Two of the greatest jazz guitar players ever are canadian: Lenny Breau and Ed Bickert. They are - by hearing them - teaching and showing me the incredible possibilities of the guitar. I love them.
I met him (and heard him play at MI) back in 1984. About two weeks before hi died he called me up and asked me if I could lend him a guitar amp for a gig (he had probably pawned his for H $). he came over and borrowed my Music Man with a 12 inch EV speaker and promptly returned it the next day. A soft spoken, kind man and yes; a true genius.
His precision with voicings really illustrates astonishing mastery of the instrument. There's not that many jazz guitarists which have as sophisticated a knowledge and ability. I have to say that Lenny is possibly the most dazzling/talented of all the jazz guitarists I've seen. To learn and study Breau's transcriptions is really one of the best ways to radically improve.
Lenny's family moved up to Winnipeg from Greensboro [ I think ]. His parents sang both Country and Western [ forgive the Blues Bros. reference ]. They went by the names of Hal Lonepine and Bette Code [co-dee] Len was Hal Lonepine Jr. He would be about eight or ten when first performing with his parents three times a week for fifteen minutes on one of our local radio stations. He didn't go to school, ever but got a self taught PH.D in guitar-ology. He played the coffee houses around Winnipeg in the late 50's and early 60's with his two life long band mates, Reg Kellman on drums and Ron Halderson on base guitar. Ron still plays around town and with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchastra. Dave Young went on to play with Oscar Peterson and Oliver Jones. Len was a phenomenal guitarist but had a difficult time living life. There was not one drug that he refused to take and relationships were problematic at best. I consider myself to be priviledge to have heard Lenny play in many venues accross Canada. He was a true artist and like many other artists, endured the mundane in order to hone a craft. Mr. Breau gave us his art. Rest In Peace and Happiness, Sir. Please forgive my ramble.
Hal Lone Pine is a musical legend!Randy Bachman took guitar lessons from Lenny in Winnepeg manitoba thus influencing The Guess Who etc..I think neil Young ran into him there also...Gimme a mo I will give Neil a call.........Damn ...Busy...later
Winnipeg’s enough to drive anyone to alcohol and drug abuse. Outside the 10 or 11 good looking girls in that rat trap, there’s no reason to not nuke it.
Big time love for Uncle Larry. fortunately I've known about Breau for many years, since reading a quote from Jerry Reed years ago where he said "Lenny Breau was the best guitarist to ever shit between two boots"
Had he played hockey along with his beloved guitar, like any normal Canadian, he’dve been able to escape the drugs. Gord Downie - no hockey, Canadian and dead. Jeff Healy - no hockey, Canadian and dead. A sad refrain indeed.
Another sensational Canadian talent that never ever got enough respectful recognition...that was beyond due...what a absolute perfectionist in music ability and direction....the blessing that Lenny had bestowed upon him was limitless...always striving for more for better styling better tone better better always..well done Lenny...the Jazz world will never stand tall again without you..
I was just a child. He was a close friend of my aunt Lynn and uncle Glen when they were at Be Bop near Wilno. Killaloe. He was close for a few years, probably recorded Cabin Fever in Be Bop then. He taught my little brother how to play guitar without being able to read music too.
F.Y.I. Lenny's song when auditioned for Chet/ Danny Davis in RCA circa1967. Both were speechless by Lenny's performance. Chet and Lenny became life time friends. The audition is on UA-cam, if you search. You will be very surprised. mos60
As Pat Metheny said: Nobody has played like Lenny before and done it since. Chet did say: If chopin has been guitar player, he has played like Lenny Breau. His harmonic cord voice and knowhow is unbeliveable.
Dave Young lived in Winnipeg, so did Lenny. From Dave's Bio: "One of Dave Young’s most beloved gigs was a five year stint (1961-66) as a member of iconic jazz guitarist Lenny Breau’s quartet." These days Dave mostly plays upright and easily fits into the company of the worlds finest bassists.
Chitarrista sensazionale, senz'altro fra i grandi in assoluto grande ricercatezza e musicalita'. Gode dell'ammirazione non casuale dei suoi colleghi passati alla storia. Dovrebbe esssere fra loro
I would be interested in finding out what exactly how Lenny Breau was thinking when he solidified his style of playing. You have to remind yourself this was at a time when very few guys (with the exception of classical guitarists and George Van Epps) were playing solo guitar let alone jazz guitar. I always liked how clear his harmony was against his soloing. Very few guitarists can do that convincingly.
