TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 "Fantasy" by Mariah Carey 02:32 What was a Mariah Carey Session Like? 03:57 Guitar Gear used for Mariah Carey Sessions 05:10 "Emotions" by Mariah Carey 06:39 Mariah Carey's MTV Unplugged 09:14 "Someday" by Mariah Carey 13:38 Vernon's Custom Hit-Making Strat 16:32 "Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey 18:33 "One Moment in Time" by Whitney Houston 24:17 "I'm Every Woman" by Whitney Houston 30:41 "Queen of the Night" by Whitney Houston 33:30 Looking Back on Photos from Vernon's Career 34:10 Shooting the Music Video for "So Emotional" with Whitney 37:32 Vernon's Experience Touring with Herbie Hancock 39:49 The Story Behind Vernon Meeting Mariah Carey 42:16 Reflecting on Vernon's Incredible Career 43:36 Thanks for Watching!
Vernon is such a talented and humble guy! Wanna hear a true story? I met him during a R’n’B production in Germany, he was hired by the producer for playing on two songs, I was booked as mixing engineer. We would be sitting at the studio late at night, enjoying Greek food, beer and bourbon. I was quite young back then, working as a tutor at the recording studio at music university, but still studying jazz piano at that time. So Vernon kept callin me „the professor“ for fun (quite prophetic, since today I am). At one evening I invited him to come to my final exam concert at the famous Jazz Studio Nürnberg. He came. He brought his axe. He joined us on stage!! You have to imagine this scene, a bunch of really young and inexperienced jazz players in a small club, and then Ice played perfectly with us, improvising, of course without ever having rehearsed with us. It was magic, and I will be forever thankful to him. I really hope we will meet again one day!
I knew Vernon in the early 80s in Santa Cruz. We were both part of the local Top 40 scene. Whenever I wasn't gigging I would always makes sure to go see him play. He player with a killer bassist named Willie Durbin who could command and captivate a whole room just by himself. Vernon was playing a big fat Jazz guitar and he sang all the tunes. He was a magical player and he could sing his ass of as well. So inspiring. I felt so lucky to be there for that. To me back then, George Benson had nothing on him.Vernon was a force of nature. I thought for sure that one day he would be a superstar in his own right. Who knows maybe he still will be.
When I'm in show band all girls front liners and covering RnB tunes from Whitney, Mariah and spice girls Vernons rhythmic, chords, groovy rhythm is somekind of addiction to me that days, and I'm greatful having his styles and chops on my library till now as my tools in every groovy songs i play. Thank you sir Vernon for the inspiration you are a hero. Thank you Mason for this! 🙏❤
can i just say, this bloke is a very cool relaxed bloke that seems easy to approach and talk to. nice to see someone of his caliber as a legendary musician so down to earth. forgot the chords of a song, played something really nice, and said that could have worked. music comes from the heart, not the head, and that's how this guy plays.
Vernon is a great guy and a great guitarist. I had a chance to play with him on some recording sessions in Oakland back in the early 80’s. Great memories. God bless you brother. You look great and sound great.
I played the guitar on Emotions!!! Produced by Robert Cliviles and David Cole. That is my signature direct tone. I love Vernon, but please check the credits!
@@PaulPesco Thanks for the clarification! I think Vernon only states that he played it on the MTV unplugged album and some of the other live recordings. I don't think Vernon says that he played it on the records. Great playing on that record! Great tone! What other gear did you use? What guitar?
I was playing ESP guitars at that time. For that session I used the same black ESP Vintage plus that I played on the Virgin tour with Madonna. Check the “Dress You Up In My Love” live video from that tour.
Vernon Black! The unsung guitarist! Love his work with Mariah Carey. He did a guitar solo on Maze ft. Frankie Beverly’s song Love’s On The One @ the end. Classic! Glad he’s still here.😌🎶🎸👍🏾
I was blessed to record with Narda Michael Walden once. It was a magical experience and a highlight of my music life. Very cool to see this. He is such an incredibly loving and positive person. I am a huge fan of Vernon and I studied Nardas work extensively. I was always a huge fan of mahavishnu.
