For the past few weeks I have been working on some new Michael Jackson arrangements for solo guitar. “Rock With You” was to be, and will be my next youtube upload. A week ago I sent letters to publishers requesting permissions to create legal guitar tabs for “Billie Jean” and others.
(After writing this blog entry I got the cam out at 6am…here you go. I do, really want to Rock With You)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWz9y9k7DIo]
What’s strange, serendipitous and heartbreaking is that MJ passed away yesterday – June 25, 2009. (Rest in Peace, Michael). He has been so on my mind for the last few years. I was literally dancing a night before for “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough” at home, alone (I could not sit still!!!!) and emailed countless videos to friends the past few months. Songs like “I’ll Be There”, “Rock With You”, “Never Can Say Goodbye” and “Billie Jean” have become some of my all time favorite songs ever….
He and some of the old funksters have been my main youtube viewing this past year…James Brown, some Boosty Collins, and old MJ where he is nothing but a little genius of soul.
My grade school schoolmates, after his passing, started a thread on Facebok “wow, remember that party and that year when we danced and sang to ‘Off The Wall’ by Michael?” I am sure there are many…
And what’s strange is how the past becomes the future, how this music connects us so deeply to each other, how it feels “so good” for me to play it…and how these bonds I made with other children as a child myself have not faded into nothingness, but now Facebook is somehow keeping it all alive…and the music was something we all agreed on and loved.
To witness it all is bizarre and makes me think – wow if computers can do this – show me videos, help me rekindle emotions, connect with others, give of my own talents, – God only knows what lies beyond the sheath of what we think is reality.
Hope this makes sense – in how it all makes no sense.
Yours in wonder, awe – and may MJ rest in peace. Thank you for your take on soul, funk, dance and melody.
When I heard the news yesterday of MJ’s passing, I thought of your cool “Billie Jean” rendition so I figured I’d visit here to see if you had anything to say. I think you said it well in your post. Memories came flooding back for me as well, when in 1979 (I believe that was the year) “Off the Wall” came out and I, like any other teenager back then, could not get enough of “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough.” (In fact, I still enjoy listening to it today.) Hopefully, he will be mostly remembered for his awesome and groundbreaking music and not his excesses. You had said that you are working on arrangements for “Rock with You.” I guess it’s a strange synchronicity working here, what with the news yesterday, but I and I am sure many others look forward to seeing that on YouTube soon then.
(A postscript here — weird too that Farrah Fawcett, another icon of the 70’s, passed on yesterday. RIP all.)
Hi Adam,
I am playing again and again your acoustic version of I Want You Back.
A Genius!
you are a great musician. where can i find your billie jean tab?
heard your billie jean rendition. yeah it was awesome! i wanta learn it too. where can i get the tab?
my all time favorite michael jackson song! thanks adam sweeet MJ groove.
Yo Adam — love the new album. Fantastic. Been a long time. Hope you’re well.
Please, do you could send me the tab of Billie Jean fingerstyle? I am brazilian, and not understand ever of the site. Sorry…
Thanks
Hi Adam, My name is John from the island of Guam. Just wanted to say you have a new fan. Your truly blessed and truly an encouragement with your playing. I love your version of ” Rock With You ” would you have tabs for your version? Well if you do where can i find it? its just awesome and i love hearing over and over. Well keep up the good work it sounds great. TWO THUMBS WAY UP!!!
Hi Adam,
Did you get the permission for publishing “Billie Jean” Tab ?
I really want to learn you Michael jackson covers! where could i get the tabs?
adam ti pregherei di indicarmi dove potrei trovare o comperare il tuo arangamento di billie jean. grazie
I usually have a hard time grasping informational articles, but yours is clear. I appreciate how you’ve given readers like me easy to read info.
Nearly all of the remarks on this particular web site dont make sense.