If you haven't already, David Lindley. His works with Cooder, Ronstadt, and Jackson Browne, among many others, is just so good. If it's got strings, he'll make truly great music with it.
Great video! I played drums for Ry, live, from @1980-83…I was in John Hiatt’s band…and I have to say, playing with him was a highlight of my career…every night was just a joy and I’ll always have great memories of touring Europe (especially the UK)…the US, however, never really “got” him…we’d do multiple nights in theaters in Europe, and then come home to the US and play clubs so I completely get why he just got fed up with being a front man…anyway, clicking the subscribe button…Cheers!
Wow! Thanks ever so much Darrell for the amazing comment! Huge fan of John Hiatt as well! Bring the Family and Slow Turning are two of my favourite albums! I can imagine playing with him was an amazing experience
@@Producelikeapro ...Hiatt was another great artist to work for...I was in his band from @'79--85,86...played on the album, All of a Sudden...what people probably don't realize about John, is that, in those days, he was considered "New Wave", and the "American Elvis Costello..." He was also incredibly prolific...we would rehearse 3-4 days a week and each week he'd bring in 5 or 6 new songs for us to work up...I'd guess that out of every dozen songs we'd learn, we'd actually do 2 or 3...it was like going to a graduate school of music working with those 2 guys, lol...
His record Boomer's Story is way underrated in my opinion. One of the greatest American recordings of all time. A bunch of studio musicians at the top of their game playing for their own enjoyment. Ry is truly a world class musician and an inspiring collaborator. Everyone should run out and buy all his records.
I totally agree. It is the first Ry Cooder album I bought, and first thought it might have been by an Australian artist. I'm from Australia, and the Kangaroo is often referred to as a boomer. I listen in the record shop, and had bought the record before the end of the first track, by which time it was obvious that Cooder was American. I was with some friends in Townsville in the mid 1970s. We were playing cards, either 500 or bridge, and playing Boomer's Story in the background. Most of us were blues fans, but one was a classical musician, and was quite dismissive of the music. It was his play just when María Elena began. His hand was held in the air, ready to play his card, but froze, mid motion, and tears welled up in his eyes. He remained that way through to the end of the track. It was his favorite tune, and he had played it as his final exam piece on the piano. Needless to say, we had converted him on the spot. It is one of my favorite tracks on album, and one of my favorite Cooder albums.
A friend converted one of Cooder's slide parts from crossroads to acoustic fingerstyle. I played it for my aunt and she said, "That sounds like Ry Cooder." That speaks volumes to how his style cuts through generations. ❤️✊
One more thing worth mentioning about Cooder's career - much credit needs to be placed with the great Warner Brothers Records Company of this era (the 1970s). They were the first major recording company to champion "non-commercial" artist's like Ry Cooder - mostly for the credibility and artistic cache they brought to the label - which in turn drew other great artists of the era. A pretty smart business plan really - that only lasted 10 years. We would not know Ry Cooder and many others, without them, today.
@@davidduncan3439 Thanks David. You might really enjoy Stan Cornyn's book "Exploding - The Highs, Hits, Hype, Heroes and Hustlers of the Warner Music Group". Stan Cornyn was a writer and insider at Warner Bros. Records during it's golden era and one of the small group of people that drove it's unconventional business model. A funny, tragic and fascinating read. Might be out of print but pretty easy to find a used copy. Harper Collins 2002.
He's even said someone like him would never even get a chance at a start in the music biz today. It cost them so much money (and that's really what it's all about in the music world now, period) to launch a career, they just wouldn't. But then that's been the biz model ever since shareholders stake became primary around the same time as The Powell Manifesto..
@@robertolesen5782 If Cooder were starting out today, he'd have his own YT channel, and his slide pieces would be 'content'. No record company involvement needed. That's the path taken by a lot of newer artists these days. Justin Johnson (a very good slide player) is an example. Record companies do not seem to be developing and building artists today. And increasing numbers of artists are sidestepping the industry complately.
@@chriscampbell9191 Well you're right of course but Ry said that before YT was a thing. YT and shows like American Idiot, oopps, I mean Idol, The Voice, etc. are other sources of what passes for talent today. But Imma def check out Justin Johnson so thanks for mentioning him. Peace out.
Anyone who hasn't seen it should check out his Old Grey Whistle Test performance......the solo on Dark End of the Street is one of those majestic moments that only he could provide! Whenever I'm feeling a little low, I always find myself listening to Mr Cooder.......never gets old.
Ry Cooder wrote the sound track of my life . As said quite eloquently in this video … Ry Cooder is truly an American treasure . When i first heard into the purple Valley in 73 it was foreign to me but man was i hooked once i gave the album a few spins I have bought nearly everything he has put out !. Here is hoping young players discover his wonderful music!
Unlike a lot of shallow music experts that dont have a real finger on the subject ... you nailed the rycooder topic briliantly well done refreshing to see a accurate take on a muscian and there music
I, like many have been to countless gigs, many I can barely recollect, but seeing Ry Cooder 40 odd years ago is one of those shows that never fade, your right Warren, thinking about it now nearly brings me to tears, but more than that aren't we fortunate to have artists such as Ry Cooder to move our souls and bring us pure joy.
This is awesome. Like a walk down memory lane. I worked with Ry when running live sound at the Ashgrove on the pier in 98. Ran sound for 10 years at McCabes too Working with Van Dyke Parks (nicest guy ever) among many. Ry was great to work with and his son is brilliant as well. So good to see the pics and learn more about the legend that is Ry Cooder. Bravo WH... 1000 thank you's.
Thanks for the amazing documentary on Ryland Cooder! I only knew a little bit about him. Through your video, I found him touching a lot of the music that touched me. Everything from blues and rock to folk and jazz. Very cool.
Saw Ry and his amazing band open for The Grateful Dead & Bruce Hornsby & The Range in the 80s. It was fantastic and I will never forget watching Jerry Garcia & Bob Weir, who were sitting on the side of the stage, watching Ry’s performance and shaking their heads in appreciation as Ry & his band tore it up. Seeing the Deadheads reactions to Ry was also incredible. One of the most amazing musicians I have ever seen. ❤️
Thank you for the splendid documentary and the great Ry Cooder. It meant so much to me to hear someone advocate for the value of his music. Chicken skin music was the first album I heard by him and have explored every album since including the earlier ones. So glad he has an advocate like you to spread the word. 👏👏
Chicken Skin, my favorite album. Played the heck out of my cassette while driving.👏👏👏 I read that before meeting Flaco Ry learned to play Flaco’s instrument so he could better communicate with him about Norteño music.
Iv been a fan of ry from the 70tes got all his albums except for jazz which I bought and left back nobody was the only track I liked I just didn't understandably what he was at ry cooder is the greatest I loved his album sleeves and then his music ahhh then flaco was the icing on the cake the complete package. You have done a great video on a great man .............
I don't know how many Ry Cooder albums that I've worn out but I'll keep on replacing them. Ry Cooder is one of my all time favorite slide players. Thanks for doing this one.