Wow, I don't comment on videos often, but I feel like I must say that this was a great ,great interview and Vernon was gracious enough to give some really in-depth answers about specific tracks. It is always refreshing and ear-opening to hear from session pros. Vernon is so spot-on with his approach to serving the composition first and foremost and no doubt it is why his playing helped these songs become such massive hits. Thanks to Mason also for asking such insightful questions here. I could really feel his enthusiasm for the subject matter and you can tell that he has a great knowledge and appreciation of Vernon's work.
I took lessons from Vernon in the late 80’s Such a beautiful musical soul. Always filled with love and inspiring to this day. Just a genuine wonderful spirit. Thx Burnin Vernon!!! PS Such a tribute to his his humility that it didn’t even occur to him to solo. His fusion chops are INCREDIBLE! Just so tasty!!
The swells and harmonics he plays on "One Moment In Time" were amazing. Such subtle tracks yet add to the magic. BTW, "One Moment In Time" was actually for an album for the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. It was NBC's first time covering the Olympics and they used those songs in their TV broadcast (Whitney was still an unknown during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles). "One Moment In Time" was performed by the choir and orchestra at my high school graduation and it was considered a current song, having came out the year before.
Thanks for the correct, it was before my time so I didn’t have the lived experience to correct it. It wasn’t a planned song that we’d had him rehearsed so we just went with it and I didn’t think to double check which Olympics it was. Thanks for watching!
This was such a great interview & just brought back all kinds of "Emotions" for me. From the ADA rig which I used back in the 90's & is still in my storage to seeing my good friend David Cole (rip) at the piano playing on the Unplugged show to all the great stories Vernon had to share. Mason has that "kid at heart," Nerd-out musician thing that we all know so well & would do talking all night about the little details that get us off. What a fun watch!
What a life he lived, having all those memories i would just sit, think & just cry... a young Whitney.... a young Mariah....times that will never come back....he's very humble but also seem a liiiiiiiiillle slow, but still cool!
Absolutely wonderful. You guys bring me back 30+ years with 2 of my favourite singers: Whiteny & Mariah. Great guitar parts and tone, and such a cool dude.
This takes me back to the day - Skyline High in Oakland when James Levi ( Drummer and school guard ) introduced me to Vernon after he caught me and a couple of friends cutting school to go to Guitar Center . It was a lesson learned.
Outstanding guitarist! I love the rhythm guitar on Someday and the solo is sweet! I was a young guitarist when this song hit the radio and upon hearing the solo I ran out and bought the cassette to learn the solo.
Great interview! 🥶Ice you bad ass! I had the honor to play with him when he joined us when I was with Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. We had a blast all the time! He's a consummate professional and a consummate clown! We shared leads and rhythm guitar duties, and every show we did was magic.
@@VertexEffectsInc I am enjoying it. I've just discovered your channel and am loving it. Watched Wendy Melvoin video before and now onto Paul Jackson Jnr conversation. I just love the vibe of these vids and the insights. Glad to have found you. Keep up the sterling 'work', aha.
Vernon use to be in my moms band in the 80s before they both became famous . My mother is Rosie Gaines she ended up joining Prince band New Power Generation
At 38:10 when he sees the pic of himself and herbie Hancock, he needs a moment to collect himself. He almost breaks down in tears. You can see that herbie really meant a lot to him.
Whitney Houston's "How will I know" was one of the first Mtv videos we watched when getting into Mtv. We had a cassett, anyways, of her first album. It got played a lot back then. I wasn't one of these kids who put up posters of girls in bikinis in my room; i put up Smithsonian posters of evolution and galaxies and such. But, I did have a Whitney Houston poster! I remember asking "who's that guitarist" in Whitney Houston's "So Emotional" video. So, I'm really struck to see this video pop up on my youtube feed!
I don’t think the video disputes that. I think all it says is it’s one of her first big hits not the first. It also list the date, 1991 which clearly put it as the second album.
@@VertexEffectsIncno there was some confusion going on. Her first record, they said emotions but that's her 2nd album then they were talking about her next album which would've been music box but they were talking about her debut album "Mariah Carey".
I love how us amateur guitarists obsess over what gear and equipment the pro’s use and then the pro’s are like “I can’t remember exactly what I used on that track. Yeah a J45 sounds about right” Makes me realise I shouldn’t waste so much time trying to get it bang on and just enjoy playing and the music.
