When it comes to the version: you chose wisely. The El Mocambo recording is not only the greatest live version but one of the greatest live performances of all time ever captured on film. It's hard to tell just how small a venue this was from the video but anyone who's been there (before the reno) knows just how intimate a stage this was. He blew the rooves off every building up and down Spadina Ave. that night.
Back when real musicians still existed, live performances were always THE BEST. Now everyone relies on computers. As technology gets better, everything gets worse. Imo
For me, the saddest part of Stevie’s death was that he, and the band, had just gotten clean. His performances in that last year were forces of nature. I always wonder what music he would have made.
I've often thought that too. I imagine the addition of a few more to the band, like Clarence Clemons on sax and Janis Joplin on vocals. Oh, what music !
Thanks. You need to check out The Vaughan Brothers’ (Jimmie & Stevie) cover of Dick Dale’s “Pipeline.” They both play the same guitar at the same time.
If you're ever in doubt as to which version of an SRV song to choose, you'll never go far wrong by going for the El Mocambo version, if available. They tore the place down that night.
The version of Little Wing from that show is also incredible. There is a moment in that song where he's soloing and for a brief period it looks like you can watch a person just leave their body. Honestly the El Mocambo show is bittersweet because every time you watch it you're amazed but you're also again faced with the sobering reminder that we don't have him any more. What a legend.
Dude, I must say your Reactions are the best out there. Your unique combination of musical knowledge, (i.e. you have the terminology to explain the things I feel from music), your obvious passion and enthusiasm for music, the details you often include regarding the musicians and songs, and your very chill (high) demeanor is both refreshing and informative to the passionate music lovers out here. Many thanks for your videos.
Stevie always played in E-Flat Doug and he used 13-56 gauge strings with very high action. He played with everything he had and his hands were insanely strong from several years of playing. He was a king of his instrument and every atmospheric you could use to release all the negative emotions from within. Stevie was one of a kind. My biggest influence as a musician by far. The passion, heart, soulfulness, tenacity and drive he played with was just on another level. Fun fact about this show, they had to put rubber grips for the stage around his mic stand, because every time he touched it in soundcheck, he got shocked, and he was the only one, no one else in his band did. That's a story Cris Layton told in a interview. Cool video Doug. Take Care.
Chris, Tommy, and Stevie worked so well together. When I watch SRV videos I notice the little nods and glances between them. Chris and Tommy seemed to be able to read Stevie's mind.
Well, they will have discussed this kind of stuff before and will have worked out signals for each other since solo sections of some songs might go longer sometimes, and you need to tell the other guys what you're going to do somehow. They wouldn't necessarily be expecting every solo of every song having the possibility of being extended, either. They might have certain songs during the set where they'd say "ok, on these ones we might go longer" and look for signals during those songs, and not worry about it at all during other songs where they've planned on sticking to routine. They got more obvious about it once Reese joined and there was then more than one person taking solos, too. Reese's raised-hand signal was as obvious as you can get. With improvisation being a big part of that kind of music it only makes sense to have some shorthand to be able to quickly tell the other guys where you're thinking of going. Music is mathematical, and everybody will know "ok, this part's usually this number of bars, and if he continues we add on another chunk the same length of the same thing repeated." An eight-bar or twelve-bar solo isn't just randomly nine or ten bars if you feel like going longer. It's eight/twelve bars and continue, or add on another eight/twelve bars, etc. Just need to watch to see whether you're repeating or continuing on. No nod or raised hand, around we go again.
The second time you started playing piano was right before the guitar behind the back spin. I thought you were going to miss it. I was whisper screaming (the housemates are asleep) "GET OFF THE PIANO! GET OFF THE PIANO!" A reaction video shouldn't be that stressful. LOL
I met SRV in the winter of 1982/83 on a cold ass Wednesday night at The Long Branch Saloon in OKC. There weren't many in the place. Double Trouble was still mind blowing killing it. My buddy, who was a high roller bought the band a round of beers and asked if SRV could come to our table between sets. We drank a beer with SRV. He was a nice guy. Then he went back the the stage and lit things up again. It was a cool night.
Honestly feel this is the greatest example of driving blues electric guitar. Just an incredible example of what this style of blues is. All of it. The small venue. Smokey kinda vibe. Dark. Just incredible bass & drums. Mixed with the most incredible blues frontman the world has ever seen.
I used to do stage lighting in Dallas. Dallas Alley was a conglomeration of clubs and they had a free concert every Monday night. One Monday in a club called The Boiler Room it was Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Leon Russell and Stevie sat in with them. I was working follow spot not 30 feet from the stage. Frankenstein was amazing. I was in heaven.