Your program and presentation is outstanding. I am sharing your analysis as widely as possible. Hats off to you for such a well-done perspective on Ry. I completely agree with your take. This guy is a treasure. I had the pleasure of spending a weekend with Ry and his wife Susan and can say he is down to earth. Artist to the core. Gracias.
Thank you for this. I've love his music for decades but didn't know just how many albums he's been involved in. What a legend. In a world where fast technical playing is held to be the gold standard, listening to Ry play reinforces that in his case at least less is so much more.
Ry's early vinyl recordings -- especially his collaborations with Jim Keltner -- were an incalculable influence on my development as a guitar soloist. From those remarkable performances I gained a freedom to syncopate, which got me into trouble at times with the "archivist" types among my folk-musician friends who preferred to try to replicate traditional approaches. I couldn't help it -- I'd been "Coodered," and there was no going back.
Yes, huge influence on not only my playing but just as importantly Ry introduced me to Artists and songs I would never have known about before the advent of the internet!
I get teary eyed too about Ry. As a young guitarist I heard about him back in the '90s, and bought Into the Purple Valley and Borderline. And I didn't understand them. Not rock enough, not distorted enough, not enough soloing... For some reason, though, they stuck. Going back to it when I was a little more accomplished, opened a Pandora's vase, and I've since been an AVID Ry fan (also seeing him live, thank god for that!). He made me discover and appreciate stuff that really made me grow as a musician and when someone asks me who my favorite guitarist is, I always mention him. The people are surprised "but you don't sound nothing like him!". Yeah, who does?
I was lucky enough to spend much of my teenage years at the Ash Grove, and of course Ry was there much of the time. Besides his unparalleled talent as a musician, his tender heart and deep concern for others makes him stand out as well. This was a beautifully done tribute and I sincerely hope that Ry has a chance to see it.
He did so much good by doing the music for that movie! Without him I wouldn't have watched it, knowing he was involved in creating the music got me to the movie theatre!
Thank you for this great video presentation about Ry. You did a lot of research and I haven’t seen a bio of him that’s as detailed as this one. There is a current genre of music called “Americana”, but it tends to be narrowly defined as just folky traditional country music. Whereas I think Ry’s music is a broad celebration of American music including jazz, blues, country, you name it. Ry Cooder, and all the great music made by real people, are indeed national treasures. Thank you for making my day more marvelously well! I hope you’re doing great.
Ry Cooder's "Paris/Texas" theme was the first thing I tried on slide guitar. Hooked ever since and always happy, when I hear Ry Cooder play. Thank You for this one, Warren!
Thank you for this wonderful homage to The Curator of Modern Pop--Ryland Cooder. What an underappreciated creative talent. Yes. A gateway to some much that's good about the American music and a opening to the music of the world. And, mostly, thanks for letting your emotion shine through for such an emotionally significant player. Nothing wasted. Nothing unsaid. Nothing left behind.
i started out a sceptic, thinking how am i going to listen to a guy just talking about ry cooder, for40 minuets, without music to spice it up, i'm really glad i stayed the distance, one of the best stories and presentations ever.
His version of Dark End Of The Street On The Old Grey Whistle Test is breathtaking. Terry Evans vocal brings tears to my eyes no matter how many times I listen.
Gotta share a memory of this. The first time I sang Jesus On The Mainline' was in the 80's at The Band On The Wall in Manchester guesting with Victor Brox. It was a celebration of his God knows how many years in the business. Joining us on stage for their first time were his daughters announced as 'The Baby Broxes', the girls were about 10 and 12 years old and walked onto the stage like they owned it. The eldest daughter Kyla has gone on to be a multi award winning blues musician n her own right. Ry Cooders music has been a constant companion since I first heard Bop Till You Drop and remain an ever present in our house. Thanks for featuring him and probably introducing him to many younger subscribers, there is as much to enjoy as there is to learn from him and it's incorrect that he's only been known as a slide player, he is a great songwriter when he wants to be and as natural and musical player as you could wish to hear.
I'm a huge long time Ry Cooder fan. Lucky to live in the S.F. Bay Area where he recorded two live albums. I was lucky enough to see both shows/tours at the Great American Music Hall. Also saw him live with John Hiatt's band. I can't think of another artist who changed me as a guitar player and my life in general except for maybe Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.
Hi , at 77 I have been following Ry since his first trip to England, I even have his book! Your account of his life is the best & most comprehensive I have ever seen so thank you so much. One of the most extraordinary concerts was at the festival hall, london, when he and Lindley played Hawaiin Koa guitars, they had Lindleys daughter and Jaokim on vocals and drums. The sound they achieved with these laptop guitars filled the house, it was mesmeric.
I got a copy of Into The Purple Valley on vinyl when I was in my mid 20's. "Vigilante Man" blew me away. Haunting, epic. If you don't know where to start, try Into The Purple Valley. You hear songs from the 1930's - 40's. It will transport you like a time machine.
For me it was his next one Chicken Skin Music that did the same thing for me in my twenties… Borderland on vinyl next which led me to collect many others. This video makes me want to buy a couple of soundtracks. Wish someone would put all his guest appearances together in a box set. A friend did exactly that which is suggested in the video, he collected everything from everyone Ry Cooder collaborated with. In part, Ry Cooder’s contribution to American folk music was facilitated by his ear for it.
For me, Ry Cooder is the most important guitar player from USA. His soundtracks are amazing!! I'm from Argentina (that is an american country too!!) and I knew Ry by the "The Long Riders", "Paris,Texas" and "Crossroads" soundtracks. I think I listened all his discography and is amazing, including Jazz!! Thank you so much for this antology of his career!! And sorry for my english! PD: Another great guitar player and composer, but from Scotland: Mark Knopfler (also with many soundtracks)
Mark Knopfler is not Scottish he's English, born and raised in Newcastle England. Same town the Animals came from and Brian Johnson ( AC/ DC) and Sting also comes from there.
I@danielpisera I adore Mark Knopfler! He's not just a miraculous guitar player, his songs are so meaningful, so emotional, and they recount our history!
I'm so happy that you did the history of rye cooter he doesn't live too far away from me I live in Orange county you live in LA I hope to meet him one day and asked him if you would like to do some lead blue stuff on my record are the greatest so much . Without rye cooter that would have never been different genres of music the Hispanic I jam with flaco Jimenez then I heard that Jimenez and rye cooter were doing work together I was so elated and thought. To me you will always be the greatest blues slide guitar player of our our generation I'm 71 years old I heard his blues in the 70s he's played with so many people a legend in our time.😢
You should interview him in person. I would love to hear you both talk about his life. I'm sure there are lots of great stories he could tell that nobody has heard but would be way more interesting than most anything else on UA-cam.