I can see a person in a music store, who spots a Vertex pedal and goes, "Oh, Vertex. Those guys are so much about actual music. I think I should get one of their pedals"
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00:00 "Fantasy" by Mariah Carey
02:32 What was a Mariah Carey Session Like?
03:57 Guitar Gear used for Mariah Carey Sessions
05:10 "Emotions" by Mariah Carey
06:39 Mariah Carey's MTV Unplugged
09:14 "Someday" by Mariah Carey
13:38 Vernon's Custom Hit-Making Strat
16:32 "Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey
18:33 "One Moment in Time" by Whitney Houston
24:17 "I'm Every Woman" by Whitney Houston
30:41 "Queen of the Night" by Whitney Houston
33:30 Looking Back on Photos from Vernon's Career
34:10 Shooting the Music Video for "So Emotional" with Whitney
37:32 Vernon's Experience Touring with Herbie Hancock
39:49 The Story Behind Vernon Meeting Mariah Carey
42:16 Reflecting on Vernon's Incredible Career
43:36 Thanks for Watching!
Vernon is such a talented and humble guy! Wanna hear a true story? I met him during a R’n’B production in Germany, he was hired by the producer for playing on two songs, I was booked as mixing engineer. We would be sitting at the studio late at night, enjoying Greek food, beer and bourbon. I was quite young back then, working as a tutor at the recording studio at music university, but still studying jazz piano at that time. So Vernon kept callin me „the professor“ for fun (quite prophetic, since today I am). At one evening I invited him to come to my final exam concert at the famous Jazz Studio Nürnberg. He came. He brought his axe. He joined us on stage!! You have to imagine this scene, a bunch of really young and inexperienced jazz players in a small club, and then Ice played perfectly with us, improvising, of course without ever having rehearsed with us. It was magic, and I will be forever thankful to him. I really hope we will meet again one day!
Wow, cool story!
Thanks for that human story. When all people in the world would make music then there would exist real peace
I live for stories like this. Musicians talking about other musicians. Thanks for sharing.
Best series going on YT right now. The more session player interviews, the better!
Wow, thanks! Please share, help us spread the word!
I knew Vernon in the early 80s in Santa Cruz. We were both part of the local Top 40 scene. Whenever I wasn't gigging I would always makes sure to go see him play. He player with a killer bassist named Willie Durbin who could command and captivate a whole room just by himself. Vernon was playing a big fat Jazz guitar and he sang all the tunes. He was a magical player and he could sing his ass of as well. So inspiring. I felt so lucky to be there for that. To me back then, George Benson had nothing on him.Vernon was a force of nature. I thought for sure that one day he would be a superstar in his own right. Who knows maybe he still will be.
The iconic MY ALL intro & interlude played by him!!!! We need PART 2 ❤
Yes!!!
When I'm in show band all girls front liners and covering RnB tunes from Whitney, Mariah and spice girls Vernons rhythmic, chords, groovy rhythm is somekind of addiction to me that days, and I'm greatful having his styles and chops on my library till now as my tools in every groovy songs i play. Thank you sir Vernon for the inspiration you are a hero. Thank you Mason for this! 🙏❤
Vernon has a humble attitude and his chops are great. *What a cool introduction to a cool guitarist!*
One of the coolest dudes! Was a fun interview!
can i just say, this bloke is a very cool relaxed bloke that seems easy to approach and talk to. nice to see someone of his caliber as a legendary musician so down to earth. forgot the chords of a song, played something really nice, and said that could have worked. music comes from the heart, not the head, and that's how this guy plays.
One of the best dudes to have ever done it!
Vernon is an absolute vibe!!! Playing wise and personality wise
Yesssss!!!
Vernon is a great guy and a great guitarist. I had a chance to play with him on some recording sessions in Oakland back in the early 80’s. Great memories. God bless you brother. You look great and sound great.
Thanks for watching!
I played the guitar on Emotions!!! Produced by Robert Cliviles and David Cole. That is my signature direct tone. I love Vernon, but please check the credits!
So sorry to pipe in. But let’s give credit where credit is due!!!