I think you could piece together most of it just by watching that one documentary about him. As for his playing, you’re dead on. The the rhythm guitar chords or baseline is so distinct and clear while the melody is so perfectly separate yet complementary.
Is the bass player not a (very) young Ronnie Halderson? I was very fortunate to have two lessons from Lennie in 1974 while I was in Winnipeg for few months - he was a beautiful guy and I miss him - I learned so much from Lennie, what a wonderfully generous man!
I read a comment. It’s been a while. Maybe gossip. It goes like this. All the session players would go check out Lenny. Like If a bomb would have happened to destroy the place. There would be no recording in the studios for a while because they we’re all all watching Lenny.
Even the audience should be praised; they understand who is a maestro ! Today,with the dumbing of taste, people listened to Rap and regard such noise as music !
I believe his name is George La Flesh {?} ...His sister was a fairly accomplished singer who appeared during the 1960's on I believe the Jack Benny show or possibly Ed Sullivan, as a regular. Pretty and very nice voice!
I have transcribed this video - if you'd like the pdf, drop me an email an i'll send you a link (the link on here looks like spam)... what a video, love it!
There should be bronze statues of this man all over Canada. His playing is simply exquisite
This is what jazz guitar is supposed to sound like in my mind.
Two of the greatest jazz guitar players ever are canadian: Lenny Breau and Ed Bickert. They are - by hearing them - teaching and showing me the incredible possibilities of the guitar. I love them.
I met him (and heard him play at MI) back in 1984. About two weeks before hi died he called me up and asked me if I could lend him a guitar amp for a gig (he had probably pawned his for H $). he came over and borrowed my Music Man with a 12 inch EV speaker and promptly returned it the next day. A soft spoken, kind man and yes; a true genius.
I have a Music Man with a 12" EV! Amazing amp
His ascending chordal sequence starting at 1:29 is jaw dropping...
Yeah I was thinking the same thing, tons of amazing substitutions in there, doesn't get more advanced that.
His precision with voicings really illustrates astonishing mastery of the instrument. There's not that many jazz guitarists which have as sophisticated a knowledge and ability. I have to say that Lenny is possibly the most dazzling/talented of all the jazz guitarists I've seen. To learn and study Breau's transcriptions is really one of the best ways to radically improve.
It gets me every time.
Indeed
yes!!!
His sense of harmony was unparalleled. He extracts every bit of every note on that Gibson. Might as well be a piano!
The touch, the tone , the phrasing, the elegance. Few ever achieve this on that level.
Lenny's family moved up to Winnipeg from Greensboro [ I think ]. His parents sang both Country and Western [ forgive the Blues Bros. reference ]. They went by the names of Hal Lonepine and Bette Code [co-dee] Len was Hal Lonepine Jr. He would be about eight or ten when first performing with his parents three times a week for fifteen minutes on one of our local radio stations. He didn't go to school, ever but got a self taught PH.D in guitar-ology. He played the coffee houses around Winnipeg in the late 50's and early 60's with his two life long band mates, Reg Kellman on drums and Ron Halderson on base guitar. Ron still plays around town and with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchastra. Dave Young went on to play with Oscar Peterson and Oliver Jones. Len was a phenomenal guitarist but had a difficult time living life. There was not one drug that he refused to take and relationships were problematic at best. I consider myself to be priviledge to have heard Lenny play in many venues accross Canada. He was a true artist and like many other artists, endured the mundane in order to hone a craft. Mr. Breau gave us his art. Rest In Peace and Happiness, Sir.
Please forgive my ramble.
He was from auburn, Maine.
Hal Lone Pine is a musical legend!Randy Bachman took guitar lessons from Lenny in Winnepeg manitoba thus influencing The Guess Who etc..I think neil Young ran into him there also...Gimme a mo I will give Neil a call.........Damn ...Busy...later
Yes correct spent many years growing up and performing in Winnipeg
Winnipeg’s enough to drive anyone to alcohol and drug abuse.
Outside the 10 or 11 good looking girls in that rat trap, there’s no reason to not nuke it.
Nobody plays like Lenny period!
Just love watching Lenny, Breau playing anything
Thankfully this exists for all guitarists to see...this is tri-tone comping/soloing at its finest...Long live Lenny Breau!!!
Best version of Georgia On My Mind!
