
Actually, the B part does end on a B.  I've attached a PDF for those who prefer that over ABC.

I'd hazard a guess that Martin know's what he's talking about.  ::)
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: derekc on November 03, 2012, 04:28:57 PM
Thanks Martin for clarifying that it ends on an E.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Ellison on November 03, 2012, 04:56:28 PM
Ok, I've just checked with myself and can confirm the B part does run down to the E  ;)

I've been desperately trying to attach a sound file but in vain. Hopefully here's the correct written version.

Martin
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Ellison on November 03, 2012, 05:06:15 PM
Sorry, me again - just noticed that the incorrect version on that pdf that mglamb posted is being downloaded. It's just wrong.

I'm really not being precious but that version doesn't sound at all right - I like it when the folk process adapts and evolves tunes but it's better to start with the correct one as the reference point IMHO.

Hope this clears things up.

Martin
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Lester on November 03, 2012, 05:17:04 PM
Updated ABC from Martin's PDF

X: 1
T:Herbert The Sherbert
M:6/8
L:1/8
C:Martin Ellison
K:Emin
E2E e3|cBA B3|GBA GFE|FAG FED|
E2E e3|cBA B3|GBA GFE|AGF E3:|:
EFG F3|EFG F3|Bef gfe|ded B3|
ded A3|ded G3|Bde dBG|AGF E3:|
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Ellison on November 03, 2012, 05:19:23 PM
Thanks Lester. That was quick.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Jinkers1 on November 03, 2012, 05:36:00 PM
Sorry, PDF removed.  It was based on Lester's original ABC.  Next time I'll keep my mouth shut.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Lester on November 03, 2012, 05:38:03 PM
Sorry, PDF removed.  It was based on Lester's original ABC.  Next time I'll keep my mouth shut.

Not my ABC as it happens just something that was harvested to the mel.net Massive ABC file. I have updated said file  (:)
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Jinkers1 on November 03, 2012, 05:50:53 PM
I would just like to make clear that I never set out to trash or modify Martin's tune - I merely took the ABC from Clive's initial post, which was attributed to Lester, and made a PDF from it without changing anything.  I'm glad that the composer was able to identify and correct the error, and that Lester has fixed the archive file.  Unfortunately, the initial TOTM post still has the incorrect ABC, which I am powerless to fix.  As I said before, I'll be far less likely to try to help anyone here in the future, having been taken to the woodshed over a mistake that wasn't even mine.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Ellison on November 03, 2012, 06:09:54 PM
Dear mglamb

May I call you mg?

Hey, it really isn't a problem. Please, don't be offended. I didn't think for a moment that you were trying to trash anything. Just pointing out with what may have been over-zealous propriety that if we start with the original then modifications are fine and dandy in the natural folk process.

I really hope you don't let my intervention stop you from learning, playing and hopefully, enjoying the tune.

Maybe I should leave the thread and let what will be, will be.

Please accept my apologies if my tone upset you - that is always the last thing I want to do to anybody.

Martin
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Andrew Shead on November 03, 2012, 10:53:38 PM
I'm with Bill; I much prefer the unresolved ending produced by the "mistaken" transcription. It enhances the mysterious feel of the minor key. But it is good to know what the original is supposed to sound like. I have saved both versions with the original marked as definitive.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Steve_freereeder on November 04, 2012, 07:55:58 AM
Here's Lester's ABC notation but with the chords added, taken from Martin Ellison's PDF file. 

X:1
T:Herbert The Sherbert
M:6/8
L:1/8
C:Martin Ellison
S:PDF file of written music supplied by the composer.
K:Emin
"Em"E2E e3 | "Am"cBA "G"B3 | "Em"GBA GFE | "Bm"FAG FED |
"Em"E2E e3 | "Am"cBA "G"B3 | "Em"GBA GFE | "B"AGF "Em"E3 :|
|: "Em"EFG "B"F3 | "Em"EFG "B"F3 | "Em"Bef gfe | "G"ded B3 |
"G"ded "D"A3 | "D"ded "G"G3 | "G"Bde dBG | "D"AGF "Em"E3 :|
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Clive Williams on November 05, 2012, 01:05:01 AM
Haven't quite got the slow air thingy going yet, but in the meantime here's a couple of takes at Herbert, both played on the Hohner 1930's G/C, using the standard 8 basses only.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37enH-iK388