@@PaulPesco Thanks for the clarification! I think Vernon only states that he played it on the MTV unplugged album and some of the other live recordings. I don't think Vernon says that he played it on the records. Great playing on that record! Great tone! What other gear did you use? What guitar?
I was playing ESP guitars at that time. For that session I used the same black ESP Vintage plus that I played on the Virgin tour with Madonna. Check the “Dress You Up In My Love” live video from that tour.
I use the Vertex battery supply currently, btw.
It sounded to me like he was taking credit for that part. That’s why I had to say something
This man knows his chords, and talk like any song he played on is a walk in the park!
Fantastic!
Vernon is most definitely a legit musician! You can’t get a gig with Herbie Hancock without being the real deal!
@@VertexEffectsInc nuff said.
Vernon Black! The unsung guitarist! Love his work with Mariah Carey. He did a guitar solo on Maze ft. Frankie Beverly’s song Love’s On The One @ the end. Classic! Glad he’s still here.😌🎶🎸👍🏾
I was blessed to record with Narda Michael Walden once. It was a magical experience and a highlight of my music life. Very cool to see this. He is such an incredibly loving and positive person. I am a huge fan of Vernon and I studied Nardas work extensively. I was always a huge fan of mahavishnu.
Thanks for watching! Vernon is a treasure!
Wow, I don't comment on videos often, but I feel like I must say that this was a great ,great interview and Vernon was gracious enough to give some really in-depth answers about specific tracks. It is always refreshing and ear-opening to hear from session pros. Vernon is so spot-on with his approach to serving the composition first and foremost and no doubt it is why his playing helped these songs become such massive hits. Thanks to Mason also for asking such insightful questions here. I could really feel his enthusiasm for the subject matter and you can tell that he has a great knowledge and appreciation of Vernon's work.
Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words!
Mariah, you're on fire! Great playing. Love Vernon! Didn't he also play on I Wanna Dance With Somebody?
I think that was an Italian gent named Corrado Rustici.
man - - that rhythm and vibe is unreal!!
Yes!!!
another great great interview !!! please make more of these videos. The session artist should be more recognized !!!! Thank U
Yes, agreed! Please share and help spread the word and we'll keep making these videos!
What a great soul of a person, such love for people and music. People like Vernon are a gift of great talent that just makes ya feel good inside.
I caught Vernon playing with Booker T nearly ten years ago and he blew my mind and opened my eyes!
I bet that was awesome!
Thank You for this series Mason 🙏🏻 it’s a musical goldmine!!!!
Thanks for watching and please share! Help us spread the word!
I took lessons from Vernon in the late 80’s Such a beautiful musical soul. Always filled with love and inspiring to this day. Just a genuine wonderful spirit.
Thx Burnin Vernon!!!
PS Such a tribute to his his humility that it didn’t even occur to him to solo. His fusion chops are INCREDIBLE! Just so tasty!!
Vernon is great! So grateful we were able to make this interview happen
The only Guitar series I wait for every time! Fantastic interview! Mason you’re the guy!!!
Wow, thanks so much! Please share so more people can see Vernon's greatness!
Incredible videos, these really shed light on some of these unsung heroes who played key parts on timeless classics.
Yes, that's the intent! Thanks for watching!
Man there's a lot of wisdom here that Vernon freely hands out. Vernon is just simply great 🤘🏽 GREAT interview my dude 🎸😎
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel!
Thank You For this Great interview!! Much Appreciation and Blessings!🙏🏾💜💯🎸🎸🔥
Thanks for watching Jerry! Please share out and help spread the word.
The swells and harmonics he plays on "One Moment In Time" were amazing. Such subtle tracks yet add to the magic.
BTW, "One Moment In Time" was actually for an album for the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. It was NBC's first time covering the Olympics and they used those songs in their TV broadcast (Whitney was still an unknown during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles). "One Moment In Time" was performed by the choir and orchestra at my high school graduation and it was considered a current song, having came out the year before.
Thanks for the correct, it was before my time so I didn’t have the lived experience to correct it. It wasn’t a planned song that we’d had him rehearsed so we just went with it and I didn’t think to double check which Olympics it was. Thanks for watching!
Wow what a legend! So cool to see the man behind the groove.
Yes! Total legend!
Thanks for bringing these artist that we may not known them but they are there in our life.
