Breaking Down the "Riff of the Century"
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- Опубліковано 20 січ 2023
- #bass #history #analysis #transcription #paulthompson
Talking about how the late, great Jeff Beck came into Stevie Wonder's radar at the perfect time in 1972, helped him record the TALKING BOOK album, and create a masterpiece which he would record with his own group, BECK, BOGERT & APPICE. Comparing two great bass lines on one iconic song and how reorchestration makes them both so cool. Let's talk about "Superstition"!!
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Oddly, among the real memories I find here in my Self, is having worked full time in the technical support staff at Electric Lady during the time period that Jeff was working with Stevie. Even though these were closed sessions I was frequently called up into the control room to fix the various problems that came up, mostly in the (not completely reliable) Ampex MM-1000 2" 16-track tape machine (SN: 016) which was pretty much a prototype.
I can say looking back from this moment, that one cannot see this sort of thing coming or what it will eventually become while looking forward from the moment one's memories are being written, but only in retrospect and by observing the unfolding over longer time spans, years, decades, a lifetime.
Somehow, I got to be that proverbial fly on the wall, witnessing in snapshot samples a surprising amount of Stevie's work. I remember overhearing this song taking shape from when it was just Clavinet and drums.
Malcolm often came down to the shop during breaks to chat and address the excess marijuana problem. Once he came down asking, without explaining why, about ideas for things that were superstitious. Seriously!
I remember Malcolm showing me on that huge Moog synth, TONTO, how to get a realistic horn patch that gives the impression of a human player "hunting" for correct pitch by adding a short and fading vibrato during the note's attack.
I remember Bob, with all hell was breaking loose around him, calmly saying "I see no problem here."
While I did not directly contribute to the process of creation, I did get to help make that process more possible. I can clearly remember certain moments when I was awake, an advertisement for Working to be as awake as you possibly can.
I still have the 2" reel of Scotch 206 containing my own material, some of which I recorded on that same Ampex MM-1000. They left me alone at night in Jimi's studio, no cameras, no time-clock, just me and my own memories of Jimi.
What a remarkable time. How amazing to be invited in.
Whee!
Thanks for this Michael!
Looks like you're still smoking lol
A great story. Wish I could have been there.
Kewl!!
Wow amazing lol
MAY HE REST IN PEACE
That was beautiful!!
Jeff and Stevie, Stevie and Jeff. Both are arguably, two of the world’s most influential musicians of the modern age.
No argument from me. Two geniuses collaborating.
Jeff didn't seem to seek the spotlight but everybody knew he was a virtuoso for sure. May he rest in peace. 🎸
Here’s a crazy story for you, about two hours ago I heard this video and learned for the first time of Jeff Beck‘s role in creating superstition. Two hours later, I commented my 15-year-old son how much I love the song, and was pointing out how amazing the high hat sounds at the beginning of the song with all of the sudden, he said, “you know, Jeff, Beck, recorded that song and key part in its creation”.”
How about that? Wow, just like you said, we keep the people alive by listening to their music
What?
Did you know David Bowie wrote the original prototype of the song that became the Frank Sinatra standard “My Way?”
Man, sure this is the way to pay homage to a great musician! Bravo!
That era of Wonders career is the greatest!!!!!
Yet another reason why Jeff Beck was a legend. I didn't know about this... But it's every bit as significant as Billy Preston's contribution to the Beatles Get Back. People are people, and great talent knows nothing of skin color. Thanks for this Paul.
If you have watched that "Get Back" documentary, what was The Beatles missing? Billy Preston. What a fantastic talent he was, He made The Beatles a fuller sounding band no doubt. Billy even did the same thing with The Stones, they were better with him.
I have been listening to and appreciating the unique talent of Jeff Beck for over 50 years, and yet, since his passing, I have learned more about him and have come to the inescapable conclusion that he is easily among the top five musicians in the past 75 years in his influence and his creativity. There will never be another Jeff Beck, just as there will never be another Stevie Wonder.
I’ve read or heard this story a few times and it never gets old. Such a fantastically amazing story. Proof that some of the greatest moments in music are beautiful accidents.
Jeff Beck. The greatest guitar player, ever. R.I.P Jeff
For every Jeff Beck fan, Superstition and Cause We've Ended As Lovers are easily all time favorites. Jeff was a standout talent from childhood and his amazing collaborations of musical styles, genres and artists made him unique in Rock and Roll history.
