Mason Williams - Classical Gas w/ Deborah Henson-Conant
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- Опубліковано 12 кві 2012
- 'Classical Gas for Guitar and Electric Harp'
Mason Williams, special guest appearing with Deborah Henson-Conant' on her Hip Harp Live tour.
March 7, 2012 at the John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts,
Eugene Oregon.
Deborah Henson-Conant is a GRAMMY-Nominated recording artist and the world's premier electric harpist.
Composer and performer, Mason Williams, created a perfect blend of guitar and orchestra that has been recorded by hundreds of artists including guitar legends Tommy Emmanuel, John Williams, Chet Atkins and Glen Campbell (nope... NOT Eric Clapton). It's been arranged for hand bells, ukulele, harpguitar and an amazing number of other instruments.
Classical Gas has also found a home on-screen as the perfect soundtrack for dozens of films and TV shows.
Mason and Deborah performed three songs together;
"Spanish is the Loving Tongue"
"Classical Gas"
"Only You (And You Alone)"
Visit Deborah at
www.hipharp.com
&
Mason at
www.masonwilliams-online.com
Video producer Billy Smith
www.billysmith.us
50-years ago this song blew-up the world! Even as a 10-year old I knew it was special... Mason was WAY ahead of his time! Thank-You for your art Sir.
Classical Gas is not an island though Mason Williams like Jeff Lynne I suppose, have managed to popularize classical music and bravo to them I say.
Classical Gas and say Cavatina from the Deer Hunter movie are better known in contemporary pieces but Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo for guitar and orchestra is a 20th century work and has about 5 Classical Gas type guitar passages in it.
It is pretty recognizable but worth watching the full 25mins. From the classical guitar POV I find the 2nd movement haunting.
If there is one thing one must do before one leaves this world is see Concierto de Aranjuez live. No recording on any high end sound system can come remotely close to the live experience. Find the money whatever it takes:
ua-cam.com/video/4iORlVcKjCA/v-deo.html
As a 22 year old...ditto
In 1973 I was 8 years old and sent Mason a hand written note in the mail to tell him how much I loved his music. He wrote me a note back! He said when he came to Detroit he would let me know. To say I was thrilled is an understatement.
03/05/24: Agreed! It had an impact only slightly less than the Beatles' I Wanna Hold YOur Hand!
How much ahead?
Amazing! To her credit, she is an amzing player, but not ONCE did she try overpower his playing. She only complimented him. Amazing skills
While he didn't respect her at all.
?
I’m 69. Knew a guy in high school that could play that very well.
Seriously! Watching this again. She not only is playing amazingly well, but constantly flipping the levers to flat and sharp without missing a beat. Brava, Maestra!
Beautifully performed! Grew up in the 60's ....this was HUGE on the radio back then!
'Classical Gas' is probably the greatest modern-day, instrumental opus ever written and performed. I remember listening to this in the mid-70's with a full orchestra behind Mason Williams' masterpiece. This kind of music touches the heart and soul - and lets you know you are listening to incredible beauty and greatness.
Truth
Well said ❤
Don’t know how a harpist can replace a whole orchestra on the greatest instrumental of all time, but this is OUTSTANDING!
I always preferred de non orchestral version anyway.
Truly!
Classical Gas may be the only thing he will be remembered for, but that is more than enough for a lifetime.
More than a lifetime, this one song will stay forever, and that's as of an only guitar part/song. No one ever made it that far within only an acoustic guitar.
Williams is also a published poet, comedian, artist and composer.
Head Writer for Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour ...
that helped TV careers of Pat Paulson, Rob Reiner, Lorenzo Music, Jim Stafford and Steve Martin
as well as Sonny&Cher and Glen Campbell (spin-off replacement shows).
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Smothers_Brothers_Comedy_Hour
He's now 82. He recorded quite a few albums that featured him singing (he has a terrific voice) and playing guitar with some other great musicians. As w9gb points out, he is a highly accomplished performer, writer and producer.
He absolutely should be remember for It's a Saturday Night at the World, heartbreakingly beautiful - ua-cam.com/video/-Nv93iiPfZ4/v-deo.html
and this one - hysterical and so well written the Tomato Vendetta! ua-cam.com/video/BGdYoVm8OVU/v-deo.html
Oh lord this has me crying. I've loved this tune ever since it came out, and what a lovely version this is.
