Friends:
For two decades now (ahem, ok, three), I have been waiting for a country or bluegrass band to really do a knockout version of “What it Takes” by Aerosmith on the Pump album, 1989. The lyrics are as good of a country heartache done-me-wrong song as there ever was. The songwriting and arranging is pure craftsmanship, a masterpiece in my opinion.
Still, nobody has made a good country version, so I thought I’d try to learn a little myself on my mando just to see how it might sound, and the learning did not disappoint. It’s a very complex tune that goes waaaayyy beyond your typical 1-4-5. 17 different chords in all. @BanjoBen, you’ll love it because there’s plenty of B-flat, too!
Ben, I know you’re doing some producing now. If you ever find the right vocalist, please ask them to think about doing this as a cover! It would kill!