Prisoner back in California learning classical guitar in my prison cell. I heard this peace and said I want to play it. I went through hell capturing it on classical string guitar. I knew I had something when I played it on the prison yard to a prodigy guitarist that could play almost anything. He said never in all my 20 pluss years in prison heard such a master peace. You own it/having never heard the original. I was humbled and encouraged/can't even play rhythm guitar/only classical. He laughed never seen the likes. JESUS!
I have truly been fortunate in my life, I have played guitar almost all of it, and I have witnessed Ed Gerhard playing this extremely Beautiful song on four occasions,, each time it just seems to be better,, and he is a great guitarist,, but also He is such a Humble person, like a treasured friend, who truly loves playing and meeting fans and now your friend.. Ali from Kentucky
So, music having been my life. .Singing and playing since 8 yrs old, i lost my marriage, I tragically lost my 18 year old son, Isaiah in a car accident, and my father died. I havent sang for about 6 years. I stuck my toe in the water and tonight sang this song with you accompanying me. I've sang it over and over. I'm learning ukulele too, but seem to have lost my mojo- its hard to vocalize. Trauma? Perhaps. I'm just going to keep singing with you and see where it goes. Thanks for just being on here.
Thanks Johna. Through various tragedies and disappointments I too lost music for a while. I’ll think of you next time I perform to remember what music is and what it’s capable of.
I remember when you and Bill Mize played in Moab, Utah in the early or mid-1990's. I was completely enthralled by the entire concert. I think "The Water Is Wide" was your encore piece. I remember Bill Mize was retuning his guitar. Star Hall was dead quiet. Bill jokingly said "name that tune." I almost blurted out "The Water Is Wide". I chickened out. Then you started to play. To this day ,I wish I hadn't restrained myself. I think both of you would have remembered and appreciated it. Once again, thsnk you!
I have a half a dozen renditions of this song in my iTunes library. First sang this song with a choir in high school and later with guitar and dulcimer on my own. Your performance was heart soothing and exquisite. I’d love to put it on my lullaby playlist. ❤
I saw Ed at a workshop in the late 90s, and I shared with him that his piece 'Howl' had given me solace at a time when my father was terminally ill - and was able to learn it. I recently found some of Ed's more recent videos and I was happy for that; I was wondering if he had retired.
I'm listening to this because I was just talking with a young player about music. I used to own Acoustic Roots and you performed in my store maybe for Breedlove at that time in the 90s. Your playing touched me. And then a few years later I was working for Goodall Guitars at one of the summer NAMM shows and you were doing a concert one of the nights at a small club. I went and talked to you for a bit after about how your playing touches me and why. You said, "Every note matters." Of course that's true but how many can put that into practice? It's the heart of what music is and I've carried that with me since and try to pass it on when I can.
Still one of the best and most tasteful arrangements of any melody for the acoustic guitar. Sounds as fresh now as the day l first heard it....and it got me into fingerstyle guitar. One tune, one listen and l thought l have got to learn how to play that.
This is as beautifully and tastefully as I've ever heard the guitar played. Ed is not afraid to be subtle and understated; he lets the song speak for itself. (I'm not sure, though, that he completely "gets out of the way": the chording and phrasing are brilliant.) Way back in '60s, I knew this song as O Waly Waly and played it many many times, though never anything like this. It's haunting, touching--as are the lyrics--and I never dreamed I'd hear such a moving rendition. I'm grateful.
Absolutely beautiful arrangement. You not only play the song seemingly effortlessly but your emotions, love and feelings are imbedded in the way you play it. That's what makes a performance GREAT. Thanks for sharing.
your thoughtful guitar playing soothingly touches the soul. I understand why you want to get out of the way of the song. . .it really is THAT kind of piece. Thanks for sharing with the world.
This brought tears to me. Used to play this piece and a few others from Ed and it brought such joy. I really miss playing guitar. Unfortunately an ever increasing disability prevents me from playing now.
This song is often said to be of American or Scottish origin, because of the alternative title, 'O waly, waly' (the Scottish song of that title has a different melody and lyrics which are Scottish) - it is from Somerset, England. The elegiac nature of the song is best heard in the arrangement by Benjamin Britten and his recording with Peter Pears.
