Proud to be the 420th viewer of this one! Yes! Cropper is yet another lynch-pin in music history that too few know. While Glenn Campbell and the Wrecking Crew were out in California making their contributions, Cropper was in Memphis with Booker T. serving as the house band at Stax Records, backing another several dozen major records throughout the '60s. Someone said this sounds "close to the original," which we'd expect, since it's his lick from '62. After leaving Stax in '71, most folks recognize him from the Blues Brothers Band. His latest work was at a Clapton festival, i think. He's always all about the groove, from all the way back to the Mar-Keys. I had to wax on a little--he's a favorite!
If anyone reading this has never, please do yourself a favour and watch Otis Redding at Monterey pop festival, available on you tube. Steve, Duck, and Al Jackson, Jr. so brilliantly accompanying Otis. Might bring tears to your eyes it's so good.
Your advice to wanna be guitar players was pure gold. You are so right guitar playing is something that you feel while your playing and the more you do it you eventually find your own style you may listen to a lot of styles while your learning but in the end you will have found something you haven't quite heard before.....you
Awesome guitarist and analysis. Steve Cropper is amazing. May Duck Dunn rest in peace. In late August, I saw Booker T. Jones live and met him and his son, Ted. Green Onions was part of the set. I agree with your comments. We are unique in our abilities. Cheers Fil!
Nothin like cruising the back roads listening to Booker T and the MGs!! One of the greatest grooves of all time! Great review Fil. I enjoy your videos so much. You break things down so well. Always positive! And on spot. Thanks again.
Without a doubt. This is Booker T. And The MGs the phenomenal rhythm section of Stacks Records. A great example of this band in full flight and at the height of their powers is their performance at The Monterey Pop Festival backing Otis Redding. All tracks are recommended but in particular Try a Little Tenderness where they have to use their eyes and ears to change the arrangement at the whim of Otis to enhance the intensity of the song as he sees fit.
Great explanation about expressive playing and not worrying about playing fast. Steve Cropper and Duck Dunn, sure earned their stripes performing worldwide with the MG'S band.
Sometimes simple just works. Hard to imagine what he and others went through back when BookerT was formed. Couldn’t perform in their home state because of a mixed race band.
Love guitarists that play for the song! Steves great for doing that!! There is a lot of sensational guitar work going on here and he’s letting it flow beautifully!! Great Fil !!🤘🤘🤘
Booker T and The MGs song. Donald Duck Dunn and Steve Cropper played with the original Blues Brothers, Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi. It's all about tone.
And Booker T and the M.G.'s playing it. Steve Cropper and Booker were there from the beginning; Duck joined in at bass in '65, replacing Lewie Steinberg, and Steve Potts has been playing drums for the past few years. Willie Hall originally sat in on drums after Al Jackson, Jr. was killed - Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn and Willie Hall _all_ played in Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues Rhythm & Blues Showband. Basically, the M.G.'s without Booker T.
I like that your encouraging those out there that are not fast players because you don't have to play fast or shred but put alot of feeling into each note you play just like this great song "green onions" . Not fast but we'll played with alot of feeling.
...met Steve Cropper at a celebrity golf tournament once ...drank a beer with him ....great guy ....when I ask him about his favorite amp...he responded with " well do you remember Sun Amps?...well it's that amp but housed in a Fender chassy....ive yet to hear another one like it" ....great day for me ....
Excellent guitarist and excellent analysis, a couple of these guys have been around as long as I have. Brings back memories and such wonderful times♡♡♡♡
Met steve in a bar in Clitheroe Lancashire 4 or 5 years ago. Wonderful man. He told a story about writing 'Sitting on the Dock of The bay' with Otis Redding. Apparently it was originally an acoustic song. Cropper decided to add an electric guitar and went back to the studio overnight to add it to the song. Otis died the next day and never heard the final version that got released.
I didn't know of it starting life as an acoustic tune though looking back it starts with one. Otis not hearing the final version i had heard about. Sad.
I really appreciate your comments about not being overly influenced by other guitarists' abilities. I remember the first time I actually saw Leo Kottke live - I was probably about your age - and although i had been a fan of his records for a few years, i had always assumed that he was double-tracking his recordings. When I realized that he was not only doing all of that stuff live, but moreover, that his hands hardly looked like they were even moving, I wanted to just go home and break all my guitars, knowing that even if I practiced 10 hours a day, I could never be that good. Then, upon reflection, I realized that probably nobody else could be that good either, so we either all quit, or we all make do with the gifts we have.
Thanks a lot for this video Fil. It brings back memories of me watching the 45rpm record of this song, going round and round on my parents old turntable! Always loved this song!👍😎🎸🎶
@brad zybola lol...ya ours was about 20 feet long it seemed too!😂oh ya I remember the Ventures and Tom Jones! My Mom used to go nuts over Tom...Elvis too!👍😎🎸🎶
@brad zybola lol...cool...some oldies! Ya...the rock stations are sad in my area too! Nothing wrong at all with classic rock...I love it, but they've worn out the good songs and as far as new music...omg! Hideous!😵😵😵😛😛😛
His guitar was so understated. Influenced Clapton and others. Loading Zone with him and Roy Buchanan is one of the top 5 guitar albums. Speaking of speed B. B. King said that he created his style because he had fat fingers and couldn't play fast.
great video reminds me of another great technical player Jeff Beck who have made some of his best albums in his later years keep it up your great work have a great weekend
This song is like a master class on how to groove. With a shuffle rhythm like that would be very easy to get ahead of the beat, but these guys are always on it perfectly.
