Theme For An Imaginary Western - Leslie West - HIFI
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- Опубліковано 15 гру 2008
- Brought to you by the GREAT FATSBIES' MOUNTAIN Fan Club. JOIN US over at: / thegreatfatsbies
This is Leslie West of Mountain and Derek Holt Of the Blues Climax Band performing this Mountain classic, in London's Hammersmith Odeon Theatre in 1988.
I wanted to make sure that this song was recorded in high quality with the VERY BEST sound quality possible, with all possible levels turned up.
Enjoy one of the GREATEST GUITAR TONES of all time.
My heart is heavy, sad and broken. Today the World lost a talented musician, one of the great guitarists; Leslie West. Many will not recognise the name, but there are thousands that will. Leslie West was the guitarist with Mountain, a major heavy rock band from the US and considered forerunners of heavy metal. He also worked together with a number of other famous musicians, a true talent. RIP Leslie West and thanks for the muzak!
A real influencer for thousands of guitarristis like me. It's really a great loss. Heavy Hearted here as well.
I’m just hearing about him now and he’s amazing
The most brutal guitarsound is no more
My first concert experience was an outdoor event in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1975. Leslie West was one of the performers. That was the first time I heard this song. It still resonates with me 45 years later. Damn, I feel old.
RIP Leslie West
I’m with you , I’m very sad he gave us his music and touch our heart with his voice and guitar! I LOVE YOU LESLIE 💔
I'm bawling my fucking eyes out right now. RIP Leslie West.
Could be the greatest guitar performance, ever. Leslie was on a whole new level that evening. I cannot find anything better.
I totally agree John. Well put!
@@yesterway I’m sure I’ve commented elsewhere on this thread as been here many times. I’m back again. For feel and tone, this is as good as it got…..that one was for Felix
Me to. As a player I found and continue to find this inspiring
@@spike7038 Yes. I've watched this dozens of times and keep coming back to this performance. Perfection.
Personally, I feel it is the greatest performance ever on an electric guitar. It has power, control, finesse, dexterity, musicality and any other superlatives that can be directed at it. A master craftsman at work. Gone, but not forgotten, Leslie - thank you always for this wonderful piece of work, which can be put up against the greatest performances by any musician in any genre.
Absolutely the best performance of this song. Derek Holt did a perfect job on vocals. Felix would have been proud
To me this was the greatest version of Theme ever recorded. On this night, which he dedicated to Felix, Leslie hit a home run. The greatest single exhibition of guitar tone I've EVER heard. You have Hendrix doing the Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock, Roger Maris hitting #61, Joe Frazier dropping Ali for the 1st time... all great moments in time... Then you have the boy from Long Island who shook the world, this night... Leslie was "talking to Felix". This night... belonged to Leslie West.
Agreed. This is a MASTERPIECE - Leslie West's playing and tone are impeccable. There is no one alive today who can go head to head with Felix P. or Jack Bruce. SO much of the music of my generation is just throw away autotuned crap. I wish I had been alive in the 60s. I hope y'all realize just how good you had it.
depper Your 100 percent correct! This version Rocks the best.
depper Totally agree - had this on VHS since it was broadcast and had it on cassette in the car for years. Still sounds just as good. Thanks for posting - this is better audio and video quality than I had previously. Masterful guitar work!!!
+QueerAndUnplugged actually.....we do.
+depper mine to fantastic guitar playing leslie west quality sound
Young guitar players look and learn. A masterclass in tasteful guitar soloing.
No one could bend a solo note and shake it like Leslie West, no one. Rest peacefully Leslie, and thank you.
There will never be another Leslie West. Baruch Hashem.
The best rendition of this song ever made. What a beautiful guitar solo and a great vocals by Derek Holt.
Leslie West, one of the greatest guitar heroes. R.I.P.💙
@EI_Duce Ok man. Each one, one's taste.. No absolute thruth!
