I was at the montreux jazz festival 1978 with the great Ms. Etta James and Chicago blues legend Cash McCall. It was my pleasure to perform with the distinguished Mr. James Booker.
Thank you for your terrific performance here, Mr. Cook! I would think that James Booker was a challenging artist to accompany, and you and the impressive ensemble really rose to the task.
12:37 - "Thank you very much, thanks for that kind applause. .... And now...well, because I don't have a rack full of synthesizers and drums machines, or any Auto-Tune software for my vocals, or a bunch of scantily-clad dancers and strobe lights, I guess I'll just have to play--all by myself--the most soulful piece of music that will ever be recorded by any human being, past, present or future. .... And I'll just have to do it while calmly sitting here on this piano bench, rocking back and forth just a little."
The Audio CD by Montreux Sound is from 1997, and there is a story: We get it in the mail box later that summer to our surprise just as staff members ! I guess we were a thousand working there building all the stuff from the ground up. The best music I knew at that time, and it took time to find something of that level again !
This entire group is TOPS: Tony Cooke, Cash McCall, the Bass, My Idol JB III 💕💕💕💕 Yes, I know it was recorded in 1978 -- I'm still listening! I became aware of Booker only a couple of years ago (it's now 2023) and this music still has it!
I love how at 20:20 he gets applauded with flying colors, says he’ll do one song with the next band, and stays for more than one song. He was the man for his time and place.
Yow I take back every complaint I've ever made about You Tube, look what we've got here! I've probably watched "True" from this set 10,000 times, wishing each time that there was more available from this show - and now BOOM, an hour of Booker - HOY HOY!! Thank's Ivory Emperor, best thing I've seen in forever.
What's amazing about Booker is he can play just as well at the Maple Leaf with less than 10 people as he would in front of 1000's at Montreux or N.O. Jazzfest. This show is so gooood!
setlist, for those wondering: intro - 0:00 > solo piano: "There was a picture called Pretty Baby..." - 1:37 Pretty Baby > Winin' Boy Blues - 2:15 Pixie - 3:12 Penny Lane > I Saw Her Standing There - 6:00 > with Cash McCall on guitar, Fred Beckmeier on bass, and Tony Cook on drums: One Hell Of A Nerve - 9:15 True - 12:38 The Long Last Laugh - 20:20 Junco Partner - 24:39 [video jumps back to TLLL - skip this part] - 37:00 Look What I've Got - 54:05 > encore: Tipitina - 1:01:42 The Grass Looks Greener - 1:03:06 Papa Was A Rascal - 1:06:32 Let's Make A Better World - 1:10:08 additional note: Mr Booker lies freely and floridly. At 1:37 he claims to have written and performed the soundtrack for Louis Malle’s recently-released film, the controversial Pretty Baby; on the contrary, it took its title from a song written by Tony Jackson (1882-1921) and was soundtracked by recordings of Jelly Roll Morton (1890-1941). And at 54:05, he claims that the song Junco Partner "inspired Barbra Streisand to write a book entitled 'Junco Partner, Worthy Man' - how about a hand for the book?" In fact, Barbra Streisand has never published any such book.
"he claims that the song Junco Partner "inspired Barbra Streisand to write a book entitled 'Junco Partner, Worthy Man' - how about a hand for the book?" In fact, Barbra Streisand has never published any such book." awesome
I’m not sure you could call that a lie! He said ‘Yours truly had the pleasure of doing the soundtrack, I did the title track, Pretty Baby. Now I’ve never seen the film or heard the soundtrack but he is listed as vocalist for ‘Whinin’ Boy Blues’ so he was on the film! The Barbara Streisand reference is weird though, I’ll give you that 😂
I have wanted to see this since I saw it at a Booker tribute at least 25 years ago. Thank you so very much. I have been thrilled by and obsessed with James Booker for about 35 years.
So am I!! My first listen however. Happy birthday James Booker and thank you for spreading so much joy and jaw dropping amazement with your enormous gifts, wherever you are! Best.ever!! YYR!!!
I know it's 1978, but it looks like this could have been filmed in the late 90s, early 2000s. I mean, that's some clear video, with color for the 70s. wow.
