I was fortunate to see Willis Allen play a gig in an Austin, TX shopping mall in the mid 1970's and count it as one of the most fortunate musical encounters of my life. He and BW Stevenson were only 2 of the incredibly talented folks working the Texas circuit at the time who never seemed to reach the public prominence they deserved. Thank you Leland for reminding me!
My diary records that I saw Willis Alan Ramsey at Cheatham Street on Friday 10th January 2003, after dropping in at Gruene Hall for a beer. I'd spotted the poster on the way to Austin and was determined to check Willis out, because I knew what a massive fan Lyle Lovett was. That gig was one of the best that I can remember. What a fantastic songwriter Willis Alan Ramsey is. I'm still hanging on in there for that long awaited second album!
My very favorite artist. Found him before the green album in Dallas bars. I’ve worn out 2 vinyls, several 8-tracks and a few CDs. Had the incredible luck to interview him. I had to remember to breathe. He’s such a nice guy. I’m a forever fan.
Have seen so many great singers/Songwriters at Poor Davids.WAR and Alison, Rusty Wier, Townes, Buck Wheat, Billy Joe and so many more. AINT IT FUN BEING FROM TEXAS!
I play his album every year while doing my Thanksgiving baking .... "I say, Lord, she's as sweet as one of her pecan pies, listening to her laughter I get hypnotized. Goodness knows I love my Angel Eyes."
Thank you for sharing! I've owned this album since it came out and enjoy it to this day. I'm fortunate enough to see Willis live several times back in the day at Poor David's Pub and Mother Blues here in the Dallas area.
Thank you Leland for sharing Willis Alan Ramsey today; I loved the paraphrased quote about when the second album was due and he remarked ‘what is wrong with first one?’ I could almost hear Robert Johnson laugh as distant thunder.
I'm guessing this was the first time through. It just sounds so good. I wish all my first time throughs could come out that nicely, with no glaring technical things happening. That it was 1972 takes me to standing outside at the campground where we lived a few years holding a Woody Guthrie record, that my dad's new friend (another welder) brought over to connect with everyone else coming over to our house and yard. We always had these shin dig type get togethers where everybody brought whatever instruments they could play, and any books or cheat sheets, and we just all cooked, played, sang, ate, and talked, but mostly sang and played. Those sessions were mostly secular, which I enjoyed, even though half a church of people would be there as well. Anyway, my dad's friend, was also named Lee, they were union welders, and had me listening to that Woody Guthrie record so we could try to get All Around The Waterfront, Waiting For A Train ready to do that night. That, Lee, didn't play anything and wouldn't sing but he was coming over anyway. Eventually he became my dad's business partner. I always had the ceiling bunk. I was listening to your interview yesterday and have wondered if I could pull off the ceiling bunk now. 😂 Not a bad idea, about just pulling on a depends to test out climbing up and tumbling back out a few times. 🤣 There was only twice I woke up on the floor, partially sprawled across a Kirby vacuum cleaner. They were afraid to move me, and I was still snoring so they just waited till I woke up to see if I could still wiggle everything myself.
Thank you Audrey, I would have liked your father a Union welder with an appreciation of Woody Guthrie too. Modernity may glitter, but without the handmade shine of people together making their own music. 👍
I've had this album since 1975, I bought it in a second hand record shop in Soho London. I taught myself to play The Ballad of Spider John on guitar. Every track on the album is pure gold.
Hello from Cape Cod, Lee! Great tunes! I'm hoping to see you on Lyle's tour in August in MA or RI. I'm going to try to do Clubhouse this Wednesday. I'm so excited. Love you, bunches! 🎸🎶🥰
I just played a solo gig and someone came up to me and asked me if I ever heard of Willis. I said I had not and he strongly suggested I do and that his music would suit me. I found this Lee vid and the length of it is 10:17 which happens to be my wedding anniversary date (1987) Must be a sign! Thanks Lee!
No wonder...all these years later, after marveling at Willis Alan's truly monster talent...no wonder the bass lines on these tunes were so great... (Never ocurred to look at the liner notes, credits).... This album is the ARCHOTYPE of Americana... He, Willis, is up there with John Prine, Bob Dylan, Smoky Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon as a writer..in that, his songs ENVELOPE you, the listener, transport you to another time and space... I spent an idle hour or two with Willis, in the old church studio, and we chatted along while he noodled around on guitar, playing (to my complete amazement) a host of Beatle tunes on his battered acoustic.... No matter that he probably wouldn't remember that moment in time...but, I'll never forget it.... Salud!!... yon poet with ear for jazz... the answer is, "There's nothing wrong with the first one..."
