Jimmy Webb

Brett Day · Post by **Brett Day** » 16 Nov 2012 1:50 pm

b0b wrote:I recently learned Wichita Lineman for a band I play with. Incredible lyrics aside, the chord progression is unlike anything I've ever encountered. I'm still not sure which key it's in, and it never sounds like it's modulating. More than craftsmanship, I think that the song is pure genius.

I sang and played "Wichita Lineman" at a steel show recently

Skip Edwards · Post by **Skip Edwards** » 16 Nov 2012 8:29 pm

Thanks, Bob...I hadn't heard that version in a while.
Linda's version just kills me...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBB6UuYsuRo

Joachim Kettner · Post by **Joachim Kettner** » 17 Nov 2012 1:07 pm

He was once called "Mr. Balloons" by Eric Andersen.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2dod0 ... Kf8c-SPgbI

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 17 Nov 2012 1:43 pm

b0b wrote:I recently learned Wichita Lineman for a band I play with. Incredible lyrics aside, the chord progression is unlike anything I've ever encountered. I'm still not sure which key it's in, and it never sounds like it's modulating. More than craftsmanship, I think that the song is pure genius.

I know what you mean. I've had occasion to play the tune on pedal steel for the last 2 week-ends. The sheet music key sig. is ##, D, but it kind of feels like F to me the way the changes all line up. The 5# [still on the line] feels and sounds right for D though.

I learned the baritone guitar part years ago but almost never get to play it.

I love Jimmy Webb's compositions as well as his views in the article.

Who's got time to write or listen to real music these days? It seems it's mostly background filler while people attend to other tasks.

I long for the days when people will really appreciate brilliant songwriting like his.