I keep coming back to watch this because it's so much more real than other versions. If you can appreciate the subtleties, you realize how greatly talented he is. Takes years to finesse a melody like that.
WoW ! What a treat ! This guy has more grooves in his little finger than most of us have in a whole career ! Thanks Al McKay and also to Norm for presenting this ! 👏🎇👏
i have to watch this at least once a month...The Great Al McKay is the reason i play guitar today... as a teenager when i would listen to EW& F, i would close my bedroom door and put on my headphones and imagine i was Al McKay, playing along with Verdine and Maurice and Larry and them...i would visualize myself onstage playing the amazing guitar parts on "On Your Face", "Love's Holiday", "Mighty Mighty", "Getaway", "Jupiter", "Magic Mind", "Flowers"(the Emotions), "You And I"(from 'I Am'), "Love Vibes" (The Emotions), etc...even the often forgotten Finis Henderson classic "Skip To My Lou" produced and played on by Al McKay is/was an eternal inspiration to me...like Norman said, he is the greatest rhythm guitar player in music history...and in my opinion, the greatest guitar player EVER, period....
I love Al Mckay of Earth Wind & Fire, a genius indeed. I loves how he play the music. God bless you Al Mckay, you are truly a gift to us, thank you for the music.
Mr Mc Kay you made me play guitar. After I bought a EWF record. I picked up guitar playing at the age of 15. And it kept me occupied all these years. It has given me love fullfillment and piece of mind during some troublesome years. Thank you for the music Mr McKay..... I never knew who you were. But now I hear your riffs I know you are my shining star.
That funny! I became a bass player because of EW&F. Verdine’s bass lines on Open Our Eyes album did it for me! 1975 in the 5th grade. Bass bug got me.😌🎸👍🏾
My grandson is two years old and EWF is his favorite band and his favorite songs are Fantasy, Getaway and Saturday Night. Al is one of the greatest guitarist ever. ❤
Damn!! Al, that was incredibly funky. I just keep watching this video over and over again. You play just the way I feel when I try to play. You serve as so much encouragement for me.
been a fan from the gate..what you guys have done for the universe of music, spreading joy is EVERLAST. Love you brothers and brother Al, being the backbone...Blessed. Thank you for all of my inspirations. Music, lyrics, energy the whole package.
The great Al McKay. Love his playing! I've been playing guitar most of my life and I must say that I get more personal enjoyment from laying down a groove for a hot soloist than I do from playing solo myself.
TelecasterGod Yeah that is true. Al McKay, Johnny Graham, and when Al left, the late Roland Bautista came back and ‘fill’ in. EW&F hasn’t been the same when they left.
@@etpslick100 FACTS...no disrespect to Roland Bautista, who is a competent guitar player, but he was not on Al and Johnny's level...and he did not fit in with the rest of the band ESPECIALLY on stage during live performance...Al McKay and Verdine White would always be side by side onstage and Johnny Graham on the other side near Andrew Woolfolk and the horn section, and it worked...Mr. Bautista always looked out of place onstage with the rest of the group.
One of these days I am going to see Al play, I love his cheeky smile. Loved his smile from when he played with EWF, especially on the September video. What a gifted guitar player...
Todd Pritchard quoted it best: "Fills are for thrills, but the pocket pays the bills!" Al McKay's contribution is written in the stone. No pun intended. Former member of EWF, member of the R&R Hall of Fame, co-wrote, produced, performed and sold millions of records. He has nothing to prove.Those within the industry want his sound if they can get him. Sure lead guitar is impressive but not financially supportive as backup and accompanying rhythm guitar. Guitar chord work is crucial in music as piano parts are.
thanks al for all your guitar work all these years and i love the ewf exp with my home boy micheal harris from chicago ill..i will keep watching thanks again for the music..
wow this guy is and always will be the rythum of the band. verdine couldnt be as funky with these tunes if he didnt have a good lead/rythum guitarist. its so unbelieveable that he sounds like he just got with that the band. AL MCKAY is the MAN FOREVER.
i met mr al mckay in england 2 years ago they were at a hotel in reading i worked for..anyway i did spoke with him for a couple of minutes expressed my admiration for is amazing funk strumming we spoke a bit about old earth wind fire bandmates maurice white,philip bailey...etc last i spoke about his thumb playing like the great hendrix and influence and he look nostalgic,last i said that lot of big bands like RHCP had drunk much of what guys like him ,nile rodgers among others did. great day of work for myself to meet a legend like him.cheers mr al mckay
My 1st secular concert at 6 years old were the elements featuring Al Mc Kay. The meat of band along with Larry and Verdine, Maurice, Ralph, Phillip, Phoenix Horns
Aloha Mr. Caribbean...that first tune he's playing is called: "On Your Face"..it's one of their very early ones...one of my favorites and the song wasn't played very much on the radio as I remember...I believe it's on the "Spirit" Album...My Very favorite Album of theirs Hands Down...Check it out!!! It's one of the best songs and the guitar in there throughout the whole song is understated but so incredible..this is the first time I've seen it ever played...not many can get this stuff....