Best wishes to you Mr Sklar for your upcoming tour of concerts with Mr Lyle Lovett . If the accompanying videos are as good as last Summer's , we are in for another treat from you ! Can't wait for the latter day version of Kramden and Norton between yourself and Mr Brad - the Professor... Please stay well .
WOW!! One of my favorite quotes by a musician is "What's wrong with the first one?". And that first one was a gem and it has stood up since 1972. Look at the folks that played on it, including you sir! Many epic tracks like Northeast Texas Women and the Ballad of Spider John. One of my favorite Ramsey perfomances was a TV spot where he did Sleep Walkin'. You have to check that out. Thanks for sharing!
Ramsey's song, 'Satin Sheets' is a favorite. Shawn Colvin's cover of it is great, too. Also, Uncle Walt's Band was from my hometown of Spartanburg, SC and are still one of my favorite groups ever. If you've never heard them, would be worth your while to check them out. Incredible harmonies and songwriting. 'Don't You Think I Feel It Too' & 'High Hill' are good ones to start with.
P.S. Milk hydrates you well!!!!!! Milk was found to be even more hydrating than plain water because it contains the sugar lactose, some protein and some fat, all of which help to slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach and keep hydration happening over a longer period.
Hello Lee. This question isn't related to this particular video. I looked among your videos to see if you had ever played with Nile Rodgers. I just saw a performance by Nile Rodgers and Chic and I was amazed at how many songs Nile had written for other singers. Just curious if you had ever performed or worked with Nile. Thanks.
Concerning “the Second Album”, I read (no, I don’t remember where) that Jimmy Buffett offered studio time and record label to get album released. Story revolved around a guitar Ramsey had sold at one point and Buffett had purchased. Obviously, I have no way of knowing the accuracy of said story.
I play most of the songs on this album on my guitar. The first time I met and heard Lyle, it was obvious to me that he listened to Willis. He had a similar style and similar voice. This was in about 1987 when he was touring small venues with Bonnie Raitt and Johnny Lee Shell. Lee, I should have known you were on Willis’ Album. This album was on Leon Russels label wasn’t it? Didn’t Ernie Watts play sax on one of the tracks?
Turning 65 is a pain. Medicare learning all this crap. Trying to blow off the scare tactics of penalties. And living in a cheap State doesn’t help. Sorry I’m blowing off steam. I’ll be glad to get out of here for a while. Again sorry off topic. Enjoyed the podcast. Take care stay well
@@randyschiffer3265 one thing they have told me is to enroll three months before your birthday. To avoid penalties. Then I’ve heard you have six months to enroll to avoid penalties. I wish I could just stay with my insurance but I’m forced into it. If you collect social security you’re automatically enrolled but part D plans are not included. That’s where you get into advantage plans ,gap plans . How am I doing so far for a rookie. Not sure but I’ll get better.
My older brother turned me on to Willis Allen after seeing him at the Armadillo in Austin some time in 73 or 4. I’ve worn out copies on vinyl, cassette, 8track and CD. Every song is a gem!
Agreed - a wonderful Lp that I discovered in the late 90s or early 2000s. I seem to remember him performing on the PBS program Austin City Limits? Hopefully that's not just a fantasy; should probably investigate that here on YT.
Have fun with Lyle. I know this is off topic, but since David’s passing I’ve been re-emerged in David and Greg’s lap steel. Could you share stories of your hotel stays and gigs with Jackson Browne (w Russ, Kootch). Or followers maybe know of archived posts from past . Thank you, Clay
‘Russia-Ukraine war live: evacuations under way near Kherson after Kyiv accuses Moscow of destroying dam’ This is a definition of a ‘Crime Against Humanity’. Whoever is responsible should be brought to justice if our humanity has any left standing. 💔
@@hanspeterlillese2225 'Crimes Against Humanity' are all crimes; human folly is to excuse or justify any of them. My uncle was in D-Day and only in his senior years did he speak to me of his experience. Broken Hearts are the untold story of war and its crimes. 💔
@@hanspeterlillese2225 The horror that we are capable of constructing like quantum mechanics, that has its own uncertainty principle of entanglement, and may be beyond a conscious construct that language can fulfill. We know far less than we may even imagine.
ENjoy your day.......Take deep breaths as you fly around LEE!!!!! Oxyginate that blood LEE!!!! In deep through the nose and slow out the mouth!!!!!!! Hahahaha be good Brother!!!!!!