... and here's a second, played as a hornpipe, which has its own charm, even if it's not as good as the original, and a bar or two do sound disturbingly close to Rolf Harris' "Seamus O'Shawn the Leprechaun"  :o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiBYlNCKAX8

Cheers,

Clive
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Spikey on November 05, 2012, 07:48:12 PM
Haven't quite got the slow air thingy going yet, but in the meantime here's a couple of takes at Herbert, both played on the Hohner 1930's G/C, using the standard 8 basses only.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37enH-iK388
I loved this version Clive.  It was one of those ones that you just wanted to keep on going - completely mesmerising.  And I really like the bassoon-like sound of your GC (:).
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Ellisteph on November 07, 2012, 07:50:10 AM
Here's my effort:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0QuWHDnAA4&feature=plcp
Note there's only one 'r' in sherbet - both n the confectionery and the track listing on my dusty old Ran Tan Band cassette.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Lester on November 07, 2012, 09:32:49 AM
Here's my effort:
 http://youtu.be/iNacuiP5oWo
Note there's only one 'r' in sherbet - both n the confectionery and the track listing on my dusty old Ran Tan Band cassette.

Good pedantry but poor youtube posting (it comes up as not available)  ;)
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Steve_freereeder on November 07, 2012, 09:38:58 AM
Here's my effort:
 http://youtu.be/iNacuiP5oWo
Note there's only one 'r' in sherbet - both in the confectionery and the track listing on my dusty old Ran Tan Band cassette.
You are right, but Martin Ellison's PDF of the written music has Sherbert. It is a rhyming play on the Herbert name and the popular mis-spelling of the confectionary. Perhaps to use the correct spelling would result in the losing some of the title's appeal somehow.

Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: fiddlingpea on November 07, 2012, 10:34:46 AM
here's my effort.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-sh0glfCeg&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Ellison on November 07, 2012, 10:49:56 AM
You are right, but Martin Ellison's PDF of the written music has Sherbert. It is a rhyming play on the Herbert name and the popular mis-spelling of the confectionary. Perhaps to use the correct spelling would result in the losing some of the title's appeal somehow.
[/quote]

I come on tippytoes in case I upset anyone else - my spelling has always been without the second 'r'. I found the PDF on the University of Durham folk thing pages. I can't write music but can sort of read it very slowly so I knew this was correct but didn't correct the spelling in the title because I suppose I'm getting used to seeing it. I'm not sure when the gratuitous r was introduced but it's become more and more common.

So the original Ran Tan recording is correct in both the tune and the spelling. Herbert the Sherbet.

I think I'm going to re-learn it (I haven't played it for decades apart from a couple of reunion gigs) and submit a version myself - has this been done before?

Martin
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Steve_freereeder on November 07, 2012, 01:57:51 PM
So the original Ran Tan recording is correct in both the tune and the spelling. Herbert the Sherbet.
So now we know! Thanks, Martin!  (:)
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Clive Williams on November 07, 2012, 05:17:27 PM

I think I'm going to re-learn it (I haven't played it for decades apart from a couple of reunion gigs) and submit a version myself - has this been done before?


I don't think it has been done before! It'd be great to hear how you play it now - please do!
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Clive Williams on November 07, 2012, 05:20:19 PM
I can't write music but can sort of read it very slowly so I knew this was correct but didn't correct the spelling in the title because I suppose I'm getting used to seeing it.

Ah... that explains it! I thought the chords on the PDF were a little more straight forward than I remembered!  ;D
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Ellisteph on November 07, 2012, 07:11:26 PM
Here's my effort:
 http://youtu.be/iNacuiP5oWo
Note there's only one 'r' in sherbet - both n the confectionery and the track listing on my dusty old Ran Tan Band cassette.

Good pedantry but poor youtube posting (it comes up as not available)  ;)
You're quite right Lester. I was being pedantic; apologies to anyone I may have offended and thanks to Martin for clarification. As to the non-functioning link, that's what comes of rushing an upload before setting off to work. I will check more diligently in future.
Try this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0QuWHDnAA4&feature=plcp
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Lester on November 07, 2012, 09:13:24 PM
You're quite right Lester. I was being pedantic; apologies to anyone I may have offended and thanks to Martin for clarification. As to the non-functioning link, that's what comes of rushing an upload before setting off to work. I will check more diligently in future.
Try this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0QuWHDnAA4&feature=plcp

Definitely worth waiting for  (:)
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Ellison on November 07, 2012, 09:27:58 PM
Yes Ellisteph I liked that too. I'm going to have to put some work in to submit my version. Is that a Connemara III?