@EI_Duce Me too man! Here in Brasil I enjoyed all the best bands! Since de 70's, and without computer for sure too! Have fun you too! Love from Brasil!
If there is a heaven, Leslie & Felix are jammin’ tonight. RIP.
...and Jack
@@staceyhartley6741 YES
@@staceyhartley6741 You beat me to it.
U know it💔💕💕
RIP Leslie...you will be missed...a sad day today
Real innovators do not have influences. Leslie West was such an innovator. Leslie didn't evolve guitar playing to create his "sound", he revolutionized it. Leslie's message has always been to draw as much as you could from one note, and weave just the right notes together to tell your story. Nobody in my opinion has done this better than Leslie West, and this song will be my evidence, exhibit A.
Absolutely magnificent. God bless Leslie West. Thank you Mountain and Jack Bruce.
Rest in peace Leslie West, we love you.
Dec 24, 7:30 am Just watched this....had to stop it halfway and run for the tissues.....Rest in Peace... the great Guitarist Leslie West.
This guy was INCREDIBLE!!! This is how it's done, kids. Very influential cat in my life. Rest easy, brother...
This is still, after being involved in music for over 50 years, possibly the finest example of how to play lead guitar ever recorded.
Leslie, as usual, shows that its' what you play and how you play it that is far more important than how fast you play it!
bigbadfitter this should be every players lesson in tone......genius
It's called melody. Perhaps when of the greatest melodic lead breaks in Rock history. That can only be viewed subjectively of course, but it's an opinion I hold and stand by.
@@spike7038 Even before i spotted your comment, i was gonna mention his tone. Quite simply, it's just to-die-for!! I also love his subtle yet crucial use of whammy. Quite simply, Leslie is THE Man! But oh, that tone... \m/ (:o)
Amen to that!
Absolutely. Right on. He was a pleasure to listen to
At least he is with Felix now, catching up. RIP
One of his most notable works is the song "Theme For An Imaginary Western." This song is regarded as one of the most emotional, heartfelt guitar solos of all time. The melody of the track is stunningly beautiful, and Leslie West's guitar playing is nothing short of magical.
The song has a melancholy vibe that is perfect for reflecting on life's struggles and hardships. The guitar solo itself is nothing short of breathtaking, as it is filled with emotion and raw power. West's unique style of playing, delicate yet intense, is evident throughout the song.
Sadly, we lost Leslie West in December 2020, but his music lives on. His contribution to the music industry cannot be understated, and his legacy will always be remembered. "Theme For An Imaginary Western" remains one of the most beautiful guitar solos of all time and will continue to inspire generations of musicians for years to come. Rest in peace, Leslie West.
RiP Leslie West. This recording of the song blew my teenage mind back in 88, and it's lost none of its power 32 years on. One of the most emotive guitar performances I have ever heard. A masterpiece.
SAME HERE. I played this for EVERYONE I could get to listen to it.
Exactly the same here. Memories. And still, homerun to my heart.
I saw Mountain open up for Triumph in New Haven on their Thunder 7 tour... It was a smaller arena but it felt like a rock club. Leslie is sadly missed by many of us from the lower Hudson Valley since he was one of our own who never forgot his roots.
One of my all time favourite guitarists. Every time i hear West’s solo in the live version of Nantucket Sleighride (Album The Rosd Goes Ever on) I need three hours to recover. Fabulous!
R.I.P. Leslie West, one of the great unsung guitar heroes.
I never saw his name on any list of the top 50 guitar players. Well, for over 50 years he was my #1. Screw 'em all. Leslie is he GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)
@@martyfrasca3142 I would say that was John McG but Leslie certainly made the cut. Check out McG and Hendrix in Sweden if you don't know it.
@@paulsquire3206 Who is or was "John McG"? The only John McAnyone, at least any John McAnyone I knew to be a guitarist of repute was "Mahavishnu" John McLaughlin, who was very talented but not up to Leslie West's level imho.