An absolutely beautiful interpretation of this timeless folk song "The Water Is Wide". Your fretboard artistry and dynamics make for a superb rendition overall. Thank you for sharing this video. For UA-cam listeners who would like to hear this song with lyrics, I highly recommend the video with Karla Bonoff singing.
I am greatfull to comment first on it. Sir Edward Gerhard you are The Peace in my world of acoustics. I wish I Will be listening your Guitar when I'll be taking my last breath of life. It Will be a pleasure and a farewell gift for me on that time. Yet I'm awesome to listen you. Because the water is wide. I expect your reply Sir. That's my wish.
I really wanna see your playing in my real eyes someday. This playing is so beautiful. I been seeing your original arrangement so kany times on UA-cam. Love you From.south Korea
Ed, I've bought several of your albums, Counting the Ways. And still don't have one for myself. Gave them away to friends and strangers. Your style of playing is very moving. It truly touches the heart. Thank you.
The water is wide, I can't cross over And neither have I wings to fly Build me a boat that can carry two And both shall row, my love and I There is a ship, and she sails the sea She's loaded deep, as deep can be But not so deep as the love I'm in I know not how I sink or swim O, love is handsome and love is fine The sweetest flower when first it's new But love grows old and waxes cold And fades away like summer dew Build me a boat that can carry two And both shall row, my love and I And both shall row, my love and I
Can easily say Mr. Gerhard's playing helped inspire me to experiment with different tunings and play styles, probably ten plus years ago when I first saw him playing that custom jumbo acoustic in a few UA-cam videos. Always glad to see and hear some more :)
This is the most breathtaking arrangement of this tune that I’ve ever heard! It motivated me to do my own arrangement but it doesn’t come close to Ed’s!! Bravo, my friend!!!🎶🎶🎶
Beautiful. Another thing I would really enjoy is to see the process an artist like Ed goes through in arranging a piece like "The Water is Wide." How does he figure which chord progressions and voicing to use? Does he try certain things and then opt for others. I'd like to see him select a piece and then document how he starts from scratch a puts together a performance as wonderful as this.
Prisoner back in California learning classical guitar in my prison cell. I heard this peace and said I want to play it. I went through hell capturing it on classical string guitar. I knew I had something when I played it on the prison yard to a prodigy guitarist that could play almost anything. He said never in all my 20 pluss years in prison heard such a master peace. You own it/having never heard the original. I was humbled and encouraged/can't even play rhythm guitar/only classical. He laughed never seen the likes. JESUS!
Thumbs up if this version brings a tear to your eye…
Check out Masaaki kishibe's version.
I have truly been fortunate in my life, I have played guitar almost all of it, and I have witnessed Ed Gerhard playing this extremely Beautiful song on four occasions,, each time it just seems to be better,, and he is a great guitarist,, but also He is such a Humble person, like a treasured friend, who truly loves playing and meeting fans and now your friend.. Ali from Kentucky
So, music having been my life. .Singing and playing since 8 yrs old, i lost my marriage, I tragically lost my 18 year old son, Isaiah in a car accident, and my father died. I havent sang for about 6 years. I stuck my toe in the water and tonight sang this song with you accompanying me. I've sang it over and over. I'm learning ukulele too, but seem to have lost my mojo- its hard to vocalize. Trauma? Perhaps. I'm just going to keep singing with you and see where it goes. Thanks for just being on here.
Hope you're doing well, Johna. Keep singing if that makes you feel whole and good.
Music can lead you to a place of healing and restoration. It's doing it for me and I hope it does it for you. Wishing you peace.
Thanks Johna. Through various tragedies and disappointments I too lost music for a while. I’ll think of you next time I perform to remember what music is and what it’s capable of.
Instablaster...
My son. 29. Said I would never play again. But it brings comfort. Esp this song.
Play tune and stay out the way of it....so beautiful, mature and masterfully preformed!
Absolutely beautiful.
Beautiful and peaceful. Exactly what I needed this morning. Thank you!
I remember when you and Bill Mize played in Moab, Utah in the early or mid-1990's. I was completely enthralled by the entire concert. I think "The Water Is Wide" was your encore piece. I remember Bill Mize was retuning his guitar. Star Hall was dead quiet. Bill jokingly said "name that tune." I almost blurted out "The Water Is Wide". I chickened out. Then you started to play. To this day ,I wish I hadn't restrained myself. I think both of you would have remembered and appreciated it.
Once again, thsnk you!
