Carlos Reyes: Amazing Grace

Today’s Spiritual Sunday song is an instrumental/jam of the old John Newton hymn, “Amazing Grace.” I stumbled on this particular rendition this week when I was looking for a song by harmonica player, Norton Buffalo. Buffalo died on October 30 and this was performed by Reyes during the tribute concert held at Sonoma, California in November.

Norton Buffalo’s name may not be familiar to many people; however, I am sure you have heard his work. He spent the last 33 years touring and recording with the Steve Miller Band. He also performed with Elvin Bishop and appeared as a session musician on scores of recordings. He is a talent that will be sorely missed. If you get a chance to pick up his fist solo LP, “Lovin’ in the Valley of the Moon,” do it immediately. It is well worth it.

The performer on this track is Paraguayan Carlos Reyes, who is known for his folk harp and violin work. This particular live recording of “Amazing Grace” showcases his virtuosity on the violin and is worth listening to this 10:00 instrumental track. Within this version are several different stylings of the song that give it a new interpretation with each verse. Enjoy.