I caught his show in a small venue in Washington DC called the WAX Museum. It had a small horseshoe seating area of only about 50 seats, so we we re only about 25 feet from the stage. It is one of the best shows I have ever experienced! RIP SRV! ❤
He and Hendrix downtuned to Eb. The statue of him in Austin is next to the Colorado River and when it rains hard enough the river comes up to the base of his statue. For how delicate a touch Stevie can have, check out the jazz infused Riviera Paradise, and the tribute to his wife entitled Lenny.
SRV tuned down half a step E flat, so playing in G on the fret board... I remember 1st hearing this and couldn't decide if I was inspired to get better or give up lol. What a player RIP ❤
For real, with my early on love for Hendrix, and then srv when í heard him a few years later, it was really overwhelming just how AMAZING they were -- í just practiced and practiced till my fingers could play for 10 or 12+ hours without a problem, but I had soo far to go still.. definitely humbling to say the least, but every time I got some new liçk, phrase or solo down it was like winning the lottery!!🙏❤️🙏❤️💯🎸
I saw him just a few months before his tragic death . He started the concert playing off stage. He did two instrumentals then broke into this song, It was actually flooding in Texas that day. His concert was incredible. I wish there was a recording of it.
Boy did you choose the right version. Great reaction great song phenomenal talent lost way too soon. I love this song and I will never get tired of watching people who are seeing this particular performance for the first time.
While SRV played, those that listened were transported, momentarily suspending reality. A unique talent that practiced relentlessly and found expression through his music. I saw him jam once at Tipatina's in New Orleans back in the late 80's. Showed up and after the band completed their gig, he stepped up to play. A good memory!
He wasn’t a large guy, but notice how huge his hands were. Also, he (and lots of blues guitarists) did detune ½ step so he could bend those enormous strings farther and more easily.
I saw him in the late 80's at Portland City Hall Auditorium in Portland, ME. It only seats around 3000, so fairly intimate. I was in the balcony. I'm glad the place was well built, because that balcony was rockin' and bouncing for most of the show!!
I’ve been listening to Stevie Ray for many years and he never ceases to blow me away but i’m also super impressed with your ability to so expertly and professionally break down what keys he’s playing in in real time. You definitely have what’s known as perfect pitch!
SRV was an amazing musician. He's an influence for every guitarist. The band, Double Trouble, is incredible. They know what will be the next move just by the feeling. The bass lines and drums on this version are awesome. I don't have words to describe Stevie's playing. Thanks for sharing this, Doug.
Thing about Stevie is, he was very shy. When he played early on, he rarely looked the audience; in fact, many times he played with his eyes closed. Like most great players, he played by feel & association, not by sight; this helped him when he did amazing things like play behind his back or behind his head.
He knew his guitar so well he could play anything on it without seeing the frets or anything else. In my opinion the G.O.A.T. As we say here in Texas; Y'all be safe.
Doug, I've seen you on several bands, Rush, Ozzy, Rainbow and now SRV. I love how you react to the incredible musicianship you hear for the first time. I saw Stevie live in 1989 from the 4th row and he totally melted my face with every song. The best part about SRV is he never played the same song the same way.
Stevie Ray Vaughn plays so well because his guitar is an appendage of his. Glad it got unblocked and you did the live version and specifically this live version. Kudos Doug 👍
According to Tommy Shannon's book (bass player) this is Stevie's best taped performance ever. However, this was also 2 years before he became sober. He was in a cocaine induced coma 1 hour before this show. Medical personnel had to rouse him with IV fluids and vitamins hence the extra extra sweat and notes. Still the greatest who ever lived.
I was blessed to have seen SRV 5 times in the heyday; I will never forget the 1st time at Cleveland Music Hall with Johnny Copeland opening the show. A great old venue which has hosted many legends thru the years; ie: The Who in 67, Hendrix, The Cream etc.... rest in peace
Thank you Doug. SRV had a true gift via delivery and tone equally via vocal and guitar unmatched by any other. I always try to make time to have a listen to his brilliant work.
Check out two versions of the same song. Jimi Hendrix Little wing. Then, Stevie Ray Vaughan's version. SRV did it as an instrumental. Freaking incredible.
I say check the four top versions. Hendrix, SRV, Derek and the Dominos and Sting. Each is unique tithe performers and each is fantastic. Only an incredible song can stand up to that variety and still work.
@@johncampbell756 this video was based on SRV, and Little wing was written by Hendrix. SRV did his version as a tribute to Hendrix. That's part of the reason I mentioned only those two versions. Mainly because they're my favorite.