You're right...never just heard the guitar part just played...but I now picked it up from this great video and let me tell you, it's not complicated but it's fun to make those runs...and it sounds so good clean!!!
Always been my favorite players...and the "fro" was the best too!!! EWF's signature was rhythm...Al held the foundation of it!!! Al, can you make a Video...Rhythm is a Lost Art and you are one of the masters!!!
9 Years Too Late, But Lives In Music Eternity. ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, NORM!!! I'm A 57 Year Old Guitarist. From The Beginning Of My Musical Journey Until Today I Have NEVER, NEVER, NEVER Heard Another Guitarist Say "Check Out My Earth Wind & Fire - Al McKay Guitar Lines/Covers" .........NEVER!!!!!
Didn't see this anywhere in the first several comments, so I'll just say it here: the tunes are "On Your Face" and "Serpentine Fire".
Thank you!
I keep coming back to watch this because it's so much more real than other versions. If you can appreciate the subtleties, you realize how greatly talented he is. Takes years to finesse a melody like that.
1st tune he played; "On Your Face", 2nd tune; "Serpentine Fire" . . . awesome axeman for EWF!!
My Guitar hero growing up thank you Al
What song is he playing at the intro morrisman?
@@dong4176 On your face.
mine too...and he still is
Yep! Same!
WoW ! What a treat ! This guy has more grooves in his little finger than most of us have in a whole career ! Thanks Al McKay and also to Norm for presenting this ! 👏🎇👏
i have to watch this at least once a month...The Great Al McKay is the reason i play guitar today... as a teenager when i would listen to EW& F, i would close my bedroom door and put on my headphones and imagine i was Al McKay, playing along with Verdine and Maurice and Larry and them...i would visualize myself onstage playing the amazing guitar parts on "On Your Face", "Love's Holiday", "Mighty Mighty", "Getaway", "Jupiter", "Magic Mind", "Flowers"(the Emotions), "You And I"(from 'I Am'), "Love Vibes" (The Emotions), etc...even the often forgotten Finis Henderson classic "Skip To My Lou" produced and played on by Al McKay is/was an eternal inspiration to me...like Norman said, he is the greatest rhythm guitar player in music history...and in my opinion, the greatest guitar player EVER, period....
I love Al Mckay of Earth Wind & Fire, a genius indeed. I loves how he play the music. God bless you Al Mckay, you are truly a gift to us, thank you for the music.
Hello dear,how are you doing,i hope your doing good?
When he plays you can feel the earth, wind, and Fire groove!! Simply amazing!!
Mr. Mcay played the pants off that guitar!!!! Full rhythm with a slice of mango on the side!!!! You are one of the best to do it!! God Bless!!!
Amazing player. Solid groove. Those fingers made history. 🙏
I love Al McKay. His playing was a huge influence on me and kept me out of trouble as a youngster. Thanks Al for all the great grooves. EWF forever !
So much respect for this guy. You can tell that even after so many years he still enjoys and has fun playing
Mr Mc Kay you made me play guitar. After I bought a EWF record. I picked up guitar playing at the age of 15. And it kept me occupied all these years. It has given me love fullfillment and piece of mind during some troublesome years.
Thank you for the music Mr McKay.....
I never knew who you were. But now I hear your riffs I know you are my shining star.
That funny! I became a bass player because of EW&F. Verdine’s bass lines on Open Our Eyes album did it for me! 1975 in the 5th grade. Bass bug got me.😌🎸👍🏾
Same here...
Legendary work with earth wind and fire, The best rhythm guitarist I've ever heard.
Incredible! One of my favorite guitarist! I don't get no better than Al McKay!
My grandson is two years old and EWF is his favorite band and his favorite songs are Fantasy, Getaway and Saturday Night. Al is one of the greatest guitarist ever. ❤
Absolute legend! Earth Wind & Fire back in the day were the best band on the planet because of great musicians like Al McKay were in the group.
this is what great bands are built around
The "GREAT" Al Mckay..Peace and Blessings
Fills are for thrills, but the pocket pays the bills
Preach on...
"Written in the stone"!
Damn Straight!!!
you said it all brother...
Always a good thing to take advice from Steve Gadd!
Al needs to make a DVD on his playing,books etc. We need you!!!
He made a video for Star Licks in the early 80s. Someone uploaded it here.
