Larry Carlton is the guy we all want to be. He can walk down a crowded street and be completely anonymous (unless there happens to be a music nerd like me in the vicinity) but he's one of the most respected musicians in the world and his decade's of work has immortalized him in a way that most of us can only dream of.
Whenever I hear the Kid Charlemagne solo, it immediately brings me back to my 19 year old salad days, cruising A1A in South Florida on my 650 Triumph. When life was much less complicated.
Indeed!! My cruising was from Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay on Hwy 1 in California! The Mountains on one side and the Ocean on the other side! The Best Days to be sure!!
And this has probably been said a number of times here - but would love to see you and Rick break down more Steely Dan guitar parts / solos. Brilliant stuff to watch.
@@polara01 Peg solo is the great Jay Graydon - not Larry. Awesome solo though - and here is a video of Tim meeting with Jay himself to talk about the solo -> ua-cam.com/video/Ghp88V3Qm8w/v-deo.html
I’m loving this Beato/Pierce shop talk about these great guitar pieces ❤️ I could get used to a monthly or bi-monthly music breakdown, guitars at hand ~ make it happen 🤙🏽
It really is, I'm glad it's a thing and just not me, I've only got into SD in the last year and they are (along with Bowie) the best thing I have ever heard and this solo is my absolute favourite.
Chuck Rainey's doing that thing he did on the Sanford and Son theme on the break. Quote: The energy on this song is great, and I remember playing everything I knew on that song, based on my 1-5-1 style. I walked out the studio that day with my chest stuck out, enjoying the sunshine and my new car. I felt very good about that session, especially because we did it so quickly. I think the best sessions are the ones that happen quick. You don’t labor over it. Once you make sure you understand the music, the best things happen the first, second, or third take. I think I did Kid Charlemagne in one take."
I just stumbled onto this page and it's incredible to realize that we used to watch Tim Pierce with his Albuquerque band, Traveler, play this very song back in the 70's. No wonder he does such a great job with it.
The solo demonstrates the musical value of using chord tones to guide your flow, I find this is what make the best sounding lines, follow the chords! (Great video guys, most enjoyable)
I was 16 in 1976 my first job first paycheck I bought steelys the royal scam and wore it out, I was a trumpet player and I knew every note of that record, listening to it literally 100's if not 1000's of times. What a guitar player, what a band
The way you guys articulate all the parts that give me chills in that song is so cool. I wonder how many people were just stopped in their tracks when they heard that song for the first time like me. Magic!
Proud and grateful to be the age I am. Been listening to Steely Dan for over 40 years and grew up with so much incredible music during my lifetime. Who cares that we didn't have Instagram and Tik Tok, we had real music. Walter has gone, Donald and all those incredible session musicians are in their 70's. There's no one to replace them. Boomers be blessed. We had the best of the best.
I remember buying this vinyl and taking endless months working out, to the best of my then limited knowledge, each of the solos. This doesn't require immense technical ability to play, but sheer genius to invent. And the tone, Larry made that West Coast sound all his own.
Two talented and highly capable musicians talking about a solo like it was unearthly in it's design and execution. It just goes to show that it truly IS. The rest of us just struggle to mimic bits of it! Thanks guys.
My wife and I saw Larry Carlton at Street Scene in San Diego's Gaslamp in the early '90s - right up front of the outdoor stage. We were amazed not only how insanely talented Larry is, but how hilariously effortless he performs - cigarette dangling from his hand while he played, not missing a beat. It was that performance that got her hooked on smooth jazz. Thank you so much, Mr. Carlton!
I've loved Larry's playing SO much (since the 70's). You two have done an excellent analysis of this solo: How the notes/ motifs relate t each respective chord. Kudos!!
The lyric "is" the meat of the song, it's so black and yet almost 'affectionate' toward the protagonists.... and the percussion (is it Purdy?)..... just so sinuous. I always found the guitar solo irksome, it grates... I hasten to say that I like Carlton's artistry a lot, but not on this.
@@9UaYXxB Possibly you are not a guitar player? That might explain your feelings? Back to the lyric: I had to look up its back story to find it was more specific than I knew. I always felt I knew the meaning based on my own experiences with tripping. And one last thought: Fagan's voice is just iconic.
And they're both playing 335s. I love it. I bought a 335 about 40 years ago, just because Larry Carlton played one. Of course, it sounds a lot different when I play it.
The Joy of Music and the respect and appreciation between/among top players is really unlike the anything which is shared by mortal fans, and I love it!