Any time I listen to Jeff's music it always takes me back to a good place in memory. What a gift. RIP JB
That final Stevie quote got me a little misty!
That's a beautiful, wise sentiment. 💚
I am always happy when I see one of your videos pop up. I always know I'm going to hear great music with a great story. I realize how many things get shoved into my head every day that don't make me happy. You always do.
Amazing tribute maestro. Worth of note (on a bass channel) that many years ago I used to think that clav riff WAS a bass, being slapped/popped somehow. I can’t be the only one (yikes maybe I am). Rest in power, Jeff. Glad you brought of “ended as lovers”, a masterpiece that ties these two titans together.
Arc aww
Yes, you were the only one. It's all good, though.
And let's remember that Jeff's version of "...ended as lovers" (on Blow By Blow) is dedicated to the late great Roy Buchanan in the liner notes/credits. Jeff was a big fan of Roy's. Both widely expanded the palette of guitar sounds available to future players.
I thought so too, until I started playing bass
Lol I can see that ig if u don't play
Man, I continue to be amazed at your knowledge and ability.
I saw Stevie Wonder in the mid 70's. My hometown is in the back of nowhere, so lots of great bands came there to fine tune their concert setups, because any mistakes wouldn't be heard about in the wider world.
Stevie's setup was extended to fix all the issues. And once they were fixed, OMG - I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it! Stevie played hit after hit for a couple of hours. It was AM-MAZ-ZING!
Did not know all this. Amazing story and analysis. Thank you for laying it all out.
The one and only guitar player.
He is the greatest player to explore all the possibilities that the electric guitar could hold, and a pioneer of astonishing virtuosity.
Also he was a seeker who sought to fuse all the vibrations,tones and sounds that exist on earth with a single electric guitar, it’s voice transcending languages, traversing across cultures, unbound by musical genres.
Jeff Beck , forever!
Extremely well put, but I must disagree on the one and only part. In their own way Jeff, Jimi, Duane and a host of others sought to expand the range of possible sounds (and feelings) one could get out of the electric guitar. There is a player RIGHT NOW that is doing exactly what the rest of your post describes. He has been around more than 30 years but I just discovered him 6 months ago. Now I almost can't listen to anything else, and he has HUNDREDS of releases! Check out Buckethead. Like Jeff he has mastered tone, dynamics, effects and pedals, emotion, tension and release, and can play any genre he chooses. For me it was like finding the Holy Grail of music. I never thought anyone would knock Jeff, Jimi, and Duane off the top of my list, but he has.
Bogart was also the singer on the BBA version. Beck’s weakness in the rock/pop music genre was that he was not a very prolific songwriter. There’s an interview with Bruce Springsteen where he says that he got to a point where he knew he had to focus on either being a really good guitarist or a really good songwriter; obviously Springsteen made one choice while Beck made the other.
Great tribute. It's hit me harder than even Johnny winter did and he was a bigger influence on me than Jeff. But Jeff Beck, such a loss. RIP
Paul, I was just thinking about “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love” with the news of Jeff Beck passing away recently. His solo on that cut has been embossed in my being since I was fourteen years old. Thanks for turning the spotlight on one of the greatest guitarists ever to do it!
Thank you. I've always loved Stevie and Jeff and their magnificent collaborations. Twins of spirit, in a sense. Too bad there won't be any new sessions. Still, their legacy is fantastic.
I live for musical nuggets like this! And presented with such enthusiasm and passion!!
Thanks Paul, Jeff was my guitar hero, I saw him live in Paris in 1991, still unforgettable. Cheers from France.
Loved Stevie Ray Vaughn's cover version too ( Stevie Wonder appeared at the end of the video) - all three musicians - absolute legends!
🎶 💯 🎶
You talked about the crossovers. I just listened to Cause We Ended As Lovers by Syreeta. Amazing piece. Jeff Beck's version is one of my all time favorites. The live version with Tal Wilkenfeld's solo is very inspiring.
Jeff covered a whole bunch of Stevie’s stuff on some of the Jeff Beck Group albums.
Superstition and Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers are the songs I associate with each musician - they’re forever linked! Great teaching, Paul
I was a student of Tim Bogert and I heard Jeff's side of the story as told to him about Superstition. Let's just say there are two sides to that story. Long story very very short; Tim asked Jeff, "Well did you have a contract?" and Jeff said "No". And Timmy told him to quit bitchin then because he was a professional and was supposed to know better.