This is a very beautiful arrangement Ed. My favorite.
I've heard Ed play this in person several times - he does it so sweetly, naturally. It always hits home! Love his sound!
"All I try to do is play the tune and stay out of the way of it." ~EG Beautiful and humble. True artistry.
It's rare to hear fingerstyle guitar with such emotional feeling, slow built up, pauses and tenderness quite like this. Bless you Ed Gerhard.
He just smiles and blesses us all with his playing. Thank you Ed. Kevin
Oh my, so beautiful. Every time I hear this song I cry. I love it so.
I have a half a dozen renditions of this song in my iTunes library. First sang this song with a choir in high school and later with guitar and dulcimer on my own. Your performance was heart soothing and exquisite. I’d love to put it on my lullaby playlist. ❤
I saw Ed at a workshop in the late 90s, and I shared with him that his piece 'Howl' had given me solace at a time when my father was terminally ill - and was able to learn it. I recently found some of Ed's more recent videos and I was happy for that; I was wondering if he had retired.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your gift.
I'm listening to this because I was just talking with a young player about music. I used to own Acoustic Roots and you performed in my store maybe for Breedlove at that time in the 90s. Your playing touched me. And then a few years later I was working for Goodall Guitars at one of the summer NAMM shows and you were doing a concert one of the nights at a small club. I went and talked to you for a bit after about how your playing touches me and why. You said, "Every note matters." Of course that's true but how many can put that into practice? It's the heart of what music is and I've carried that with me since and try to pass it on when I can.
Wow this is the Best Version of this Music Thank you ED you are a guitar Legend
There are simply no words to describe just how much I love this...❤️
I put my ear to my ohone, entered your world and cried.
Bravo ! You made it sing ! WoW !
Still one of the best and most tasteful arrangements of any melody for the acoustic guitar. Sounds as fresh now as the day l first heard it....and it got me into fingerstyle guitar. One tune, one listen and l thought l have got to learn how to play that.
couldnt agree more my friend.
Steve Goodman's version of this was the first I ever heard. Still makes me cry, over 40 years later
This guy is quite simply the best.
Loved it !!!! You make the music sing ! Bravo !
Beautiful song and incredible dynamics.
This is probably the best instrumental version I’ve ever heard of this song that of course the Seekers recorded as well.😊
This is as beautifully and tastefully as I've ever heard the guitar played. Ed is not afraid to be subtle and understated; he lets the song speak for itself. (I'm not sure, though, that he completely "gets out of the way": the chording and phrasing are brilliant.) Way back in '60s, I knew this song as O Waly Waly and played it many many times, though never anything like this. It's haunting, touching--as are the lyrics--and I never dreamed I'd hear such a moving rendition. I'm grateful.
Absolutely beautiful arrangement. You not only play the song seemingly effortlessly but your emotions, love and feelings are imbedded in the way you play it. That's what makes a performance GREAT. Thanks for sharing.
Wow so much hum... humility, humor, humanity...
Love Ed Gerhard. One of the best living guitarists
Simply beautiful. Your music has added beauty to this already beautiful song.
This should be in the classical guitar repertoire!
your thoughtful guitar playing soothingly touches the soul. I understand why you want to get out of the way of the song. . .it really is THAT kind of piece. Thanks for sharing with the world.
Ed, this is absolutely beautiful! So emotional! Brings tears.
Beautiful. Gustavo Mernies desde La Teja Montevideo Uruguay. Abrazo fuerte hermano
God Bless you , don't loose faith 🙏
Absolutely beautiful! Amazing musicianship.
You have magic in your fingers, heart and soul. Shine on, my friend.
Exceptional...a gooseflesh rendition of a beautiful ballad!
You pay tribute to this gem of a song in an "out of this world" way. There is no Ed, just the song. Took my breath away, thank you.
Nice and soothing!...
This brought tears to me. Used to play this piece and a few others from Ed and it brought such joy. I really miss playing guitar. Unfortunately an ever increasing disability prevents me from playing now.
❤
Very moving and with an amazing finger picking melody,
Beautiful playing.
Just WOW! Pristine, Mr. Gerhard.
This song is often said to be of American or Scottish origin, because of the alternative title, 'O waly, waly' (the Scottish song of that title has a different melody and lyrics which are Scottish) - it is from Somerset, England. The elegiac nature of the song is best heard in the arrangement by Benjamin Britten and his recording with Peter Pears.