I know you've heard it all before, but I just came from the original with Carlton & I've never heard anyone pull that off so sweetly. A pleasure to watch & listen. Take care!
I'm not a player, just a music lover who has followed so many groups and soloists from back in the day. I love watching skilled players discuss and break down various solos and bits that I love...soooo great! Thank you for everything you do, and please, keep doing it!!! ❤
@@DEEP_WOKE He also played on Katy lied and the Royal scam and was credited with a solo on throwback the little ones ,green earrings and sign in Stranger so he did do more than reeling in the years my friend
The absolutely Best breakdown of Larry's solo ever! Original solo 2 passes, and on to another session. The depth of knowledge combined with the soulfulness of his playing is one of our great gifts. Thanks guys! Made my day!
That day in the studio everything came together, fantastic writing, fantastic session players, Larrys solo is a game changer, every section is , as Rick said, „odd“ that’s what makes it so special, it was completely different from any„rock“ solo ever laid down. , great video , thanks both.
I can’t believe Rick and Tim together teaching us stuff!!! Thank you guys soooo much. I wish I had you guys around in 1980 when I first started playing. Thank you
It doesn't matter if this is the best guitar solo or not. As long as it is your favorite, and it is of course. It gives you the chills every time and we all know it.
This makes me grin from ear to ear - thank you! What a treat to dissect one of the truly great solos. And I'm always going to hear that bass now. Unbelievable!
Larry is a musical treasure. I love the way he plays. He's got this musical vocabulary that is everything I'm striving for without being some kind of a clone lol
Really beautiful to see the seamless merging of improvised melody outlining the chords. Love the “thinking like a jazz player, but feeling like a rock player”. Awesome stuff
There's a Mingus record called Three or four shades of Blues with John Scofield, Larry Coryell and Larry Carlton rockin out all through those jazz tunes. Its awesome!
Tim and Rick talking about the “simplicity” of all of Larry’s incredible licks just spotlights Larry’s awareness of every chord of the song. Which considering this composition, is incredible.
Great video guys! This solo Larry plays on this song is in my opinion one of the greatest guitar solos EVER RECORDED! I can listen to it over and over again, especially with headphones, LOUD...🎸😉
18:02 this time stamp makes it so much easier to play Rainey's super cool bass. I've listened to it over 20 times, now you can too! Thanks Tim for highlighting this beauty. Being able to hear two great musicians talk about music like my friends and I did (rewinding cassettes over and over and attempting to play) is so great. These multi track breakdowns are some the best part of UA-cam as it feeds that side of me that wants to know every little thing about a song or an album (remember when an album had fantastic liner notes!)
Thanks for the shout out to Chuck Rainey's amazing bass. I consider Chuck to be the glue that elevates those latter 1970s Steely Dan albums together. Rainey's choices on the bass makes Purdie, Larry Carlton, Paul Griffin (clavinet) reach new heights. Love these multi-track analyses you and Rick have posted on youtube! Rainey's syncopated pulsing really works with Purdie who lays so far back in the beat - gives the song an ominous tension...and Larry's solo bursts right through it.
And that high bass part that they isolated! I always heard that but assumed it was some odd bit of Latin percussion that I didn't recognize -- not high notes on the bass. So cool.
I love seeing guitarists do their stuff, especially the ones who KNOW how to riff and ride the moment carrying a tune to heights!!! Larry Carlton has my attention fully! Keep on, LC.
Yoooou guys! This is Priceless :) Steely Dan raised the bar on creativity and helped legitimize T40 radio. At the time, we didn't fully appreciate that that music/audio renaissance would almost completely evaporate by the 1990s. It's all about education and growth, kids. Keep on learnin'... :)
So awesome to hear these insights into how Larry Carlton thinks about what he is playing. This is a great example of just one of Larry's solos. And after all these years later, here are a couple of the best music / guitar educators around - honoring Larry and breaking down for those of us who love his playing - why it's so cool. And they don't stop smiling!!.
Hi Tim and Brother Rick, this is absolutely incredible! Thank you,Thank you.. Larry Carlton is the Dalai Lama of the guitar! He has the ability to step back and look at the music from a completely different perspective than anyone else, just unbelievable.. Also, Chuck Rainey and Bernard Purdy were hired as a pair for almost their entire careers. But, it's Larry Carlton that steals the show! The guitar of the Universe! Thank you guys.. Lary
Great video, guys. Back in the seventies, when Larry joined The Crusaders, he was the reason my friends and I attended their concerts, primarily because of his contribution to that band. What an awesome talent!