You are correct Phil. BB King, Albert Collins, JJ Cale and many others would play to their strengths not relying on speed but rather the expression. Good players keep the speed if they’ve got it in reserve using it for the appropriate expressive moment. Good stuff, keep it coming.
For Richard Thompson, I recommend one of the live recordings of 'Vincent 1952', in which he burns the strings off an acoustic guitar. Also check out Bill Frisell, a prolific, incredibly knowledgable and gifted, and woefully underappreciated musician and composer. Frisell is a guitarist's guitarist.
Hey Fil, great teaching moment there, nicely said. Steve and Donald, oldies and goodies, playing an oldie and a goodie, how could you go wrong! Like 59, C98, V421. /:-)
Yessirr Fil,I remember asking a few weeks back,please cover some Steve Cropper “if you haven’t already” lol.Figured you’d be on top of it,and just stumbled on this by accident haha.EXCELLENT Breakdown as always man.Brilliant!That Stax band/sound was completely revolutionary.If you get a chance Fil,There’s a HEAVY clip of Chicago bluesman magic Sam killin it right here on UA-cam.The video is titled ‘ all your love and looking good’ first one is a slow emotional blues with devastatingly soulful vocals and playing.Then the second bit is a filthy ZZ Top nasty tone type thing in 69’ before ZZ was even formed (haha). Actually at that time I think a young Billy Gibbons Was from a group called the walking sidewalks at that time.... but that’s another topic haha. Also criminally underrated Canadian guitarist Mel Brown. There’s a video as well right here on UA-cam titled ‘ i’m gonna move to the outskirts of town’ live by Mel brown in 1990.Some mad tasty licks on that piece too.I know you get a lot of request brother, if you don’t get to talk about it and never seen it before at least check it out when you get some time.Some mad heavy stuff 👍🏾👍🏾.Bless up bro....ROCK
Hello Fil. I like your analogy on a regular slow playing style as apposed to that of a shredder, unless that is what you're aiming for. You hit the nail on the head when you say don't try emulating some one that shreds, but be yourself. I think it's important to develop your own style which is really what you should strive for. Well said Fil. I know it can be hard to sound like yourself when you have heard a million songs in your life time. You'll come up with something cool, only to realize you're playing part of an existing song or similar one. Doh!! Keep up the great work Fil. 🎸👍
As you pointed out, the guitar is a wonderful instrument because it is so versatile in that it can be played in an unlimited number of styles and become an extension of the player which cannot be copied easily. There are other instruments that can offer this but there is none like the guitar.
Steve Cropper is the Guv. He commands respect from his peers - including Keith Ritchards, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Ronnie Wood. And let's not forget how gifted Steve is as a songwriter and producer. He's a total allrounder. The complete package. Thanks Steve!
I should also say thank you, Phil, for your words on how a guitarist should consider playing to their own strengths (no pun intended). For a long time I have felt guilty about not being a speedster or shredder, when knowing, and yet ignoring, that that kind of guitar playing really isn't for me. I consider my strengths to be rhythm and expression. I love riffs and licks too. Not really a solo guy, but I can bring my A-game when the occasion calls for it. Anyway, I now accept where my guitar journey should go and I have you to thank for it. Happy New Year :)
Steve's nickname is the Colonel and this is such a classic song that George Lucas chose it for the soundtrack to American Graffiti climatic drag race scene.
Saw them with Wilson Picket at an outdoor concert here in MN. Nobody knew who they were, I was in my 20's and most of my crowd of friends had no idea who they were witnessing either, what a moment that was. Audience was about 75-100 ppl who were shuffling around, talking, acting bored, waiting for the headliner while getting drunk. I might have been the only one there riveted by these giants. In their heyday that outdoor concert would have drawn a massive crowd with headliners like Joplin, Santana, CCR, etc. It was almost surreal seeing them in the mid-90's with a grunge/slacker crowd. I don't remember who the headliner was but a good band, influenced by them would have been the Black Crowes. Hell, they probably played on the same circuit as the Stones during their early U.S. tours. Perhaps the Stones opened for them, talk about surreal.
I saw them with the Blues Brothers at the Mann Music Center in Phila. Brooker T and the MGs played for over a hour and were great. Then Dan and John joined them for another hour of killer rhythm and blues
i stopped tapping when i read an interview with him and he was described as the ulitmate guitar hero because he has never tapped a note.check out his sessions with rod stewart on atlantic crossing.
You put your finger on it. All the shredding in the world doesn't equal one great melody. Music is meant to have space, rests, dynamics. You know variety, anticipation etc.