Think this is my fav video from Norms. Thank you for introducing me to such a guitar legend!!
Stunning! I was trapped at the first chord. Stayed till the end. Amazing display
Damn!! Al, that was incredibly
funky. I just keep watching this video over and over again. You play just the way I feel when I try to play. You serve as so much encouragement for me.
I learned rhythm guitar listening Mr. McKay. Thank you brother.
I’m such a huge fan of Al’s!! Thank you a thousand times over for sharing your gift!
Wow, great rhythm player, not sloppy but straight forward! Thank you Al and thank you Norm for posting this giant.
been a fan from the gate..what you guys have done for the universe of music, spreading joy is EVERLAST. Love you brothers and brother Al, being the backbone...Blessed. Thank you for all of my inspirations. Music, lyrics, energy the whole package.
"A good rhythm guitar player is worth his weight in money" - Chaka Kahn
did Chaka mean "gold" instead of "money"?
Props to Norman for hosting Al at his store.
Al has always been one of my favorite guitarists and a true inspiration.
The great Al McKay. Love his playing! I've been playing guitar most of my life and I must say that I get more personal enjoyment from laying down a groove for a hot soloist than I do from playing solo myself.
Miss him so much with Earth Wind and Fire
me too...and they fell off creatively and commercially after he was no longer in the band...
TelecasterGod Yeah that is true. Al McKay, Johnny Graham, and when Al left, the late Roland Bautista came back and ‘fill’ in. EW&F hasn’t been the same when they left.
@@etpslick100 FACTS...no disrespect to Roland Bautista, who is a competent guitar player, but he was not on Al and Johnny's level...and he did not fit in with the rest of the band ESPECIALLY on stage during live performance...Al McKay and Verdine White would always be side by side onstage and Johnny Graham on the other side near Andrew Woolfolk and the horn section, and it worked...Mr. Bautista always looked out of place onstage with the rest of the group.
One of these days I am going to see Al play, I love his cheeky smile. Loved his smile from when he played with EWF, especially on the September video. What a gifted guitar player...
Hello dear,how are you doing,i hope your doing good?
A huge part of the EW&F sound. Mr. Al McKay! The man!!
..this is amazing, thank you so much..love Al MKay's guitar groove..
That first song “On Your Face” from the Spirit Album is still one of my favorites
Wow - Al McKay
simply beautiful.
Al is a true funk master!!!
It's awesome that he plays exactly what your ears want to hear!!!!
My day just got better..!!!!!! GREAT SOUND and GREAT PLAYING !!!!!!!!!!
Al McKAy is a legend--a great lead player and a great rhythm player. He means every note he plays. Thanks for the post. Where is this store?
Really enjoyed Hearing you play Al. Miss hearing your rythms so much. Love you dude. ChasWalk
Phew! Al Mckay set the rhythm on so many EWF tracks, it's so cool to hear him now! Still solid!
Todd Pritchard quoted it best: "Fills are for thrills, but the pocket pays the bills!" Al McKay's contribution is written in the stone. No pun intended. Former member of EWF, member of the R&R Hall of Fame, co-wrote, produced, performed and sold millions of records. He has nothing to prove.Those within the industry want his sound if they can get him. Sure lead guitar is impressive but not financially supportive as backup and accompanying rhythm guitar. Guitar chord work is crucial in music as piano parts are.
1mespud Well said and I totally agree!
Wow............! Impressed or WHAT? LOL. Beautiful Rhythm. Talk about SOUL.
Puts you in a warm place. Thanks Mr. McKay.
What a treat. Beautiful to sit back and take in this masters work
Funky as hell! Awesome groove!
thanks al for all your guitar work all these years and i love the ewf exp with my home boy micheal harris from chicago ill..i will keep watching thanks again for the music..
Hello dear,how are you doing,i hope your doing good?
Thank you for a lifetime of the funk🎉iest grooves!!!
A left handed guitar legend!! Mr.EW and F all the way and love this brother's stringin down thru the years...
love your style. .my cousin Tim tours with you. . God bless you. I play guitar as well , mostly for my church. .. I am blessed by your gift
wow this guy is and always will be the rythum of the band. verdine couldnt be as funky with these tunes if he didnt have a good lead/rythum guitarist. its so unbelieveable that he sounds like he just got with that the band. AL MCKAY is the MAN FOREVER.
I just found my new favorite rhythm guitar player, thanks Norm and Al!
i met mr al mckay in england 2 years ago they were at a hotel in reading i worked for..anyway i did spoke with him for a couple of minutes expressed my admiration for is amazing funk strumming we spoke a bit about old earth wind fire bandmates maurice white,philip bailey...etc last i spoke about his thumb playing like the great hendrix and influence and he look nostalgic,last i said that lot of big bands like RHCP had drunk much of what guys like him ,nile rodgers among others did.
great day of work for myself to meet a legend like him.cheers mr al mckay
Such a very Lovely sunshine Sound !!!!