@@Arbeedubya Yes that's him. However, he goes back to Miles Davis and played a set with Hendrix in 69 in Sweden. Talent is a very subjective thing.
@@Arbeedubya ua-cam.com/video/SShUwbnS_J8/v-deo.html He played in so many different genres it was hard for him to be classifies. He also does a brilliant Flamenco set with Al Dimeola.
As a person of some Native American heritage I no longer can in any way romanicize the plight of European settlers of the 1800's, yet I do still love ❤️ this BEAUTIFUL rock ballad. Peace.
The most astonishingly lyrical guitar solo ever recorded! Leslie is channeling something far greater than than himself in this @4:45 when he says "I love you Felix..wherever the hell you are!"...you can tell from his body language and expressions on his face that he felt the presence of his friend and bandmate that night!
This solo never fails to make me cry, its that beautiful!
Ditto.
I made a comment on this 7 years ago. I listened to it again today, several times, and still believe it is the greatest recorded rock guitar performance ever. For one, the guitar tone is spectacular. The feel, and soul, and heartfelt playing to fit the context of the song is absolutely perfect. An incredible example of using the guitar properly to express yourself with notes, space, bends, dynamics. At one point in his second lead (3:13) he actually holds one note for almost 6 seconds (3:16). To me, that kind of playing says so so much more than some showoff who crams a thousand notes of nothingness into 4 bars of music. Thanks Leslie, you are one of a kind and have given me much listening pleasure in my life.
F#kn A,..
Agreed, I also watch the Allman Brothers perform Blue Sky in Germany 1991 many times.
Yep....
This song, and specifically this live performance of this song should be a staple listening experience for any guitarist or general music lover. It's just perfect.
Too bad you missed them play this at The Tea Party in Boston
2020 , the Year that just keeps on delivering the misery . Now we have the loss of one of my Greatest Guitar Hero's Mr . Leslie West . And what a true loss it is . I had the pleasure of seeing the Original Mountain Lineup in 1970 . I can't begin to tell you how magical a night that was . I had the joy of hearing Mississippi Queen blasting out of my Car Radio when it was 1st released . Bought the Mountain Climbing Lp fresh off the press and my first Guitar a few months later . Thank You Leslie for all the great music & memories . And i'll be seeing you on the other side . R.I.P. Mr. West .
A soaring song. I grew up with Mountain. This era of music had a huge impact on my life, growing up in the 70s. I get overwhelmed with nostalgia, 50 years later.
Dude's sending music messages to another universe here... smh, wipe away the tears. Rest in peace Monte, my friend who passed on June 3rd, 2022. This was one of his all time favorite songs 🎵.
Brilliant. An absolute masterpiece.
damn right
I've come back 5 years later to mourn the gentle Mountain of a man, Felix West, who had such a distinguishable "Long Island" voice. RIP, Felix. You remain a legend.
Cant go past that comment.
I've been watching this video since I came across it probably no less than 12 years ago and everytime I watched I get goosebumps. It's a sad day today with Leslie's passing. Rest in peace Mr. West, your music will live on forever more.
RIP, one of the best. Wow. I've watched this a thousand times, just gets into your heart. RIP.
I have to agree this is this the finest piece of lead guitar playing I have ever heard. The way he controls the ambience of the the room is amazing. The first time I played it on my car stereo I just kept turning it up louder till I was at max volume and there was no distortion. It was so powerful and pure it brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't believe what I had just heard. It became my #1 guitar piece and I don't think it can be topped.
On vocal and bass is actually Derek Holt from Climax Blues Band. I think he did a spectacular job aswell. Jack Bruce always loved how Leslie "owned" this song on guitar, but vocally I'd put Derek right under Felix and Jack. Not bad company...
This is Judy’s Husband Don. I play bass. I almost thought that was the Late Dan Hartman on Bass and Vocals !
good call on Derek
Clive Mayuyu on drums
The first time I heard this, Leslie's guitar playing brought tears to my eyes. It still happens every time I hear it. Magnificent.