It's about the songs.The only people that want to hear speed wankery are other guitarists.To most people, they think ,- that's neat, - but so what? Do anything over and over, long enough, you SHOULD be good at it .
Hi Fil, if you want to check out Steve Croppers best work I think check out his album "Crop Dusting", all instrumental. I bought this album when I was like 19 and loved it, nonstop grooves. Steve was also known as the "intro man" he wrote most of the southern Memphis Soul intro lines at STAX/VOLT records.
Commented already about Steve. Guy was so important to so many great songs. As far as 'playing' goes, i'll borrow a line from Mick Ronson i should use myself,,, "Play, Don't Worry". Title for one of his albums.
Another interesting video, thanks Fil. Just wanted to say that Donald Duck Dunn is remarkable due to the simplicity of his playing. He never throws in something flashy or clever but he absolutely nails his part in the music. That is much harder than it sounds!
This brings memories of watching the Blues Brothers as a kid. He still plays great! Although that guitar doesn't scream "Blues", but it sure sounds great. ;-) And those slides at the end are perfect!
Great. Learned sliding 6ths from a tab for "I'm A Soul Man" (play it Steve) over 20 years ago. Now its all about the race on American Graffiti. btw, Peavey had a nice SC sig model way back in the '90s. His here looks like it has a 'bucker. No Bite. oh well, still cool. btw II, Its here, American Graffiti Drag Race.
Quite welcome. Probably know it featured "Green Onions". Jeff Beck has a replica roadster with THX138 plates just like John's in the movie.. Pretty rad.
Fil, that my friend is some true wisdom you are passing out my friend. Bravo. Be yourself because you will NEVER be anyone else!! You can take bits and pieces from others but if you spend all your time trying to be someone else, you not only fail to realize or even know what your true potential is and what you are meant to be but you will also be in-authentic!! And THAT is the exact opposite of what music is.
Suggestion,, Surf guitarist Dick Dale and/or Danny Morris. (check Danny's Pipeline video, I don't know if you have addressed this type of thing, but about 1 minute into the song he breaks a string and then goes around it for 6 minutes. incredible) Thanks again.
Every time I hear the song green onions, it reminds me of George Lucas's greatest movie ever American Graffiti, the break of dawn scene where the Milner Coupe races the 55 Chevy. Love this song!
I love the messages you continually send out about playing in your own style, and understanding that a record contract is something to approach with caution are great lessons. You, sir, are a natural born teacher. Quote by Aristotle: “Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach.” Shame on George Bernard Shaw for corrupting this quote. Keep up the great work, Fil.
Thanks! Yes that quote is misused all the time, the irony being I started teaching because I was doing it, and people wanted to know how to do it too! 😂
I couldn't agree more! Well said, Katie S and yes, GBS should know better. history is so delicate, and its truth, its one and only thing (!) is the sure casualty of our least edit. Oldsters come face to face with this daily, as their historical wake suffers involuntary live updates, as, thinly adrift across a cloud of Now, rippling power flexes the waken and woke zeitgeist itself, presses its impulse; all with a growth and maturity level of approximately the upper teens, that is, all that implies. A wish to be serious, but seriously ill-informed, a dearth which is never suspected. As the living breathing cosmos rumbles along dragging its deep detail of inexorable truth behind, our untold compendium, logs of hard-earned experience, and what that taught, what it brought, this record can be among the first things scuttled.
Booker T and the MGs. One of my favorite jams from the 60s. It was originally more or less that Hammond organ that carried the song. The guitar was kickin but more of an accent.
Booker T played the Hammond M3 on the record. Not sure if this is a B3 or M3. Great video. Undeniable groove. They backed up Joe Walsh at the Crossroads festival and it rocked so hard. Thanks for appreciating every band members contribution. I really appreciate that you appreciate everything and everyone.
I believe Steve Cropper co-wrote "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" with Otis Redding and plays all those tasty little fills on the original recording. Jeff Baxter once said, paraphrasing here, if you can master playing fills, particularly behind a vocalist, be it Otis Redding, or even, dare I say it, Connie Francis on "Who's Sorry Now", you can make a living.
For years I played guitar wanting to be like someone else. I'm a little older and hopefully a little wiser, and now I play to be me! Just hone what skills I have and be happy sounding like me and nobody else!👍😎🎸🎶
@brad zybola ya, I've played guitar on and off for about 28 years. There were lots of times I didn't pick up a guitar for months! I played drums since I was a kid and play a harmonica when I'm in the mood! I just love music and I've got into building instruments too. That's just so much fun! I'm cutting sound holes for a semi hollow Strat body I built, this evening. I have a Bigsby (clone) whammy bar for it, and it's at least getting a humbucker in the bridge. It has a Tele neck, so I may put a Tele neck pickup on it. All gold hardware. Like me...something a little different! Ha ha! I do a little here and there as I feel up to it. It's great therapy when you've got aches and pains! 👍😎🎸🎶
@brad zybola almost forgot! I did write a couple songs many yeara ago. They sucked! Lmao! They were mostly funny blues songs I wrote for a good laugh! Used to record on a little Tascam 4 track cassette multi track recorder. Old school! Was a lot of fun! Used to jam once a week...drums and guitar, with friends, until I was in a bad cycle accident. It was awesome while it lasted!👍😎🎸🎶
back when i played more, some parts of 'me' would be there say when demoing a guitar or amp. was lucky enough to play out just doing covers 10 or so years ago.