Hello Warren, I discovered Ry Cooder in the late 70's, it resonated with me straight away. I saw/heard "Paris Texas" in a Cinema with a great sound system in 1985/86, words are not enough to describe that experience. I still have my Paradise and Lunch, Bop til you drop and Borderline vinyl Albums. Listening to his music did what you described, it broadened my taste in music and introduced me to Artists I would never have ever thought about listening to. The lasting thing for me was the way he rearranged existing songs and made them into something else. This is what I look for in any "cover version" to this very day. Keep up the good work and stay safe in 2022.
I compulsively bought everything by Ry Cooder from the 70s onwards. After going to Harmmersmith Odeon and hearing a very extended version of At the Dark End of the Street I spent a long time hoping (in vain) that someone had recorded it but I never did find it.
For me the all-time touchstone of slide guitar is Ry's solo on the track Lipstick Sunset, off the 1987 John Hiatt album Bring the Family - the tone, the feel, the note choices . . . genius. It doesn't get better. What an inspiration. The solo albums he made in the last 2 decades are great too, all with a strong political message. Great video, thanks Warren!
I remember driving into Denver listening to the cassette. As the solo on Lipstick Sunset started, my friend (not a musician, btw) cranked the volume and we bathed in it. Much joy Cooder brings to me. Thanks for the great video, Warren.
Willem - seconded! His solo on Hiatt's Lipstick Sunset is totally sublime, Hiatt was giving blood with his vocals, marriage made in Heaven, I feel they fed off each other on that one, Peace ;)
Ry Cooder's "Bop 'Til You Drop" LP was a pioneering achievement of digitally-recorded performance....... in 1979!?!?!? Ry was one immense force in the manifestation and achievement of the "Buena Vista Social Club" project; performing with those artists I'd consider the ultimate experience :) Thanks for this effort on the part of the man, the fans, and the as-yet unenlightened to the genius and chops of this unique and mega-talented artist.
Linda Ronstadt's book turned me on to Ry Cooder! I love that his son convinced him to return to his music and I love their collaborations! Excellent review!
Brilliant - again. Ry's albums during the 70's were always a delight as he opened so many musical doors ( TexMex a favourite ) for his audience to scurry thru' and discover so many gems. A continuation from the Band's Americana melting pot. A further joy was his collaboration with John Hiatt et al on Bring the Family .. and his solo on Little Village's Big Love is a still regular go-to . Have seen him live a number of times over the decades and love his virtuosity, his 'global view' collaborations and his eclectic sets. A musician who has seriously enhanced my love of music. Respect.
He’s up there with Richard Thompson in my book - multi-instrumentalist, multi-stylist, original. Thanks to Jenny O who introduced me to RC in High School in ‘75.
Saw him in Glasgow, wow, on walked Harry, in tuxedo, drink and cigarette in hands. We didn't,t need a cherry on the cake, but no one at the gig will ever forget it.wonderful. love you ry. Straight st.x
My introduction to Ry Cooder came in the eighties when Get Rhythm was released and the title track and All Shook Up were getting radio airplay. I bought the album and listened to it over and over. It's masterful. I wondered who this new guitarist was and where he came from, not knowing that this was the midpoint of an incredible career. Thank you for this video and its thorough coverage of the career of a truly great musician.
Oh wow thank you so much for this Warren. It truly warmed my heart. I had the immense thrill of working with Ry in 1989 in LA. His Get Rhythm album still seemed current. We were taping a segment for a Henson/Muppet music series. He played a janitor (possibly his only ever acting part?). I was a puppeteer assisting a pig playing the violin (I was the puppeteering the violin playing). I remember we drove out to his studio in his back garden - probably the same one where we see him here talking to camera a few years before. Probably Santa Monica or not far from there? We rehearsed the piece for several hours. He was such a gentleman and a real sweetheart. Very self-effacing. He’s definitely all about the music. But what stands out in my memory were all the guitars he had on display or awaiting their next moment. He had an orange cat that wandered in. It brushed up against an acoustic guitar on a stand, which proceeded to fall over into others, causing a domino effect, as I looked on horrified at the carnage on these Ry originals. I can still hear the resonance of the strings and hollow thuds to this day! He just chuckled and said don’t worry about it - haha! We taped in a studio somewhere in North Hollywood. There was a live violinist playing, so everything was live. He told me he was the soloist for the soundtrack in The Muppet Movie. He can be heard when Kermit’s riding his bicycle I believe. So I had to mime the fiddle playing live to him. The entire thing was immense fun and Ry was a real trooper. He really enjoyed playing along with our Muppet pig and had some good laughs in between takes. Ry is a true legend and there is not and never will be a anyone like him. I loved this tribute so much! If you are interested just type Faffner Hall Ry Cooder in YT here and you can watch this long lost classic - haha!
I grew up with Ry Cooder's music. He influenced my style, slide guitar, and my ability to write & to work with open tunings. Such a great musician. My favorite song "Tamp em up solid" literally taught me finger style guitar with a walking base line & alternating rhythms. Also playing in many idioms he truly appealed to my interest in R&B, Blues, Swing, jazz, Dixieland & rock. He helped me to write songs in all those styles. My main man....God Bless you!!
And their careers. Cuba survived on their music. And Ray Cooder and his went to Cuba to see if they could find the original members of the Buena Vista Social Club. Finally the great Cuban musicians could play outside Cuba. I understood that Ry Cooder wanted a cooperation with Ali Farka Toure but they didn’t get a visa at that time. Bebo Valdez als worked with El Cigala. A flamenco singer who fell in love with Cuba. Ry Cooder meant a lot for other musicians. I regret didn’t go to his concert like 5/6 years ago in Amsterdam. ❤❤❤
I must reiterate - This is so very well done. In thanking I will share a story from 1981 at the Savoy in NYC. James Taylor was in for a string of nights and the sound guy needed some house music. I was a bar back a the time and lived across the street. I volunteered and ran and got my Borderline Cassette. Standing at the service bar flanking the stage I could see James Taylor on the walkway to the dressing rooms stop and listen and turn to Peter Asher, his finger in the air.
Ry Cooder has a sense of melody that boggles my mind. I always want that for myself, but I always feel like I'm imitating someone else even when it's original.
Everyone has influences, and Ry Cooder is quick to acknowledge his own. One of the things that I admire about his guitar style is how he intertwines melody, rhythm, and syncopation. Although he usually records with a band, his arrangements can easily stand on their own. He attributes some of that style to the influence of the wonderful Bahamian guitarist Joseph Spence. Listen to Joseph Spence, and you can hear where Ry got some of his ideas. Ry Cooder is like a human Smithsonian Institute of roots music. He gets my vote for Musical Ambassador to the World!
Cooder is a master guitar player, hands down, but I find so much inspiration thinking about his career and his life choices. I was hooked up on him by my father, and I thank him so much for that. And Mambo Sinuendo is just fantastic! Thanks for this video.
Paris Texas OST was an influence on me when the film released althose years ago. Not just in the use of slide but the sense of space inbetween the notes. Haven't really listen to much of his solo work but I'm going to change that now. Nice one Warren!