The late, legendary Claude Nobs-founder and producer of the Montreux Jazz Festival, seen introducing the band(who also headed up Warner Music in Switzerland)was always an early adapter of the latest and greatest in audio and video technology. He was passionate about recording and documenting shows he produced, leaving us a priceless treasure trove of live performances. Starting in 1991 he became the first to record in HD video.
Man I love Booker but I’m feeling for the rhythm section. He kept them guessing! Kudos to the band for following so well. Booker could be notoriously difficult lol.
I've been waiting many a years for the full concert to be released. Broker would play ay the Maple Leaf Bar and Laundromat on either a Tuesday or Wednesday night in the late1970's. I was told that he had a 10 key span.
Marvelous !particulaly when playing alone ,although his last group number is jolting .would he have preferred his working eye to have his group visible in front of him ?as grand as this performence is ,he music continued to evolve with colors ,grey froth as he expresses the pain if life
@@kellyjones2977 Penny Lane into I Saw Her Standing There. Never fails to make me smile. When he starts syncopating penny lane is fantastic, make sure it's loud.
Shut up with this " ' instrument' king" , they are full artists , he is a composer, a singer and a pianist not a signifying monkey playing amazing piano, as a lot of guitar players, talking of the most known example. It's about what you feel about these extraordinary...sounds.
I was at the montreux jazz festival 1978 with the great Ms. Etta James and Chicago blues legend Cash McCall.
It was my pleasure to perform with the distinguished
Mr. James Booker.
Thank you for your terrific performance here, Mr. Cook! I would think that James Booker was a challenging artist to accompany, and you and the impressive ensemble really rose to the task.
Thanks for your comment Mr.Gottlieb, it was a pleasure to perform with Mr. Booker!
Wow, what an honour to have you here Mr Cook! Must have been an incredible festival.
Thanks Ivory, Yes "good times"
That's awesome. Thank you for your performance. This set is amazing.
I spent many a nights at the Maple Leaf bar listening the great James Carroll Booker the Third!!!...GOAT....THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME.
Booker in his prime. Booker groove got you like a freight train.
12:37 - "Thank you very much, thanks for that kind applause. .... And now...well, because I don't have a rack full of synthesizers and drums machines, or any Auto-Tune software for my vocals, or a bunch of scantily-clad dancers and strobe lights, I guess I'll just have to play--all by myself--the most soulful piece of music that will ever be recorded by any human being, past, present or future. .... And I'll just have to do it while calmly sitting here on this piano bench, rocking back and forth just a little."
Damn right rebel proud
…ya think?! Booker makes it all look so effortless. Yeah You Right!!!!!!
The Audio CD by Montreux Sound is from 1997, and there is a story:
We get it in the mail box later that summer to our surprise just as staff members !
I guess we were a thousand working there building all the stuff from the ground up.
The best music I knew at that time, and it took time to find something of that level again !
This entire group is TOPS: Tony Cooke, Cash McCall, the Bass, My Idol JB III 💕💕💕💕
Yes, I know it was recorded in 1978 -- I'm still listening! I became aware of Booker only a couple of years ago (it's now 2023) and this music still has it!
*James Booker, piano, vocals - Cash McCall, guitar - Fred Beckmeier, bass - Tony Cook, drums*
This version of "True" finally convinced me that Booker was actually a very good singer as well as a keyboard master.
My 17yo cousin just showed up dancing asking who that was on the screen. She likes it, too. Thanks! Youth is saved.
The old tunes are the coolest
One of the greatest
The brother's music is timeless
Talent is timeless
King! We are so blessed to have him ❤️🎶🙌🏼
side comment: what model piano is he playing on? 🧐
A true genius. They only come around once in a blue moon.
I love how at 20:20 he gets applauded with flying colors, says he’ll do one song with the next band, and stays for more than one song. He was the man for his time and place.
An American treasure, Booker was a Pianist genius ,his light just burnt out way too soon,one of the best to every tickle the keys
an american? I think that's the best pianist ever born, in the whole world!