This was such a great interview & just brought back all kinds of "Emotions" for me. From the ADA rig which I used back in the 90's & is still in my storage to seeing my good friend David Cole (rip) at the piano playing on the Unplugged show to all the great stories Vernon had to share.
Mason has that "kid at heart," Nerd-out musician thing that we all know so well & would do talking all night about the little details that get us off. What a fun watch!
I'm glad I got to learn who this man is, what an amazing talent.
This guy is great on guitar and personality ! Great interview !!!
Thanks for watching!
This is your best episode EVER 👏👏👏👏
Wow, thanks!
I love these interviews! Thank you so much for doing these! + Mason dancing is just golden!!
Thanks for watching! Please help us share and spread the word!
What a life he lived, having all those memories i would just sit, think & just cry... a young Whitney.... a young Mariah....times that will never come back....he's very humble but also seem a liiiiiiiiillle slow, but still cool!
Absolutely wonderful. You guys bring me back 30+ years with 2 of my favourite singers: Whiteny & Mariah. Great guitar parts and tone, and such a cool dude.
What a fantastic series!Please do a Gregg Moore who played guitar for Anita Baker(Sweet Love ,You bring me joy ETC.)
Thanks for the suggestion! He's on our radar! Thanks for watching and please share so more know about Vernon's greatness!
This takes me back to the day - Skyline High in Oakland when James Levi ( Drummer and school guard ) introduced me to Vernon after he caught me and a couple of friends cutting school to go to Guitar Center . It was a lesson learned.
Great to see such a diverse and funky guitarist covered, instead of just the usual (yawn) common stuff everyone does on the guitar.
Glad you enjoyed it! Vernon is a great player!
Mason, these videos are great. Keep them coming, your doing a great job
Thanks so much for watching! Please help us spread the word!
This was a beautiful interview. I love when he said Whitney Houston and the guitarist replied, my friend that was beautiful.❤
WOW ,... the video started playing and IMMEDIATELY i started bumping my head... how cool
Outstanding guitarist! I love the rhythm guitar on Someday and the solo is sweet! I was a young guitarist when this song hit the radio and upon hearing the solo I ran out and bought the cassette to learn the solo.
Great interview! 🥶Ice you bad ass! I had the honor to play with him when he joined us when I was with Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. We had a blast all the time! He's a consummate professional and a consummate clown! We shared leads and rhythm guitar duties, and every show we did was magic.
Love Vernon’s playing and his approach to gear. He found what he likes, and he sticks with it. Respect to this legend session player🤟🏻
Thank you Vernon! ❤
Thanks for watching 🙏
I enjoyed this a lot. As a guitarist it's helped me a lot with a track I'm currently working on. Thanks!
Great! Glad you enjoyed it!
@@VertexEffectsInc I am enjoying it. I've just discovered your channel and am loving it. Watched Wendy Melvoin video before and now onto Paul Jackson Jnr conversation. I just love the vibe of these vids and the insights. Glad to have found you. Keep up the sterling 'work', aha.
I didnt know Ice had a hand in the ada mp2 ?!?! Wild! Great interview
Yes, he and David Tarnowski worked hand in hand.
Dang I really enjoyed this interview. Vernon was so humble Mann!! Really appreciated this take
great video, ya'll have some amazing guests and Mason's enthusiasm gets the guests opening up.
Vernon goes to a whole new level at 26:40.
Killer!!! Beautiful rhythm tone and pocket
Yea, one of the best to ever do it!
Vernon use to be in my moms band in the 80s before they both became famous . My mother is Rosie Gaines she ended up joining Prince band New Power Generation
I would Love to see a interview of John Jubu Smith!!🙏🏾🎸💯🔥🔥
Yes, us too!
@@VertexEffectsIncJubu is a friend of mine
@@renebenton77 Can you connect us?
@@VertexEffectsInc I can put forth the effort for sure. He is slow to answer calls and messages
Excellent interview and insight on playing in the pocket!
Thanks for watching!
That first funky riff and I’m sold. Vernon is a beast.
Greetings from El Salvador 🇸🇻 Great video loved it all I think Mr. Vernon just became one of my favorite guitar players !
This was pretty cool! Love to hear some more stories from him!