Great analysis Tim & Rick. I think the clue to Larry's melodic playing is in the linked interview with Rick, when Larry says, that when he was learning, he wasn't so focused on scales & modes, he was more chord based. That's why I think he comes up with those unusual intervals & chord tones. Of course he uses scales, but he plays around the framework of the chords.
I really love the format here with both Rick and Tim both playing and breaking down the solo. You get two different perspectives on the material and different reference points and explanations that you would not normally get with only one person instructing and explaining. Bouncing ideas back and forth is a great way to open the creative and intellectual channels and come with great ideas.
Guys, this is just amazing. Along with Rick's interview with Larry, it makes up the best hour I've spent this week. I only have one question: what about the outro? I know it's more straight ahead rock, with the unison bends and heavy use of the major pentatonic, but it would be fun to see you do a short coda to this piece comparing it to the solo. Plus you know you love it! Larry just kind of abandons jazz part and lets it rip. Thanks again for this. I could listen to you two talk music all day long.
This is the song in the 70's that propelled my playing into a completely different orbit. It's so nice to see y'all dissecting those parts of the song that I too loved best and found most profound as a young player. Thank you - a lot of joy remembering those lines!
Hi Tim! I was there for the Saturday night 11:30pm show (I live about 3 miles form the Baked Potato!) and had a reat seat as well..5 feet from Larry! Wow what a great show! Larry has been an inspiration to me and many of my friends since the 70's and he never ceases to inspire and amaze. The whole band was fantastic! Larry Carlton - Guitar, Greg Mathieson - Keys /B3, Steve Ferrone - Drums and Travis Carlton - Bass (Larry's son!) I got to meet Larry (and the rest of the band) and chatted for at least 20-30 minutes! Totally down to earth, cool guy. I mentioned Rick’s video about the Kid Charlemagne solo...and he said "yea I met Rick the other night and did an interview with him!" I was real happy about that! I was even able to a signed poster promoting the gig by Larry and the band........AND.......even got Larry to sign a Baked Potato T-Shirt for me and some pics with him! Needless to say I was STOKED! What a night! I will never forget it! Thanx for your inspiration as well....big fan! Really love your work and happy to spread the word!
I loved this lesson. I am lately really in to the Larry Carlton solos with Steely Dan...whew....lots of work ahead watching you and Rick inter twine the chords and Larry style riffs...awesome. Bill
This is great seeing you and Rick talking about and really appreciating Larry Carlton's incredible solo here. Being a bass player I spent many years learning and playing Chuck Rainey's parts and loved every minute. I agree he is one of the greats.
The best musical discussion I’ve ever witnessed. The content of Carlton discussed in a joyful snd knowledgeable manner. Very uplifting. Little is mentioned on LC’s acoustic playing on his two acoustic albums. As a lifetime follower of Larry, those albums cant be overlooked. The chops on Smiles and Smiles, alone are mindbending.
Cool to hear you giving a shout out to Chuck Rainey for his ridiculous playing on ‘Kid Charlemagne.’ Check out his bass line on Aretha’s ‘Until You Come Back to Me.’ Wow!
My brush with Larry and Travis ("Blues for TJ"). Started talking with a woman at a bar in Lebanon, TN. Somehow mentioned I was a guitarist. She very casually mentioned her ex was also. "You ever heard of Larry Carlton?. " My response - "I love Larry Carlton". Anyway started jamming with Travis and a drummer for a few months. It was fun - I didn't realize I was jamming with Larry's future bass player. I took Travis and Beak (drummer) flying in my 52 Bonanza. I met Larry during that time. He was extremely nice. He was nice enough to listen to my CD (or parts of it); and gave some positive reaction. Also some reaction that I've wondered about - "oh you're going for that market?" I've always wished that I shared with him my warm-up routine of Kid Charlemagne solo. Maybe a little intimidated. Also, he heard in church that I had a major injury from a motorcycle accident - he sent me a nice note about his prior injury and a pick with his name on it. Really felt supported by one of my very favs.
Tim, I recently realized you played on the Toy Matinee record. That record was great and had a big influence on musicians in LA during that time. I would love for you to do a video on your Toy Matinee experience.
At 8:04 - I know the Cmaj7 chord and Cmaj scale but I would never in a million years, have come up with the superbly melodic and unusual run that goes there. As Rick said, I can't remember anyone at the time playing like Carlton did. Wonderful work guys
Great stuff guys ... Great solo indeed .. My favotite solo is FZ ' s on Inca Roads (album version ) ..Rick i m convinced that many of us woiud like a FZ special on his music and his influence ...