@@jadedjackel655 I know this is SRV and Hendrix wrote the original. I just think these other two versions are also top notch. As big as an artist Sting is, I feel his version gets overlooked.
@@johncampbell756 I honestly don't care for the Sting version. Just not my thing. Nothing against him or his music. Skid Row did it too. Wasn't a fan of it either.
I really miss SRV and can only imagine where he would be today. Recently, I came across another Texas born blues/rock artist that is greatly influenced by SRV. I had the absolute pleasure of going to see Alley Venable at Antones in Austin a few weeks ago. She is amazing and closed her show with a tribute to SRV. If you like SRV then I highly recommend Alley.
I used to play, and if I recall correctly, Stevie played in E flat, tuned down a half step. This was because he used the absolute heaviest gauge strings available and playing tuned down made those trainwreck and vibrato bends he loved easier.
for me watching SRV is a jaw dropping, mind staggering experience. the way his 'right' hand sweeps across those strings much like a painter with his brush does across their canvas. And his 'left' hand doing much the same sort of thing is amazing. I would hazard to guess that more young men , and probably middle aged men as well, want to play in the style of SRV than any other player. I guess because he inhabited muscle as much as finesse as anyone could.
Sorta. Jackson Browne "discovered" him playing in a club, went a few clubs down where Bowie was at and told him he had to come over right now and check him out. Then Bowie took him on his European tour for the Let's Dance album after recording it, and paid SRV $100 per week for the whole tour. Stevie finished the tour, negotiated for more pay, Bowie said no, Stevie told him to kiss off and that he could start his own band to get paid better. Bowie dared him to, and the rest is history. Bowie was so mad he cut him out of his MTV video and made it appear as if he did all of Stevie's solos himself.
@ThePresidentialTouch is that true $100 a week? Cmon I know it was what 1982 or something but it had to be more than that maybe you the decimal wrong and it's a $1,000 a week?
@@jinxbottleflip1942 Nope, Bowie died the richest man in rock n' roll, and he did it by being frugal to the point of cheating his bandmates out of fair pay and royalties. Good musician, cheap bastard.
Was extremely fortunate to see him perform live twice - 1). Del Mar Fair, San Diego, CA - 1985, and 2). River Fest, St. Paul, MN - 1989. Fantastic guitar player - can't be understated. He was always great, but I generally enjoyed his playing best when he was sober in his later years.
I had tickets to what would have been one of his last shows on the Instep Tour (Sept 25th, 1990 at Paolo Soleri Amphitheater in Santa Fe, NM) unfortunately he died August 26th and I am forever heartbroken! We miss you SRV!
I have called the Flooding in Texas as my Hurricane Harvey song. Yes it does flood in Texas but it is not natural. Rita flooded us, I ran into his brother in Austin in early 2018 and he played thid song. The place was so small and the music was so awesome. Wish I could have met the younger brother.
You are correct about Stevie tuning down. I have Strat tuned down for playing Stevie and Robin Trower. Something about tuning down a Strat makes it come to life.
Really appreciate your doing a reaction to this one! There is a LOT of nuance going on harmonically like chord substitution like the Tritons substitution comes up a lot where he does the half-step resolution into the next chord. Yes, the bass player does double stops part of the time, like a second guitar. The dynamics and flow of this specific performance are astounding. You really should listen intently and not call out the Roman noodles and noodle around on the piano. I heard this for a long time before I knew he played behind his back. You can’t hear it in his playing any difference. The emotional weight of this performance is astounding.
His guitar is drop tuned. Stevie Ray Vaughan used Eb tuning because the slightly looser strings make it possible to do big bends even with very thick strings.
It always pains me when I heard he'd been killed!! He'd gotten himself cleaned up from his addictions and was on the comeback road and then BOOM, cut short! Not fair, not fair...
I'm sure somebody pointed it out and I missed it, but he's playing in F# because his guitar is tuned down a half step to Eb (so from the POV of the fretboard, he's playing in G). Edit 20 seconds later- Yep, you guessed it.
The El Macambo live concert is THE seminal SRV performance. I wore out the video tape (literally had to buy another copy) studying and enjoying this performance. A drummer I played with for a while was at this show. He never let me forget that- jerk. :)
If you don’t know much about guitar or SRV then here’s a fun fact: Stevie played much thicker strings than most other electric guitarists, which is how he got this incredible thick tone. Thicker strings take much more finger strength to bend like he does, so I’m sure some of those faces are from the pain haha
When any guitarist closes their eyes and plays they feel it. They don't need to see what they're doing. Glad you chose this performance with the behind the back play to react to.
