Cold Rain And Snow is a traditional folk song that nowadays is most frequently heard as a bluegrass tune (as a traditional arrangement we own all rights to it). Some sources date it back to Appalachia in the 1870’s. During our bluegrass years we heard many, many interpretations of it. We thought that a blues version might be fun so here’s the result of that. We tweaked the lyric to make it from a lady’s perspective. Folks often argue over the scale suggesting that it is Dorian or Mixolydian. Meaning our two chord version is in an unknown key … at least to us. 😀 Hope it works for you and thanks to our music partner PeterF for the guitar rhythm and solos and to PG Music for the great session players. Comments are always welcome. We appreciate your time to listen.
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I've never heard this song before, but then bluegrass is a genre that I've never explored much.
This is GREAT! Love the laidback groove, and Janice and Peter are awesome as usual. Mix is perfect, Bud! As far as key goes, I would say it's in 'C'. Not that I know much about theory, but when I was noodling along on my guitar while the song was playing, those were the notes that fit.
Outstanding arrangement and production. Janice sounds awesome as always. She really has some great phrasing here. The mix is upfront and punchy. Peter's guitar tones are perfect and never overplayed. So tasteful.
I also wanted to mention the piano track - it sounds like it was custom played especially for this track. It almost has a vocal quality.
I've never heard this song before, but then bluegrass is a genre that I've never explored much.
This is GREAT! Love the laidback groove, and Janice and Peter are awesome as usual. Mix is perfect, Bud! As far as key goes, I would say it's in 'C'. Not that I know much about theory, but when I was noodling along on my guitar while the song was playing, those were the notes that fit.
Loved it!
Speaking of genres I just discovered The Grateful Dead did a version! BTW the two chords are Cm and F so that’s where you found the notes. But what key would have those two chords? 🤷♂️ Glad you liked it. We appreciate your comments!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
Wow, ya'll are so, SOoooo good! All of you really knocked your parts out of the park. Every time I hear Janice sing I hear something special that I haven't heard before, and this is no exception. Everything here is fab.
Not familiar with other versions the song, but am confident you did it more than full justice. I play it pretty loose with theory on the blues, but I'd label this "Cm blues" and call it a day. Or not, 'cause it makes me feel good, and though that sounds wrong for the "blues", it's really all that matters. Ha!
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
What a great --no, better than that-- idea. Make this classic in a Blues style. Man, you can't go wrong with that idea when you have Janice, who sings better than just about anyone in that genre, and Peter, who can play Blues with the best of them. I listen to your stuff a lot, especially your Blues albums. I've played this songs many times in many different ways, but this is the best version ever.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
Outstanding arrangement and production. Janice sounds awesome as always. She really has some great phrasing here. The mix is upfront and punchy. Peter's guitar tones are perfect and never overplayed. So tasteful.
I also wanted to mention the piano track - it sounds like it was custom played especially for this track. It almost has a vocal quality.
A big fan!
Bob
Bob, thank you for those kind comments. They mean a lot us. And we are very glad you liked the piano as it was comped from multiple regenerations. Those MidiSuperTracks are a lot of fun.
Appreciate it!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
Your voice is as strong and expressive as ever. I haven't heard this song before. After hearing, your version, I can't imagine that it wasn't anything else but blues. So, I had to find me a bluegrass version.
Peter's guitar work is exemplary as usual. Mix is crystal clear.
Another very beautiful song. Well done Janice & Bus The style is very well chosen. Laurent
Thank you!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
Classic quality production all around and Janice's voice is superb.
Some favourite Waoist Adages: #1: Play on the Way. #13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you. #58: Bring consciousness to it. #63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made. #92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
Wow, ya'll are so, SOoooo good! All of you really knocked your parts out of the park. Every time I hear Janice sing I hear something special that I haven't heard before, and this is no exception. Everything here is fab.
Not familiar with other versions the song, but am confident you did it more than full justice. I play it pretty loose with theory on the blues, but I'd label this "Cm blues" and call it a day. Or not, 'cause it makes me feel good, and though that sounds wrong for the "blues", it's really all that matters. Ha!
Thanks … a lot. The vocal comments are much appreciated. I (Bud) am obviously biased but I’m gonna mention that she did all of the lead on one take and the harmony on one or two which is typical of her but I thought this one would be tougher. OK enough bragging on my wonderful bride! And we are most happy that these blues made you feel good!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
Two Chords? The right TWO chords. The superb rendering of "This a way..." is worth the price of admission alone. Then there's Peter's filigree and Bud's tracking & mixing. Absolute cool.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Well, those harmonies really take this over the top, along with some of the other more subtle BGVs. Which is not to diminish how stellar the lead vocal is . . . because it's a treat . . . as much as that slick lead solo. Wonderful mix!
What a great --no, better than that-- idea. Make this classic in a Blues style. Man, you can't go wrong with that idea when you have Janice, who sings better than just about anyone in that genre, and Peter, who can play Blues with the best of them. I listen to your stuff a lot, especially your Blues albums. I've played this songs many times in many different ways, but this is the best version ever.
Thank you Marty. And your kind words are very special given your familiarity with the tune. Genre twisting is always fun! 😀
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
Well done, Janice! An edge to your voice I'm not sure I've heard before. Peter: I love how your solo is both a "solo", but also sits in the mix, without being too far forward ... excellent. This blues and rock take on it really works! Congratulations to all involved, the production (Bud, I'm looking at you) is nothing short of flawless.
Your voice is as strong and expressive as ever. I haven't heard this song before. After hearing, your version, I can't imagine that it wasn't anything else but blues. So, I had to find me a bluegrass version.
Peter's guitar work is exemplary as usual. Mix is crystal clear.
Thank you. That is a hard core traditional bluegrass version for sure as are most of them. There are a few more progressive BG versions - one by Peter Rowan and Tony Rice used the same odd scale as ours. Glad it worked for you!
J&B
PS Here’s the progressive BG version. WAY long but worth a few minutes as the musicians are great. The lady bass player has a degree from Berklee and also a degree in nuclear engineering. Tony Rice is among the best. It’s a great example of musicians supporting each other.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
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