I can not say enough how much I live these two. They keep it accessible with heart. And I simply love that they worship Steely Dan as much as I do. Their releases are a non stop master class at all levels of music including writing, arranging, recording, composition theory and jazz theory. Abundanza.
Having attempted the guitar until my fingers bled in my younger days, I have nothing but the utmost respect for these guys who make it look so simple, and effortless. Rock the flock on.
Larry Carlton is the guy we all want to be. He can walk down a crowded street and be completely anonymous (unless there happens to be a music nerd like me in the vicinity) but he's one of the most respected musicians in the world and his decade's of work has immortalized him in a way that most of us can only dream of.
The best comment ever. I met him in my country, he gave a clinic a long time ago. I feel the same.
@@gregmize01 Make it extra chewy and grow a goatee.
Some nut shot him, I could live without that
I'm a music geek too ! I'd recognize him ! I've seen him 4 or 5 times and met him once !
His playing is so smooth !
When you power up your room, the lights dim in my house. In Ireland.
David Reynolds ya what is all that shit
that's hilarious, but true! ;)
Dat funny!
Behold, the ultimate guitar nerd man cave.
Cut it out.
Sitting in with Rick Beato and Tim Pierce while they breakdown Steely Dan?!
This is why the internet was invented.✨✨✨
You know you're a good guitarist when Rick and Tim stand in line to sit in the front row to watch you play :-)
So where the hell are they?
@@SpaceCattttt The Baked Potato 3787 Cahuenga Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
@@spywithme You know too much.
@@spywithme such a legendary venue. Thats where the fusion band koinonia started
Had the privilege of seeing Larry Carlton at Ronnie Scott’s. Unbelievable guitarist and a really lovely man too.
Whenever I hear the Kid Charlemagne solo, it immediately brings me back to my 19 year old salad days, cruising A1A in South Florida on my 650 Triumph. When life was much less complicated.
@@DEEP_WOKE Sorry, no. It was the mid 70's.
Indeed!! My cruising was from Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay on Hwy 1 in California! The Mountains on one side and the Ocean on the other side! The Best Days to be sure!!
Me just north of you. Bolinas to Mill Valley on Bonnevilles in the late 70s.@@jiaconis those Triumphs were really cool bikes.
And this has probably been said a number of times here - but would love to see you and Rick break down more Steely Dan guitar parts / solos. Brilliant stuff to watch.
Keyboard parts also.
Especially do it again and the solo to Peg which seems like it might be Larry Carlson as well?
@@polara01 Peg solo is the great Jay Graydon - not Larry. Awesome solo though - and here is a video of Tim meeting with Jay himself to talk about the solo -> ua-cam.com/video/Ghp88V3Qm8w/v-deo.html
Tim is a legend. His tasteful playing, humility and joy is a great, infectious blessing. What an amazing player!!
Agreed!
Two quality players geeking out over a genius solo...what's not to love about this! Brilliant
I hope you and Rick keep making these Steely Dan breakdown videos together, it's pure gold watching and listening to you two do this
The intro to "Don't take me alive" is incredible.
DISCO-INFERNO-70 , yes one of my all time favorites. He had me at the opening volume swell.
Gotta play it loud.
Definitely...one of the great intros of all time
Yes best intro for Sure,, Love it.. Great replies here :)
For sure Mark !!
I’m loving this Beato/Pierce shop talk about these great guitar pieces ❤️
I could get used to a monthly or bi-monthly music breakdown, guitars at hand ~ make it happen 🤙🏽
Yes, seconded!
Thirded. These videos help push my theory understanding and chordal relationships. Super duper helpful.
4th'd, epic duo for musical break downs
It's a nerdfest and I love it...
I second that idea.
Larry Carlton’s work in The Crusaders is unmatched. I’m not the biggest fan of his 80s smooth jazz stuff, but his 70s stuff is amazing.
‘Those Southern Knights’ was an epic LP...
@@jiaconis Spiral!!!
@@Oldmonstonian1 Robert "Pops" Popwell kills it on Spiral!
"One of Larry's greatest solos" = one of the greatest solos ever.
One of the greatest songs ever !
Along with Peg ! Jay graydon! Another Steely dan classic!
@@davidnorman4923 If the rumor I heard was correct, Jay asked Steely Dan to be on a track of theirs after he heard Larry's work on Kid Charlemagne.
It really is, I'm glad it's a thing and just not me, I've only got into SD in the last year and they are (along with Bowie) the best thing I have ever heard and this solo is my absolute favourite.
Carla Dean - Bowie is fantastic!