This album has long been on my most favorite list. Every tune is a jewel. Being a boy from Oklahoma, I especially love this track. ☮💚🎶
I’ve been listening to the entire album repeatedly for the past 3 months. It’s a masterpiece! 🎶❤️🎶
I was fortunate to see Willis Allen play a gig in an Austin, TX shopping mall in the mid 1970's and count it as one of the most fortunate musical encounters of my life. He and BW Stevenson were only 2 of the incredibly talented folks working the Texas circuit at the time who never seemed to reach the public prominence they deserved. Thank you Leland for reminding me!
I'm 66 I remember BW Stevenson and like-minded musicians at the Texas opera house on Richmond Avenue in Houston.
Legendary album - absolutely nothing wrong with the first one. I agree with Willis Alan. A real treasure in my life.
no doubt.
My diary records that I saw Willis Alan Ramsey at Cheatham Street on Friday 10th January 2003, after dropping in at Gruene Hall for a beer. I'd spotted the poster on the way to Austin and was determined to check Willis out, because I knew what a massive fan Lyle Lovett was.
That gig was one of the best that I can remember. What a fantastic songwriter Willis Alan Ramsey is. I'm still hanging on in there for that long awaited second album!
I saw Ramsey play in Austin in April 2024 and it was a really wonderful show.
I’m a bit surprised I haven’t heard of Willis Alan Ramsey before. Not too late to enjoy him now!
Been a fan for some 50 years, wow.
My very favorite artist. Found him before the green album in Dallas bars. I’ve worn out 2 vinyls, several 8-tracks and a few CDs.
Had the incredible luck to interview him. I had to remember to breathe. He’s such a nice guy. I’m a forever fan.
Have seen so many great singers/Songwriters at Poor Davids.WAR and Alison, Rusty Wier, Townes, Buck Wheat, Billy Joe and so many more.
AINT IT FUN BEING FROM TEXAS!
I play his album every year while doing my Thanksgiving baking .... "I say, Lord, she's as sweet as one of her pecan pies, listening to her laughter I get hypnotized. Goodness knows I love my Angel Eyes."
Thank you for your Revisit to Willis Alan Ramsey. So comforting ☺️
Thank you for sharing! I've owned this album since it came out and enjoy it to this day. I'm fortunate enough to see Willis live several times back in the day at Poor David's Pub and Mother Blues here in the Dallas area.
I've had that album since '72! Has always been a fave!
Can't wait for Lyle's tour to hit Calgary on July 19th. Your willing and able tour guide is at your service 😊.
Yet more music I’m hearing for the first time. I can see why he’s one of Lyle Lovett’s favourites.
Thanks for Willis!!!!!
Still remains one of my favorite albums after many many years. Always hated that there was not a #2 but not my business. #1 was gold. Thanks
Thank you Leland for sharing Willis Alan Ramsey today; I loved the paraphrased quote about when the second album was due and he remarked ‘what is wrong with first one?’ I could almost hear Robert Johnson laugh as distant thunder.
What a great voice ! And not to mention songwriting ! Thank You As Always!
We love you!!!
I'm guessing this was the first time through. It just sounds so good. I wish all my first time throughs could come out that nicely, with no glaring technical things happening. That it was 1972 takes me to standing outside at the campground where we lived a few years holding a Woody Guthrie record, that my dad's new friend (another welder) brought over to connect with everyone else coming over to our house and yard. We always had these shin dig type get togethers where everybody brought whatever instruments they could play, and any books or cheat sheets, and we just all cooked, played, sang, ate, and talked, but mostly sang and played. Those sessions were mostly secular, which I enjoyed, even though half a church of people would be there as well. Anyway, my dad's friend, was also named Lee, they were union welders, and had me listening to that Woody Guthrie record so we could try to get All Around The Waterfront, Waiting For A Train ready to do that night. That, Lee, didn't play anything and wouldn't sing but he was coming over anyway. Eventually he became my dad's business partner. I always had the ceiling bunk. I was listening to your interview yesterday and have wondered if I could pull off the ceiling bunk now. 😂 Not a bad idea, about just pulling on a depends to test out climbing up and tumbling back out a few times. 🤣 There was only twice I woke up on the floor, partially sprawled across a Kirby vacuum cleaner. They were afraid to move me, and I was still snoring so they just waited till I woke up to see if I could still wiggle everything myself.
Thank you Audrey, I would have liked your father a Union welder with an appreciation of Woody Guthrie too. Modernity may glitter, but without the handmade shine of people together making their own music. 👍
I had no idea you and Russ played on this amazing album. Just WOW
I've had this album since 1975, I bought it in a second hand record shop in Soho London. I taught myself to play The Ballad of Spider John on guitar. Every track on the album is pure gold.