Teeny tiny thread drift:
I notice you sport a moustache, well that's a coincidence . . .

May I appropriate a slice of my 15 minutes of fame to alert you to my Movember page?
http://uk.movember.com/mospace/2914173 (http://uk.movember.com/mospace/2914173)

Only if you can of course, absolutely no pressure.

Moderators: if this is inappropriate then please take it down, I'm just being opportunistic
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Ellisteph on November 07, 2012, 10:44:23 PM
Yes Ellisteph I liked that too. I'm going to have to put some work in to submit my version. Is that a Connemara III?

Teeny tiny thread drift:
I notice you sport a moustache, well that's a coincidence . . .

May I appropriate a slice of my 15 minutes of fame to alert you to my Movember page?
http://uk.movember.com/mospace/2914173 (http://uk.movember.com/mospace/2914173)

Only if you can of course, absolutely no pressure.



Moderators: if this is inappropriate then please take it down, I'm just being opportunistic

Thanks to Lester & Martin for your encouraging comments. You may look forward to a donation Martin - my son tried to persuade me to do Movember but I chickened out of shaving it off. Maybe next year.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Andrew Shead on November 08, 2012, 04:12:02 AM
You're quite right Lester. I was being pedantic; apologies to anyone I may have offended and thanks to Martin for clarification. As to the non-functioning link, that's what comes of rushing an upload before setting off to work. I will check more diligently in future.
Try this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0QuWHDnAA4&feature=plcp

Wow! That was good. I enjoyed it. Definitely up there with Sandy Shallis's rendering.

I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing Martin too.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: joreema on November 08, 2012, 09:04:47 AM
Nice tune with nice title. Here is my effort:

http://soundcloud.com/joreema/herbert-the-sherbert
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Jackaspandy on November 08, 2012, 01:48:12 PM
Here's Lester's ABC notation but with the chords added, taken from Martin Ellison's PDF file. 

X:1
T:Herbert The Sherbert
M:6/8
L:1/8
C:Martin Ellison
S:PDF file of written music supplied by the composer.
K:Emin
"Em"E2E e3 | "Am"cBA "G"B3 | "Em"GBA GFE | "Bm"FAG FED |
"Em"E2E e3 | "Am"cBA "G"B3 | "Em"GBA GFE | "B"AGF "Em"E3 :|
|: "Em"EFG "B"F3 | "Em"EFG "B"F3 | "Em"Bef gfe | "G"ded B3 |
"G"ded "D"A3 | "D"ded "G"G3 | "G"Bde dBG | "D"AGF "Em"E3 :|

[Thank you very much for the Chords - I always find it is easier to tell which button to press if I know which left hand button to push/pull - but - what should I do with the Am - just play A ? ]
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbert
Post by: Lester on November 08, 2012, 01:56:07 PM
Here's Lester's ABC notation but with the chords added, taken from Martin Ellison's PDF file. 

X:1
T:Herbert The Sherbert
M:6/8
L:1/8
C:Martin Ellison
S:PDF file of written music supplied by the composer.
K:Emin
"Em"E2E e3 | "Am"cBA "G"B3 | "Em"GBA GFE | "Bm"FAG FED |
"Em"E2E e3 | "Am"cBA "G"B3 | "Em"GBA GFE | "B"AGF "Em"E3 :|
|: "Em"EFG "B"F3 | "Em"EFG "B"F3 | "Em"Bef gfe | "G"ded B3 |
"G"ded "D"A3 | "D"ded "G"G3 | "G"Bde dBG | "D"AGF "Em"E3 :|
Thank you very much for the Chords - I always find it is easier to tell which button to press if I know which left hand button to push/pull - but - what should I do with the Am - just play A ?

Use the A bass then the C chord
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Ellison on November 08, 2012, 02:16:21 PM
Right then, this is just a bit of fun. I thought I'd combine tune of the month with theme of the month. Sat down at the PC (week off with a chest infection is proving quite productive!) and pressed record. Please forgive all the mistakes - I realised when I got into the tune proper that I haven't played it for a very long time but I persevered. I also kept running out of air!

http://soundcloud.com/martin-ellison/herb-the-sherb (http://soundcloud.com/martin-ellison/herb-the-sherb)

Have a laugh and then delete it. I know I will.