I think most people who write music would agree "classical gas" is an amazing composition !
Listen to the original and be astounded by Mason playing EVERY instrument. Similar experience with Enya, who also plays every instrument recorded, AND sings harmony with herself.
Surfing around on UA-cam, every once in a while you stumble on an absolute gem--and this is one of them!
You took the words right out of my mouth. Same thing here. Just moving around on classical pieces and came across this old favorite and yet with a harpist. What a wonderful duet. Hats off to Mason and Deborah for doing a wonderful job.
I second that emotion~!!!
You Ever Notice Every Once In A While You Come Across Somebody You Should Not Have Fucked With............. That's Me
It beats TV hands down.
Perfection. I am lucky to have found it too.
I thought the harp would be a distraction but the two instruments and players play as one. So nice!
I was 16years old [from a musical backgound family] when this tune emerged. I was enthralled - and have ever since placed it at the top of my list of contemporary favorites! Much obliged,Mr Williams . . . you helped me through 2 tours in Vietnam and on farther through my life. I bid you well, Sir.
Pete, that brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your service Sir.
Thank you Pete. I bid YOU well sir.
NEVER EVER,in my life has a piece of music taken me to tears of joy ! In my 46 years young.
Thank you to mason Williams, and the extremely talented, Deborah Henson Conant.
Ya gotta listen to this with headphones...it's like your own personal concert sitting right in between them! What a magnificent performance!!
Good advice. Thanks!
JBL
Uh, excuse me, but your comment is two years old, mine is three years old with the same suggestion!
Shall do! Great suggestion.
How I miss the 60s. What a time in my life. Mason Williams, Jimi Hendrix, The Blues McGoos, Cream, Canned Heat, Brazil 66, and on and on and on. I miss those days of my high school youth. Those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end. Those were the days, oh yes those were the days.
Lovin' Spoonful..
Good times...✌
The very best bruh!
Popular music was good, and good music was popular. It sounds corny, but it's true.
Oh, I need to log that one into my diminishing memory bank. GOOD one!@@CaryCotterman
Never thought a harp could be such a cool instrument
ace--------------mjws2907
Mason Williams is just pure, unadulterated class. The harp effect is magical. What a work of art.
Classical Gas is THE signature instrumental of the late 1960s.
Highly intelligent, and you can hear his IQ in his music and comedy. A career-long fan. I love this version, and will 'save' it for future listens, but darn - I miss the French horns.
This was musical symetry and magic to watch. A difficult piece of music but guitar and harp together a marriage made in heaven. I stumbled across this and so glad I did. Put a real smile on my dial. Thanks for posting this gem.
Wow! Harps have come a long way and this woman is terrific!
Always loved Mason Williams. Still have two of his albums; the original LP's. Nice duo performing one great piece of music. Thanks to both of you.
To anyone who was a young adult or a teenager in 1968 when Williams recorded this & won 3 grammys for it. it was mind boggling. It became an instant giant mega-hit. No one had ever heard a driving classical guitar solo like this before. More than one kid got a speeding ticket driving to his original recording of this. It was at a faster tempo than this and over 40 years later its still the most aired, played, used in tv and film solo guitar instrumental of all time.
That song created a shockwave. Saturday Night at the World is gorgeous too. We also had John Fahy and Leo Kottke who is still playing his magic tunes.
Imagine writing a single instrumental song that generates enough royalties and concert dates to live off of for the rest of your life. It's a great song.
If I could write something like this... Just once...
Hopefully it would be a song you wouldn't mind performing at least once a day, for the rest of your natural life!
@@Veeger
@@Brian-uy2tj That is a familiar story in the music industry. Which is why it's much better when you like the song. I remember seeing Gordon Giltrap play and he told the story that he didn't like one particular song he wrote very much until the BBC decided to use it as the theme tune for a holiday program. When the royalties began to pour in, he decided he really liked that song!🤣
@@Veeger
this song has always evoked powerful emotions in me--i remember being a little kid and thinking "this is an AMAZING song!!!"
Everyone loves that song. Stunning, after all these years.