@brad zybola na...the ones I build are usually keepers. I pour my heart and soul...and lots of pain into em...so they're special to me. What key is your harmonica? That may have a lot to do with what it sounds like. Try a blues harp in the key of "E"... Play to blues and practice techniques...I just goofed around till I got it! Good luck!!!👍😎🎸🎶
I appreciate what you said about "saw a particular guitarist and then threw their guitar in the bin,,." Case study: -I had been happily playing folk, pop, & rock 98% on my own from ca. '66, mostly to LPs, radio and later TV, but in '94 I encountered Flamenco player Sabicas as a soundtrack to some dance lessons. I was "stunned into silence" and stopped playing for two years while listening obsessively to him and many other Flamenco players. Eventually, I bought a suitable guitar and began to try and learn to play the music, but found my fingers were just not fast enough. It took a long while before I decided (another story) that the skillset I had built up over the previous 30 or so years was "my sound" and that I should carry on as myself, although now indelibly influenced by Flamenco. Thanks for your thoughtful analyses.
Great channel, although I don't understand any of the technical detail... I'd be interested in your opinion of Syd Barrett and Lou Reed as maybe 'average' technical guitarists but created some very influential and memorable guitar rock (Have you 'done' Link Wray yet)?
Hey, Fil. Some of us here were recently discussing string gauges and it got me thinking about SRV and, by default, Dan Patlansky. Any chance you could showcase him? He's a really tasty player with INSANE tone. Just a suggestion. Keep up the good work. Cheers.
I love a bit of Steve Cropper - Pete Townshend has often cited Cropper's sound on Green Onions as an early influence on his aggressive guitar sound with The Who. His solo on the Blues Brothers' version of Jailhouse Rock was also great... While I'm here, here's something completely different that I discovered just this morning... ua-cam.com/video/B9FzVhw8_bY/v-deo.html
Proud to be the 420th viewer of this one! Yes! Cropper is yet another lynch-pin in music history that too few know. While Glenn Campbell and the Wrecking Crew were out in California making their contributions, Cropper was in Memphis with Booker T. serving as the house band at Stax Records, backing another several dozen major records throughout the '60s. Someone said this sounds "close to the original," which we'd expect, since it's his lick from '62. After leaving Stax in '71, most folks recognize him from the Blues Brothers Band. His latest work was at a Clapton festival, i think. He's always all about the groove, from all the way back to the Mar-Keys. I had to wax on a little--he's a favorite!
Well put, Steve Bass! I agreee wholeheartedly!
Thanks Steve!
Yeah, The Mar-Keys ... Last Night. Classic.
If anyone reading this has never, please do yourself a favour and watch Otis Redding at Monterey pop festival, available on you tube. Steve, Duck, and Al Jackson, Jr. so brilliantly accompanying Otis. Might bring tears to your eyes it's so good.
Thanks!
Your advice to wanna be guitar players was pure gold. You are so right guitar playing is something that you feel while your playing and the more you do it you eventually find your own style you may listen to a lot of styles while your learning but in the end you will have found something you haven't quite heard before.....you
Thanks!
Play it, Steve! I remember first hearing Steve and Duck Dunn playing on Sam and Dave records back in the '60s.
Awesome guitarist and analysis. Steve Cropper is amazing. May Duck Dunn rest in peace. In late August, I saw Booker T. Jones live and met him and his son, Ted. Green Onions was part of the set. I agree with your comments. We are unique in our abilities. Cheers Fil!
Amen.
Nothin like cruising the back roads listening to Booker T and the MGs!! One of the greatest grooves of all time! Great review Fil. I enjoy your videos so much. You break things down so well. Always positive! And on spot. Thanks again.
No problem!
Without a doubt. This is Booker T. And The MGs the phenomenal rhythm section of Stacks Records. A great example of this band in full flight and at the height of their powers is their performance at The Monterey Pop Festival backing Otis Redding. All tracks are recommended but in particular Try a Little Tenderness where they have to use their eyes and ears to change the arrangement at the whim of Otis to enhance the intensity of the song as he sees fit.
Thanks!
Great explanation about expressive playing and not worrying about playing fast. Steve Cropper and Duck Dunn, sure earned their stripes performing worldwide with the MG'S band.
Amen!
Proud of my cousin! I've been playing professionally for 40 yrs and totally agree with this review.
Thanks!
B.G., you nailed it again. It's all about feeling, not technical ability. This guy's got it.
Sometimes simple just works.
Hard to imagine what he and others went through back when BookerT was formed. Couldn’t perform in their home state because of a mixed race band.
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Love guitarists that play for the song! Steves great for doing that!! There is a lot of sensational guitar work going on here and he’s letting it flow beautifully!! Great Fil !!🤘🤘🤘
Thanks!