Martin
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: jbesser on November 08, 2012, 02:55:55 PM
Right then, this is just a bit of fun. I thought I'd combine tune of the month with theme of the month. Sat down at the PC (week off with a chest infection is proving quite productive!) and pressed record. Please forgive all the mistakes - I realised when I got into the tune proper that I haven't played it for a very long time but I persevered. I also kept running out of air!

http://soundcloud.com/martin-ellison/herb-the-sherb (http://soundcloud.com/martin-ellison/herb-the-sherb)

Have a laugh and then delete it. I know I will.


Delete? No way; it's gorgeous.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Ash on November 08, 2012, 03:04:27 PM
I thought I'd combine tune of the month with theme of the month.

I was working on that - but you beat me to it! I can't really complain as you wrote the tune, and I should try and learn a proper slow air. I'll just have to go back to working on this as a fast and, for me, difficult jig.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Ellison on November 08, 2012, 03:07:26 PM
Ash - do it, please. The world is ready for a slow Herbert, and I don't mean that personally.

Martin
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Clive Williams on November 08, 2012, 04:20:19 PM

http://soundcloud.com/martin-ellison/herb-the-sherb (http://soundcloud.com/martin-ellison/herb-the-sherb)


Bleedin' cracking Martin  ;D
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: diatosoldo on November 08, 2012, 05:18:22 PM
Right then, this is just a bit of fun. I thought I'd combine tune of the month with theme of the month. Sat down at the PC (week off with a chest infection is proving quite productive!) and pressed record. Please forgive all the mistakes - I realised when I got into the tune proper that I haven't played it for a very long time but I persevered. I also kept running out of air!

http://soundcloud.com/martin-ellison/herb-the-sherb (http://soundcloud.com/martin-ellison/herb-the-sherb)

Have a laugh and then delete it. I know I will.

Martin

 ;)
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Gus V on November 11, 2012, 09:25:33 AM
I recorded this a year or so ago.
http://gusvoorhees.bandcamp.com/track/gloworms-trip-to-nobodys-herbert-the-sherbert
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: AndyShear on November 11, 2012, 07:56:18 PM
Rather disorderly rough music version

http://youtu.be/27Jlf1Zxn9Q

And one a bit less.........

http://youtu.be/LXMfw6cowok

Andy
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: olly on November 11, 2012, 09:02:11 PM
Gus V. This is a tune that I've never managed to get excited about but that I do like.  (:)
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: boxcall on November 13, 2012, 10:48:18 PM
Hi all,
I'm still learning this tune and the box! any way here my try at this  with a one row in D so no C nat. sorry.
hope this is jig like?

MIchael

http://youtu.be/fJwf91lB3js
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: StupidFingers on November 18, 2012, 05:51:31 PM
Hello.

I've got to admit that I didn't vote for this one, not because I didn't like the tune, but because I didn't think I had a cat in hell's chance of actually managing to play it as it seemed to be a little above my current ability level.  I gave it a go anyway, and it looks like I can re-appraise my assessment to "I can just about play that".  There's a lot more crossing of rows than I have previously had to deal with before so there's been a considerable number of fluffed renditions over the last few weeks to the point where I have been expecting complaints from the neighbours!

So, here's the last unfluffed recording before the light failed this afternoon.  It's only once through as that's as about as far as I can get at the moment without everything going wrong (not that I'm good enough to noodle around with it on a second pass anyways).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fve-lgI6cVA
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Pete Dunk on November 18, 2012, 06:31:05 PM
So, here's the last unfluffed recording before the light failed this afternoon.  It's only once through as that's as about as far as I can get at the moment without everything going wrong (not that I'm good enough to noodle around with it on a second pass anyways).

I thought you played that very well, rock steady tempo and fluid fingering with just the occasional bit of hesitation, you should be pleased!  ;D
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Ellisteph on November 19, 2012, 10:04:16 AM
Hello.

I've got to admit that I didn't vote for this one, not because I didn't like the tune, but because I didn't think I had a cat in hell's chance of actually managing to play it as it seemed to be a little above my current ability level.  I gave it a go anyway, and it looks like I can re-appraise my assessment to "I can just about play that".  There's a lot more crossing of rows than I have previously had to deal with before so there's been a considerable number of fluffed renditions over the last few weeks to the point where I have been expecting complaints from the neighbours!