He also used to say Jeff still owed him money in a very quirky way with a laugh. (For getting up one morning and leaving BBA in the middle of the tour. Just quit and left like Neal Young did to CSNY.)
And Tim owned a place on of all places "Beck Street" in North Hollywood somewhere.
Both did a great job, thank you Jeff!! ✌️☺️
So glad you covered this!
As a teacher, I am so thankful for the opportunity, like this, to learn more about the music I grew up with through my youth. Thank you! I love your channel and appreciate all the new knowledge I have gained.
Thanks for making this video. Bogert’s bass line is phenomenally good. As one would expect. He was such a terrific player. Love your channel, man.
Superstition and Earth Wind and Fire's Getaway are the two songs that solidified my love of R&B and Funk!!!🤯
Thank you. I'm a Jeff Beck fan and really appreciate this video.
What a great, informative video! In lieu of Jeff Beck's recent passing, it's especially poignant--a reminder of the myriad ways Beck gave us so much great music. And what a collaboration: Stevie Wonder & Jeff Beck. Always loved how Stevie says "do it, Jeff" on "Lookin' for Another Pure Love." Talk about PURE!
I won`t stop talking about Jeff, every single day of my life. The legacy he left wil forever sound across the globe. One like no other!
You consistently provide some of the best musical content on YT. Congrats and thanks for sharing!
Jeff covered some of Stevie’s songs on the self-titled Jeff Beck Group album from 1972, including “I got to have a song”
spiritual...angelic...lovely...never dies...thank you so much...love...
Didn't know this about superstition. Great solo on looking for a pure love. Beck was an interesting guitarist but never really got into him that much. A talent none the less.
Loved this! Thank you so much for presenting the song's fabulous history, and for the tribute to Jeff Beck.
Used to cover ‘Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers’ when I started working with my father. He was the only guitar player I’ve had the opportunity to play that song with and now it holds such a special place in my heart I will probably never play it live again. My father, Jeff, and Phil have all passed on but they were three of my biggest musical influences and they still give me so much inspiration.
Beck, Bogert and Appice - Live in Japan!! It’s the red album cover. This is the best Jeff Beck version of the song in my opinion….My dad had the studio album and this live album both on vinyl. Used to listen to the live version over and over as a kid, trying to imitate Beck’s guitar riffs
Didn't know about Jeff's contribution both great versions but Stevie made it one of the funkiest songs ever written if you don't move when Stevie comes in after the drum intro you need to go get some help. So many classic great songs from that era and it's definitely up there with the best go Stevie RIP Jeff.👁👀
You are broadening my musical horizons! I like it.
That guitar solo on looking for another love is one of my favorites. Masterpiece from a master class.
So glad to have seen Jeff beck love a couple of years ago in cologne. His tone, his style, his talent is incomparable
You honor every musician you talk about, which is a beautiful thing, man. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for putting the dots up - the electric bass part is funky! Great video 👍😊
Paul once again, you have out done yourself. I have learned so much about bass from you.. you have a fan in Canada🇨🇦
Love your analysis man! What a great way to tie one of the greatest living musicians of our day with another legend that just passed! Great tribute.
When I first heard the song SUPERSTITION, I was a 13 year old kid in SoCal chilling in my room at night. My radio picked up an FM Detroit station that played this tune and my mind was blown. Back then, we could pick that Detroit station loud and clear in the wee hours of morning. I also heard the Eagles LIFE IN THE FAST LANE for the first time on that same station! Can't do that these days! Crazy!
brotherhood!!!! .............................. brings a tear to my eye! , together we are better!
Have to add that the late Tim Bogert was a great bass player along with these two musical giants aka Jeff & Stevie.
Just discovered your videos today. I love how much you show love and respect to the artists and their legacy.
Cheers!
Classy, succinct and wonderfully nostalgic. Thank you, sir and thank you Mr. Beck.
One of my fave songs ever, both versions.
Great tribute video.
Vale Jeff.
Things I did not know about the 2 of them. Bravo for keeping Jeff, the guitar genius music alive.
There's so much going on in that song, you hear the beginning riff and then all the instruments kick in, so the riff becomes just a part of it.
But pointing it out this way now, yes, a top gun riff for sure.
Incredible history, thanks for sharing!
