Real Gone Music - Chet Atkins and Les Paul - Guitar Monsters - New Release Review

I've just received a copy of the newly released, Guitar Monsters by Chet Atkins and Les Paul. This recording, originally released on vinyl back in 1978 is seeing cd for the first time. Sure, some of these tracks are tongue in cheek but the guitar work is masterful. With 5 pages of liner notes written by Chris Morris this is one that open minded guitar enthusiasts need to check out. Opening with Limehouse Blues, the guitar aces play a "Nashville Jazz" version of a classic tune. The riffs are both Spanish and gypsy influenced and the track is really quite cool. A very intimate rendition of Over The Rainbow is played by showing a lot of emotion and the pristine style that both players are known for. Meditation, has a distinctive era style but again allowing both players the room to show their own independent styles from country jazz to gypsy jazz. The arrangement on this track is really super. Lazy River, another classic track, is given juxtaposed styling for each player showing just how different each guitarist is but how well they meld together. On It Don't Mean A Thing, Atkins starts the track off with the standard 6/4 rhythm and unmistakable Chet style. Les comes in and plays city riffs over the rhythm. I can't say I ever realized how much these guys sounded like older gypsy jazz until now. Stephane Grappelli would have been a nice featured guest. Les does some outrageous riffs on this track. On blues based I Surrender Dear, Atkins takes the lead and plays it straight. Paul plays really clean riffs as filler. Of course they trade throughout. This is a great track. It is likely my favorite on the release. Brazil, although a bit too "jazzy" for me is an absolutely outrageous guitar demonstration. On Give My Love To Neil, the guys do some "campy" singing but when it comes time, they have no problem creating a really hot swinging guitar duel. Finishing the release is Hot Toddy, a light swing track. The guys are both absolute masters and it's hard not to just sit back in awe of the incredible work that they have laid out here.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Keith Richards and Steve Miller Do More for Les

DOVER, NJ – Keith Richards takes to his official Facebook, Twitter and YouTube with an exclusive “Ask Keith” video clip answering the question “What was it like to work with Lou Pallo?” on the new Les Paul tribute album, Thank You Les.

“He came up with the most perfect song”, said Richards, referring to his collaboration with Pallo on the Les Paul and Bing Crosby 1941 hit, It’s Been a Long, Long Time.  “He’s known as the Man of a Million Chords and he can find a chord for every different note you’re singing, which fascinates me.”

Pallo, who met Les Paul in 1963 and is credited for bringing Paul out of semi-retirement for 30 years of steady Monday night gigs in New York City, recently released the CD/DVD tribute to his friend and mentor with not only Richards and Steve Miller in tow but Slash, José Feliciano, Billy F Gibbons (ZZ Top), Eddie Brigati (The Rascals), Bucky Pizzarelli, Johnny A and other notable artists.  The 21-track luscious analog recording, and documentary featuring insight to working with guitar icon Paul, is hitting the jazz charts while also garnering airplay on Jazz, Blues and Triple A radio stations.

Steve Miller, Les Paul’s Godson, who flew in to New York to perform at the Thank You Les release party, penned the packages liner notes.  “Even after becoming one of the most influential musicians and inventors of the 21^st Century, Les Paul always had time for everyone from Tony Bennett to Johnny Rotten to anyone in between.  It’s a tribute to the kind of human being Les was that he was always willing to share his spotlight with any musician that was brave enough to come forward and say hello.”

To view the Keith Richards video click here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ0tAmJ9NR4

To view Steve Miller’s complete liner notes click here

http://www.stevemillerband.com/thankyoules.html

To view the trailer from the Thank You Les DVD click on this link:   http://www.thankyoules.com/index.php/component/allvideoshare/video/highlight-reel

Showplace Music Productions: Lou Pallo of Les Paul's Trio - Thank You Les - New release review