So, here's the last unfluffed recording before the light failed this afternoon.  It's only once through as that's as about as far as I can get at the moment without everything going wrong (not that I'm good enough to noodle around with it on a second pass anyways).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fve-lgI6cVA
Well done. You've had a go at a tune you found difficult & pulled it off. You've raised your own standards and now know you are capable of greater things. Give yourself a pat on the back!
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Ellison on November 20, 2012, 12:17:51 PM
Hello.

I've got to admit that I didn't vote for this one, not because I didn't like the tune, but because I didn't think I had a cat in hell's chance of actually managing to play it as it seemed to be a little above my current ability level.  I gave it a go anyway, and it looks like I can re-appraise my assessment to "I can just about play that".  There's a lot more crossing of rows than I have previously had to deal with before so there's been a considerable number of fluffed renditions over the last few weeks to the point where I have been expecting complaints from the neighbours!

So, here's the last unfluffed recording before the light failed this afternoon.  It's only once through as that's as about as far as I can get at the moment without everything going wrong (not that I'm good enough to noodle around with it on a second pass anyways).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fve-lgI6cVA
Well done. You've had a go at a tune you found difficult & pulled it off. You've raised your own standards and now know you are capable of greater things. Give yourself a pat on the back!

Totally agree with Ellisteph. Time to change your forum name I think!

Martin ;)
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: docEdock on November 20, 2012, 12:48:22 PM
It's only once through as that's as about as far as I can get at the moment without everything going wrong (not that I'm good enough to noodle around with it on a second pass anyways).

I thought your version just fine and thanks for posting it. Your being able to keep that a steady pace was an accomplishment, especially since your fingers are learning the oddity of cross rowing. I also think it might be time to upgrade your forum name in celebration.

I know that I found moving sideways rather than up or down to find the next note totally disconcerting. After awhile that bewilderment has faded. Still, I too marvel at players who can play the tune through more than once without a stumble. Their SmartFingers truely are a marvel.

Doc
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: StupidFingers on November 20, 2012, 02:25:38 PM
I thought you played that very well, rock steady tempo and fluid fingering with just the occasional bit of hesitation, you should be pleased!  ;D
Well done. You've had a go at a tune you found difficult & pulled it off. You've raised your own standards and now know you are capable of greater things. Give yourself a pat on the back!
Totally agree with Ellisteph. Time to change your forum name I think!

Martin ;)
I thought your version just fine and thanks for posting it. Your being able to keep that a steady pace was an accomplishment, especially since your fingers are learning the oddity of cross rowing. I also think it might be time to upgrade your forum name in celebration.

I know that I found moving sideways rather than up or down to find the next note totally disconcerting. After awhile that bewilderment has faded. Still, I too marvel at players who can play the tune through more than once without a stumble. Their SmartFingers truely are a marvel.

Doc

Why thank you... it's nice to know I'm going in the right direction! (Oops! That's not meant to be a bellows pun!)

With regards the tempo, this is something on this tune that I seemed to be having problems with.  Every time I started playing it (which is rather a lot of starts), it just kept getting slightly faster and thus rather more difficult to play without messing it up as time went on.  I periodically wind up having to completely slow it down or it becomes totally unplayable.  From my readings here, I know it has been observed that there is a common tendancy to speed up more towards the end so it's quite a surprise to find that I managed to keep it steady!

As to my forum name, I don't quite think I'm ready to change it yet.  My performance is a mere 43 seconds out of around half an hours worth of recording, so I'm still fluffing things rather a lot (there was one slightly better take about five minutes later, but the recording was very dark at that point).  And the less said about rather simpler tunes that I just don't seem to be able to get right for some unknown reason (like "Oh Joe, The Boat is Going Over" and "Bobby Shaftoe" :o), the better!  Besides, I do like the Futurama reference on which it is based.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Roland Carson on November 20, 2012, 04:56:21 PM
Well here's my effort at a 'lively' pace  :D
I've been impressed by everyone playing this tune and have listened to them all in my attempt to learn it.
It's quite hard to keep the speed steady whether fast or slow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYnRA1NNg6k

Roland
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: diatosoldo on November 20, 2012, 05:01:58 PM
Well here's my effort at a 'lively' pace  :D
I've been impressed by everyone playing this tune and have listened to them all in my attempt to learn it.
It's quite hard to keep the speed steady whether fast or slow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYnRA1NNg6k