You should check out a concert where he broke a string in the middle of a solo and made a sweet and smooth transition between guitars, almost unnoticeable the incident
The 1982 and 1985 Montreux appearances are documented on a double CD. The 1982 performance is shocking. SRV does his best but the audience can be heard booing after every song. Sickening. The audience reception to the 1985 performance is a complete contrast. Thanks for the reaction. A singular talent taken away way too soon.
I was at his last concert at Alpine Valley WI. Awesome night with some other big name in blues such as his brother Vince, Buddy Guy if I remember correctly.
Dude, if you haven't seen no life Shaq react to this you are missing out. It is hands-down the most hysterically funny reaction to any song I've ever seen from anybody. It's the video that got me hooked on reaction videos in the first place
Mr. Helvering, I don't know if it was my suggestion specifically that led you to this song, but when I saw that you had done a review, I was excited! I absolutely enjoyed this! But I kindly submit that while your desire to turn to the keyboard and join Mr. Vaughan is admirable, you missed a whole lot of absolutely smoking guitar playing while looking away! But let that not detract from the fact that I have been anticipating your breakdown of SRV's obvious genius, and you didn't disappoint! You stated it perfectly when you said that you just know when you're hearing SRV. There's simply no other guitar or vocal sound like him in the world. There's a lot more of his amazing playing out there, and I hope that you're able to explore more of it when you have time. Thank you for yet another fantastic review! Cheers!
When it comes to the version: you chose wisely. The El Mocambo recording is not only the greatest live version but one of the greatest live performances of all time ever captured on film. It's hard to tell just how small a venue this was from the video but anyone who's been there (before the reno) knows just how intimate a stage this was. He blew the rooves off every building up and down Spadina Ave. that night.
“one of the greatest live performances of all time ever”… 🪄✨💎hell yes, SRV best guitarist ever with Hendrix 🫶🏻
@@eduardomacpherson5110 He loved Hendrix. Had a lot of respect for him.
get on the bus… spadina bus
THE GREATEST PERFORMANCE FOR SURE
Back when real musicians still existed, live performances were always THE BEST. Now everyone relies on computers. As technology gets better, everything gets worse. Imo
Favorite SRV quote: "I don't play with a lot of finesse. I play like I'm breaking out of jail."
He played like his life depended on it.
For me, the saddest part of Stevie’s death was that he, and the band, had just gotten clean. His performances in that last year were forces of nature. I always wonder what music he would have made.
Gets rewarded after a concert with a free helicopter ride back to his hotel. 😥No more SRV.
I've often thought that too. I imagine the addition of a few more to the band, like Clarence Clemons on sax and Janis Joplin on vocals. Oh, what music !
I was to see him and Joe Cocker in Manchester, NH but my wife had arranged to have people over for a cook out that day. I never got a second chance.😪
I was at that show.
Thanks. You need to check out The Vaughan Brothers’ (Jimmie & Stevie) cover of Dick Dale’s “Pipeline.” They both play the same guitar at the same time.
If you're ever in doubt as to which version of an SRV song to choose, you'll never go far wrong by going for the El Mocambo version, if available.
They tore the place down that night.
The version of Little Wing from that show is also incredible. There is a moment in that song where he's soloing and for a brief period it looks like you can watch a person just leave their body. Honestly the El Mocambo show is bittersweet because every time you watch it you're amazed but you're also again faced with the sobering reminder that we don't have him any more. What a legend.
Absolutely!!!
Came here to say exactly that. What a show.
True dat. I have the dvd in a storage box in the garage. Ima have to dig it out and watch it again. Epic.
So true !! Saw him twice and never had the same feeling
Been playing guitar for years, and if i was 1/16th the guitarist he was, i could die happy. What a legend.
same here dawg
1/16ths are hard.
1/16 th? you must be good
Dude, I must say your Reactions are the best out there.
Your unique combination of musical knowledge, (i.e. you have the terminology to explain the things I feel from music), your obvious passion and enthusiasm for music, the details you often include regarding the musicians and songs, and your very chill (high) demeanor is both refreshing and informative to the passionate music lovers out here.
Many thanks for your videos.
Stevie always played in E-Flat Doug and he used 13-56 gauge strings with very high action. He played with everything he had and his hands were insanely strong from several years of playing. He was a king of his instrument and every atmospheric you could use to release all the negative emotions from within. Stevie was one of a kind. My biggest influence as a musician by far. The passion, heart, soulfulness, tenacity and drive he played with was just on another level. Fun fact about this show, they had to put rubber grips for the stage around his mic stand, because every time he touched it in soundcheck, he got shocked, and he was the only one, no one else in his band did. That's a story Cris Layton told in a interview. Cool video Doug. Take Care.