Thanks you for this excellent tribute. I note that in an interview Cooder gave he explained how, despite pityful sales figures, Warner kept him on the books (and he was thereby saved from the "board eraser"). The answer: George Harrison. George was a massive fan and persuaded Warner to keep Cooder on board. Equally, George was grateful to Cooder. For it was Ry who first told George how to raise the bridge in order to play slide. From then onwards slide guitar became a key part of Harrison's playing. So thank goodness for both Cooder and Harrison. They, together, have added so much to our lives.
I’ve seen Ry Cooder perform since 1975; UCSC campus and there were just 30 or so of us but it was the first of many incredible evenings I’ve spent enjoying his music. He came up to Humboldt just a few years back, doing a quartet and reviving old gospel tunes. He is an American treasure, an icon, seek out his music and you’ll not be sorry! I have both Hawaiian albums he did with Gabby Pahinui. ❤️
I bought borderline when I was a teenager. Then I bought almost everything he played on. Saw him a couple times when he toured a few years ago. He was otherworldly,live. I was blessed to see him live. My all time favourite kottke and Lindsey close seconds
Thanks so much for this video, I am a Spanish profesional musician, and when I was young I play Banduriia and Laud in schol circle, and discover the blues and try to lern from Albert King and Sonny Boy Williamso's records, Then I get the celebrate walkin blues from Taj Mahal and discover a mandolina player Ryland P Cooder, from this moment I want to play my bandurria with electric blues, and ask my friends to get me a record from England. Since then I bought all his records and he is been a real teacher in the distance for me and few friends, few years ago I have the pleasure to play with David Lindley and I told him how much I admire them and how imoortant they are in my life.... thanks again.
Ry appeared on UK TV many times in the seventies and eighties . Little Sister , Mainline , Vigilante Man all brilliant. .Great artist well received in the UK
Thank you. I had the pleasure of seeing him in Glasgow in 1987 in a memorable concert that included a power failure and a guest appearance by Harry Dean Stanton. What a night.
Thank you, I’ve been a fan since the early seventies, and I have my dad to thank for that… (I was born in 1965)… my dad had records of two of the all time greats, that I keep going back to: Ry Cooder and J.J. Cale… if you haven’t already, please devote a video to JJ as well. If anybody makes or made music that still stirrs the soul about 50 years later, he or she can be rightly called ‘great’…. Thanks to you for making this video, and thanks to Ry for being a everlasting source of musical emotion.
Thanx. Ry Cooder is a great (musical) history teacher, who teaches us through his albums, which btw mostly are very great sounding (greatly recorded/mixed/mastered).
Thank you for bringing this great musician up in to the light he deserves. Being a guitarist myself, I have followed this great and gifted musician since I first heard him in 1973, visiting California and he has defined my taste of music ever since. Being a Norwegian with a Norwegian perspective into music and art, he has broadened my understanding of music and enriched my musical life. Again, thank you. Arild
My late father got me into Ry Cooder. What an artist. He has an underrated voice. Everything he didfrom Chicken Skin Music to the Southern Comfort soundtrack is brilliant.
I would have probably never played slide if there wasn't for Cooder, and Warren, this was such an emotional video for us all. Thank you kindly! I love everything Ry did but two of the favorites, because I'm an acoustic player, are Diddy Wah Diddy with Earl Hines on piano (PHD in musicianship and studio jam and fun..) and Jesus On The Mainline. Heaven!
All I knew was the name Ry Cooder and that he played guitar. Your documentary was really informative and thorough. After watching it I realize what a great and influential musician he is and I know I have a lot of listening ahead of me. Thank you!
What other artists do you think changed music? Let me know below!
George Clinton!
Martyn Ware
If you haven't already, David Lindley. His works with Cooder, Ronstadt, and Jackson Browne, among many others, is just so good. If it's got strings, he'll make truly great music with it.
@@gardoramirez HELL YES
Richard Thompson or Johnny Marr please
Ry Cooder is not only an accomplished musician, but a musicologist. He has done a lot to keep our culture alive.
Great video! I played drums for Ry, live, from @1980-83…I was in John Hiatt’s band…and I have to say, playing with him was a highlight of my career…every night was just a joy and I’ll always have great memories of touring Europe (especially the UK)…the US, however, never really “got” him…we’d do multiple nights in theaters in Europe, and then come home to the US and play clubs so I completely get why he just got fed up with being a front man…anyway, clicking the subscribe button…Cheers!
Wow! Thanks ever so much Darrell for the amazing comment! Huge fan of John Hiatt as well! Bring the Family and Slow Turning are two of my favourite albums! I can imagine playing with him was an amazing experience
@@Producelikeapro ...Hiatt was another great artist to work for...I was in his band from @'79--85,86...played on the album, All of a Sudden...what people probably don't realize about John, is that, in those days, he was considered "New Wave", and the "American Elvis Costello..." He was also incredibly prolific...we would rehearse 3-4 days a week and each week he'd bring in 5 or 6 new songs for us to work up...I'd guess that out of every dozen songs we'd learn, we'd actually do 2 or 3...it was like going to a graduate school of music working with those 2 guys, lol...
saw you in Dublin..The Stadium venue, great drummer ;)
Very cool! Were you on the tour opening for Clapton in 82-83? I was at the show in Portland, Oregon.
Love your stuff, Darrell - especially that clip of John’s ‘I Don’t Even Try’. Ry in the hat and you up the back!
A living legend. I followed him since 1977. What an amazing musician.
Finally! Someone tips a hat to Ry Cooder. The guy's been a treasure for decades. Thank you so very much!
Yes, indeed Mark! A huge talent!
Indeed!
@@thomashodge1154 marvellous!
My all time guitar favourite
👍
I really hope Ry Cooder sees this.
That’s very kind of you! I’m a huge fan!
His record Boomer's Story is way underrated in my opinion. One of the greatest American recordings of all time. A bunch of studio musicians at the top of their game playing for their own enjoyment. Ry is truly a world class musician and an inspiring collaborator. Everyone should run out and buy all his records.
I totally agree. It is the first Ry Cooder album I bought, and first thought it might have been by an Australian artist. I'm from Australia, and the Kangaroo is often referred to as a boomer. I listen in the record shop, and had bought the record before the end of the first track, by which time it was obvious that Cooder was American. I was with some friends in Townsville in the mid 1970s. We were playing cards, either 500 or bridge, and playing Boomer's Story in the background. Most of us were blues fans, but one was a classical musician, and was quite dismissive of the music. It was his play just when María Elena began. His hand was held in the air, ready to play his card, but froze, mid motion, and tears welled up in his eyes. He remained that way through to the end of the track. It was his favorite tune, and he had played it as his final exam piece on the piano. Needless to say, we had converted him on the spot. It is one of my favorite tracks on album, and one of my favorite Cooder albums.
A friend converted one of Cooder's slide parts from crossroads to acoustic fingerstyle. I played it for my aunt and she said, "That sounds like Ry Cooder." That speaks volumes to how his style cuts through generations. ❤️✊
Finally, Ry Cooper has accolades. Such a gifted musician. 👏❤️👏❤️👍⭐️⭐️⭐️🌈
An insanely gifted musician
Heard Ry Cooder, initially , in the late 60’s. He opened the world of music for me. Such a talented, tasteful player. Listen to him almost daily.
