“Dark Eyes”
(Traditional piece arranged and performed by Reynold D. Philipsek)
Recorded by Stymie Seamans
Video by Rene Erickson
Having just returned from a three-day reunion with my first rock band in high school, The Cure of Ares, my mind has gone back to musical origins.
This is literally the first song I ever learned by heart on guitar when I was ten years old. In fact, the reason I still play the piece in E minor (it is normally done in D minor) is because E minor is the original key I learned it in. I have been “evolving” this piece by trial and error, improvisation, and final arrangement for nearly an entire lifetime.
(In my beginning Nick Manoloff Guitar Book the tune was called “Russian Nights”.)
Obviously, the version I played at ten years old was very elementary, and it slowly became much more ornamented, and encompassed the entire neck. My concept of this piece has evolved for now well over 50 years.
The original Russian title of the song was “Ochi Chernye” which simply translates to “dark eyes” or “black eyes.” The song dates back to the early 19th century. This used to be a staple in my live performance but I have strayed away from it as of late. Maybe it will return. Let me know what you think.
Peace.
Be kind.
Love,
Reyn