Me too, I can almost see the wagons rolling off into the west…such an amazing song
Same
And I thought I was being weird 😂😥😥
Same with me.
Couldn't agree more. I have chills listening and writing. I was barely 10 years old when I first heard this thanks to my older brother. RIP Master Leslie.
I'm 70 yrs young and have been listening to Leslie West progress as a MASTER GUITAR PLAYER.
The clarity n precision of this song has evolved from Felix to the end of The Master.
Even Santa loves “Nantucket Sleighride.”
Right!!
to the 24 thumbs down, you either have not lived, have no heart for emotion or don't like music........this is f'ing unbelievable!
Greetings from 2024. I just landed on this version, and its great. THank you!
I had the true pleasure of playing Drums for Leslie and Mountainin the 70s at Yale Bowl in New Haven.
MR.West was a True guitar God and put his Heart and Soul into everything.
RIP LESLIE
Dedicating this to Leslie. RIP- truely one of the greatest guitarists ever! A mountain of a man- a mountain of tone...... He will be missed.
That's how you effin' play guitar. With heart and soul. Players like Leslie have always been my favorite. They play like they mean it and they take their tone seriously. They know what a note should sound like, and they make every note count. His solos were like poetry, and he was a mean rhythm player too, and a great singer. This is the guitar tradition that needs to be carried forward. Leslie, Michael Schenker, Slash, Tony Iommi, Kim Simmonds, Rory Gallagher, Robin Trower, Gary Moore. That's what rock needs. That's what guitar needs. RIP Leslie.
Don't forget Kim Mitchell of Max Webster
@@sethstopcallingmeryandickh9067 Or Kim Simmonds and Paul Kossoff, Gary Moore and Michael Schenker.
@@sethstopcallingmeryandickh9067 And Frank Marino. What a monster player!
@@angusorvid8840 check out Dirk Steffens the seventh step
Saw this Tour in Edinburgh, Scotland. All the guys were out in the alley after the Show, (except Steve Howe, who scampered off in a taxi) signing autographs and stuff. Leslie comes out with this crazy wild eyed stare, fixing each of us with it in turn demanding to know "D'you play? do you fuckin' play?!""Yeah" I responded "Well keep fuckin' playin'" Well I'm still playing Leslie, God Bless You. LESLIE, JACK and FELIX R(ock) in Peace. 🌌🎸🎶✨
This is how I want to remember you, Leslie.
He's up in heaven with his buddy, Felix.
He was underrated. This solo, for me, has everything, soul, feeling, tone. No shredding or grandstanding, just pure and beautiful playing. God bless you Leslie
Leslie West knows how to milk the melodic essence out of the blues scale like a Mother......excellent. Great song by the way.
Agree with your sentiment but I think you'll find it is the major pentatonic scale he is mainly using. As you say, excellent.
Around 87/88 I first heard this on VCR. Bought a live double video. Can't remember the name, but Theme from an Imaginary Western and Never in my Life was these two live performances here. I thought to myself, WTF??!! Call yourself a great guitar player fan and you've never listened to Leslie West??!! Wow!!! A complete lesson on how to get indoctrinated with 1 song, let alone 2!! Love it when Hendrix walked in on Mr. West playing the riff to Never in my life, and said, 'wow!! what a riff!' And then jammed with Leslie just a while later. Specifically picked him out a few weeks later. Love you mukka!!❤❤
This is one of the greatest and most heartfelt performances of all-time. Thanks Leslie.
Leslie West influenced many guitar players including Randy Rhoads and Michael Schenker and Zakk Wylde!!! Leslie had a keen sense of melody in his soloing! Plus he had awesome hand vibrato with his string bending! He can really make his guitar sound like a singer (voice) singing!!! He will be missed!!! R.I.P. Leslie!!! Your legend will live on!!!!😥😥🙂😊😥😥🙂🙂 ( I just read he had passed away. 2020. Such a crappy year indeed. Oh bother. 😔😞)
Count Warren Haynes in that group
And thousands like me
And, Martin Barre... the ONLY guitarist to ever influence him!