@@hitleposixv167 We are pretty partial to him in NOLA
Have you seen the documentary Bayou Maharaja? th-cam.com/video/6vUCBeWBG_4/w-d-xo.html
Yeah You Right!!!! One of the greatests of all time…
I won’t argue with that!
Yow I take back every complaint I've ever made about You Tube, look what we've got here! I've probably watched "True" from this set 10,000 times, wishing each time that there was more available from this show - and now BOOM, an hour of Booker - HOY HOY!! Thank's Ivory Emperor, best thing I've seen in forever.
Joe McNamara I’m glad it found you!
Jamming ... Bob Marley ...
What's amazing about Booker is he can play just as well at the Maple Leaf with less than 10 people as he would in front of 1000's at Montreux or N.O. Jazzfest. This show is so gooood!
Wow...a bass line with hammer ons and the melody, all played at the same time...a true player
Booker was a dawwwgg.
James Booker isn't well known outside of New Orleans but if you know, you know. An absolute master and one of the all-time greats that ever lived.
My favorite pianist of all time:)
Un Europe he was famous and respected!!
What a killer band. Oh so tight!
setlist, for those wondering:
intro - 0:00
> solo piano:
"There was a picture called Pretty Baby..." - 1:37
Pretty Baby > Winin' Boy Blues - 2:15
Pixie - 3:12
Penny Lane > I Saw Her Standing There - 6:00
> with Cash McCall on guitar, Fred Beckmeier on bass, and Tony Cook on drums:
One Hell Of A Nerve - 9:15
True - 12:38
The Long Last Laugh - 20:20
Junco Partner - 24:39
[video jumps back to TLLL - skip this part] - 37:00
Look What I've Got - 54:05
> encore:
Tipitina - 1:01:42
The Grass Looks Greener - 1:03:06
Papa Was A Rascal - 1:06:32
Let's Make A Better World - 1:10:08
additional note: Mr Booker lies freely and floridly. At 1:37 he claims to have written and performed the soundtrack for Louis Malle’s recently-released film, the controversial Pretty Baby; on the contrary, it took its title from a song written by Tony Jackson (1882-1921) and was soundtracked by recordings of Jelly Roll Morton (1890-1941). And at 54:05, he claims that the song Junco Partner "inspired Barbra Streisand to write a book entitled 'Junco Partner, Worthy Man' - how about a hand for the book?" In fact, Barbra Streisand has never published any such book.
"he claims that the song Junco Partner "inspired Barbra Streisand to write a book entitled 'Junco Partner, Worthy Man' - how about a hand for the book?" In fact, Barbra Streisand has never published any such book."
awesome
thanxxx!!
well, around the 21 minute mark he almost bashfully says they'll only do one more song, and that was a good lie
Thank you!
I’m not sure you could call that a lie! He said ‘Yours truly had the pleasure of doing the soundtrack, I did the title track, Pretty Baby. Now I’ve never seen the film or heard the soundtrack but he is listed as vocalist for ‘Whinin’ Boy Blues’ so he was on the film! The Barbara Streisand reference is weird though, I’ll give you that 😂
This is soooooooooo good and relaxing!
I have wanted to see this since I saw it at a Booker tribute at least 25 years ago. Thank you so very much. I have been thrilled by and obsessed with James Booker for about 35 years.
What a great performance and a wonderful historical document! A true genius...
Thanks for sharing
Сумасшедшая энергетика,мощный посыл. Блестящая команда,которая держит и не отпускает. Огромное впечатление. Спасибо ПАРНИ!!!
Thank you so much! It's always exciting to see Booker on film
This is gold!
Thank you!
What a treat! thanks
Beautiful ... THANK YOU
Thanks for the post! Pure Magic!
Thanks for uploading, Booker was amazing!
Awesome. Thank You
tim roussel You are very welcome. Glad someone else is enjoying it 👍
in 37:48 the video goes back for some reason; once it does, you can skip to around 54:00 for the rest of the amazing show
I did not know this footage existed. Holy shit
Not many people do! I think the good people of New Orleans have had a few screenings over the years though.
Thanks for the upload! I've listened to this great concert many times and am glad to see a version exists in its entirety!
