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

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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Johnny Cash - American V: A Hundred Highways (Piano/Vocal/Guitar Artist Songbook) [Paperback] Review

"American V: A Hundred Highways" has become one of my favorite Cash albums, and so I was very glad to see that Hal-Leonard came out with a corresponding songbook.As an intermediate pianist, I found most songs simple enough to play through with minimal practice.

"On the Evening Train," "Love's Been Good to Me," "Rose of My Heart," and "I'm Free from the Chain Gang Now" have the most piano-friendly arrangements.These four were some of the easiest to learn, but they are not oversimplified.

"Help Me" is one of those songs that I wish were transcribed as accompaniment, without the melody incorporated throughout the treble clef.With use of the chord guides, though, I got around that.

I thought for sure "God's Gonna Cut You Down" without the foot-stomping and handclapping would sound weak on the piano.I'm glad to say I was wrong.Without the percussion and electric guitar, the tone is actually darker.

Cash's songwriting tends to be very simple (which is part of his charm) and "Like the 309" is no exception.It is still a lot of fun to play, though, and there is plenty of room to add your own touches.

The reason for my 4-out-of-5 rating is the same as why I would give the album 4 out of 5: "I Came to Believe" and "Four Strong Winds," which in my opinion are weak songs in comparison to the rest.That being said, though, most Cash fans and fans of classic folk/country music will appreciate the music here.

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Product Description:
This powerful, posthumous release is the coda in the acclaimed American series featuring the legendary Johnny Cash produced by Rick Rubin. Its 12 sadly beautiful tracks include two Cash originals - "Like the 309," the last song he ever wrote, and "I Came to Believe," plus covers such as: Four Strong Winds * God's Gonna Cut You Down * I'm Free from the Chain Gang Now * If You Could Read My Mind * Love's Been Good to Me * and more.

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