Hauntingly beautiful playing by Lenny on Georgia...a masterpiece of harmony and sensitivity.
One of the greatest few minutes of guitar playing ever. Everybody in the room probably had an out of body experience.
Well said
Whose here because of our pal Tommy from Homeskoolin’?
Big time love for Uncle Larry. fortunately I've known about Breau for many years, since reading a quote from Jerry Reed years ago where he said "Lenny Breau was the best guitarist to ever shit between two boots"
Tommy's right. I thought, " where's the other guitar player?" then, " oh..."
Not me!
Me. And grateful for it. Got to love Uncle Larry
Yeeerrrrrp
Lenny is mesmerizing here!
Such a command of the guitar and the piece.
There will never be another like him.
Lenny Breu a Genious his harmonic sence is outstanding!
Rolf Westerberg He is one of the Beautiful jazz musician
Had he played hockey along with his beloved guitar, like any normal Canadian, he’dve been able to escape the drugs.
Gord Downie - no hockey, Canadian and dead. Jeff Healy - no hockey, Canadian and dead. A sad refrain indeed.
Another sensational Canadian talent that never ever got enough respectful recognition...that was beyond due...what a absolute perfectionist in music ability and direction....the blessing that Lenny had bestowed upon him was limitless...always striving for more for better styling better tone better better always..well done Lenny...the Jazz world will never stand tall again without you..
guitarpiano, at the same time, extraordinary, thank you Lenny for being.
Chef d'oeuvre
That is the most amazing sht I ever saw
Absolutely brilliant.
Still admired in Auburn Maine
What an amazing talent! One of the greatest!
The "Georgia" part of the video gives me chills, every time.
Again, thanks so much for posting this!
He was about 20 years old.
Around 1960 or so!
I couldn't agree with you more. I listen to this almost every day.
The incredible lead I have ever heard .... I really love the 6 string guitar of Lenny Breau ...
Dave
Alberta
Gotta love Lenny...The Bill Evans of Guitar...
Maybe Bill Evans was the Lenny Breau of piano . . .
Perfect! Genius!!!!
He was on a level that's not an option to learn. He was naturally talented. Too bad more people dont know about him.
They are too low to reached the level that enable them to understand or appreciate what Mr. Breau had done!
Merci!!!
Russell from Canada
How AWESOME!!! I am mesmorized!
Lenny Breau was the most important influential guitarrist for Danny Gatton, besides Les Paul.
I was just a child. He was a close friend of my aunt Lynn and uncle Glen when they were at Be Bop near Wilno. Killaloe. He was close for a few years, probably recorded Cabin Fever in Be Bop then. He taught my little brother how to play guitar without being able to read music too.
Btw: he's 20 here.
thats fucking well depressing
Thats amazing!
@@samevans9285 agree :-(
i think he was in the process of obtaining a license to grow a beard.
So much color in those chords...
F.Y.I. Lenny's song when auditioned for Chet/ Danny Davis in RCA circa1967. Both were speechless by Lenny's performance. Chet and Lenny became life time friends. The audition is on UA-cam, if you search. You will be very surprised. mos60
mosrite60 I can’t find it. Can you post a link please?
Chet didn't like Len's constant looking for pills
As Pat Metheny said: Nobody has played like Lenny before and done it since. Chet did say: If chopin has been guitar player, he has played like Lenny Breau. His harmonic cord voice and knowhow is unbeliveable.
Canadian television open stage??? That's a great idea! We should do that here and now ..
Dave Young lived in Winnipeg, so did Lenny. From Dave's Bio: "One of Dave Young’s most beloved gigs was a five year stint (1961-66) as a member of iconic jazz guitarist Lenny Breau’s quartet." These days Dave mostly plays upright and easily fits into the company of the worlds finest bassists.
I met Dave after a concert of his. Great man.
Hard to believe he was just 20 years old!
Chitarrista sensazionale, senz'altro fra i grandi in assoluto grande ricercatezza e musicalita'. Gode dell'ammirazione non casuale dei suoi colleghi passati alla storia. Dovrebbe esssere fra loro
Wow... this is amazing.
Lenny Breau inspiração!
I would be interested in finding out what exactly how Lenny Breau was thinking when he solidified his style of playing. You have to remind yourself this was at a time when very few guys (with the exception of classical guitarists and George Van Epps) were playing solo guitar let alone jazz guitar. I always liked how clear his harmony was against his soloing. Very few guitarists can do that convincingly.