He played in all of the keys but he tuned a half step flat.
Chris, Tommy, and Stevie worked so well together. When I watch SRV videos I notice the little nods and glances between them. Chris and Tommy seemed to be able to read Stevie's mind.
Chris and Tommy also did a couple albums with blues player Nuno Mindelis. The song "Stormy Minded Man" really worth checking out.
Well, they will have discussed this kind of stuff before and will have worked out signals for each other since solo sections of some songs might go longer sometimes, and you need to tell the other guys what you're going to do somehow. They wouldn't necessarily be expecting every solo of every song having the possibility of being extended, either. They might have certain songs during the set where they'd say "ok, on these ones we might go longer" and look for signals during those songs, and not worry about it at all during other songs where they've planned on sticking to routine. They got more obvious about it once Reese joined and there was then more than one person taking solos, too. Reese's raised-hand signal was as obvious as you can get. With improvisation being a big part of that kind of music it only makes sense to have some shorthand to be able to quickly tell the other guys where you're thinking of going. Music is mathematical, and everybody will know "ok, this part's usually this number of bars, and if he continues we add on another chunk the same length of the same thing repeated." An eight-bar or twelve-bar solo isn't just randomly nine or ten bars if you feel like going longer. It's eight/twelve bars and continue, or add on another eight/twelve bars, etc. Just need to watch to see whether you're repeating or continuing on. No nod or raised hand, around we go again.
The second time you started playing piano was right before the guitar behind the back spin. I thought you were going to miss it. I was whisper screaming (the housemates are asleep) "GET OFF THE PIANO! GET OFF THE PIANO!" A reaction video shouldn't be that stressful. LOL
I met SRV in the winter of 1982/83 on a cold ass Wednesday night at The Long Branch Saloon in OKC. There weren't many in the place. Double Trouble was still mind blowing killing it. My buddy, who was a high roller bought the band a round of beers and asked if SRV could come to our table between sets. We drank a beer with SRV. He was a nice guy. Then he went back the the stage and lit things up again. It was a cool night.
That is a nice one brother! Nice gift of the universe😉
That's literally knowing your instrument like the back of your hand. The definition of virtuoso.
Part of the reason he is making those faces is because of the 12 gauge strings lol
Actually Lold😂😂😂😂
Honestly feel this is the greatest example of driving blues electric guitar.
Just an incredible example of what this style of blues is.
All of it.
The small venue.
Smokey kinda vibe.
Dark.
Just incredible bass & drums.
Mixed with the most incredible blues frontman the world has ever seen.
"I'm gonna get outa the way....."
Proceeds to get in the way. 😁
Easily the best guitar showcase I've ever saw. Tommy and Chris holding down the slow groove. SRV was a man on fire.
So good DD. Thanks for the great reaction video with some excellent insight.
I used to do stage lighting in Dallas. Dallas Alley was a conglomeration of clubs and they had a free concert every Monday night. One Monday in a club called The Boiler Room it was Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Leon Russell and Stevie sat in with them. I was working follow spot not 30 feet from the stage. Frankenstein was amazing. I was in heaven.
I caught his show in a small venue in Washington DC called the WAX Museum. It had a small horseshoe seating area of only about 50 seats, so we we re only about 25 feet from the stage.
It is one of the best shows I have ever experienced! RIP SRV! ❤
OH THANK GOD!! FINALLY!! Someone points out that this is not about a FLOOD but a horrible breakup between lovers!
He and Hendrix downtuned to Eb. The statue of him in Austin is next to the Colorado River and when it rains hard enough the river comes up to the base of his statue. For how delicate a touch Stevie can have, check out the jazz infused Riviera Paradise, and the tribute to his wife entitled Lenny.
while that cigarette burns down to the butt.
SRV tuned down half a step E flat, so playing in G on the fret board... I remember 1st hearing this and couldn't decide if I was inspired to get better or give up lol. What a player RIP ❤
For real, with my early on love for Hendrix, and then srv when í heard him a few years later, it was really overwhelming just how AMAZING they were -- í just practiced and practiced till my fingers could play for 10 or 12+ hours without a problem, but I had soo far to go still.. definitely humbling to say the least, but every time I got some new liçk, phrase or solo down it was like winning the lottery!!🙏❤️🙏❤️💯🎸
I saw him just a few months before his tragic death . He started the concert playing off stage. He did two instrumentals then broke into this song, It was actually flooding in Texas that day. His concert was incredible. I wish there was a recording of it.
❤
Boy did you choose the right version. Great reaction great song phenomenal talent lost way too soon. I love this song and I will never get tired of watching people who are seeing this particular performance for the first time.