Chuck Rainey's doing that thing he did on the Sanford and Son theme on the break.
Quote: The energy on this song is great, and I remember playing everything I knew on that song, based on my 1-5-1 style. I walked out the studio that day with my chest stuck out, enjoying the sunshine and my new car. I felt very good about that session, especially because we did it so quickly. I think the best sessions are the ones that happen quick. You don’t labor over it. Once you make sure you understand the music, the best things happen the first, second, or third take. I think I did Kid Charlemagne in one take."
I just stumbled onto this page and it's incredible to realize that we used to watch Tim Pierce with his Albuquerque band, Traveler, play this very song back in the 70's. No wonder he does such a great job with it.
The solo demonstrates the musical value of using chord tones to guide your flow, I find this is what make the best sounding lines, follow the chords! (Great video guys, most enjoyable)
According to lukather chord clusters! He plays a bit in his starlicks video Luke does!
Of course you could do like Jay Graydon's Peg solo and play some pure noise balanced with chord tones....
@@doitnowvideosyeah5841 The Peg solo to the Kid Charlemagne solo is like Pixies to Pink Floyd.
Been waiting for this! Beato and Tim together geeking out on Larry Carlton!
I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say Thank you!
I was 16 in 1976 my first job first paycheck I bought steelys the royal scam and wore it out, I was a trumpet player and I knew every note of that record, listening to it literally 100's if not 1000's of times. What a guitar player, what a band
Nothing like my favorite couple of music geniuses analyzing my favorite solo of all time. ❤️
The way you guys articulate all the parts that give me chills in that song is so cool. I wonder how many people were just stopped in their tracks when they heard that song for the first time like me. Magic!
Proud and grateful to be the age I am. Been listening to Steely Dan for over 40 years and grew up with so much incredible music during my lifetime. Who cares that we didn't have Instagram and Tik Tok, we had real music. Walter has gone, Donald and all those incredible session musicians are in their 70's. There's no one to replace them. Boomers be blessed. We had the best of the best.
I remember buying this vinyl and taking endless months working out, to the best of my then limited knowledge, each of the solos. This doesn't require immense technical ability to play, but sheer genius to invent. And the tone, Larry made that West Coast sound all his own.
Two talented and highly capable musicians talking about a solo like it was unearthly in it's design and execution. It just goes to show that it truly IS. The rest of us just struggle to mimic bits of it! Thanks guys.
Tim is so knowledgeable in the fundamental structures of music that even when he's just messing around it's a revelation. I love it.
My wife and I saw Larry Carlton at Street Scene in San Diego's Gaslamp in the early '90s - right up front of the outdoor stage. We were amazed not only how insanely talented Larry is, but how hilariously effortless he performs - cigarette dangling from his hand while he played, not missing a beat. It was that performance that got her hooked on smooth jazz. Thank you so much, Mr. Carlton!
I've loved Larry's playing SO much (since the 70's). You two have done an excellent analysis of this solo: How the notes/ motifs relate t each respective chord. Kudos!!
Larry’s solo on Steely Dans Third World man is amazing.
I love to see someone loving what they do and spreading that love to others.
Peace and blessings, thank you!
The lyric of Kid Charlemagne is incredible, as well. Truly a master piece of music.
The lyric "is" the meat of the song, it's so black and yet almost 'affectionate' toward the protagonists.... and the percussion (is it Purdy?)..... just so sinuous. I always found the guitar solo irksome, it grates... I hasten to say that I like Carlton's artistry a lot, but not on this.
@@9UaYXxB Possibly you are not a guitar player? That might explain your feelings? Back to the lyric: I had to look up its back story to find it was more specific than I knew. I always felt I knew the meaning based on my own experiences with tripping. And one last thought: Fagan's voice is just iconic.
So melancholy and bluesy, while being Happy, and Jazzy simultaneously, Thank You Larry!!!, and Thank You Rick and Tim. Such an Infectious Solo.
And they're both playing 335s. I love it. I bought a 335 about 40 years ago, just because Larry Carlton played one. Of course, it sounds a lot different when I play it.
Ditto. I love mine and will never sell it.
I feel the same way about my JEM. Sounds *much* different when I play it vs. the guy who made it famous :)
335 good choice but, you need to have Larry tell you what other equip. he has hooked up to it and show you how he gets his sound
This is the kind of stuff I watch UA-cam for. I love watching you guys geek out about these intricacies of music.
The Joy of Music and the respect and appreciation between/among top players is really unlike the anything which is shared by mortal fans, and I love it!