A national treasure is a good choice of words
Thanks John!
One more thing worth mentioning about Cooder's career - much credit needs to be placed with the great Warner Brothers Records Company of this era (the 1970s). They were the first major recording company to champion "non-commercial" artist's like Ry Cooder - mostly for the credibility and artistic cache they brought to the label - which in turn drew other great artists of the era. A pretty smart business plan really - that only lasted 10 years. We would not know Ry Cooder and many others, without them, today.
Very worth mentioning. I’m glad you did, and my knowledge and appreciation are increased because of it. Thanks.
@@davidduncan3439 Thanks David. You might really enjoy Stan Cornyn's book "Exploding - The Highs, Hits, Hype, Heroes and Hustlers of the Warner Music Group". Stan Cornyn was a writer and insider at Warner Bros. Records during it's golden era and one of the small group of people that drove it's unconventional business model. A funny, tragic and fascinating read. Might be out of print but pretty easy to find a used copy. Harper Collins 2002.
He's even said someone like him would never even get a chance at a start in the music biz today. It cost them so much money (and that's really what it's all about in the music world now, period) to launch a career, they just wouldn't. But then that's been the biz model ever since shareholders stake became primary around the same time as The Powell Manifesto..
@@robertolesen5782 If Cooder were starting out today, he'd have his own YT channel, and his slide pieces would be 'content'. No record company involvement needed. That's the path taken by a lot of newer artists these days. Justin Johnson (a very good slide player) is an example. Record companies do not seem to be developing and building artists today. And increasing numbers of artists are sidestepping the industry complately.
@@chriscampbell9191 Well you're right of course but Ry said that before YT was a thing. YT and shows like American Idiot, oopps, I mean Idol, The Voice, etc. are other sources of what passes for talent today. But Imma def check out Justin Johnson so thanks for mentioning him. Peace out.
Anyone who hasn't seen it should check out his Old Grey Whistle Test performance......the solo on Dark End of the Street is one of those majestic moments that only he could provide! Whenever I'm feeling a little low, I always find myself listening to Mr Cooder.......never gets old.
The solo is amazing, and that singing is something else!
@@LuckyDelux247 And the rhythm work is spectacular! I wish that I could come up with rhythm parts like that.
The Old Grey Whistle Test Performance is truly amazing and one of my favourite recorded live shows ever!
Thanks for your recognition of a unique musical treasure that must not be forgotten. Long live Ry Cooder!!!
Thanks ever so much! Yes, I’m a huge fan!
Ry Cooder wrote the sound track of my life . As said quite eloquently in this video … Ry Cooder is truly an American treasure . When i first heard into the purple Valley in 73 it was foreign to me but man was i hooked once i gave the album a few spins I have bought nearly everything he has put out !. Here is hoping young players discover his wonderful music!
Ah, a guitarist, who's music, I can not do without! Been listening since the early 80's and have never stopped.
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing and yes, agreed 100%!
Unlike a lot of shallow music experts that dont have a real finger on the subject ... you nailed the rycooder topic briliantly well done refreshing to see a accurate take on a muscian and there music
Wow!! Thanks ever so much! That really means a lot
Thanks for making this video. The fewer people I have to personally explain the greatness of Ry Cooder too the better.
Thanks ever so much for your great comment
Thanks for focusing on Ry Cooder!
Thanks Tom!!
I, like many have been to countless gigs, many I can barely recollect, but seeing Ry Cooder 40 odd years ago is one of those shows that never fade, your right Warren, thinking about it now nearly brings me to tears, but more than that aren't we fortunate to have artists such as Ry Cooder to move our souls and bring us pure joy.
This is awesome. Like a walk down memory lane. I worked with Ry when running live sound at the Ashgrove on the pier in 98. Ran sound for 10 years at McCabes too Working with Van Dyke Parks (nicest guy ever) among many. Ry was great to work with and his son is brilliant as well. So good to see the pics and learn more about the legend that is Ry Cooder. Bravo WH... 1000 thank you's.
Thanks ever so much Jeff! I really appreciate it. It sounds like a you’ve had some amazing experiences
I've seen Ry a few times, but the night he opened for Linda Ronstadt in L.A. around 1982 was killer. He's a talented class act all the way.
I envy you so much having seeing Ry play with Linda in 1982. ❤
A very underrated guitar player whose influence crosses all genres of music.
I'm so happy someone is giving this legend his due.
Thanks ever so much
Loved the album he did with the Buena vista social club, simply amazing.
Thanks ever so much Steve! That really means a lot!
Thanks for the amazing documentary on Ryland Cooder! I only knew a little bit about him. Through your video, I found him touching a lot of the music that touched me. Everything from blues and rock to folk and jazz. Very cool.
My favorite song from Ry is "Down in Hollywood". The bass line is smooth as silk. I love songs with a story to be told.
Marvellous
I never knew who the man was until today, and now i do.... Thank you!! I hope Ry Cooder watches this!!
Thanks ever so much! Yes, what an amazing artist!
Saw Ry and his amazing band open for The Grateful Dead & Bruce Hornsby & The Range in the 80s. It was fantastic and I will never forget watching Jerry Garcia & Bob Weir, who were sitting on the side of the stage, watching Ry’s performance and shaking their heads in appreciation as Ry & his band tore it up. Seeing the Deadheads reactions to Ry was also incredible. One of the most amazing musicians I have ever seen. ❤️
Thank you for the splendid documentary and the great Ry Cooder. It meant so much to me to hear someone advocate for the value of his music. Chicken skin music was the first album I heard by him and have explored every album since including the earlier ones. So glad he has an advocate like you to spread the word. 👏👏
Chicken Skin, my favorite album. Played the heck out of my cassette while driving.👏👏👏 I read that before meeting Flaco Ry learned to play Flaco’s instrument so he could better communicate with him about Norteño music.
Ry Cooder was a new name to me. Thanks for opening my eyes to another great musician.
Wow! Glad to be able to introduce you to him
Iv been a fan of ry from the 70tes got all his albums except for jazz which I bought and left back nobody was the only track I liked I just didn't understandably what he was at ry cooder is the greatest I loved his album sleeves and then his music ahhh then flaco was the icing on the cake the complete package. You have done a great video on a great man .............
Finally a nice tribute to one of the best but even one of the most underrated guitarists ever.
I don't know how many Ry Cooder albums that I've worn out but I'll keep on replacing them. Ry Cooder is one of my all time favorite slide players. Thanks for doing this one.
Thanks ever so much
I hear you, what an amazing talent he is
Your program and presentation is outstanding. I am sharing your analysis as widely as possible. Hats off to you for such a well-done perspective on Ry. I completely agree with your take. This guy is a treasure. I had the pleasure of spending a weekend with Ry and his wife Susan and can say he is down to earth. Artist to the core. Gracias.