R.I.P. Jeff Beck, one of the most unique, gifted and innovative human beings that ever picked up an instrument.
Dude... I had no Idea.... This is great stuff!
I had ways wondered why Jeff Beck recorded Superstition for that album!
What a history! Thank You for shining this light on it. Yes keep the music ever in our ears and hearts. RIP JB 🙏🏽 Keep on keeping on SW 🙏🏽☮️
I heard this week that Jeff played drums, but didn't have all the details. This was the finest eulogy I've heard for Jeff.
Merci beaucoup.
As long as you have two guitarists in conversation somewhere, Jeff Beck will stay alive.
Yeah,,,I remember buying that talking book cd back in the late 80's and seeing Jeff Beck's name in the liner notes,,,still have the cd
So impressed !! This is awesome. Cheers.
This channel is so awesome. I don't know how I found it but I'm glad I did. When going down a UA-cam rabbit hole pays off.
Very informative. Thank you!
Dude, you just so damn good with tha knowledge bro! 👏🏾I didnt even know this until I recently did a tribute to Jeff Beck as part of my salute to Toto podcast, and here you are sharing that gem. I stumbled onto this story as Stevie Wonder had mentioned his love and respect for Jeff shortly after Jeff's passing on 10 Jan. Man, Jeff Beck was my dude fa sho. Peace and keep up the excellent work, knowledge and truth never gets old. 👏🏾💯
Yeah, the Clavinet, 8 of the 16 tracks on the mulitrack tape are Clav 😁
Man I've learned Soooo much from your videos, chocked full of info, keep'um coming!! 👍🏽👍🏽
I had the Beck, Bogert & Appice album as a teenager and wore that vinyl OUT. It was my de facto introduction to "Superstition" and Stevie Wonder, even though at the time I was hearing Stevie's music all the time on the radio. Not until I heard Stevie's version on the radio did I realize this was the same song as on the BBA album. Several years later, I bought Talking Book (on vinyl of course) and really got into it. Decades hence, after I had developed as a keyboardist, I wound up playing Superstition in many bands, and learned it in both Eb minor and E minor, depending on the given guitarist's preference. What a great song, learning experience, and lifelong artifact!!
What a great video you've done here. Superb!
I saw BBA play this live. Didn't realise the two versions were so closely linked.
Awesome presentation! Thank you!
Very interesting post! I love that Stevie says if we keep talking about people we keep them alive. I talk about Jeff for the same reason.
I remember when Superstition came out. Back then there were “Soul Stations” on radio down in SW Georgia. I first heard it on a soul station then it crossed over to my AM station WDEC. I didn’t know it at the time but I was so blessed to live in those days.
Amazing video.
Thanks!!
Wow! Didn't know Beck and Stevie had this level of collaboration. Two consumat musicians making each other better.
Thank you for these fantastic videos.
So accurate and full of info plus the notation. Wow. Best tutorial ever.
Great history! I never knew Stevie's long time association with Jeff Beck, let alone specific songs with which they engaged. Thanks for posting!
Very informative! I love this channel!
Great bit of history, thanks. Man, what a great time it was to be alive in the early 1970's.
Very interesting, I did not know about Becks direct influence. He was truly a class act.
Wherever you are, I hope you're still Rockin Jeff Beck. Rest in peace brother. 🎸🎶✌🏻
#HeStillHadSomeLeft
nice video ... I liked your closing words: as long as you talk about them , they are alive ...
Que Sensacional isso PD!!! Há mais de 20 anos conheço as duas versões e não sabia nada disso!!! Obrigado pela Aula de História da Música com esses dois Mestres!!!
I think I learn more obscure facts about music I know on this channel more than any other….thank you!!
Nice one man. Big fan of Jeff and Stevie. Thanks for sharing!
Superstition is my musical energizer‼️
That Stevie Wonder riff is 🔥🔥
Just found this channel - what a gem! Subscribed.
Bless you man. for this fine video.
Excellenly researched piece, thank you!
Such greatness. Inimitable. Irreplaceable. Both of them.
What a simple humble tribute dude!
Great info on the history of Superstition. I bought BBA when it was released. Sometimes I felt like the only guy that owned a copy. RIP Mr. B
Two geniuses together can only do good things. Amazing!
Jeff put his touch on this classic and made it great! King of the Strat! 🇨🇦🎸🎼
Love it! they are both legends I grew up with.