I know you've heard it all before, but I just came from the original with Carlton & I've never heard anyone pull that off so sweetly. A pleasure to watch & listen. Take care!
LOVE THIS!!! Great work dudes...
pro tip: watch movies on Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching loads of movies during the lockdown.
@Skyler Kohen yea, I've been using flixzone} for years myself :D
@Skyler Kohen Yea, I've been using Flixzone} for since november myself :)
These guys are a revelation. They are explaining stuff I have done for years but I never knew what it was found out organically now I can teach it.
I just said last Saturday "Kid Charlemagne" has the best solo of all time, then this video!!! I can't deny the law of attraction!!!
Carlton's solo on "Spiral" by Crusaders is better
I'm not a player, just a music lover who has followed so many groups and soloists from back in the day. I love watching skilled players discuss and break down various solos and bits that I love...soooo great! Thank you for everything you do, and please, keep doing it!!! ❤
Elliot Randall and Skunk Baxter..lots of memorable soloing in Dan songs
I second that! Monster guitar players, ALL of them. We are all amazed and still talking about them and their playing many, many years later....
And Denny Dias deserves some love for sure
@@jamesmack3314 Denny Dias is slept on, for sure
@@DEEP_WOKE He also played on Katy lied and the Royal scam and was credited with a solo on throwback the little ones ,green earrings and sign in Stranger so he did do more than reeling in the years my friend
The absolutely Best breakdown of Larry's solo ever! Original solo 2 passes, and on to another session. The depth of knowledge combined with the soulfulness of his playing is one of our great gifts. Thanks guys! Made my day!
The Outro by Larry is also probably worth doing an analysis of.
I agree. It's as good as the main solo. I love it!
That day in the studio everything came together, fantastic writing, fantastic session players, Larrys solo is a game changer, every section is , as Rick said, „odd“ that’s what makes it so special, it was completely different from any„rock“ solo ever laid down. , great video , thanks both.
More collabs with Beato, please. I would watch you guys geek out over good music for days on end.
I can’t believe Rick and Tim together teaching us stuff!!! Thank you guys soooo much. I wish I had you guys around in 1980 when I first started playing. Thank you
It doesn't matter if this is the best guitar solo or not. As long as it is your favorite, and it is of course. It gives you the chills every time and we all know it.
Technically boring. Melodically transfixing.
Pick yer poison.
This makes me grin from ear to ear - thank you! What a treat to dissect one of the truly great solos. And I'm always going to hear that bass now. Unbelievable!
Larry is a musical treasure. I love the way he plays. He's got this musical vocabulary that is everything I'm striving for without being some kind of a clone lol
Really beautiful to see the seamless merging of improvised melody outlining the chords. Love the “thinking like a jazz player, but feeling like a rock player”. Awesome stuff
This is like watching two mad scientists talking about something way over my head, but I LOVE it! You two are amazing!!
You two feel Carlton's solo in such a erudite but heartily way that the whole Kid Charlemagne gains a spectacular boost! Abnsolutely thank you!!!!
There's a Mingus record called Three or four shades of Blues with John Scofield, Larry Coryell and Larry Carlton rockin out all through those jazz tunes. Its awesome!
Tim and Rick talking about the “simplicity” of all of Larry’s incredible licks just spotlights Larry’s awareness of every chord of the song. Which considering this composition, is incredible.
Great video guys! This solo Larry plays on this song is in my opinion one of the greatest guitar solos EVER RECORDED! I can listen to it over and over again, especially with headphones, LOUD...🎸😉
18:02 this time stamp makes it so much easier to play Rainey's super cool bass. I've listened to it over 20 times, now you can too!
Thanks Tim for highlighting this beauty. Being able to hear two great musicians talk about music like my friends and I did (rewinding cassettes over and over and attempting to play) is so great. These multi track breakdowns are some the best part of UA-cam as it feeds that side of me that wants to know every little thing about a song or an album (remember when an album had fantastic liner notes!)
Thanks for the shout out to Chuck Rainey's amazing bass. I consider Chuck to be the glue that elevates those latter 1970s Steely Dan albums together. Rainey's choices on the bass makes Purdie, Larry Carlton, Paul Griffin (clavinet) reach new heights. Love these multi-track analyses you and Rick have posted on youtube! Rainey's syncopated pulsing really works with Purdie who lays so far back in the beat - gives the song an ominous tension...and Larry's solo bursts right through it.
And that high bass part that they isolated! I always heard that but assumed it was some odd bit of Latin percussion that I didn't recognize -- not high notes on the bass. So cool.
