Letterman was standing just off camera with a fire extinguisher. I thought Ernie’s guitar was going to catch fire. God damn! Jimi must have been looking down with a smile on his face.
I knew this clip would surface sooner or later I was at the bottom line that night thanks for the great memories this cat came on like fire if yosimity sam played guitar it would be Ernie Isley
looks to be from David Letterman? looks like his old crew? gosh I swear Ernie never got the recognition he deserved.. so underrated. his playing is like wine.. gets better with age... he's still got it
@mysterybat35 there is no doubt Jimi was a HUGE influence on Ernie (Ernie always gave tribute to Hendrix on the Experience Hendrix tours -- which I had front row seats for --- and tells how Jimi lived with him. after Jimi left the Isley's in 1965 Ernie heard a riff ton TV that Jimi played while in his house, and recognized it and put 2 and 2 together that the guy on tv was indeed Jimi playing Manic Depression!!!!) ... but the same pentatonic riff Ernie plays in 90% of his songs is all him
@electrixladyland69 true. I hate when ppl compare Ernie to Jimi. Just b/c he is a black guy playing distored guitar solo's on a strat doesnt mean he's like hendrix.. Even though, SOME of Jimi's later riffs can be heard in Ernie's style of play, Jimi NEVER formally taught Ernie. The few years Jimi lived with the Isley's he was more of a houseguest. Ernie states this on his interview with Arsenio in 1993 (I have this on vhs).Ernie also told Arsenio that Jimi taught Marvin some licks and thats it..
It's a shame that when Hendrix died the corrupt music industry decided that electric guitar was a "white insturment". If not Ernie Isley would be considered one of the top 4 guitarists of all time along with Hendrix, McLaughlin and Holdsworth
Can anyone tell me if this is the letterman show where his comment was ‘the world is a dangerous place’? After hearing ernie play? Or where i can find the full episode or longer clip?
Letterman was standing just off camera with a fire extinguisher. I thought Ernie’s guitar was going to catch fire. God damn! Jimi must have been looking down with a smile on his face.
Ernie is a torch and the rythm section is locked in LAMF!!!
I remember seeing this on Letterman and buying the cassette the next day!
Risingfromtheashesisthebestsongonthealbum
I knew this clip would surface sooner or later I was at the bottom line that night thanks for the great memories this cat came on like fire if yosimity sam played guitar it would be Ernie Isley
still playin the same old riffs for 40 years but still sounds phenomenal!
Badass Ernie! The backing band is good as well.
One the best guitarist ever in my opinion!!! Keep on pointing up to the sky and rocking it Enrie Isley!
the best album ever ernie ..
He did get the recognition! Electric guitar players the world over know this guy is baaaad!
Yes, we do.
Yeah! Tear it up, Ernie! No compromise, kicking ass!
looks to be from David Letterman? looks like his old crew? gosh I swear Ernie never got the recognition he deserved.. so underrated. his playing is like wine.. gets better with age... he's still got it
Ilikerisingfromtheashes
I now have the full show with the David Letterman interview. good stuff
I remember seeing this on Letterman and buying the cassette the next.
fantastic..
between hazel and prince..
High Wire is now avalible in MP3 download format on Amazon.com as of May 11, 2010.
Definitely underated!
@misko1961
I agree! Same ole riffs, but you know it's Ernie when you hear'em!!
I'm glad he's back to playing Strats, those Yams he played in the 90s just didn't have the flava...
with the humbucker
forgive my entry wrong clip however the clip of Ernie at the now defunct Bottom Line 1990 is just as frightening
@mysterybat35 there is no doubt Jimi was a HUGE influence on Ernie (Ernie always gave tribute to Hendrix on the Experience Hendrix tours -- which I had front row seats for --- and tells how Jimi lived with him. after Jimi left the Isley's in 1965 Ernie heard a riff ton TV that Jimi played while in his house, and recognized it and put 2 and 2 together that the guy on tv was indeed Jimi playing Manic Depression!!!!) ... but the same pentatonic riff Ernie plays in 90% of his songs is all him
@electrixladyland69 true. I hate when ppl compare Ernie to Jimi. Just b/c he is a black guy playing distored guitar solo's on a strat doesnt mean he's like hendrix.. Even though, SOME of Jimi's later riffs can be heard in Ernie's style of play, Jimi NEVER formally taught Ernie. The few years Jimi lived with the Isley's he was more of a houseguest. Ernie states this on his interview with Arsenio in 1993 (I have this on vhs).Ernie also told Arsenio that Jimi taught Marvin some licks and thats it..
It's a shame that when Hendrix died the corrupt music industry decided that electric guitar was a "white insturment". If not Ernie Isley would be considered one of the top 4 guitarists of all time along with Hendrix, McLaughlin and Holdsworth
Can anyone tell me if this is the letterman show where his comment was ‘the world is a dangerous place’? After hearing ernie play? Or where i can find the full episode or longer clip?
Istillownthiscd
LOL@2:21-2:31
@revajones3 Spell it right, bro.
I now have the full show with the David Letterman interview. good stuff