So am I!! My first listen however. Happy birthday James Booker and thank you for spreading so much joy and jaw dropping amazement with your enormous gifts, wherever you are! Best.ever!! YYR!!!
Glad to see this again!
A true master
So Good...it Hurts!
joder vaya artista, increible
Awesome performance 👏 👏👏
As good as it gets. Tell me better and I'll give it a listen.
So he was on the Soundtrack of “Pretty Baby.” I would’ve gone to the Storyville cat houses, back in the day, just to hear the piano player.
Like reading Playboy for the Articles!😊
Unbelievable
Just amazing
I know it's 1978, but it looks like this could have been filmed in the late 90s, early 2000s.
I mean, that's some clear video, with color for the 70s. wow.
Rolexes, Trains, Banks, Musical Documentaries, the Swiss don't do anything half Way!
The late, legendary Claude Nobs-founder and producer of the Montreux Jazz Festival, seen introducing the band(who also headed up Warner Music in Switzerland)was always an early adapter of the latest and greatest in audio and video technology. He was passionate about recording and documenting shows he produced, leaving us a priceless treasure trove of live performances. Starting in 1991 he became the first to record in HD video.
@@martindizoniii2230 Yeah they like to keep stuff locked up in vaults too! Like this footage
...
Real film-not videotape. Looks incredible for sure
The man.
Man I love Booker but I’m feeling for the rhythm section. He kept them guessing! Kudos to the band for following so well. Booker could be notoriously difficult lol.
Yeah I don’t think they had much or any rehearsal time! Cash McCall kept it all together.
And Booker is shouting at them a lot 😂
@@IvoryEmperor digging Tony Cook on the drums! Give the drummer some!
⭐🎤🎹🎶💕The best!
I've been waiting many a years for the full concert to be released. Broker would play ay the Maple Leaf Bar and Laundromat on either a Tuesday or Wednesday night in the late1970's. I was told that he had a 10 key span.
Marvelous !particulaly when playing alone ,although his last group number is jolting .would he have preferred his working eye to have his group visible in front of him ?as grand as this performence is ,he music continued to evolve with colors ,grey froth as he expresses the pain if life
Booker, his parents were Chopin and Ray Charles.
❤😊
the best black, gay, one-eyed heroin addicted pianist there ever was
Genio!
Man... IF ONLY PEOPLE KNEW!!!!
he sounds like 2 players. there is only one other person who sounds like that and its Art Tatum
❤❤❤
That Beatles Medley @ 6:00 is particularly beautiful.
Which song is it
@@kellyjones2977 Penny Lane into I Saw Her Standing There. Never fails to make me smile. When he starts syncopating penny lane is fantastic, make sure it's loud.
@@boppincloud2125 Right?! It’s so beautiful
@@IvoryEmperor Thanks for posting it, a wonderful performance of Booker. What a player.
Booker personified genius.
I have yet to come by a billion dollars in coke money, but some day, fingers crossed.
You can hear Harry Connick Jr. when Booker sings and plays. As a boy, Harry took lessons from James. Booker is clearly HCJ’s greatest influence.
There is a cut in this show , after a song and Junco Partner , we seen a part of the show two times ?
It’s hard to listen to Junco Partner knowing what eventually happened to Booker.
That poor guit player. I know he is damn good but who can modulate with Booker? :)
Not the right band for Booker. It seems they barely rehearsed if at all.
How difficult can it be, it's all diatonic.
Wha da hel happen to da audio in the end
I need this on CD, where can I buy it? Oh, I Can copy to a disc.
Wonderful. any idea the name of these songs?
I want to get drunk in a bar where this guy plays all night...
Used to be the Maple Leaf bar in NOLA
If only he had stayed in Europe...who knows...
What's name of song at 56:00
Beyond satisfying .. a culmination of virtuosity, recklessness, fearless calm and sassy ass bitch
He's not human
Shut up with this " ' instrument' king" , they are full artists , he is a composer, a singer and a pianist not a signifying monkey playing amazing piano, as a lot of guitar players, talking of the most known example. It's about what you feel about these extraordinary...sounds.
The Black Liberace except James is a better pianist.
EDDIE B O next, then EDDIE B O Y D ...
Booker no es de este mundo.