While SRV played, those that listened were transported, momentarily suspending reality. A unique talent that practiced relentlessly and found expression through his music. I saw him jam once at Tipatina's in New Orleans back in the late 80's. Showed up and after the band completed their gig, he stepped up to play. A good memory!
He wasn’t a large guy, but notice how huge his hands were. Also, he (and lots of blues guitarists) did detune ½ step so he could bend those enormous strings farther and more easily.
I never knew that---thanks!
I saw him in the late 80's at Portland City Hall Auditorium in Portland, ME. It only seats around 3000, so fairly intimate. I was in the balcony. I'm glad the place was well built, because that balcony was rockin' and bouncing for most of the show!!
SRV ~ 🎸🐐 The goatiest goat in all of goatness
**Life Without You at Capitol Theater**
**Voodoo Child at Austin City Limits 1989**
I’ve been listening to Stevie Ray for many years and he never ceases to blow me away but i’m also super impressed with your ability to so expertly and professionally break down what keys he’s playing in in real time. You definitely have what’s known as perfect pitch!
My buddy and I went home for the weekend from college when we got the news of his passing. We listened to him all the way back to school
SRV was an amazing musician. He's an influence for every guitarist. The band, Double Trouble, is incredible. They know what will be the next move just by the feeling. The bass lines and drums on this version are awesome. I don't have words to describe Stevie's playing.
Thanks for sharing this, Doug.
For my love or money this El Mocambo performance is 1 of the best you'll ever see by any performer blues or otherwise. Stevie was smokin hot.
Thing about Stevie is, he was very shy. When he played early on, he rarely looked the audience; in fact, many times he played with his eyes closed. Like most great players, he played by feel & association, not by sight; this helped him when he did amazing things like play behind his back or behind his head.
He knew his guitar so well he could play anything on it without seeing the frets or anything else. In my opinion the G.O.A.T.
As we say here in Texas; Y'all be safe.
Doug, I've seen you on several bands, Rush, Ozzy, Rainbow and now SRV. I love how you react to the incredible musicianship you hear for the first time. I saw Stevie live in 1989 from the 4th row and he totally melted my face with every song. The best part about SRV is he never played the same song the same way.
Great video Doug. Thank you so much!
The amount of amazing music that is missing from this world since his death is so sad to think about.
You're right Doug, his guitar was always tuned down to Eb
Stevie Ray Vaughn plays so well because his guitar is an appendage of his. Glad it got unblocked and you did the live version and specifically this live version. Kudos Doug 👍
Check out, 'Life By The Drop',... so sad he did too. 'Too much bloody perspective', to quote Spinal Tap.
According to Tommy Shannon's book (bass player) this is Stevie's best taped performance ever. However, this was also 2 years before he became sober. He was in a cocaine induced coma 1 hour before this show. Medical personnel had to rouse him with IV fluids and vitamins hence the extra extra sweat and notes. Still the greatest who ever lived.
Many greats claim by detuning the stratocaster a whole step makes for a better sound.
Seeing him there, looking very pale, it’s not surprising.
12:03 lots of coke, balls of steel and a ton of God given talent
I was blessed to have seen SRV 5 times in the heyday; I will never forget the 1st time at Cleveland Music Hall with Johnny Copeland opening the show. A great old venue which has hosted many legends thru the years; ie: The Who in 67, Hendrix, The Cream etc.... rest in peace
SRV is unequaled, IMO.
As an aside; It is SOOOO gratifying to see “Made In Japan” prominently displayed in your background. Thanks 🙏.
he was most definitely tuned down a half step, that was his signature sound, miss him so much. great video!
Thank you Doug. SRV had a true gift via delivery and tone equally via vocal and guitar unmatched by any other. I always try to make time to have a listen to his brilliant work.
Check out two versions of the same song. Jimi Hendrix Little wing. Then, Stevie Ray Vaughan's version. SRV did it as an instrumental. Freaking incredible.
I say check the four top versions. Hendrix, SRV, Derek and the Dominos and Sting. Each is unique tithe performers and each is fantastic. Only an incredible song can stand up to that variety and still work.
@@johncampbell756 this video was based on SRV, and Little wing was written by Hendrix. SRV did his version as a tribute to Hendrix. That's part of the reason I mentioned only those two versions. Mainly because they're my favorite.
@@jadedjackel655 I know this is SRV and Hendrix wrote the original. I just think these other two versions are also top notch. As big as an artist Sting is, I feel his version gets overlooked.
@@johncampbell756 I honestly don't care for the Sting version. Just not my thing. Nothing against him or his music. Skid Row did it too. Wasn't a fan of it either.