Was wondering if you would get around to him. One of the unsung heroes.
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Booker T and The MGs song. Donald Duck Dunn and Steve Cropper played with the original Blues Brothers, Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi. It's all about tone.
And Booker T and the M.G.'s playing it. Steve Cropper and Booker were there from the beginning; Duck joined in at bass in '65, replacing Lewie Steinberg, and Steve Potts has been playing drums for the past few years. Willie Hall originally sat in on drums after Al Jackson, Jr. was killed - Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn and Willie Hall _all_ played in Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues Rhythm & Blues Showband. Basically, the M.G.'s without Booker T.
Yeah!
Thank You so much Fil, I love your analysis of Steve Cropper.
Thanks Rob!
I like that your encouraging those out there that are not fast players because you don't have to play fast or shred but put alot of feeling into each note you play just like this great song "green onions" . Not fast but we'll played with alot of feeling.
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I notice his sweeping hand motion along the fretboard when Steve plays
When i was younger all i liked was fast playing music.Now i enjoy a smooth jam. Thanks for introducing me to these awesome players.
No problem!
...met Steve Cropper at a celebrity golf tournament once ...drank a beer with him ....great guy ....when I ask him about his favorite amp...he responded with " well do you remember Sun Amps?...well it's that amp but housed in a Fender chassy....ive yet to hear another one like it" ....great day for me ....
Cool!
Excellent guitarist and excellent analysis, a couple of these guys have been around as long as I have. Brings back memories and such wonderful times♡♡♡♡
Thanks!
Met steve in a bar in Clitheroe Lancashire 4 or 5 years ago. Wonderful man. He told a story about writing 'Sitting on the Dock of The bay' with Otis Redding. Apparently it was originally an acoustic song. Cropper decided to add an electric guitar and went back to the studio overnight to add it to the song. Otis died the next day and never heard the final version that got released.
That's a shame.
I didn't know of it starting life as an acoustic tune though looking back it starts with one. Otis not hearing the final version i had heard about. Sad.
Co writer of the immortal "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay"
Yeah!
I really appreciate your comments about not being overly influenced by other guitarists' abilities. I remember the first time I actually saw Leo Kottke live - I was probably about your age - and although i had been a fan of his records for a few years, i had always assumed that he was double-tracking his recordings. When I realized that he was not only doing all of that stuff live, but moreover, that his hands hardly looked like they were even moving, I wanted to just go home and break all my guitars, knowing that even if I practiced 10 hours a day, I could never be that good. Then, upon reflection, I realized that probably nobody else could be that good either, so we either all quit, or we all make do with the gifts we have.
Amen!
Thanks a lot for this video Fil. It brings back memories of me watching the 45rpm record of this song, going round and round on my parents old turntable! Always loved this song!👍😎🎸🎶
I watched it on my own turntable!!
Cool!
@brad zybola lol...ya ours was about 20 feet long it seemed too!😂oh ya I remember the Ventures and Tom Jones! My Mom used to go nuts over Tom...Elvis too!👍😎🎸🎶
@@CARNELIANTURQUOISE cool! Didn't have my own yet. Mom and Dad had the bigass long tv /stereo combo!
@brad zybola lol...cool...some oldies! Ya...the rock stations are sad in my area too! Nothing wrong at all with classic rock...I love it, but they've worn out the good songs and as far as new music...omg! Hideous!😵😵😵😛😛😛
His guitar was so understated. Influenced Clapton and others. Loading Zone with him and Roy Buchanan is one of the top 5 guitar albums. Speaking of speed B. B. King said that he created his style because he had fat fingers and couldn't play fast.
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great video reminds me of another great technical player Jeff Beck who have made some of his best albums in his later years keep it up your great work have a great weekend
Thanks!
Yep, Steve is a craftsman! Impeccable timing.
George Lynch has impeccable timing, too.
Yep!
A great band you should check out is “The LeRoi Brothers!”
This never gets old. I saw Booker T. in San Francisco many moons ago. Steve;s performance makes it all new again!
Cool!
Fantastic Fil. Great call. Loved him with the Blues Brothers and Duck Dunn. Just awesome
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Got to hand it to you Phil you pick some really good ones you've got a great ear man!
Thanks Larry!
You never cease to amaze me Fil.
Thanks!
This may be my favourite video so far. Super cool. Steve Cropper was so cool in the Blues Brothers too! Way to keep these vids so positive maaan...
Cool!
Sooooo much Groove in this song.
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ua-cam.com/video/nVAFjvRBswY/v-deo.html&list=PLT68g-FaBdB1RCjr1Km2cHMOh6D0WXhgL&index=7
This song is like a master class on how to groove. With a shuffle rhythm like that would be very easy to get ahead of the beat, but these guys are always on it perfectly.
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You are correct Phil. BB King, Albert Collins, JJ Cale and many others would play to their strengths not relying on speed but rather the expression. Good players keep the speed if they’ve got it in reserve using it for the appropriate expressive moment. Good stuff, keep it coming.
Great video! Steve had me dancing to the song from the first note!