I have been listening to Thank You Les, the recent tribute release by Lou Pallo of the Les Paul Trio. This recording features a veritable who's who of special guests including Keith Richards, Steve Miller, Billy Gibbons, Jose Feliciano, Slash, Bucky Pizzarelli, Nokie Edwards, Melinda Doolittle and more. The recording features 21 of favorites by Les Paul done in a somewhat traditional way. Mr. Day/Tell Me What's The Reason, featuring Miller has a distinctive Steve Miller sound done in a light swing jazz styling with a cool guitar interlude is actually quite relaxing. Caravan, an instrumental featuring Nokie Edwards is a cool track and Edwards not only demonstrated his acuity on the fingerboard but also his knowledge of Pauls unique styling. Tennesse Waltz featuring Micki Parrott demonstrates finesse and smooth harmonizing. September Song featuring Billy F. Gibbons is really clean and trick. It doesn't have any ZZ Top overdrive, but beautiful clean guitar runs and electronic echo/reverb on the rhythm and firm confident lead guitar riffs (with some blues in the stew). Really nice. I'm Confessing That I Love You featuring Eddie Brigati Jr. and Bucky Pizzarelli is one the stronger tracks ... Pizzarelli handles the guitar magnificently. Least likely to win any accolades from me, Mr Sandman featuring telemaster Arlen is really quite cool. Roth of course is a spectacular player and master of style. He not only captures the spirit of Paul but also keeps his own personality. Possibly my favorite track on the release is Besame Mucho featuring Jose Feliciano. I have to admit I haven't heard Feliciano on over 20 years but he demonstrates here why his name is still held in high regard. Not only is his singing beautiful but his guitar playing is exemplary. Brilliant! Brazil, another instrumental featuring Frank Vignola is done with a Latin rhythm and the guitar runs on this track are amazing (and in keeping with Paul's own style. Vaya Con Dios featuring Lexie and Arlen Roth is another beautiful track not only because of the lush guitar work but Lexie really is perfect for this track on vocals. Steve Miller has demonstrated his capabilities as a serious jazz musician on his own recording in the past but accompanied by Lou Pallo, I believe this may be some of his most significant work outside of the rock scene. Definitely worth the listen. Memories of You is a simple guitar duet featuring Tommy Doyle and Lou Pallo. The work is straight up clean and very enjoyable. Carioca, another instrumental featuring Frank Vignola with Lou Pallo brings out the beautiful Spanish harmonies of this original track. Very nice Spanish/jazz guitar work! Just One More Chance again featuring Pizzarelli on guitar is bright and airy. This is just perfectly orchestrated and executed. St. Louis Blues is done in a retro down and dirty manner. Featuring John Paris on vocals, slide and harmonica this is a track very different from the rest and Bob Levine on trumpet is magnificent. This may not be a blues recording, but if you love guitar, love Les Paul or just love well performed music... this is one to get!
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

All-Star Cast of Musicians Joins Les Paul Trio Guitarist Lou Pallo on Special CD/DVD Tribute to the Guitar Master, "Thank You Les"

An All-Star Cast of Musicians Joins Les Paul Trio Guitarist Lou Pallo on Special CD/DVD Tribute to the Guitar Master, Thank You Les

Special Guests Include Keith Richards, Steve Miller,

Billy F Gibbons, Jose Feliciano, Slash, Bucky Pizzarelli, Nokie Edwards, Melinda Doolittle plus More Notables and Members of the Les Paul Trio

DOVER, NJ – An amazing array of all-star musicians join guitarist Lou Pallo in paying tribute to the legendary Les Paul with the September 11 release of a unique CD/DVD titled Thank You Les, produced by Showplace Music Productions in Dover, NJ, and distributed in the U.S. and Canada by the Allegro Corporation. The exciting new release plays as a love letter to the iconic guitar player and recording innovator from these artists who were influenced and inspired by his artistry and innovation. The music covers styles ranging from pop and jazz, to country, rock and blues. The guest artists include guitarists Keith Richards, Billy F Gibbons, Steve Miller (who also penned the package’s liner notes), Jose Feliciano, Slash, Johnny A, Bucky Pizzarelli, Arlen Roth, Nokie Edwards (The Ventures), Frank Vignola, Bob Leive, Tommy Doyle and Jon Paris, as well as singers Eddie Brigati, Jr. (The Young Rascals) Blondie Chaplin (Rolling Stones), Nicki Parrott (Les Paul Trio), Lexie Roth, Melinda Doolittle (finalist on “American Idol” season six) and members of the Les Paul Trio.

The 21 tracks of pure guitar bliss on Thank You Les, including many of Paul’s personal favorites plus others from the great American music songbook, were recorded organically on analog tape by Ben Elliott, Chief Engineer at Showplace Recording Studios. Thank You Les will be available as an individual CD and DVD, as well as in a combo package including both discs. The DVD documentary is a full-length, fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of the album, and is loaded with interviews, rare photos, musical performances and bonus features.