Wow ! What took me so long to come across this video ? I always loved what Mason Williams did with Classical Gas, but this performance is just the best. Fantastic tune, with two incredible musicians. Deborah did an outstanding job of blending in the harp. I am listening over and over with my eyes closed and just loving the harmonies she has added. What a performance !
I am a longtime fan of Mason Williams and Classical Gas, yet this is so much more. It's like Ms. Henson-Conant added notes that are so very good, you don't know how you missed them before this performance. Just outstanding.
Fantastic. I remember watching Mason Williams introduce this song on the Smothers Brothers Show. INSTANT HIT. It is still a hit today IMHO.
that goes back a ways ...maybe 50 years !
I saw it too .
Yes! I remember that also.
It's actually over 50 years (52 to be exact) with Mason Williams "Classical Gas"
I remember that! I was but a tiny spot on this planet, but that was a treat. That and I loved and still do love the Smothers brothers.
Mason Williams played a guitar with a clear plastic body...there was water in it, with fish in the water. :)
My cousin Mason is great, been listening to him all my life and I am 70 years old. Love him
Congratulation !
I saw a film that had this melody in it that made me think "you know that from somewhere". I knew neither the title nor the artist. So I searched. And I found Mason Williams and "Classical Gas". And it will accompany me from now on until the end of my life. This interpretation with the harp is, of course, brilliant. Thanks Mason and Deborah.
Great quality recording.
Forgot to add, the mix of instruments is fabulous. Tip of the hat to the lady.
Namaste and care,
mhikl
Most people that listen here cannot appreciate how difficult it is to paly the harp and play this song. OUTSTANDING!!
I was 14 at the time and I was enthralled with it. I loved classic mystic and rented Pavarotti and other classics music from the library. I also loved rock, blues, country.., I just love music
Possibly the best accompaniment from one instrument to another without either dominating the sound and performance ... 🙏🙏 kudos to the musicians also for their obvious appreciation of each other
Mason Williams still has it.....and the harp added extra goose bumps!
Classicall has
Classical gas
Classical gas
Doesn't it just?
When I am in a place with Karaoke, this is one of the songs I tell them I want to sing. The karaoke people never get the joke.
Some folks just have no sense of humor :)
hahahahaha
People always ask me if I can sing "Far Far Away".
LOL!
Funny! You can take a guitar and pretend to play it. LoL
Has always been my favorite song. Never knew this version existed but I surely am glad I found it. Outstanding!! This was fantastic!
Memories rush back to the time I first heard this. I stopped was breathless then began to dance. 🎶🎼🎵🙏🙏🙏🎚🎚🎚🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
What an outstanding performance by BOTH.
Classical Gas is one of my favorite pieces. I was a Smothers Brothers fan and saw it performed on the original broadcast. I saw it performed on the 20th Anniversary reunion. I have a recording of Mason Williams performing with Mannheim Steamroller. These are outstanding performances. This performance ranks with them. Ms. Deborah Henson-Conant is a virtuoso and, as stated below, Mason Williams still got it.
Weird Al Yankovic performs it great.
How can anybody not love this?
I've loved his classic since I first heard it in 1968.
" The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils."
William Shakespeare
I've never seen a "portable" harp like that! I could just see Harpo Marx running around like crazy, chasing the girls, then suddenly stopping - he pulls out a harp like this from out of his huge trenchcoat, and starts playing so beautifully as he did: like a talented but mischievous-looking angel! 🤣😊
Harpo was my favorite , he was so incredibly talented as all the brothers. In fact we named our beloved dog pincherdoberman pincher after Harpo , He was the best dog in the world he was gentle and smart and beautiful. And I miss him still To this day but this is a great song and it was very enjoyable to see these two artists play one of my all-time favorite classical gas.
The " Picardi " 3rd on the last chord is what made this piece stand out to me when I 1st heard it back when it came out. Priceless gem. Thank you, Mason!
There are so many versions of this fantastic song So far I've heard 3 versions, Mason Williams, Glen Campbell & Tommy Emmanuel They all do this song justice in their own way
Check out the Mannheim Steamroller version, stunning!
Listen to Lucas Imbariba.
The vibration's of the harp are orgasmic.
When Classical Gas first came out, it was being played everywhere. It is still phenomenal all these decades later.