I really miss SRV and can only imagine where he would be today. Recently, I came across another Texas born blues/rock artist that is greatly influenced by SRV. I had the absolute pleasure of going to see Alley Venable at Antones in Austin a few weeks ago. She is amazing and closed her show with a tribute to SRV. If you like SRV then I highly recommend Alley.
I used to play, and if I recall correctly, Stevie played in E flat, tuned down a half step. This was because he used the absolute heaviest gauge strings available and playing tuned down made those trainwreck and vibrato bends he loved easier.
for me watching SRV is a jaw dropping, mind staggering experience. the way his 'right' hand sweeps across those strings much like a painter with his brush does across their canvas. And his 'left' hand doing much the same sort of thing is amazing. I would hazard to guess that more young men , and probably middle aged men as well, want to play in the style of SRV than any other player. I guess because he inhabited muscle as much as finesse as anyone could.
Saw him live with Greg Allman and Charles Daniel's band on a date.
Just like Eric Clapton said, Stevie was an "open channel".
Sure did.
David Bowie discovered him, and his playing on the Lets Dance album was absolutely sublime.
Was just going to say this. Didn't realize it was Stevie Ray until about 15 years ago even though I knew that guitar work.
Sorta.
Jackson Browne "discovered" him playing in a club, went a few clubs down where Bowie was at and told him he had to come over right now and check him out.
Then Bowie took him on his European tour for the Let's Dance album after recording it, and paid SRV $100 per week for the whole tour. Stevie finished the tour, negotiated for more pay, Bowie said no, Stevie told him to kiss off and that he could start his own band to get paid better. Bowie dared him to, and the rest is history. Bowie was so mad he cut him out of his MTV video and made it appear as if he did all of Stevie's solos himself.
@ThePresidentialTouch is that true $100 a week? Cmon I know it was what 1982 or something but it had to be more than that maybe you the decimal wrong and it's a $1,000 a week?
@@jinxbottleflip1942 Nope, Bowie died the richest man in rock n' roll, and he did it by being frugal to the point of cheating his bandmates out of fair pay and royalties. Good musician, cheap bastard.
@@jinxbottleflip1942 $100 a week is correct. Was pretty typical of a hired gun back in the 80s
Good to see that this finally made it to UA-cam!
Wow, man....seeing this old clip of Stevie....he was so jaw-dropping good, he literally made faces melt when they heard him.
Was extremely fortunate to see him perform live twice - 1). Del Mar Fair, San Diego, CA - 1985, and 2). River Fest, St. Paul, MN - 1989. Fantastic guitar player - can't be understated. He was always great, but I generally enjoyed his playing best when he was sober in his later years.
I had tickets to what would have been one of his last shows on the Instep Tour (Sept 25th, 1990 at Paolo Soleri Amphitheater in Santa Fe, NM) unfortunately he died August 26th and I am forever heartbroken! We miss you SRV!
Dayum! Love SRV, love the blues, loved this reaction!
Pulls his amp out and back in and doesn't miss a note. Dude can look at a guit and play it. Glad we had him for as long as we did.
Texas Flood is the first SRV song I ever heard when I started playing guitar at 14, and I was hooked.
Doug, you just spoke some Texan when you said y'all.!
Very appropriate... 😉 👍🏻
I have called the Flooding in Texas as my Hurricane Harvey song. Yes it does flood in Texas but it is not natural. Rita flooded us, I ran into his brother in Austin in early 2018 and he played thid song. The place was so small and the music was so awesome. Wish I could have met the younger brother.
Stevie musta been gettin' paid by the note that night! LOL! Legendary performance.
You are correct about Stevie tuning down. I have Strat tuned down for playing Stevie and Robin Trower. Something about tuning down a Strat makes it come to life.
Really appreciate your doing a reaction to this one! There is a LOT of nuance going on harmonically like chord substitution like the Tritons substitution comes up a lot where he does the half-step resolution into the next chord. Yes, the bass player does double stops part of the time, like a second guitar. The dynamics and flow of this specific performance are astounding. You really should listen intently and not call out the Roman noodles and noodle around on the piano. I heard this for a long time before I knew he played behind his back. You can’t hear it in his playing any difference. The emotional weight of this performance is astounding.
That's SRV's stank face. Love it. Such a tragic day when he left us. The music world lost a king.
Sad day indeed 💔
His guitar is drop tuned. Stevie Ray Vaughan used Eb tuning because the slightly looser strings make it possible to do big bends even with very thick strings.
For some odd reason I have always viewed Stevie like an amazing drummer with unimaginable fills that somehow always work...he never misses a beat.