You play this with such feeling and sweetness. My heart breaks each time I hear you play.
An absolutely beautiful interpretation of this timeless folk song "The Water Is Wide". Your fretboard artistry and dynamics make for a superb rendition overall. Thank you for sharing this video. For UA-cam listeners who would like to hear this song with lyrics, I highly recommend the video with Karla Bonoff singing.
Jan Saremi q
Beautifully done! I have collected many versions of this song, and l must say, yours is my favorite. ❣ Thank you.
I should pisten to this song forever Ed.
I am greatfull to comment first on it. Sir Edward Gerhard you are The Peace in my world of acoustics. I wish I Will be listening your Guitar when I'll be taking my last breath of life. It Will be a pleasure and a farewell gift for me on that time. Yet I'm awesome to listen you. Because the water is wide. I expect your reply Sir. That's my wish.
Very nice offering of a beautiful piece...Thanks for the post...
I really wanna see your playing in my real eyes someday. This playing is so beautiful. I been seeing your original arrangement so kany times on UA-cam. Love you From.south Korea
Amazing version.... thanks.... from S.Korea
LOVE. I Feel happiness.
Such a beautiful song in memory of someone hard to forget someone who gave me so much to remember.
Well that was a real inspiration.... Thank you very much.
Ed, I've bought several of your albums, Counting the Ways. And still don't have one for myself. Gave them away to friends and strangers. Your style of playing is very moving. It truly touches the heart. Thank you.
Great touch, as always. Been a fan since "The Handing Down"
A Masterpiece Great guitar performance Ed Gerhard......Thank You......
Beautiful.
The water is wide, I can't cross over
And neither have I wings to fly
Build me a boat that can carry two
And both shall row, my love and I
There is a ship, and she sails the sea
She's loaded deep, as deep can be
But not so deep as the love I'm in
I know not how I sink or swim
O, love is handsome and love is fine
The sweetest flower when first it's new
But love grows old and waxes cold
And fades away like summer dew
Build me a boat that can carry two
And both shall row, my love and I
And both shall row, my love and I
Very nice from one of the best players in this world. I would love for you to come to Olympia Wa. To play for us.
Love how this was played and arranged but the video production is also so beautiful, Ed!
Yes ..the whole thing is a work of art ..a real treasure .💕💕💕
Liking this a lot.
amazing and beautiful, nice work.
I recognise the tune as "When I survey the wondrous Cross"
What a lovely performance
Always lovely to hear!
beautiful...
Real nice, thank you.
So beautiful. What more can I say ?
as you will know a version of "When I survey... has been done to this tune and so your version blesses me so much. Thank you.
Beautiful tone
Can easily say Mr. Gerhard's playing helped inspire me to experiment with different tunings and play styles, probably ten plus years ago when I first saw him playing that custom jumbo acoustic in a few UA-cam videos. Always glad to see and hear some more :)
Wonderful......thanks Sam! 🎸
Thanks for inspiring me to pick up the guitar again.
Beautiful
Very beautiful ty :)
Very nice tempo and phrasing. Thumbs up.
This is the most breathtaking arrangement of this tune that I’ve ever heard! It motivated me to do my own arrangement but it doesn’t come close to Ed’s!! Bravo, my friend!!!🎶🎶🎶
Nice. As a detail from a guitar learner, why the capo?
Nice job!
Beautiful. Thanks, Ed!
Absolutely Beautiful !!
Beautiful ❤️
shit, that is just plain lovely.
Awesome playing, awesome tune, Gerhard - I hope we can hear it LIVE in Belgium in 2019 !
er...England first 2018 ??!!! ......can but hope
Flawless!!.
Awesome!!!!!!!
Beautiful sensitive touch on those strings Ed... well put together and played ...all the best..
What a great player.
Nice Bro. Nice touch and feel. You show off without showing off. So many don't understand that.
I only just seen you on UA-cam. I like your playing. You got good feel .
素晴らしい演奏です👍
One word - Brilliant
Beautiful. Another thing I would really enjoy is to see the process an artist like Ed goes through in arranging a piece like "The Water is Wide." How does he figure which chord progressions and voicing to use? Does he try certain things and then opt for others. I'd like to see him select a piece and then document how he starts from scratch a puts together a performance as wonderful as this.
great lesson great arrangement!!
Bravissimo