Loved this so much! Have seen Ry Cooder twice in my life, most recently in Tanglewood in Massachusetts!
I watched Crossroads when it came out. I was mesmerized by the sound track. To this day it is one of my most cherished albums
Fantastic!
Yes, I love that movie.
A brilliant tribute to this pathbreaking musical genius and original thinker.
Thanks ever so much
buena vista social club is one of my favourite albums and that record wouldn't have been possible without him
Mine too and agreed 100%!
Fantastic. I’ve seen him 3 times and in Australia. My age, he has provided the accompaniment to my life journey. Thank you, and thank you Ry.
Thank you for this. I've love his music for decades but didn't know just how many albums he's been involved in. What a legend. In a world where fast technical playing is held to be the gold standard, listening to Ry play reinforces that in his case at least less is so much more.
Ry's early vinyl recordings -- especially his collaborations with Jim Keltner -- were an incalculable influence on my development as a guitar soloist. From those remarkable performances I gained a freedom to syncopate, which got me into trouble at times with the "archivist" types among my folk-musician friends who preferred to try to replicate traditional approaches. I couldn't help it -- I'd been "Coodered," and there was no going back.
Yes, huge influence on not only my playing but just as importantly Ry introduced me to Artists and songs I would never have known about before the advent of the internet!
I get teary eyed too about Ry. As a young guitarist I heard about him back in the '90s, and bought Into the Purple Valley and Borderline. And I didn't understand them. Not rock enough, not distorted enough, not enough soloing... For some reason, though, they stuck. Going back to it when I was a little more accomplished, opened a Pandora's vase, and I've since been an AVID Ry fan (also seeing him live, thank god for that!). He made me discover and appreciate stuff that really made me grow as a musician and when someone asks me who my favorite guitarist is, I always mention him. The people are surprised "but you don't sound nothing like him!". Yeah, who does?
I was lucky enough to spend much of my teenage years at the Ash Grove, and of course Ry was there much of the time. Besides his unparalleled talent as a musician, his tender heart and deep concern for others makes him stand out as well. This was a beautifully done tribute and I sincerely hope that Ry has a chance to see it.
His “feeling bad blues” track from crossroads is just so emotive and beautiful. Such a great canvas for the movie.
He did so much good by doing the music for that movie! Without him I wouldn't have watched it, knowing he was involved in creating the music got me to the movie theatre!
@Andrés Baltar marvellous!
One of the world's musical treasures.
Thank you for this great video presentation about Ry. You did a lot of research and I haven’t seen a bio of him that’s as detailed as this one. There is a current genre of music called “Americana”, but it tends to be narrowly defined as just folky traditional country music. Whereas I think Ry’s music is a broad celebration of American music including jazz, blues, country, you name it. Ry Cooder, and all the great music made by real people, are indeed national treasures. Thank you for making my day more marvelously well! I hope you’re doing great.
Ry Cooder's "Paris/Texas" theme was the first thing I tried on slide guitar. Hooked ever since and always happy, when I hear Ry Cooder play. Thank You for this one, Warren!
Thank you for this wonderful homage to The Curator of Modern Pop--Ryland Cooder. What an underappreciated creative talent. Yes. A gateway to some much that's good about the American music and a opening to the music of the world. And, mostly, thanks for letting your emotion shine through for such an emotionally significant player. Nothing wasted. Nothing unsaid. Nothing left behind.
i started out a sceptic, thinking how am i going to listen to a guy just talking about ry cooder, for40 minuets, without music to spice it up, i'm really glad i stayed the distance, one of the best stories and presentations ever.
Ry Cooder was my portal to music and guitar history. Excellent video, thank you. (And thank you, dad :)
Thanks for sharing! Yes, Dad’s are truly amazing
His version of Dark End Of The Street On The Old Grey Whistle Test is breathtaking. Terry Evans vocal brings tears to my eyes no matter how many times I listen.
Gotta share a memory of this. The first time I sang Jesus On The Mainline' was in the 80's at The Band On The Wall in Manchester guesting with Victor Brox. It was a celebration of his God knows how many years in the business. Joining us on stage for their first time were his daughters announced as 'The Baby Broxes', the girls were about 10 and 12 years old and walked onto the stage like they owned it. The eldest daughter Kyla has gone on to be a multi award winning blues musician n her own right.
Ry Cooders music has been a constant companion since I first heard Bop Till You Drop and remain an ever present in our house. Thanks for featuring him and probably introducing him to many younger subscribers, there is as much to enjoy as there is to learn from him and it's incorrect that he's only been known as a slide player, he is a great songwriter when he wants to be and as natural and musical player as you could wish to hear.
Ry Cooder and John Prine are my two musical heroes. I’ve been fortunate to be able to see Ry perform live a few times, not to be missed.
Thanks for mentioning John.
Saw john 2018 before he passed.
My cousin brought me to see Ry 2018.
Sadly, my cousin passed in 2019.
I'm a huge long time Ry Cooder fan. Lucky to live in the S.F. Bay Area where he recorded two live albums. I was lucky enough to see both shows/tours at the Great American Music Hall. Also saw him live with John Hiatt's band. I can't think of another artist who changed me as a guitar player and my life in general except for maybe Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.
Thanks words dont do justice Ry has created the most beautiful licks ever played
Hi , at 77 I have been following Ry since his first trip to England, I even have his book! Your account of his life is the best & most comprehensive I have ever seen so thank you so much. One of the most extraordinary concerts was at the festival hall, london, when he and Lindley played Hawaiin Koa guitars, they had Lindleys daughter and Jaokim on vocals and drums. The sound they achieved with these laptop guitars filled the house, it was mesmeric.
I got a copy of Into The Purple Valley on vinyl when I was in my mid 20's. "Vigilante Man" blew me away. Haunting, epic. If you don't know where to start, try Into The Purple Valley. You hear songs from the 1930's - 40's. It will transport you like a time machine.
wow, that was only his SECOND album!
For me it was his next one Chicken Skin Music that did the same thing for me in my twenties… Borderland on vinyl next which led me to collect many others. This video makes me want to buy a couple of soundtracks. Wish someone would put all his guest appearances together in a box set. A friend did exactly that which is suggested in the video, he collected everything from everyone Ry Cooder collaborated with. In part, Ry Cooder’s contribution to American folk music was facilitated by his ear for it.
Yes, Into The Purple Valley is the one.
That was the first album of his I heard, and possibly still my favorite.
For me, Ry Cooder is the most important guitar player from USA. His soundtracks are amazing!! I'm from Argentina (that is an american country too!!) and I knew Ry by the "The Long Riders", "Paris,Texas" and "Crossroads" soundtracks. I think I listened all his discography and is amazing, including Jazz!! Thank you so much for this antology of his career!! And sorry for my english! PD: Another great guitar player and composer, but from Scotland: Mark Knopfler (also with many soundtracks)
Mark Knopfler is not Scottish he's English, born and raised in Newcastle England. Same town the Animals came from and Brian Johnson ( AC/ DC) and Sting also comes from there.