The musical thread that runs throughout the CD and the DVD film documentary is the relationship between Les Paul and his long-time friend and rhythm guitarist, New Jersey-based Lou Pallo, who many credit with helping Les Paul revitalize his career as a live performer after they first met in 1963 and soon after began performing together. It was Pallo who stood on stage with Les for his extended run of weekly performances in New York City starting in 1984, first at Fat Tuesday’s in Greenwich Village for 10 years, and later at the Iridium on Broadway, which became the “hot ticket” destination for not only thousands of music fans, but also for any musician in town who wanted to tip their hat and worship at “The House that Les Paul Built.”

“Les was my guitar idol and I was honored to work beside him and call him my friend for so many years,” says Lou Pallo. “This tribute allows Les’ musicianship and sense of humor to take center stage giving everyone the opportunity to experience the Les Paul we knew well and the music he adored.”

In his loving remembrance of Les Paul in the package’s liner notes, guitar great Steve Miller fondly recalls not only Les Paul the musician, but also the family friend (Les was Miller’s Godfather) who spent part of his honeymoon with Mary Ford visiting at the Miller family’s house in Wisconsin. “Even after becoming one of the most influential musicians and inventors of the 20^th century, Les Paul always had time for everyone from Tony Bennett to Johnny Rotten and anyone in between,” writes Miller. “He never judged you by how you looked or what kind of music you played, but by your character and your commitment to music. It’s a tribute to the kind of human being Les was that he was always willing to share his spotlight with any musician brave enough to come forward to say hello.”

“So, this album is a tribute to Les Paul, truly one of the most enjoyable and creative musicians to ever live. He was a modest man who always gave more than anyone I’ve ever known. It’s a heartfelt thank you from just a few of his many friends for his wonderful music, inspiration and friendship.”

Plans are in the works to celebrate Thank You Les with a CD/DVD release show in New York City featuring Lou Pallo and special guests. To view a trailer from the Thank You Les DVD: http://www.thankyoules.com/index.php/component/allvideoshare/video/highlight-reel For more information, visit www.thankyoules.com

Thank You Les – Partial Recording Credits

1) Avalon – featuring Frank Vignola – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

2) Mr. Day/Tell Me What's the Reason – featuring Steve Miller - guitar and vocal;

Lou Pallo - guitar

3) Caravan – featuring Nokie Edwards – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

4) Tennessee Waltz – featuring Lou Pallo – guitar; Nicki Parrott - bass and vocals

5) September Song – featuring Billy F Gibbons – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

6) It's Been a Long, Long Time – featuring Keith Richards - guitar and vocal; Lou Pallo - guitar and vocal

7) I'm Confessin' That I Love You – featuring Eddie Brigati, Jr. – vocal; Bucky Pizzarelli – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

8) Mister Sandman – featuring Arlen Roth – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

9) Bésame Mucho – featuring José Feliciano - guitar, vocal, congas, shaker; Lou Pallo - guitar

10) Brazil – featuring Frank Vignola – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

11) Vaya Con Dios – featuring Lexie Roth – vocals; Arlen Roth – guitar; Frank Vignola – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

12) Deep in the Blues – featuring Slash – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

13) Nature Boy – featuring Steve Miller – vocal; Lou Pallo - guitar

14) Memories of You – featuring Tommy Doyle – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

15) Smile – featuring Blondie Chaplin – vocal; Lou Pallo - guitar

16) Carioca – featuring Frank Vignola – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

17) Just One More Chance – featuring Bucky Pizzarelli – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

18) St. Louis Blues – featuring Jon Paris - vocal, slide guitar, harmonica; Lou Pallo - guitar

19) Sweet Georgia Brown – featuring Johnny A – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

20) Out of Nowhere – featuring Nokie Edwards – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

21) Over the Rainbow – featuring Melinda Doolittle – vocal; Lou Pallo – guitar

Sleepwalk - Les Paul

Lester William Polsfuss (June 9, 1915 – August 13, 2009)—known as Les Paul—was an American jazz and country guitarist, songwriter and inventor. He was the inventor of the solid-body electric guitar which made the sound of rock and roll possible. He is credited with many recording innovations. Although he was not the first to use the technique, his early experiments with overdubbing (also known as sound on sound), delay effects such as tape delay, phasing effects and multitrack recording were among the first to attract widespread attention.

His innovative talents extended into his playing style, including licks, trills, chording sequences, fretting techniques and timing, which set him apart from his contemporaries and inspired many guitarists of the present day. He recorded with his wife Mary Ford in the 1950s, and they sold millions of records.

Among his many honors, Paul is one of a handful of artists with a permanent, stand-alone exhibit in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is prominently named by the music museum on its website as an "architect" and a "key inductee" along with Sam Phillips and Alan Freed
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”