Topic: Sonny Rollins's "St. Thomas" played on guitar

[BlindSockeyeSalmon]

Not exactly a "country blues" tune, but since John Miller's here, I thought I'd ask a question I've been wondering for awhile: who was the first to adapt this song to guitar in the drop-D Joseph Spence style?

I have heard versions by John Miller, Pat Donohue, and Eric Lugosch, and read somewhere that Andy Cohen played it. I suspect John's version was first but I'm not sure. If John or anyone else could educate me I'd appreciate it. I've long been a fan of Rollins and the "Saxophone Colossus" album and "St. Thomas" in particular, as well as a huge Joseph Spence fan, and when I first heard this arrangement (Pat Donohue's) it amazed me how perfectly the tune fits into Spence's style.

Thanks in advance,

John

[Johnm]

Hi John,
I am sure my version pre-dated all the others you cite.
All best,
Johnm

[BlindSockeyeSalmon]

Thanks, John. That's what I figured. A stroke of genius on your part -- if you hadn't done it I doubt a solo guitar arrangement of the tune would have occurred to any one. I'd like to see you get more credit when other people perform it!

Best wishes,

John

[Johnm]

Well, thanks very much for the good words, John, and I couldn't agree with you more about the merits of Sonny Rollins.  I think my favorite record of his is " A Night At The Village Vanguard" on Blue Note.  From the very first notes of "Old Devil Moon", it's apparent that you are hearing an absolute master.  Whew!  Saxophone may have been played equally as well in a different fashion, but it has never been played better than that.  And of course, Joseph Spence was equally amazing in his own way.  It was fun to link the two of them together.
All best,
Johnm

[Pan]

Hi all

Here's John's very fine version of the song, freshly on YouTube:



Cheers

Pan

[Mr.OMuck]

Beautiful!

[Johnm]

Thanks, Phil!