The way they were watching each other, I kept thinking, "Get a room, you two!" But I've loved Classiacal Gas since I was a kid, and this version was even better. So I think they've earned the right to perform any way they want.
Mason Williams at the Shedd...it doesn't get any better. Love this duo.
This song makes me cry, but I love it so much. It really touches my heart. And actually saw Mason Williams perform this song at a Santana concert in Charlotte, NC. Wow.
Wow. One of my fave guitar pieces and Mason Williams can probably play it his sleep by now. But Ms Henson-Conant blew me away with her talent and more than that, her presentation. It was like she and the harp were lovers dancing to something so intimate that it transcended the music. Astounding.
When you watch someone who enjoys their instrument as much as they do its a gem
Before I had a radio of my own, the AM radio my parents had sat on top of the refrigerator and it always seemed to be on. I remember how blown away I was the first time I heard it. Still love it to this day.
Lots of hotshots making hay with Mason William's classic, but to hear him play it with a mature and refined artistry especially with Ms. Henson-Conant's counterpoint redefines the beauty of the piece.
I've seen harps ON guitars before, but a full up harp WITH a guitar...first time ever. Very complimentary, those two instruments against one another. Quite a beautiful sound, and piece. Well done!
What a privilege to have seen this! Thank you.
I must have listened to this 20 times. Ive just listened to it again and it gets better and better each time. She really complements Mason with her style and tone. Beautiful!
This is one of those videos I never grow tired of listening to.
Outstanding performing between guitar and harp. Mason you're a genius by own right 👉this ones is one masterpiece. I'm 61 years old, I've listened quite music 🎶 and no doubt this is one of my faves ever❤️🎶👉
You are/were Phenomenal. . I’ll never forget your sound, and your energy.
Truly a amazing performance to think that his song is a icon and everyone else has tried to duplicate the sound but this version with the harp brings it to a different level . I can remember when I first heard his song and as always it sounds so good. I thank you Mason williams for your legascy.
Such a beautiful and talented Lady.
So very Beautiful…
My all time favorite cover of this timeless classic. Absolutely wonderful. Top kudos to BOTH artisans.
+Greg Curley OK.....my bad on poor choice of words. 'Technically' not a 'cover'...... Just a bit different with the harp. I know who wrote the song, and I am also well aware of his career/history. I merely meant to compliment the arrangement and I stand by my comment.
Holy freakin' wow! I have heard many performances of Mason Williams "Classical Gas." I never heard anything like the duet with Mason Williams and Deborah Henson-Conant. I use the full name for Deborah because her name should be in a zillion lights.
Deborah reminds me of Shirley Bassey.
Absolute class.
I first heard Mason Williams "Classical Gas" on AM Radio in the 60's, and loved it so much I purchased the single 45rpm record. It was My first recording purchase, and beginning of music appreciation. (I was 10 years old) ASA I got home I played Classical Gas with My little brother, at least 100 times in a row! I don't remember exactly when I slowed down listening to what became my favorite song of all time, but it was quite a while. Today at 62 (52 music years later) I'm still mesmerized when I hear Mason Williams performance of "Classical Gas", just like the first time I heard it, and (IMHO) CG is one of the best songs ever written/performed
I prefer Mason's solo rather than his version with the orchastra. I would never have thought I would like a duet - but this works rather well with the harp. Years ago I learned the first couple of bars on my guitar and then got into something else. Time to get back on it and learn the whole thing. It may take me a year !
Great how she was changing the notes at the same time playing - very talented
Let 'classical gas' be forever added to the sciences ' table of elements'. Damn!!!!!!
Well, Cg hasn't been taken. :D
I’m a dyed in the wool, head banging Thrash Metal head and I absolutely love this duet of Mason’s monstrous classic. 🤘🤘🤘
Outstanding duo - Mr. Williams, you are, then as now, a master; Deborah Henson-Conant, a virtuoso in your own right, too. What a wonderful combination !!
WOW!!! Didn't think perfection could be improved upon, I was wrong and I'm in awe. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful slice of heaven.
What a gas to listen to a classic, played by its original composer an the newbie on the harp,eloquently enhancing it!
Harps used to be such heavy an cumbersome things to carry round an use.