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His hands are huge! His index finger is as thick as my thumb! He sure sounds good!
Excellent words on using your talents and strengths.
Thanks!
Booker T and the MGs....I recognized the title of that song!!! Time is Tight was another favorite!!
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Nice axe man! Always loved this tune! You never turn a song like this off, you just turn it UP!
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For Richard Thompson, I recommend one of the live recordings of 'Vincent 1952', in which he burns the strings off an acoustic guitar. Also check out Bill Frisell, a prolific, incredibly knowledgable and gifted, and woefully underappreciated musician and composer. Frisell is a guitarist's guitarist.
Thanks!
Steve along with Belushi and Ackroyd, plus the rest of the guys had a pretty good band in the Blues Brothers' movie.
Haha yep!
Hey Fil, great teaching moment there, nicely said. Steve and Donald, oldies and goodies, playing an oldie and a goodie, how could you go wrong! Like 59, C98, V421. /:-)
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Thanks Fil
Fil, Great analysis as always!🤘🎸
Thanks!
Hey Fil, great analysis. Well said.
Thanks Malcolm!
One of my favorites! The Stax sound at its best! (And the guitar Steve Cropper is playing is simply stunning. Tiger maple?)
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Yessirr Fil,I remember asking a few weeks back,please cover some Steve Cropper “if you haven’t already” lol.Figured you’d be on top of it,and just stumbled on this by accident haha.EXCELLENT Breakdown as always man.Brilliant!That Stax band/sound was completely revolutionary.If you get a chance Fil,There’s a HEAVY clip of Chicago bluesman magic Sam killin it right here on UA-cam.The video is titled ‘ all your love and looking good’ first one is a slow emotional blues with devastatingly soulful vocals and playing.Then the second bit is a filthy ZZ Top nasty tone type thing in 69’ before ZZ was even formed (haha). Actually at that time I think a young Billy Gibbons Was from a group called the walking sidewalks at that time.... but that’s another topic haha. Also criminally underrated Canadian guitarist Mel Brown. There’s a video as well right here on UA-cam titled ‘ i’m gonna move to the outskirts of town’ live by Mel brown in 1990.Some mad tasty licks on that piece too.I know you get a lot of request brother, if you don’t get to talk about it and never seen it before at least check it out when you get some time.Some mad heavy stuff 👍🏾👍🏾.Bless up bro....ROCK
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After all this time he still has that little kink when he plays, too funny!
Hello Fil. I like your analogy on a regular slow playing style as apposed to that of a shredder, unless that is what you're aiming for. You hit the nail on the head when you say don't try emulating some one that shreds, but be yourself. I think it's important to develop your own style which is really what you should strive for. Well said Fil. I know it can be hard to sound like yourself when you have heard a million songs in your life time. You'll come up with something cool, only to realize you're playing part of an existing song or similar one. Doh!! Keep up the great work Fil. 🎸👍
Thanks Luis!
Booker T Jones and Steve Cropper were the sound of Stax and coincidentally my youth, just the best.
Cool!
When was a young teen I used to wish I was SRV or Yngwie 15- 444 I gave up.. 3-4 yrs ago a passion and love for playing is a godsend .. 👊🏻💯
As you pointed out, the guitar is a wonderful instrument because it is so versatile in that it can be played in an unlimited number of styles and become an extension of the player which cannot be copied easily. There are other instruments that can offer this but there is none like the guitar.
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Steve Cropper is the Guv. He commands respect from his peers - including Keith Ritchards, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Ronnie Wood. And let's not forget how gifted Steve is as a songwriter and producer. He's a total allrounder. The complete package. Thanks Steve!
I should also say thank you, Phil, for your words on how a guitarist should consider playing to their own strengths (no pun intended). For a long time I have felt guilty about not being a speedster or shredder, when knowing, and yet ignoring, that that kind of guitar playing really isn't for me. I consider my strengths to be rhythm and expression. I love riffs and licks too. Not really a solo guy, but I can bring my A-game when the occasion calls for it. Anyway, I now accept where my guitar journey should go and I have you to thank for it. Happy New Year :)
Steve's nickname is the Colonel and this is such a classic song that George Lucas chose it for the soundtrack to American Graffiti climatic drag race scene.
Saw them with Wilson Picket at an outdoor concert here in MN. Nobody knew who they were, I was in my 20's and most of my crowd of friends had no idea who they were witnessing either, what a moment that was. Audience was about 75-100 ppl who were shuffling around, talking, acting bored, waiting for the headliner while getting drunk. I might have been the only one there riveted by these giants. In their heyday that outdoor concert would have drawn a massive crowd with headliners like Joplin, Santana, CCR, etc. It was almost surreal seeing them in the mid-90's with a grunge/slacker crowd. I don't remember who the headliner was but a good band, influenced by them would have been the Black Crowes. Hell, they probably played on the same circuit as the Stones during their early U.S. tours. Perhaps the Stones opened for them, talk about surreal.
Yeah!
I saw them with the Blues Brothers at the Mann Music Center in Phila.
Brooker T and the MGs played for over a hour and were great.