@@mrjasondylan Sorry for my mistake.
I@danielpisera I adore Mark Knopfler! He's not just a miraculous guitar player, his songs are so meaningful, so emotional, and they recount our history!
I'm so happy that you did the history of rye cooter he doesn't live too far away from me I live in Orange county you live in LA I hope to meet him one day and asked him if you would like to do some lead blue stuff on my record are the greatest so much . Without rye cooter that would have never been different genres of music the Hispanic I jam with flaco Jimenez then I heard that Jimenez and rye cooter were doing work together I was so elated and thought. To me you will always be the greatest blues slide guitar player of our our generation I'm 71 years old I heard his blues in the 70s he's played with so many people a legend in our time.😢
You should interview him in person. I would love to hear you both talk about his life. I'm sure there are lots of great stories he could tell that nobody has heard but would be way more interesting than most anything else on UA-cam.
You can hear Ry Cooder in a video titled "Talking blues, Ry Cooder", on YT.
Hello Warren, I discovered Ry Cooder in the late 70's, it resonated with me straight away.
I saw/heard "Paris Texas" in a Cinema with a great sound system in 1985/86, words are not enough to describe that experience.
I still have my Paradise and Lunch, Bop til you drop and Borderline vinyl Albums.
Listening to his music did what you described, it broadened my taste in music and introduced me to Artists I would never have ever thought about listening to.
The lasting thing for me was the way he rearranged existing songs and made them into something else. This is what I look for in any "cover version" to this very day.
Keep up the good work and stay safe in 2022.
I compulsively bought everything by Ry Cooder from the 70s onwards. After going to Harmmersmith Odeon and hearing a very extended version of At the Dark End of the Street I spent a long time hoping (in vain) that someone had recorded it but I never did find it.
For me the all-time touchstone of slide guitar is Ry's solo on the track Lipstick Sunset, off the 1987 John Hiatt album Bring the Family - the tone, the feel, the note choices . . . genius. It doesn't get better. What an inspiration. The solo albums he made in the last 2 decades are great too, all with a strong political message. Great video, thanks Warren!
Just today I was making a similar comment about that exact solo. Heartily agree.
I remember driving into Denver listening to the cassette. As the solo on Lipstick Sunset started, my friend (not a musician, btw) cranked the volume and we bathed in it. Much joy Cooder brings to me. Thanks for the great video, Warren.
Willem - seconded! His solo on Hiatt's Lipstick Sunset is totally sublime, Hiatt was giving blood with his vocals, marriage made in Heaven, I feel they fed off each other on that one, Peace ;)
My favorite Hiatt song also featuring Jim Keltner & Nick Lowe but Ry Cooder's slide is without compare imo
Jazz has got to be my favorite album. A masterpiece, in my view.
Ry Cooder's "Bop 'Til You Drop" LP was a pioneering achievement of digitally-recorded performance....... in 1979!?!?!?
Ry was one immense force in the manifestation and achievement of the "Buena Vista Social Club" project; performing with those artists I'd consider the ultimate experience :)
Thanks for this effort on the part of the man, the fans, and the as-yet unenlightened to the genius and chops of this unique and mega-talented artist.
Thanks Ry for help Buena Vista Social Club of Cuba 🇨🇺🙏🏽💪🏽
Yes, truly beautiful music
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Linda Ronstadt's book turned me on to Ry Cooder! I love that his son convinced him to return to his music and I love their collaborations! Excellent review!
Brilliant - again. Ry's albums during the 70's were always a delight as he opened so many musical doors ( TexMex a favourite ) for his audience to scurry thru' and discover so many gems. A continuation from the Band's Americana melting pot. A further joy was his collaboration with John Hiatt et al on Bring the Family .. and his solo on Little Village's Big Love is a still regular go-to .
Have seen him live a number of times over the decades and love his virtuosity, his 'global view' collaborations and his eclectic sets. A musician who has seriously enhanced my love of music. Respect.
Thanks ever so much for your wonderful comment Tim. I really appreciate it
Wonderful! Thanks. Don't forget his humor-filled, gentle politics: "keeping Trinidad in A meh di cah " . Beautiful.
He’s up there with Richard Thompson in my book - multi-instrumentalist, multi-stylist, original. Thanks to Jenny O who introduced me to RC in High School in ‘75.
Perfect analogy. My two guitar heroes.
Very flattering toward R.T.
Saw him in Glasgow, wow, on walked Harry, in tuxedo, drink and cigarette in hands. We didn't,t need a cherry on the cake, but no one at the gig will ever forget it.wonderful. love you ry. Straight st.x
Great video, thanks. Ry Cooder has always been one of my guitar heroes. Beautifully understated.
Mine too!
My introduction to Ry Cooder came in the eighties when Get Rhythm was released and the title track and All Shook Up were getting radio airplay. I bought the album and listened to it over and over. It's masterful. I wondered who this new guitarist was and where he came from, not knowing that this was the midpoint of an incredible career. Thank you for this video and its thorough coverage of the career of a truly great musician.
Thanks ever so much John! I really appreciate your great comment
Oh wow thank you so much for this Warren. It truly warmed my heart.
I had the immense thrill of working with Ry in 1989 in LA.
His Get Rhythm album still seemed current. We were taping a segment for a Henson/Muppet music series. He played a janitor (possibly his only ever acting part?). I was a puppeteer assisting a pig playing the violin (I was the puppeteering the violin playing).
I remember we drove out to his studio in his back garden - probably the same one where we see him here talking to camera a few years before. Probably Santa Monica or not far from there? We rehearsed the piece for several hours. He was such a gentleman and a real sweetheart. Very self-effacing. He’s definitely all about the music. But what stands out in my memory were all the guitars he had on display or awaiting their next moment. He had an orange cat that wandered in. It brushed up against an acoustic guitar on a stand, which proceeded to fall over into others, causing a domino effect, as I looked on horrified at the carnage on these Ry originals. I can still hear the resonance of the strings and hollow thuds to this day! He just chuckled and said don’t worry about it - haha!
We taped in a studio somewhere in North Hollywood. There was a live violinist playing, so everything was live. He told me he was the soloist for the soundtrack in The Muppet Movie. He can be heard when Kermit’s riding his bicycle I believe. So I had to mime the fiddle playing live to him.
The entire thing was immense fun and Ry was a real trooper. He really enjoyed playing along with our Muppet pig and had some good laughs in between takes.
Ry is a true legend and there is not and never will be a anyone like him.
I loved this tribute so much!
If you are interested just type Faffner Hall Ry Cooder in YT here and you can watch this long lost classic - haha!
Marvellous memories !
I grew up with Ry Cooder's music. He influenced my style, slide guitar, and my ability to write & to work with open tunings. Such a great musician. My favorite song "Tamp em up solid" literally taught me finger style guitar with a walking base line & alternating rhythms. Also playing in many idioms he truly appealed to my interest in R&B, Blues, Swing, jazz, Dixieland & rock. He helped me to write songs in all those styles. My main man....God Bless you!!