Roland
so you did it  ;)
I'm not sure I will do it ... and only 10 days left ...
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Spikey on November 20, 2012, 08:09:13 PM
Thanks Martin for writing such a great tune - I have really enjoyed listening to all the versions here.  I'm afraid I cannot do it justice, but was pleased to get to the stage where I could sort of play it - albeit with dodgy speed changes and stumbles, and a mind blank when it came to what to repeat where - the horrors of pressing the record button :o.
http://youtu.be/ef5oEtYRfhA

Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Roland Carson on November 20, 2012, 08:42:43 PM
Quote
Thanks Martin for writing such a great tune - I have really enjoyed listening to all the versions here.  I'm afraid I cannot do it justice, but was pleased to get to the stage where I could sort of play it - albeit with dodgy speed changes and stumbles, and a mind blank when it came to what to repeat where - the horrors of pressing the record button :o.
http://youtu.be/ef5oEtYRfhA

Well I thought that was brilliant !!!

Roland
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Spikey on November 20, 2012, 10:03:30 PM
 :|bl Thank you!
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Daddy Long Les on November 21, 2012, 07:00:27 AM
Thanks Martin for writing such a great tune - I have really enjoyed listening to all the versions here.  I'm afraid I cannot do it justice, but was pleased to get to the stage where I could sort of play it - albeit with dodgy speed changes and stumbles, and a mind blank when it came to what to repeat where - the horrors of pressing the record button :o.
http://youtu.be/ef5oEtYRfhA

That's really nice Spikey-putting me to shame with your progress.  Always love your Morgane!  Well done!!
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Spikey on November 21, 2012, 05:12:47 PM
Thank you Les (:)!  Good to see that your tag line is getting even longer, it makes my 3 look positively restrained ;).
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Chris Brimley on November 21, 2012, 05:43:57 PM
Here's my effort.  Martin and John's tunes are both great.  Thanks to Sandy for suggesting they go together:

http://soundcloud.com/chrisbrimley/herbert-the-sherbet-and

This is the first outing for my Beat-Root Heel and Toe model, and it's a bit experimental.  I'm not sure how successful it is yet, as I've discussed under another thread.  I do like the fact that it is easier than I thought it would be, and it seems to make keeping tempo easier.  I've got a bit of a technical problem keeping it low enough in the mix at the moment, because the acoustic sound of me stamping on it is too great for my taste, and the amplified eq'ed sound not enough by comparison.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Ash on November 21, 2012, 08:33:17 PM
For me, this is the most difficult thing I've had to learn on the melodeon. I've managed to get the notes in what I think is the right order, and provided something on the left hand too. Timing / phrasing or whatever you'd call it needs some work though...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4qaCghXnDw&feature=g-crec-u (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4qaCghXnDw&feature=g-crec-u)

Thanks.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: tjsmithdog5 on November 21, 2012, 10:31:17 PM
Almost Thanksgiving Day, so I'd better get this tune posted before I fall into a turkey-induced stupor that lasts until Christmas. Thanks to Mr. Ellison for a really enjoyable piece of music and to all the Melnet contributors for their ideas.

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byO0BPiDXLQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byO0BPiDXLQ)
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Andrew Shead on November 22, 2012, 03:04:31 AM
All the contributions are impressive in their own ways. What is significant is the fact that, despite some players protestations about fat-fingering the tune, everyone kept going to turn in excellent performances. Even when the tempo and phrasing could have been considered questionable, it really wasn't as it added an interesting dynamic to the music. Well done everyone, especially Martin for being inspired to the composition. I agree too that juxtaposing Herbert the Sherbert with Jiggery Pokery was a happy event. It's been a fun TOTM.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Ellison on November 23, 2012, 05:29:14 PM
For me, this is the most difficult thing I've had to learn on the melodeon. I've managed to get the notes in what I think is the right order, and provided something on the left hand too. Timing / phrasing or whatever you'd call it needs some work though...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4qaCghXnDw&feature=g-crec-u (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4qaCghXnDw&feature=g-crec-u)

Thanks.

Well there's nothing wrong with the timing or phrasing which leaps out at me! Played with great style, brio and precision.