Then Dan and John joined them for another hour of killer rhythm and blues
Cool!
i stopped tapping when i read an interview with him and he was described as the ulitmate guitar hero because he has never tapped a note.check out his sessions with rod stewart on atlantic crossing.
Thanks!
How about 'caue we've ended as lovers by Jeff Beck, epitome of expression.
Here's a link to a live version with Tal Winkenfeld on bass! ua-cam.com/video/VC02wGj5gPw/v-deo.html
Thanks!
You put your finger on it. All the shredding in the world doesn't equal one great melody. Music is meant to have space, rests, dynamics. You know variety, anticipation etc.
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It's about the songs.The only people that want to hear speed wankery are other guitarists.To most people, they think ,- that's neat, - but so what? Do anything over and over, long enough, you SHOULD be good at it .
The Colonel!
Spot on Fil, be the best player you can be.
This is not a Olympic competition, race or anything.
Play the best you can with what you got.
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Knock on Wood! Steve is magic! The MG's backed so many bands, Steve & Donald played great R&B for white boys! Thx again Fil! Swing✨
Hi Fil, if you want to check out Steve Croppers best work I think check out his album "Crop Dusting", all instrumental. I bought this album when I was like 19 and loved it, nonstop grooves. Steve was also known as the "intro man" he wrote most of the southern Memphis Soul intro lines at STAX/VOLT records.
Well said Wings.
Thanks!
Commented already about Steve. Guy was so important to so many great songs.
As far as 'playing' goes, i'll borrow a line from Mick Ronson i should use myself,,, "Play, Don't Worry". Title for one of his albums.
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The Memphis Group! They were the Stax house band for years.
Ok,got it to work this time.This is an awesome song.Hear it all the time in movies and tv.
Another interesting video, thanks Fil. Just wanted to say that Donald Duck Dunn is remarkable due to the simplicity of his playing. He never throws in something flashy or clever but he absolutely nails his part in the music. That is much harder than it sounds!
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Steve and Duck Dunn...2 things come to mind besides pure emotional blues, 1 blues brothers 2 Loading Zone with Roy Buchanan.
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This brings memories of watching the Blues Brothers as a kid. He still plays great! Although that guitar doesn't scream "Blues", but it sure sounds great. ;-) And those slides at the end are perfect!
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Great. Learned sliding 6ths from a tab for "I'm A Soul Man" (play it Steve) over 20 years ago. Now its all about the race on American Graffiti.
btw, Peavey had a nice SC sig model way back in the '90s. His here looks like it has a 'bucker. No Bite. oh well, still cool.
btw II, Its here, American Graffiti Drag Race.
Thanks!
Quite welcome. Probably know it featured "Green Onions". Jeff Beck has a replica roadster with THX138 plates just like John's in the movie.. Pretty rad.
The lead in music for the ending drag race in the movie.... American Graffiti ! 😎🤘
R&R!
One of the greatest bits of music of all time.
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Steve always said he was a rhythm guy rather than a flat out lead player , Gotta get that groove !
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Fil, that my friend is some true wisdom you are passing out my friend. Bravo. Be yourself because you will NEVER be anyone else!! You can take bits and pieces from others but if you spend all your time trying to be someone else, you not only fail to realize or even know what your true potential is and what you are meant to be but you will also be in-authentic!! And THAT is the exact opposite of what music is.
Amen!
ONE WORD LEGEND
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another good one Fil
Thanks Clifford!
Steve Cropper and Dave Mason toured this past summer. Might still be.
Great oldies show. They can both still play.
So can George Lynch.
Yes, Fil's segment on George really opened my eyes
Yeah!
Suggestion,, Surf guitarist Dick Dale and/or Danny Morris. (check Danny's Pipeline video, I don't know if you have addressed this type of thing, but about 1 minute into the song he breaks a string and then goes around it for 6 minutes. incredible) Thanks again.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Every time I hear the song green onions, it reminds me of George Lucas's greatest movie ever American Graffiti, the break of dawn scene where the Milner Coupe races the 55 Chevy. Love this song!
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I love the messages you continually send out about playing in your own style, and understanding that a record contract is something to approach with caution are great lessons. You, sir, are a natural born teacher. Quote by Aristotle: “Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach.” Shame on George Bernard Shaw for corrupting this quote. Keep up the great work, Fil.
Thanks! Yes that quote is misused all the time, the irony being I started teaching because I was doing it, and people wanted to know how to do it too! 😂
I couldn't agree more! Well said, Katie S and yes, GBS should know better. history is so delicate, and its truth, its one and only thing (!) is the sure casualty of our least edit. Oldsters come face to face with this daily, as their historical wake suffers involuntary live updates, as, thinly adrift across a cloud of Now, rippling power flexes the waken and woke zeitgeist itself, presses its impulse; all with a growth and maturity level of approximately the upper teens, that is, all that implies. A wish to be serious, but seriously ill-informed, a dearth which is never suspected. As the living breathing cosmos rumbles along dragging its deep detail of inexorable truth behind, our untold compendium, logs of hard-earned experience, and what that taught, what it brought, this record can be among the first things scuttled.