Bill evans,he said it
I think you could piece together most of it just by watching that one documentary about him. As for his playing, you’re dead on. The the rhythm guitar chords or baseline is so distinct and clear while the melody is so perfectly separate yet complementary.
Un-fucking-believable! Legendary
In from Uncle Tom Bukovak, Cheers class!!
Pure talent !
Fantastic..!
That is Robert W. McMullin (Bob McMullin) on sax.
Man this guy is great!! But, so unknown... Happy YT exists :)
Awesome solo, gona cop that
Capolavoro!!
Totally cool, man !
pleaaaase get this man in the Canadien walk of fame.
Thank you for this video :)
Looooooool
muito bom trabalho
Jazz make me remember of sim city
ha ha this is better than anything ever nice going Lenny i fuckin Love you ! R.I P.. hers a Happy Thanksgiving wish for your family
FYI A transcription and harmonic analysis of this will be in the next issue of Fingerstyle 360 coming out in the next week or so.
Greg I need that transcription. Where is it?
Ditto!
Wow! Really nice, Yess!!
A pity that you stop playing a song "Sans Souci" by Gigi Gryce!
@regismanemago OK, I found out, it's Dave Young.
EXCELENTE,MESMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Is the bass player not a (very) young Ronnie Halderson?
I was very fortunate to have two lessons from Lennie in 1974 while I was in Winnipeg for few months - he was a beautiful guy and I miss him - I learned so much from Lennie, what a wonderfully generous man!
This is great. Anyone know if there is a transcription floating around out there?
Unbelievable! ..when 6 strings couldn't contain him, he went to 7! I believe an A under the high E.
I believe it is Frank Burke on trumpet, not sure about the alto sax... thanks for the upload.
Needs an Order Of Canada awarded to him.
Holy shit!!!!
I read a comment. It’s been a while. Maybe gossip.
It goes like this. All the session players would go check out Lenny.
Like If a bomb would have happened to destroy the place. There would be no recording in the studios for a while because they we’re all all watching Lenny.
WHERE'S THE REST??
Lenny Breau was influenced by Bill Evans !
I was just thinking, if Bill Evans played guitar ...
The 20 YO who according to Chet Atkins, later became “The greatest guitar player to ever walk the planet.”
Yep
@ishouldpractice the link isnt working!
Don Sleet on trumpet?
Trumpeter is Frank Burke also of Winnipeg.
Agree this is tasty.
We could have done without that prolonged view of Lenny's face around 1:44.
This is as groovy as groovy gets…
Even the audience should be praised; they understand who is a maestro !
Today,with the dumbing of taste, people listened to Rap and regard such noise as music !
S W ToDi You are just showing your blind spot by castigating rap. There is good and bad music in every genre, dimwit.
Isn't it Bob Erlendson?
@regismanemago No he's not. He didn't even play electric bass at that time. Still a mystery!
man he is rocking those single coils
A non-cutaway Super 400?
haanashim Looks like Es125 to me. I could be wrong.
C’est le meilleur! Il les écrase tous! A part Wes…
man! could you please upload the tab somewhere?
Everyone is still gaping (as can be read here to this day), and the guy you think you’re talking to may not be born yet! :D
the trumpet player looks looks like chet baker?
Oh noooooo i wanted to hear the entire song…. Sans souci
Who is the announcer ?
I believe his name is George La Flesh {?} ...His sister was a fairly accomplished singer who appeared during the 1960's on I believe the Jack Benny show or possibly Ed Sullivan, as a regular. Pretty and very nice voice!
Also think it's Bob Mcmullin on sax... sure looks like him
Well that's it then . I have my answer .
etoile filante
Puta som!
The bass player has mad steeez!
mozart.
The 2nd tune is an "out of nowhere" contrafact
That was a harsh ending.
I have transcribed this video - if you'd like the pdf, drop me an email an i'll send you a link (the link on here looks like spam)... what a video, love it!
yes please! my email is johnnyeisenstat@gmail.com thank you
hey any way i could get a pdf? frankschaub1@gmail.com i gots to get these tri tonez
ishouldpractice if you’re still around I’d love a pdf as well. Serinomj@gmail.com
Yes please kmk2@shaw.ca
1:30 to 1:47 ho fuck
Some of that is transcribed here: pillsburymusic.com/lenny1.php
No player since like Lenny