.. and we love YOU LESLIE where ever the hell YOU are!! I am pretty certain that it is Heaven with Felix, Steve & Jack keeping the saints and the angels in tune.
I was on my way, with my father, to a hotel in Manhattan to get my Eagle Scout badge, handed to me by John Glenn. Walking past a club, The Vagrants, with Leslie West, were playing. A memorable night...
I need to watch this every once in awhile to remind me how great rock and roll used to be.
No words we mortals are unworthy of what Mr West has bestowed on us here
Wow what a great version of this great classic. This song is one of the rare tunes that can make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. This is truly about as good as it gets.
TEARS... ! THANK YOU LESLIE WEST, ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED GUITARISTS EVER. AND TO FELIX! SUPER BASS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Leslie West is not under rated. that's all in your mind.
This mans sound live was in ÷=%%%÷ believable....so loud and yet clear as a bell....beautiful..God bless ya Leslie
Rip Leslie, you were awesome. And will be missed.
A perfect comp and solo, from the first note to the last. Every note, every nuance = perfection.
For me, the studio version is the best timed most melodic solo ever done and like an ice cream sundae he tops it off with a whistling cherry. You know the one. Simply Exquisite. RIP I'v'e had this at hand for decades and I'm 70
I met him when I worked for Jem Records from 1987-88.
He was putting out a record called "Theme" back in those days.
I remember listening to Howard Stern and he asked Leslie if he ever worked with a band called pig vomit.
When we were walking to Jem's studios, I asked the same question.
We both had a good laugh.
This was before Leslie was diagnosed with diabetes and had to have legs amputated. I treasure the memory, and was honored to meet him before he passed.
'71, senior year, ridin' in my '69 Charger, blastin' Mountain on my 8 track! This was possibly my favorite Mountain tune of all time. Another rock icon gone.
Condolences for the passing of the real deal. A huge influence on a young Michael Schenker this just showcases Leslie's amazing prowess.
West in Peace Leslie West
Westu hal.
I have seen leslie twice, once with jack and corky, the second time just leslie with 3 guitars and an electric cello, only 30 people at the bar for 2 hours listening to this awesome talent.
Nothing will ever sound like this again, always a Pleasure to listen to and You always find yourself playing it over & Over again!! Absolutely Beautiful....
Leslie's solo means something, fits the context of the song like a glove.
This is how it should be done, boys and girls, by one who KNOWS how it should be done.
No wasting of useless notes, every note in its' place and a place for every note to fit in.
That's what an old pro does. Leslie, keep it up. I would love the chance to play bass with you and maybe I'll get it someday.
Blessings to a master!!
Beautifully said. The solos were always part of a song, an extension and an embellishment but never an ego trip
Leslie hardly ever shred senselisly. He was very conservative about his lines and phrases. A pleasure to hear. Much more effective than a thousand note, look at how fucking great I am, boring lead. Just great. A big influence of restraint on me. Sad loss. Rest well brother. You made a difference
"Shred" to your heart's content. it will NEVER replace SOUL!
I've watched this so many times. In short, WOW! End of story. RIP LW.
Phenomenal player.Played with so much soul! His l.p.s always said “play loud”
I've listened to this video many times . I think that this is probably one of the finest pieces of guitar work undiscovered. Pass along this outrageous guitar passages to the less knowing. Leslie West should be rated one of the best players out there.
The greatest exhibit of guitar tone I've ever heard. On this night... on this stage... Leslie West stood alone. A personal tribute to the legendary bassist and music producer, Felix Pappalardi.
#LeslieWest
If you close your eyes, you can hear Leslie's guitar weeping for his friend, Felix Pappalardi.
Amazing talent, what more can be said when you hear such magic. RIP Leslie West!