The passion, the generosity and the knowledge ... I just say - You To!! My heroes and role models - respect! 😌🙏🏼
Two of my favorites, playing one of my favorites :)
Thank you Tim and Rick, and Larry
I love seeing guitarists do their stuff, especially the ones who KNOW how to riff and ride the moment carrying a tune to heights!!! Larry Carlton has my attention fully! Keep on, LC.
Yoooou guys! This is Priceless :) Steely Dan raised the bar on creativity
and helped legitimize T40 radio. At the time, we didn't fully appreciate
that that music/audio renaissance would almost completely evaporate
by the 1990s. It's all about education and growth, kids. Keep on learnin'... :)
So awesome to hear these insights into how Larry Carlton thinks about what he is playing. This is a great example of just one of Larry's solos. And after all these years later, here are a couple of the best music / guitar educators around - honoring Larry and breaking down for those of us who love his playing - why it's so cool. And they don't stop smiling!!.
Hi Tim and Brother Rick, this is absolutely incredible! Thank you,Thank you.. Larry Carlton is the Dalai Lama of the guitar! He has the ability to step back and look at the music from a completely different perspective than anyone else, just unbelievable.. Also, Chuck Rainey and Bernard Purdy were hired as a pair for almost their entire careers. But, it's Larry Carlton that steals the show! The guitar of the Universe! Thank you guys.. Lary
Great video, guys. Back in the seventies, when Larry joined The Crusaders, he was the reason my friends and I attended their concerts, primarily because of his contribution to that band. What an awesome talent!
Great analysis Tim & Rick.
I think the clue to Larry's melodic playing is in the linked interview with Rick, when Larry says, that when he was learning, he wasn't so focused on scales & modes, he was more chord based. That's why I think he comes up with those unusual intervals & chord tones. Of course he uses scales, but he plays around the framework of the chords.
True, and that's what you have to do to be a great jazz player on any instrument.
the best....i have listened to the song at least a 1000 times and it never gets old....wow.
Awesome, Gentlemen! Great flow, dialogue, and analysis between 2 masters. Thank you!!!🔥🎶🎸🎸💖
I really love the format here with both Rick and Tim both playing and breaking down the solo. You get two different perspectives on the material and different reference points and explanations that you would not normally get with only one person instructing and explaining. Bouncing ideas back and forth is a great way to open the creative and intellectual channels and come with great ideas.
Guys, this is just amazing. Along with Rick's interview with Larry, it makes up the best hour I've spent this week. I only have one question: what about the outro? I know it's more straight ahead rock, with the unison bends and heavy use of the major pentatonic, but it would be fun to see you do a short coda to this piece comparing it to the solo. Plus you know you love it! Larry just kind of abandons jazz part and lets it rip. Thanks again for this. I could listen to you two talk music all day long.
One of the best guitar solos EVER. Love you Larry Carleton and now, Tim Pierce, for teaching this solo!!!!
My two favorite youtube musicians picking apart a masterpiece from my favorite session guitarist. Ricks interview with Larry was really good also.
This is the song in the 70's that propelled my playing into a completely different orbit. It's so nice to see y'all dissecting those parts of the song that I too loved best and found most profound as a young player. Thank you - a lot of joy remembering those lines!
Great video Tim, you and Rick are always a joy to watch, listen to and learn from!
Hi Tim! I was there for the Saturday night 11:30pm show (I live about 3 miles form the Baked Potato!) and had a reat seat as well..5 feet from Larry! Wow what a great show! Larry has been an inspiration to me and many of my friends since the 70's and he never ceases to inspire and amaze. The whole band was fantastic! Larry Carlton - Guitar, Greg Mathieson - Keys /B3, Steve Ferrone - Drums and Travis Carlton - Bass (Larry's son!) I got to meet Larry (and the rest of the band) and chatted for at least 20-30 minutes! Totally down to earth, cool guy. I mentioned Rick’s video about the Kid Charlemagne solo...and he said "yea I met Rick the other night and did an interview with him!" I was real happy about that! I was even able to a signed poster promoting the gig by Larry and the band........AND.......even got Larry to sign a Baked Potato T-Shirt for me and some pics with him! Needless to say I was STOKED! What a night! I will never forget it! Thanx for your inspiration as well....big fan! Really love your work and happy to spread the word!
Great breakdown of the nuance of Carlton! You and Rick should do more analyses. I could listen to you two do "back and forth" all day! 😊
I loved this lesson. I am lately really in to the Larry Carlton solos with Steely Dan...whew....lots of work ahead watching you and Rick inter twine the chords and Larry style riffs...awesome. Bill
There's more electricity being used in that room than my entire neighborhood, lol.