I always love watching the video of Stevie Ray and his brother Jimmy playing a double neck guitar at the same time. Great stuff!
Stevie's vocals never get the attention they deserve. He really had an incredible voice, especially for his style of music.
SRV was an absolute master. The band accompanied him perfectly.
I still have that on VHS and still watch it! Awesome!
He tuned a half step down, so calling F sharp is a testament to your ear. Somebody eyeballing his hand position would have called G
He opened up for Dire Straits in Montreal during their Brothers in Arms tour. My two favorite guitarists on the same night!
Fu** YEAH!!!
SRV 🎸 Enough said 🎧
The brighest comet streaking across the sky and gone just as fast! Thank you SRV
It always pains me when I heard he'd been killed!! He'd gotten himself cleaned up from his addictions and was on the comeback road and then BOOM, cut short! Not fair, not fair...
SRV was on another planet! Simply the best!
That was very enjoyable Thanks for sharing
You're reaction to his guitar flip got your video a thumbs up!
Peak level musician
I'm sure somebody pointed it out and I missed it, but he's playing in F# because his guitar is tuned down a half step to Eb (so from the POV of the fretboard, he's playing in G). Edit 20 seconds later- Yep, you guessed it.
The El Macambo live concert is THE seminal SRV performance. I wore out the video tape (literally had to buy another copy) studying and enjoying this performance. A drummer I played with for a while was at this show. He never let me forget that- jerk. :)
Finally stevie on the channel❤❤ please do Riviera Paradise!! ❤
Doesnt matter how many times i watch this video..... those snare shots are like thunderclaps..... love it
Coldd Shot and Mary Had a Little Lamb... both from Austin City LImits. Great playing from both SRV and keyboards, Reese Wynans
If you don’t know much about guitar or SRV then here’s a fun fact: Stevie played much thicker strings than most other electric guitarists, which is how he got this incredible thick tone. Thicker strings take much more finger strength to bend like he does, so I’m sure some of those faces are from the pain haha
When any guitarist closes their eyes and plays they feel it. They don't need to see what they're doing. Glad you chose this performance with the behind the back play to react to.
This is his ‘Blues Mastery’ guitar piece imo. He plays a lot of that blazing lead with a straight feel in that swung beat. Just incredible feel.
Saw this tour in Florida, watching this reminded me just how incredible that show was.
I had the pleasure of seeing SRV in his early years. He was an opening act. He’s a magician……
You should check out a concert where he broke a string in the middle of a solo and made a sweet and smooth transition between guitars, almost unnoticeable the incident
I can watch the Live at El Mavambo DVD over and over. Amazing
I had three uncles playing the band. He said "It don't matter what face you make, as long as the right note comes out."
The 1982 and 1985 Montreux appearances are documented on a double CD. The 1982 performance is shocking. SRV does his best but the audience can be heard booing after every song. Sickening. The audience reception to the 1985 performance is a complete contrast.
Thanks for the reaction. A singular talent taken away way too soon.
That 1982 performance was pure fire too.
I was at his last concert at Alpine Valley WI. Awesome night with some other big name in blues such as his brother Vince, Buddy Guy if I remember correctly.
I'm so glad this got unblocked. I've seen The Charismatic Voice and Beth Roars react to this.
Dude, if you haven't seen no life Shaq react to this you are missing out. It is hands-down the most hysterically funny reaction to any song I've ever seen from anybody. It's the video that got me hooked on reaction videos in the first place
Mr. Helvering,
I don't know if it was my suggestion specifically that led you to this song, but when I saw that you had done a review, I was excited! I absolutely enjoyed this! But I kindly submit that while your desire to turn to the keyboard and join Mr. Vaughan is admirable, you missed a whole lot of absolutely smoking guitar playing while looking away! But let that not detract from the fact that I have been anticipating your breakdown of SRV's obvious genius, and you didn't disappoint! You stated it perfectly when you said that you just know when you're hearing SRV. There's simply no other guitar or vocal sound like him in the world. There's a lot more of his amazing playing out there, and I hope that you're able to explore more of it when you have time. Thank you for yet another fantastic review! Cheers!
Been waiting for this one he plays it better behind his back than I can forward
He played better behind his back than 99% of guitar players do, period!
He could probably play better with his toes than I can with my fingers :-)
SRV songs worth a reaction include, Tin Pan Alley and Couldn't Stand the Weather.
Yes!!! Lenny live at El Mocambo too 🆙🆙🆙🆙🆙
Yes, also riviera paradise
Tin Pan Alley is fire!
@@lhansel7584 Agreed! Sadly, I left out 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' from my list.
G.O.A.T