This gal positively makes light work with hers!
Hardly a newbie, harps are hard to learn/play. First off, a traditional harp costs over $10K and many school orchestras do not have them to rent.
I was being polite, Cindy.
I wouldn't call Deborah Henson-Conant "a newbie." She was born on November 11, 1953. She's nicknamed "the Hip Harpist," whose been active since 1985. She is also a GRAMMY-Nominated recording artist and the world's premier electric harpist. At the time that this particular performance was recorded, she had only recently learned how to play the song since it is considered a rock song and thus outside her usual genre of Jazz. Lionel Richie once said you can take just about any song, rearrange it with different instrumentation and make it a classic. It's all in the arrangement. He should know since he's done it.
@@passiton3801 maybe "youngster" is a better way to word your complement
Absolutely amazing
Looks like Deborah is playing an electric Camac harp.... gorgeous rendition of the Mason Williams' classic!!
Simply put, It Don't Get Much Better Than This!!!!
Been a Mason Williams fan since the Smothers Brothers... 'and that's about the coolest damn thing I've seen in a LONG time. God bless them both....
search UA-cam for Mason's Smothers Brothers clip. Search "Mason Williams ( Classical Gas comp./artist ) - Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour"
Nobody can do your masterpiece better than you Mr W.
I remember watching Mason as a young kid in the 60's playing his tune on TV. We're ancient.
Two perfect musicians. It´s a joy to listen tom them.
So glad these things have a long life on youtube, so we can find them serendipitously just when we need them. Thank you for posting this.
I've watched a million covers and NO ONE can capture the touch and elegance of Mason Williams performance.
Still a classic and familiar song that sometimes i just can't get out of my head unless i play it... :) ...By the master w/a Harp player - wow! I want to do a rock version of this song on electric (with acoustic parts of course) but taking it up a notch if possible :)
My musical tastes run towards the heavier side of things but wow, this could bring a tear to a glass eye. Beautiful rendition
Wow. I just stumbled onto this...and it's made my evening.
I remember clearly when, as a 15 year old, I saw him do this on the Smothers Brothers show. I had the 45 the next day. My favorite song for years. It may be why I learned to play the guitar. (I can play...most of it.) Thanks to whomever put this on UA-cam.
This song never gets old. I hope.
Just another side note. I often surf the UA-cam before I go to bed. I hope I will wear myself out as I go to sleep. And usually, I do. But then, from time to time, I hit vid like this that simply blows me away, And I am awake again.
After all these years this is still so awesome. Glad I rediscovered this song.
My hero! I learned this song while just a boy...never as good as the maestro!
Sublime....... we are blessed as a race that we can create this incredible sound.
“If music be the food of love, play on.”
Thanks Bill.
Twelfth Night.Cheers from Canada l*l
Brovo, well done over 50 years later! Ine if my all-time favorites! Brings back such memories.😃
WOW, amazing versions. Gorgeous.
Excellent! As great today as back in my day.
Beautiful. 🤗
When I was sent to the M.E. in 1991, my mom found this album on a cassette and sent it to me in one of my 'care packages.' It was a great distraction to what was going on around us over there. After my 12 hour shift was over, I would go back to our tent, pull off my boots, stick the cassette in my player, pulling the mosquito net down and flop on my cot and just let the tape play. It was of relaxing, catch a few Zzzzs until, whoever went for chow, would throw a MRE at me. I always thought C-Rats were bad.
Even just playing the harp is a mean feat, playing it with it strapped to your side is harder, and playing one of the coolest pieces ever, near impossible! I love it!
Gosh! Never get tired of that brilliant 'anthem'.
This is so incredible , I will watch it many times.
Well... they say you shouldn't mess with the original... I guess when the Master does it, it is not going to be half-baked! And Deborah did not let him down.
I am very disappointed in the UA-cam algorithm for not feeding me this years ago! Just Stunning.
Tough job for her to take on: a beloved classic to a generation of emotional survivors of 1968. She pulled it off beautifully.
That was is still totally brilliant "tough tune" xxx Mason doesn't take his eyes off the guitar and Deborah is all over it.
Classical Gas.. from my youth.. beautiful!!!
Wow, absolutely fabulous. Just two instruments.....Stunning.