I Am a Pilgrim

The Kentucky Colonels, 1964, from Appalachian Swing!. Solo by Clarence White.

White's measured, crosspicked break on the gospel standard shows his sense of space.

I Am a Pilgrim shows Clarence White's gift for space and restraint on a gospel standard. His crosspicked break is measured and deliberate, letting notes ring and giving the melody room to breathe. Rather than showing off speed, White focuses on tone, timing and phrasing, making every note count. His guitar has a warm, clear sound that suits the song's reflective mood. The performance shows another side of White, a player who could be as affecting in slow songs as he was bright in fast ones. Listen for the way the crosspicked patterns create a gentle, rolling texture, and for the pauses that give the melody its quiet dignity.

I Am a Pilgrim by The Kentucky Colonels is featured in our Bluegrass (#10) list. The solo is played by Clarence White and the song was released in 1964.

In our lists

• The 20 Greatest Bluegrass Guitar Solos — #10
• The Best The Kentucky Colonels Guitar Solos — #7

Sources