Yes 👍 thanks for watching
At 38:10 when he sees the pic of himself and herbie Hancock, he needs a moment to collect himself. He almost breaks down in tears. You can see that herbie really meant a lot to him.
I remember Vernon with Herbie Hancock playing some bass too! 😊that was ‘94. Great musician
So humble and playful and full of respect to all band members..LOVE U SIR
To any non guitarists out there. That is a really sick guitar. lots of function in that thing and custom built for sure.
Whitney Houston's "How will I know" was one of the first Mtv videos we watched when getting into Mtv. We had a cassett, anyways, of her first album. It got played a lot back then.
I wasn't one of these kids who put up posters of girls in bikinis in my room; i put up Smithsonian posters of evolution and galaxies and such. But, I did have a Whitney Houston poster!
I remember asking "who's that guitarist" in Whitney Houston's "So Emotional" video. So, I'm really struck to see this video pop up on my youtube feed!
You are also a stunning guitarist my man along with Vernon.
Love your channel and content!
Thank you for that Mason! Hard to tell what angle that headstock is sitting at in the video. A little mind bending😊
It's not a headstock shape you'd recognize. Vernon shaped it himself back in 1982 when he made it with the help of Danny Ransom and Gary Brawer.
Wow its incredible how much of a roll it plays to have charisma and passion for what you do. Inspiring.
jaw drop!!! thanks man! really really special.
Thanks for watching!
2:32-5:12 my favorite section 😂
He’s funny when he answers “not in the neighborhood bro” and “she’s every woman 🎸 ” 😂
Emotions was Mariah's second album. Her first was 'Mariah Carey'.
I don’t think the video disputes that. I think all it says is it’s one of her first big hits not the first. It also list the date, 1991 which clearly put it as the second album.
@@VertexEffectsIncno there was some confusion going on. Her first record, they said emotions but that's her 2nd album then they were talking about her next album which would've been music box but they were talking about her debut album "Mariah Carey".
2:35, sb3076 calls it
Awesome!!!
Ice absolutely smoked that intro!
Best of the best!
Came for the music, stayed for the guitarist’s awesome personality
He's as talented and as cool, as it gets. 🎶
What a sweet dude!! Thanks!!
Whitney was a vocal Goddess!
Maaan what a great interview 🎉🎉
6:53 killer chords
10:53 performance
19:33 great chops again
32:15 killer groove
he's got that 80s mute sound down really tight
Hell yeah!
I love how us amateur guitarists obsess over what gear and equipment the pro’s use and then the pro’s are like “I can’t remember exactly what I used on that track. Yeah a J45 sounds about right” Makes me realise I shouldn’t waste so much time trying to get it bang on and just enjoy playing and the music.
The start of dream lover by Mariah Carey is the same a Wonderful Land by the Shadows
Great song
This is surely a Blessing to Every Music Lover... THis video is such a Gem...thank You.
Love the session player interviews! ❤
Wow!! He appeared on Mariah's Thanksgiving Special video i first watched in 1994. He looks Awesome 👍🏼
Great interview!
Thanks for watching!
Love this channel! Great work !
Glad you enjoy it!
I can see a person in a music store, who spots a Vertex pedal and goes, "Oh, Vertex. Those guys are so much about actual music. I think I should get one of their pedals"
These interviews make me miss the 90s even early 2000s. I miss being younger. Music today with rare exception just doesnt speak to me
My friend... Vern... Still looks great man..
Great guy... Hope to see him soon.
please keep these series coming!
Most guitar players will never think of playing with this level of rhythm.
Hey “Ice” Black! Veron also toured with the Herbie Hancock Electric Band as well!
Mentioned in the video toward the end.
Man o man....the chops
One of the best
Did ICE study jazz?
Love the way he puts his progression together
Great video❤️
Wow, thanks for watching!
Great guitar player. He had the best priviledge. Maria and Whitney were the best musicians in the 90s
I really appreciate your event and I'm from Indonesia, I really like guitars and 80's 90's music. Greetings from Indonesia👍
"I can't remember the chords" and came up with the most beautiful chops at 6:15
Quality player and quality chops.
Simplicity gòt paid. Young bucks. Less is more. He played on Icons. Yezzir!!!!
Vernon is the greatest!!!!
One of the best to ever do it!