I love this song. I was attending the University of Colorado when this came out on the album Mountain Climbing. I think it was in 1970 or 71. Still listening in 2022. Love it as much today as yesterday. (Yea Paul ) Two other songs on the album MISSISSIPPI Queen and FOR Yasgur's(? ) farm were excellent!!
I'm always amazed that such a big guy as Leslie has such long, slender guitar player fingers, it's amazing. I love the tone and sustain he gets.
Les & Eddie are probably kicking back and having a helluva jam!
No one phrases like Leslie West. Amazing tone! Gone WAY too soon. RIP Leslie Abel Weinstein.
Leslie West and Gary Moore rule in heaven.... No one else compares
Leslie West is so much more expressive than many many players. Great stuff.
byfar one of the most emotional guitar solos ever played, truly a guitar mastermind
Bro is saying goodbye to his friend with every single one of those Goddamn notes he hits. I get goosebumps every time I watch this.
Rest in peace Leslie! Thank you for the music 🙏🏻
I get the goosebumps everytime when the solo section starts. What a phenomenal control of the guitar.
LOVE that Leslie played this for Felix, and his playing showed it. As a whole still way preferred it when Felix was singing and Mountain was whole. Now Leslie has joined Felix, Mountain, the whole era vanished with the ashes from the Fillmore.
Love you Mr West ! Happy spiritual trails 🙏🙏Rock On Forever🤘🤘
Damn Legend!! RIP to one of the all time best,Mr. Leslie West!!!!!
Rest easy Leslie, thanks for all the great musical memories. I will never forget hearing this version of TFAIW for the 1st time on the Night of the Guitars broadcast on MTV back in 89 or 90. I literally got goosebumps, and still do every time I hear it. Godspeed brother 🎸🎶🙏.
RIP Leslie - and no matter where you are know that we remember and miss you.
Thanks from Vegas
This is a masterclass, watched it so many times , gets you every time and you have to revisit it 😂
Rip Leslie and Felix❤
Leslie West is amazing!! This song written by Jack Bruce is one of the greatest songs ever written! Classic! Also so proud of Mountain coming from the great state of New York!!
The sound! The tone! My gosh this is mind blowing
First time I saw Mountain was at a free festival in San Francisco in 1970. Awesome. I have loved that band ever since. I will miss you, Leslie. RIP.
The way he abruptly ends the song is like; "There is nothing I, or anybody else could or should add to this", and that's indeed so. Mind blowing, it almost brings tears to my eyes.
Reading some of the comments here reminds me that I too watched "Night of the guitars" that night in 1989. luckily I taped the show, and was absolutely spellbound! An absolute masterpiece from Leslie West and Derek Holt! It doesn't get any better than that if I'm still here after all these years!
leslie west handed me his pick in a bar called joes in greenport ny , one of the best moments of my life , i cried when he came out , so beautiful around 1998 beth laconte
Still makes my hair stand up everytime I hear it. Absolutely awesome guitarist
And this particular performance I’ve watched since a young lad . RIP mr west big man with the big sound
RIP Leslie West
Another great guitarist gone 😢
It's like he's in a religious trance when he plays!
I wonder if he felt the presence of his beloved friend, Felix Pappalardi given his tearful “I love you Felix wherever the hell you are!”
Oh my, MY GOD. Harry you made me cry cry cry like a baby‼️‼️😂😂😂. Why❓⁉️ I’ve known and Love ❤️ Harry Chaplin for the many to short years that he was alive and performing. And Leslie,⁉️ Well His and Felix’s Theme from an Imaginary Western is Emotion Provoking in as it self. But to see and then Hear, one such as My Harry Performing this magical. Rendition is and was just too much for my God ❤️You Emotions to hold back the floodgates of tears.
Leslie connected with the universe when he played. The love that came out of his guitar is astronomical to say the least
Leslie West peaked with this performance, this was him at his very very best, just amazing.