I have to confess to a feeling of paternal responsibility for this month's tune for obvious reasons. Quite a few have said, "ooh, this is hard" or "I'm not at this standard yet" and that sort of thing, and then turned in great renditions! It isn't as hard as it first sounds - written by a melodeonist, on a melodeon, for a melodeon and a basic 2 row 8 bass melodeon at that. I'm really pleased that most have overcome that initial fear of the tune and very proud to hear my tune is in very good hands. Thank you all.

Martin
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: howard mitchell on November 27, 2012, 01:19:34 PM
Here's my rendition of Herbert the Sherbert on a Roland -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L04SGb8LQUU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L04SGb8LQUU)

Howard
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on November 27, 2012, 06:30:47 PM
Here's my rendition of Herbert the Sherbert on a Roland -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L04SGb8LQUU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L04SGb8LQUU)

Howard

Love the sound. But quite honestly folks I give up. Trying to play Herbert the Sherbert I end up playing  "Busy doing nothing"  Bing Crosby from "A Yankee in King Arthur's Court"
Any one else had the same problem ? Not being a music reader you understand.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Ellison on November 27, 2012, 07:23:44 PM

Love the sound. But quite honestly folks I give up. Trying to play Herbert the Sherbert I end up playing  "Busy doing nothing"  Bing Crosby from "A Yankee in King Arthur's Court"
Any one else had the same problem ? Not being a music reader you understand.

Nick!! Don't give up!

Ive just read this and quickly, or rather, slowly recorded the melody line only. I've assumed that you're on a D/G (hope I'm right) so it's in E minor beginning by pulling out on the D row.

Play along, it might demystify it: http://soundcloud.com/martin-ellison/herbslow (http://soundcloud.com/martin-ellison/herbslow)

Really, really hope it helps.

Martin
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on November 27, 2012, 08:54:06 PM

Love the sound. But quite honestly folks I give up. Trying to play Herbert the Sherbert I end up playing  "Busy doing nothing"  Bing Crosby from "A Yankee in King Arthur's Court"
Any one else had the same problem ? Not being a music reader you understand.

Nick!! Don't give up!

Ive just read this and quickly, or rather, slowly recorded the melody line only. I've assumed that you're on a D/G (hope I'm right) so it's in E minor beginning by pulling out on the D row.

Play along, it might demystify it: http://soundcloud.com/martin-ellison/herbslow (http://soundcloud.com/martin-ellison/herbslow)

Really, really hope it helps.

Martin

Martin thank you for such a lovely reply. Yes I am in D/G and no I won't give up. It's a brilliant tune. So good in fact, my wife Karen has been playing it all week on the piano.
Over the last 40 years I have always said. " if you can hum it then I can play it" but this little bugger of yours has me stumped. FOR THE MOMENT!, I'll keep you posted. It's the cross rowing, I'll get there.
Sincerely, Nick.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Rog on November 28, 2012, 06:32:40 PM
Here is my effort. I found this a tricky blighter to get right and my timing is still not brilliant.
Played on a Hohner Corona IIIR in a rather dark Dm

http://youtu.be/_i8o8o9UigI

Roger
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Anahata on November 28, 2012, 09:46:10 PM
And another attack of last-minute-itis.
My video camera battery was flat so this is my second Soundcloud upload

Herbert The Sherbet (http://soundcloud.com/anahatamelodeon/herbert-the-sherbet)

Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: boxcall on November 29, 2012, 02:57:19 AM
nice one ! Anahata
It's tough looking at all these great videos and then seeing mine. I still got a long way to go on this thing.

Quote from: Ellison
written by a melodeonist, on a melodeon, for a melodeon and a basic 2 row 8 bass melodeon at that.
Martin
[/quote
plus I am playing it on the wrong box.
the last time I played it bumping the bass which didn't help matters (box in the key of D)
anyway I really don't know what I doing on that end. Thought I would try it again with out bass side
hopefully not as bad as the first try but most likely not much better.
I'd like to blame it on the tune but i think it's the player.
A very nicely written tune! thanks for letting us have a go on it Martin

 http://youtu.be/JIYH8M3PG8w
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Rog on November 29, 2012, 12:30:57 PM

And here is a version in Em on a Dino Baffetti Carnival. Faster and sounding a bit brighter than my one above in Dm on the Hohner. Someone can probably dissert on the emotional difference between Em and Dm..

http://youtu.be/34V3mXWBRBA

Roger
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Peter Savage on November 29, 2012, 01:45:41 PM
And another attack of last-minute-itis.
My video camera battery was flat so this is my second Soundcloud upload

Herbert The Sherbet (http://soundcloud.com/anahatamelodeon/herbert-the-sherbet)

I love this version, especially the way the basses run down at the start of the B section; excellent.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Anahata on November 29, 2012, 02:35:04 PM
I love this version, especially the way the basses run down at the start of the B section; excellent.