Hello from Cape Cod, Lee! Great tunes! I'm hoping to see you on Lyle's tour in August in MA or RI. I'm going to try to do Clubhouse this Wednesday. I'm so excited.
Love you, bunches! 🎸🎶🥰
Will be looking for you.......
Willis Alan Ramsey spent a few nights at my apartment in Nashville 1975
Blessings in all your music project
I just played a solo gig and someone came up to me and asked me if I ever heard of Willis. I said I had not and he strongly suggested I do and that his music would suit me. I found this Lee vid and the length of it is 10:17 which happens to be my wedding anniversary date (1987) Must be a sign! Thanks Lee!
This is lovely stuff from Willis Alan Ramsey, Lee. Love that golden vibe of music. Hope you're doing well - the tour is going to be awesome!
No wonder...all these years later, after marveling at Willis Alan's truly monster talent...no wonder the bass lines on these tunes were so great... (Never ocurred to look at the liner notes, credits)....
This album is the ARCHOTYPE of Americana...
He, Willis, is up there with John Prine, Bob Dylan, Smoky Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon as a writer..in that, his songs ENVELOPE you, the listener, transport you to another time and space...
I spent an idle hour or two with Willis, in the old church studio, and we chatted along while he noodled around on guitar, playing (to my complete amazement) a host of Beatle tunes on his battered acoustic....
No matter that he probably wouldn't remember that moment in time...but, I'll never forget it....
Salud!!...
yon poet with ear for jazz...
the answer is, "There's nothing wrong with the first one..."
Thanks Lee ✌🏻
Allo Le from UK.
Ave a great Tour an enjoy❤❤❤❤
Break a leg boss.
Best wishes to you Mr Sklar for your upcoming tour of concerts with Mr Lyle Lovett . If the accompanying videos are as good as last Summer's , we are in for another treat from you ! Can't wait for the latter day version of Kramden and Norton between yourself and Mr Brad - the Professor... Please stay well .
I just love the chord progressions of this. And remembering Nick DeCaro...
WOW!! One of my favorite quotes by a musician is "What's wrong with the first one?". And that first one was a gem and it has stood up since 1972. Look at the folks that played on it, including you sir! Many epic tracks like Northeast Texas Women and the Ballad of Spider John. One of my favorite Ramsey perfomances was a TV spot where he did Sleep Walkin'. You have to check that out. Thanks for sharing!
Ramsey's song, 'Satin Sheets' is a favorite. Shawn Colvin's cover of it is great, too. Also, Uncle Walt's Band was from my hometown of Spartanburg, SC and are still one of my favorite groups ever. If you've never heard them, would be worth your while to check them out. Incredible harmonies and songwriting. 'Don't You Think I Feel It Too' & 'High Hill' are good ones to start with.
Spartanburg was my hometown for 18 years as well. We had some fine music from there.
Happy drizzly Monday to you!
Lyleland - sounds like a great amusement park!
P.S. Milk hydrates you well!!!!!!
Milk was found to be even more hydrating than plain water because it contains the sugar lactose, some protein and some fat, all of which help to slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach and keep hydration happening over a longer period.
Hi Lee!! My first time hearing Mr. Ramsey but sure did like his sound. Look forward to the Clubhouse on Wednesday!!! Take care my friend!
Hello Lee. This question isn't related to this particular video. I looked among your videos to see if you had ever played with Nile Rodgers. I just saw a performance by Nile Rodgers and Chic and I was amazed at how many songs Nile had written for other singers. Just curious if you had ever performed or worked with Nile. Thanks.
Have not but hung with him when he opened some show for Phil Collins. He is so great!
I heard Willis Alan Ramsey when his self titled album first came out......great album and unique sound. Paul Siebel is another great unknown.
Bunk on a Bus…. Sounds like a new Sitcom!!
Or it could be a competitor to the Mensch on a Bench!! LOL
Good Morning Leland great vid.have a wonderful day. 🌻❤😁
Thanks
I appreciate you, thank you for making content.
Concerning “the Second Album”, I read (no, I don’t remember where) that Jimmy Buffett offered studio time and record label to get album released. Story revolved around a guitar Ramsey had sold at one point and Buffett had purchased. Obviously, I have no way of knowing the accuracy of said story.
I play most of the songs on this album on my guitar. The first time I met and heard Lyle, it was obvious to me that he listened to Willis. He had a similar style and similar voice. This was in about 1987 when he was touring small venues with Bonnie Raitt and Johnny Lee Shell. Lee, I should have known you were on Willis’ Album. This album was on Leon Russels label wasn’t it? Didn’t Ernie Watts play sax on one of the tracks?