Hello dear,how are you doing,i hope your doing good?
Love Al's guitar but most of all have always loved his sweet smile & dimples!
Hello dear,how are you doing,i hope your doing good?
Always loved your energy as u performed had and still do have a big crush u were my favorite EWF performer.
Rhythm TIGHT! the MAN!!! AL McKAY! please live forever!
Amazing, no words to explain.
Al was playing with E W F when I love them the most!!!
On your face and Serpentine Fire! The one and only Al Mckay!
First track is On Your Face second is Serpentine Fire. Al sounding sharp as ever.
made my day. My favourite band by a long shot. What a guitar player. Awsome
This man is THE music!
My 1st secular concert at 6 years old were the elements featuring Al Mc Kay. The meat of band along with Larry and Verdine, Maurice, Ralph, Phillip, Phoenix Horns
Have watched this many times, great player and sounds like a thoroughly decent and humble man.
Al is the best!!
You'll never be Topped in my book, The Greatest Guitarist EWF ever Had Period!
amazing guitarist I love this video
Al one of the greatest of all time!
I first remember him from Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band before he hooked up with EWF.
Anyway ... nice to see Al McKay! A beautiful musician!
Thank the universe for Al McKay and all the other old school, black funk guitarists. They just throw down like nobody else
Written all over your face. ! My musical mentor.. Dudes were into Hendrix, I was into Al Mckay. I'm majored in Rhythm Guitar..
JJDPRO MEDIAPRODUCTION Hendrix had Great Rhythm guitar skills though ?
@@haloskater24that he did. Def appreciate both guys.
I keep thinking about that high note he hits on that's the way of the world, one of my favorite solos. Thanks al and keep on playin those funky licks.
Johnny Graham did the solo on that song.
thanks for the correction who is he. session player maybe?
@@jsamc8420 it was Johnny Graham...He was EW&Fs other guitar player with Al Mckay
Yeah that was Johnny Grahan solo on "That;s the way if the world'. Al Mckay did the solo on "Shining Star"
Aloha Mr. Caribbean...that first tune he's playing is called: "On Your Face"..it's one of their very early ones...one of my favorites and the song wasn't played very much on the radio as I remember...I believe it's on the "Spirit" Album...My Very favorite Album of theirs Hands Down...Check it out!!! It's one of the best songs and the guitar in there throughout the whole song is understated but so incredible..this is the first time I've seen it ever played...not many can get this stuff....
You're right...never just heard the guitar part just played...but I now picked it up from this great video and let me tell you, it's not complicated but it's fun to make those runs...and it sounds so good clean!!!
Great player, great sounding guitar tone. I enjoyed it.
dude is Rockin...like that Gibson! When Al Left the sound went with him!
Maurice White said so in his book... he described it as "the end of an era."
Yep!!!
he's one of the greats for sure
thank you Mr Mckay
Life is good when we have men like this to entertain us.
He still has it Al Mc cay, all of us are getting old, me too, I'm 60 wowwwww like they say time flies, it has wings LoL
Just great feel and timing!
That's some awesome soul guitar playing!
I've always loved the album version of the song, but never realized it was so engaging with solo guitar!
So great to hear that joyfull sound coming out of a guitar.
Master at work... SWEET!
The master. Proof that you get better with age...as long as you keep doing it!
Here again....that transition on 01:35.......so smooth...I love it
On Your Face is a fun tune with a great groove. I'm glad that Al picked it to have a clinic on.
One of thee greatest guitar players ever, if you can not hear it ,you are tone deaf,Mr Mckay i salute you!
Always been my favorite players...and the "fro" was the best too!!! EWF's signature was rhythm...Al held the foundation of it!!!
Al, can you make a Video...Rhythm is a Lost Art and you are one of the masters!!!
Glad to see the Brotha Alive & Well & Still Rocking wth Best!
Al plays multiple grooves with slight of the hand. He's demonstrating well for "On Your Face".
I can already hear the influence he had on Prince's guitar playing.
9 Years Too Late, But Lives In Music Eternity. ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, NORM!!! I'm A 57 Year Old Guitarist. From The Beginning Of My Musical Journey Until Today I Have NEVER, NEVER, NEVER Heard Another Guitarist Say "Check Out My Earth Wind & Fire - Al McKay Guitar Lines/Covers" .........NEVER!!!!!
So sweet and funky! I wonder what are titles of these song ...
Al..you will always be a hero!!! thanks for everything you taught me
This is wonderful! Even apart on opposite emisferios, we are united by music.