Cooder´s endorsement of the Buena Vista Social Club is a hallmark of his career.
And their careers. Cuba survived on their music. And Ray Cooder and his went to Cuba to see if they could find the original members of the Buena Vista Social Club. Finally the great Cuban musicians could play outside Cuba.
I understood that Ry Cooder wanted a cooperation with Ali Farka Toure but they didn’t get a visa at that time.
Bebo Valdez als worked with El Cigala. A flamenco singer who fell in love with Cuba. Ry Cooder meant a lot for other musicians. I regret didn’t go to his concert like 5/6 years ago in Amsterdam. ❤❤❤
What a splendid tribute and documentary on Ry Cooder!! I appreciate so much everything that you covered. He is a master. ❤
I saw Ry Cooder at Glastonbury, many years ago. Great gig.
Amazing
I must reiterate - This is so very well done. In thanking I will share a story from 1981 at the Savoy in NYC. James Taylor was in for a string of nights and the sound guy needed some house music. I was a bar back a the time and lived across the street. I volunteered and ran and got my Borderline Cassette. Standing at the service bar flanking the stage I could see James Taylor on the walkway to the dressing rooms stop and listen and turn to Peter Asher, his finger in the air.
Dark End of the Street is a Slide Master Class. Thanks for highlighting this musical treasure!
We are fortunate to have lived in the time of Ry.
Ry Cooder has a sense of melody that boggles my mind. I always want that for myself, but I always feel like I'm imitating someone else even when it's original.
That’s great! Keep doing that!There is nothing original on the planet. There will be your take on it though. 👍🏼
@@stuartsmith5146 - Saved me trying to say the same thing in a more clumsy way. Be well.
Everyone has influences, and Ry Cooder is quick to acknowledge his own. One of the things that I admire about his guitar style is how he intertwines melody, rhythm, and syncopation. Although he usually records with a band, his arrangements can easily stand on their own. He attributes some of that style to the influence of the wonderful Bahamian guitarist Joseph Spence. Listen to Joseph Spence, and you can hear where Ry got some of his ideas. Ry Cooder is like a human Smithsonian Institute of roots music. He gets my vote for Musical Ambassador to the World!
Ry has been all over the map. His musical library must be huge.
Cooder is a master guitar player, hands down, but I find so much inspiration thinking about his career and his life choices. I was hooked up on him by my father, and I thank him so much for that. And Mambo Sinuendo is just fantastic! Thanks for this video.
Thanks ever so much for your comment and support!
Thanks for enlightening me about Cooder's more or less international turn. You have given an immensely valuable gift, and I am grateful.
Great to hear!
Paris Texas OST was an influence on me when the film released althose years ago. Not just in the use of slide but the sense of space inbetween the notes. Haven't really listen to much of his solo work but I'm going to change that now. Nice one Warren!
Thanks you for this excellent tribute. I note that in an interview Cooder gave he explained how, despite pityful sales figures, Warner kept him on the books (and he was thereby saved from the "board eraser"). The answer: George Harrison. George was a massive fan and persuaded Warner to keep Cooder on board. Equally, George was grateful to Cooder. For it was Ry who first told George how to raise the bridge in order to play slide. From then onwards slide guitar became a key part of Harrison's playing.
So thank goodness for both Cooder and Harrison. They, together, have added so much to our lives.
I’ve seen Ry Cooder perform since 1975; UCSC campus and there were just 30 or so of us but it was the first of many incredible evenings I’ve spent enjoying his music. He came up to Humboldt just a few years back, doing a quartet and reviving old gospel tunes. He is an American treasure, an icon, seek out his music and you’ll not be sorry! I have both Hawaiian albums he did with Gabby Pahinui. ❤️
One of my favorite guitar players..especially the slide guitar work he does..Amazing!
Agreed 100%!
Well done. Found out about Ry Cooder in Hawaii in the 70's - He's # 1 on my "no questions asked" roster.
I bought borderline when I was a teenager. Then I bought almost everything he played on. Saw him a couple times when he toured a few years ago. He was otherworldly,live. I was blessed to see him live. My all time favourite kottke and Lindsey close seconds
Thanks so much for this video, I am a Spanish profesional musician, and when I was young I play Banduriia and Laud in schol circle, and discover the blues and try to lern from Albert King and Sonny Boy Williamso's records, Then I get the celebrate walkin blues from Taj Mahal and discover a mandolina player Ryland P Cooder, from this moment I want to play my bandurria with electric blues, and ask my friends to get me a record from England. Since then I bought all his records and he is been a real teacher in the distance for me and few friends, few years ago I have the pleasure to play with David Lindley and I told him how much I admire them and how imoortant they are in my life.... thanks again.
Ry appeared on UK TV many times in the seventies and eighties . Little Sister , Mainline , Vigilante Man all brilliant. .Great artist well received in the UK
Thank you. I had the pleasure of seeing him in Glasgow in 1987 in a memorable concert that included a power failure and a guest appearance by Harry Dean Stanton. What a night.
Fantastic video! Cooder has another album coming out soon with Taj Mahal in March. The intro to All Shook Up contains my favourite slide lick.
Thank you, I’ve been a fan since the early seventies, and I have my dad to thank for that… (I was born in 1965)… my dad had records of two of the all time greats, that I keep going back to: Ry Cooder and J.J. Cale… if you haven’t already, please devote a video to JJ as well. If anybody makes or made music that still stirrs the soul about 50 years later, he or she can be rightly called ‘great’….
Thanks to you for making this video, and thanks to Ry for being a everlasting source of musical emotion.
Thanx. Ry Cooder is a great (musical) history teacher, who teaches us through his albums, which btw mostly are very great sounding (greatly recorded/mixed/mastered).
Thank you for bringing this great musician up in to the light he deserves. Being a guitarist myself, I have followed this great and gifted musician since I first heard him in 1973, visiting California and he has defined my taste of music ever since. Being a Norwegian with a Norwegian perspective into music and art, he has broadened my understanding of music and enriched my musical life. Again, thank you.
Arild
My late father got me into Ry Cooder. What an artist. He has an underrated voice. Everything he didfrom Chicken Skin Music to the Southern Comfort soundtrack is brilliant.
I would have probably never played slide if there wasn't for Cooder, and Warren, this was such an emotional video for us all. Thank you kindly! I love everything Ry did but two of the favorites, because I'm an acoustic player, are Diddy Wah Diddy with Earl Hines on piano (PHD in musicianship and studio jam and fun..) and Jesus On The Mainline. Heaven!
Thanks ever so much for your great comment! Yes, Ry introduced me to so many amazing artists and songs! I owe him a lot
Very much agree with your choices there Mac 👍
All I knew was the name Ry Cooder and that he played guitar. Your documentary was really informative and thorough. After watching it I realize what a great and influential musician he is and I know I have a lot of listening ahead of me. Thank you!
Wow! Thanks ever so much! I’m so glad to be able to help!!