Leon's label and yes to Ernie
I doubt if BobDylan has ever made a more stirring homage to his idol, Woody Guthrie. Ramsey's inflections (and soul) give me the shivvers.
praise the lord and pass the mescaline....
Oi Lee love 🎸🎶🎙️👑👏👏
Turning 65 is a pain. Medicare learning all this crap. Trying to blow off the scare tactics of penalties. And living in a cheap State doesn’t help.
Sorry I’m blowing off steam. I’ll be glad to get out of here for a while.
Again sorry off topic.
Enjoyed the podcast. Take care stay well
I'm right behind you at 64. Take good notes so you can help me next year. I hate learning new stuff.
@@randyschiffer3265
Wellcome aboard Rookies 😉
68 next Sunday! One of my VA nurses says “middle age starts at 90 these days”. I’m all in for 110! Genes are on my side!
@@randyschiffer3265 one thing they have told me is to enroll three months before your birthday. To avoid penalties. Then I’ve heard you have six months to enroll to avoid penalties. I wish I could just stay with my insurance but I’m forced into it. If you collect social security you’re automatically enrolled but part D plans are not included. That’s where you get into advantage plans ,gap plans .
How am I doing so far for a rookie. Not sure but I’ll get better.
@@carolmoline6490 So I claimed my SS at 62. Did I read that right that that enrolls me automatically?
My older brother turned me on to Willis Allen after seeing him at the Armadillo in Austin some time in 73 or 4. I’ve worn out copies on vinyl, cassette, 8track and CD. Every song is a gem!
It's Willis ALAN
@@alanc1491 gotcha! thanks
Agreed - a wonderful Lp that I discovered in the late 90s or early 2000s. I seem to remember him performing on the PBS program Austin City Limits? Hopefully that's not just a fantasy; should probably investigate that here on YT.
Love me some Willis Alan Ramsey. To answer Willis' question "What's wrong with the first one?" Nothing!
Could you play some more of Willis, pleeease? Pretty please? You're out of your mind today? Not noticeably🤪🤪🤪 Thanks❤️👍❤️👍
Stewart Duncan is the best fiddle player to ever walk the earth!
Evening Leland
👍🏼
Have fun with Lyle. I know this is off topic, but since David’s passing I’ve been re-emerged in David and Greg’s lap steel. Could you share stories of your hotel stays and gigs with Jackson Browne (w Russ, Kootch). Or followers maybe know of archived posts from past . Thank you, Clay
Well you have played with everyone...no doubt.! Stay safe , be safe...where are the backyard boys..?
I see you’re getting your pressed Wrangler’s ready for that open highway! ✌🏻
👍👍
Ever wonder how many potentially fine albums were never released because on conflicts between the artist and his/her label?😮
Hey Leland when packing your bags don't forget your ANGRY EYES, just in case.
Willis Alan Ramsey = "A One Album Wonder"
😎✌👍❤🖖
Love Brother
‘Russia-Ukraine war live: evacuations under way near Kherson after Kyiv accuses Moscow of destroying dam’
This is a definition of a ‘Crime Against Humanity’. Whoever is responsible should be brought to justice if our humanity has any left standing. 💔
@@hanspeterlillese2225
'Crimes Against Humanity' are all crimes; human folly is to excuse or justify any of them.
My uncle was in D-Day and only in his senior years did he speak to me of his experience. Broken Hearts are the untold story of war and its crimes. 💔
@@hanspeterlillese2225
The horror that we are capable of constructing like quantum mechanics, that has its own uncertainty principle of entanglement, and may be beyond a conscious construct that language can fulfill.
We know far less than we may even imagine.
I agree with Willis Alan: What’s wrong with the first one.
Definitely 1 of 5 albums I’d take on my one -way trip to the desert island.
Leland how many basses do you have?
About a dozen I think.
Captain and Toenail (Muskrat Love)
Bonjour,👌💪🏻🙏
🧠💪🎼🙏
Willis has a great voice!!!!!!! Kinda has a G-DEAD sound to the song at points!!!!!!
🤔💭my watermelons won't grow unless I play "Watermelon Man" when I'm in the garden.. kinda like fertilizer, it's their "soul food" 😎🍉
Hey All. Hi Leland.
ENjoy your day.......Take deep breaths as you fly around LEE!!!!! Oxyginate that blood LEE!!!!
In deep through the nose and slow out the mouth!!!!!!! Hahahaha be good Brother!!!!!!
What about 'In through the nose and out through the toes. . .' 😃
@@kateconway-hickman5945 WHatever works best!!!!!! he he
What’s wrong with the first one?
You played on my wife's-cousin's L.P. Mick Bird; we've lost touch with him, Do you know what he's up-to?