Kawai Piano Prices: Johnny Cash - American III: Solitary Man (Piano/Vocal/Guitar Artist Songbook) [Paperback] Review

Johnny Cash - American III: Solitary Man [Paperback]

For whatever reason, "American III: Solitary Man" is the only album in the American series that had a corresponding songbook published (excluding "My Mother's Hymnbook").While a great album on its own, as the only transcribed representation of the entire series, "American III" is a bit lacking.In the song list we find no dark humor as contained in "Delia's Gone" and "The Man Who Couldn't Cry," nor the raw power of "Rusty Cage" and "Hurt."All that being said, though, this book still has a lot to offer.

First off, the arrangement of "I See a Darkness" alone is worth the price of the book.Simple and beautiful, Will Oldham's words and music are haunting.Another notable arrangement is of the gospel standard "Wayfaring Stranger."Of all the versions I've come across, this is definitely my favorite.

The arrangement for "The Mercy Seat" is a bit of a disappointment, mainly because of it's oversimplification.The recording of this song has some of that "raw power" that I mentioned, but it just doesn't translate well in written form.I understand, though, how this kind of song would be difficult to pen for a lone piano or guitar.

Another song that doesn't quite capture the recording is "One."It's a bit awkward as it incorporates the melody. This and "Solitary Man" would have worked better as accompaniment arrangements.

"Nobody," "Field of Diamonds," and "Country Trash" are other songs that are very simple, but a lot of fun to play and to sing along with.

The verdict: For all piano- or guitar-playing fans of the American series, I would definitely recommend this songbook, but don't have too high an expectation.

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Product Description:
All 14 songs from The Man in Black's 2000 studio album of covers, featuring a mixture of the incomparable Cash singing solo with guitar, and of inspired duets with the likes of Tom Petty and Sheryl Crow. Includes: Before My Time * Country Trash * Field of Diamonds * I See a Darkness * I Won't Back Down * I'm Leavin' Now * Mary of the Wild Moor * The Mercy Seat * Nobody * One * Solitary Man * That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day) * Wayfaring Stranger * Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone).

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