Thank you - I'm glad someone likes that - it seemed so obvious/irresistible that I thought maybe Martin (or others) would disapprove as it's such a cliché.

Actually in this case I like the idea of the basses doing something different while the tune phrase repeats itself.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Ellison on November 29, 2012, 06:52:51 PM
Thank you - I'm glad someone likes that - it seemed so obvious/irresistible that I thought maybe Martin (or others) would disapprove as it's such a cliché.

Actually in this case I like the idea of the basses doing something different while the tune phrase repeats itself.

Yes, Anahata, how terribly cliched! Shame on you. They're exactly the same basses I use, that's how much of a cliche it is except I don't have your tasteful reserve - I whack 'em in first time round.

And how do you get those darned accents on the word cliche?

Martin
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Anahata on November 29, 2012, 10:26:03 PM
Yes, Anahata, how terribly cliched! Shame on you. They're exactly the same basses I use

Well, I was looking at the chords in the PDF that you'd approved, and they didn't do that!
So now I'm a copycat  :|bl I protest my innocence, honest!
I meant to put them in as a surprise the third time round only, but my fingers decided different, and it wasn't an issue worthy of a retake.

And the Windows character map is your friend. Hunt & peck, copy & paste. Put it on your task barf where you can reach for it easily.
(There a nice character map application on this linux system too)
Here's a few spares I don't need, feel free to copy and paste: éééé  ♭♭♭♭  ♯♯♯♯
 ;)

Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Ollie on November 30, 2012, 02:50:15 AM
If you're on a Mac, just hold down the letter you want, and you'll get an option of different accents.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Ellison on November 30, 2012, 07:44:52 AM
If you're on a Mac, just hold down the letter you want, and you'll get an option of different accents.

If only you could do similar on a melodeon eh?

Anyway, it's the last day of TotM and also the last day of Movember. So while you lot have been squeezing out notes , I've been squeezing out whiskers. I'm exhausted. So . . .

Thread drift.

I don't do guilt-inducing pleas for donations I'm simply going to post the link and say 'it's there if you want to'. I have raised a very respectable amount and I know that some of you melnet creatures have donated too, so thank you for that.

http://uk.movember.com/mospace/2914173 (http://uk.movember.com/mospace/2914173)

Thank you for all the Herberts.

Martin
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: docEdock on December 01, 2012, 12:08:41 AM
Wait, wait, it's not quite December. Here's yet another Herbert, struggling to get out from under my fingers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cew3S4RB-aA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cew3S4RB-aA)

Thanks, Martin, for the catchy tune, though it proved devilishly hard for me to play, especially after listening to all the examples. This one got better for a while and then regressed as I tried this and that, in imitation of what I heard.

Anyway, it's a good thing the month is drawing to a close or I would keep getting worse. Sometimes TOTM is almost too much of a good thing to squeeze into a mere thirty days. Herbert deserves a year or more.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Clive Williams on December 01, 2012, 12:45:55 AM
End of the month folks; a great range of submissions and thanks again Martin for letting us use your great tune! Late submissions as always are very welcome - just plug them on the end here!
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Mcgrooger on December 05, 2012, 05:52:59 PM
Here's my submission - late for two reasons - one was because I had a busy month. The other's because this tune's a tricky blighter. I think I struggled more with this than any previous TOTM I've had a go at. Fab tune though - thank you Martin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDR23RtSWW8
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Peter Savage on December 06, 2012, 01:40:45 PM
Here's my submission - late for two reasons - one was because I had a busy month. The other's because this tune's a tricky blighter. I think I struggled more with this than any previous TOTM I've had a go at. Fab tune though - thank you Martin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDR23RtSWW8

Really enjoyed that version - thank you.
Title: Re: Tune of the Month for November 2012 - Herbert the Sherbet
Post by: Daddy Long Les on April 14, 2020, 10:09:39 AM

Herbert The Sherbet (https://youtu.be/vkEq_JTQ8uU)

As usual, I'm very late to the party!  I love this tune.

Here's my version loosely based on Martin Ellison's audio version and used by permission.  (Thank you Martin!)
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