I knooow, right. gotta have air conditioning in LA.
It's being put to good use!!!
mos def :)
Except when your next door neighbor runs his crypto mining rig 😉
@@djillogika lol. :
2 dudes analyze 1 solo: Is this the transcription halvening?!
The best thing I’ve ever seen on utube, Rick & Tim playing Larry, doesn’t get better! 🇬🇧👍🇬🇧
More collaboration with you two, please! PLEASE!
You and Rick are in a class all your own: So detailed and brilliant; a master class by the best professorial talent around!
I do hope you realise that you are saving music with these videos!!! Keep on man!! Keep on x
This is great seeing you and Rick talking about and really appreciating Larry Carlton's incredible solo here. Being a bass player I spent many years learning and playing Chuck Rainey's parts and loved every minute. I agree he is one of the greats.
the steely dan royal scam was the guitar album! thanks for analyzing this great solo!
The best musical discussion I’ve ever witnessed. The content of Carlton discussed in a joyful snd knowledgeable manner. Very uplifting. Little is mentioned on LC’s acoustic playing on his two acoustic albums. As a lifetime follower of Larry, those albums cant be overlooked. The chops on Smiles and Smiles, alone are mindbending.
Cool to hear you giving a shout out to Chuck Rainey for his ridiculous playing on ‘Kid Charlemagne.’ Check out his bass line on Aretha’s ‘Until You Come Back to Me.’ Wow!
Tom Moscovitch: Yes, the bass line in “Until You...” is my favorite of all time.
My brush with Larry and Travis ("Blues for TJ"). Started talking with a woman at a bar in Lebanon, TN. Somehow mentioned I was a guitarist. She very casually mentioned her ex was also. "You ever heard of Larry Carlton?. " My response - "I love Larry Carlton". Anyway started jamming with Travis and a drummer for a few months. It was fun - I didn't realize I was jamming with Larry's future bass player. I took Travis and Beak (drummer) flying in my 52 Bonanza. I met Larry during that time. He was extremely nice. He was nice enough to listen to my CD (or parts of it); and gave some positive reaction. Also some reaction that I've wondered about - "oh you're going for that market?" I've always wished that I shared with him my warm-up routine of Kid Charlemagne solo.
Maybe a little intimidated.
Also, he heard in church that I had a major injury from a motorcycle accident - he sent me a nice note about his prior injury and a pick with his name on it. Really felt supported by one of my very favs.
Superb review of this iconic Larry Carlton solo ! Thanks Tim & Rick for your excellent work. Loving your UA-cam Channels !!!
This solo is my ringtone. Every once in awhile someone recognizes it, and I know I am among My People.
Tim, I recently realized you played on the Toy Matinee record. That record was great and had a big influence on musicians in LA during that time. I would love for you to do a video on your Toy Matinee experience.
Great album.
How on earth could anyone dislike this video! two absolute gentlemen, masters of their art, studying, sharing, inspiring.
WOW!
NO WORDS TO EXPRESS HOW AWESOME THIS IS.
Okay, I'll try to quit yelling.
I could watch you guys going through songs like this all day and not get tired of it.
Just listening to the chords and chord tones is soothing ,thnx Tim great breakdown
At 8:04 - I know the Cmaj7 chord and Cmaj scale but I would never in a million years, have come up with the superbly melodic and unusual run that goes there. As Rick said, I can't remember anyone at the time playing like Carlton did.
Wonderful work guys
Great stuff guys ... Great solo indeed .. My favotite solo is FZ ' s on Inca Roads (album version ) ..Rick i m convinced that many of us woiud like a FZ special on his music and his influence ...
Whoa! Holy Smokes! Another reminder that Steely Dan was always striving for the highest levels of musicianship! Bravo Sir Tim! Fantastic chops!
Being followers of both you and Rick, this is fantastic!
You guys are great together. There's a complementary back and forth that keeps me alert with an occasional rewind.
I can not say enough how much I live these two. They keep it accessible with heart. And I simply love that they worship Steely Dan as much as I do. Their releases are a non stop master class at all levels of music including writing, arranging, recording, composition theory and jazz theory. Abundanza.
Having attempted the guitar until my fingers bled in my younger days, I have nothing but the utmost respect for these guys who make it look so simple, and effortless. Rock the flock on.
Wicked insight! Thanks guys!
I come back to this video from time to time. This solo is such a masterpiece and watching you break it down is a treat.