Just jammin',cruisin' and groovin'.
Booker T and the MGs. One of my favorite jams from the 60s. It was originally more or less that Hammond organ that carried the song. The guitar was kickin but more of an accent.
Be yourself...great advice, for everything!
Booker T played the Hammond M3 on the record. Not sure if this is a B3 or M3. Great video. Undeniable groove. They backed up Joe Walsh at the Crossroads festival and it rocked so hard. Thanks for appreciating every band members contribution. I really appreciate that you appreciate everything and everyone.
Thanks Adam, yeah I assumed it would be the same as the record but could well be a B3.
Impeccable timing. Ever do Jason Becker
Not yet but I will ☺
Really Cool Video Fil these vids are addictive,🤘😎🎸🎶
Thanks!
I believe Steve Cropper co-wrote "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" with Otis Redding and plays all those tasty little fills on the original recording. Jeff Baxter once said, paraphrasing here, if you can master playing fills, particularly behind a vocalist, be it Otis Redding, or even, dare I say it, Connie Francis on "Who's Sorry Now", you can make a living.
True!
For years I played guitar wanting to be like someone else. I'm a little older and hopefully a little wiser, and now I play to be me! Just hone what skills I have and be happy sounding like me and nobody else!👍😎🎸🎶
@brad zybola ya, I've played guitar on and off for about 28 years. There were lots of times I didn't pick up a guitar for months! I played drums since I was a kid and play a harmonica when I'm in the mood! I just love music and I've got into building instruments too. That's just so much fun! I'm cutting sound holes for a semi hollow Strat body I built, this evening. I have a Bigsby (clone) whammy bar for it, and it's at least getting a humbucker in the bridge. It has a Tele neck, so I may put a Tele neck pickup on it. All gold hardware. Like me...something a little different! Ha ha! I do a little here and there as I feel up to it. It's great therapy when you've got aches and pains! 👍😎🎸🎶
@brad zybola almost forgot! I did write a couple songs many yeara ago. They sucked! Lmao! They were mostly funny blues songs I wrote for a good laugh! Used to record on a little Tascam 4 track cassette multi track recorder. Old school! Was a lot of fun! Used to jam once a week...drums and guitar, with friends, until I was in a bad cycle accident. It was awesome while it lasted!👍😎🎸🎶
Amen!
back when i played more, some parts of 'me' would be there say when demoing a guitar or amp. was lucky enough to play out just doing covers 10 or so years ago.
@brad zybola na...the ones I build are usually keepers. I pour my heart and soul...and lots of pain into em...so they're special to me. What key is your harmonica? That may have a lot to do with what it sounds like. Try a blues harp in the key of "E"... Play to blues and practice techniques...I just goofed around till I got it! Good luck!!!👍😎🎸🎶
I appreciate what you said about "saw a particular guitarist and then threw their guitar in the bin,,." Case study: -I had been happily playing folk, pop, & rock 98% on my own from ca. '66, mostly to LPs, radio and later TV, but in '94 I encountered Flamenco player Sabicas as a soundtrack to some dance lessons. I was "stunned into silence" and stopped playing for two years while listening obsessively to him and many other Flamenco players. Eventually, I bought a suitable guitar and began to try and learn to play the music, but found my fingers were just not fast enough. It took a long while before I decided (another story) that the skillset I had built up over the previous 30 or so years was "my sound" and that I should carry on as myself, although now indelibly influenced by Flamenco. Thanks for your thoughtful analyses.
No problem!
Great channel, although I don't understand any of the technical detail... I'd be interested in your opinion of Syd Barrett and Lou Reed as maybe 'average' technical guitarists but created some very influential and memorable guitar rock (Have you 'done' Link Wray yet)?
Thanks! Not yet!
Is there away I can send you a video of him
Just post a link here in the comments ☺
I forgot to list the second video which is Clarence Gatemouth Brown doing I Hate These Doggone Blues making his guitar literally talk !
Thanks!
🎸🤘great video 🎸
Great video 🤘🎸
Thanks!
you welcome 🤘
What a champ
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The lost outlaw performance on 1978 is a great Waylon Jennings show to watch
Thanks!
a bit like a Rushmoric Icon Avatar originating a chain of influence running right at Mike Palmer
Music is all about melody. A lot of people forget that.
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Hey, Fil. Some of us here were recently discussing string gauges and it got me thinking about SRV and, by default, Dan Patlansky. Any chance you could showcase him? He's a really tasty player with INSANE tone. Just a suggestion. Keep up the good work. Cheers.
Thanks!
I love a bit of Steve Cropper - Pete Townshend has often cited Cropper's sound on Green Onions as an early influence on his aggressive guitar sound with The Who. His solo on the Blues Brothers' version of Jailhouse Rock was also great...
While I'm here, here's something completely different that I discovered just this morning...
ua-cam.com/video/B9FzVhw8_bY/v-deo.html
Thanks!
Awesome analysis, keep it up. If you get a chance, do a James Burton vid. Thanks for all the hard work.
No problem!