Just a little anecdote; I loved John Mayall, I was young (end of the 60s), and he went to the Olympia (Paris), 400 km from my home - I am from the center of France -, and I decided to 'go see him and his already famous musicians. Not having a car, nor a driving license, I tried the adventure of doing 400 kms, then as much on the way back, with my moped, adventure that lasted 3 days, in cold and rainy weather, sleeping chilly in bus stops or other places unsuitable for camping. I had 3 chains and padlocks to prevent my precious vehicle from being stolen ... The concert was a revelation for me. I didn't get to see the musicians backstage, but I enjoyed it a lot. Then return, partly at night, soaked, stars in your eyes (probably the headlights of cars), with these wonderful memories ... And I never saw John again, live, except ... one day in October 2015, when he was in a room near my house, in reduced formation (I remember Rocky Attas on guitar. There, I was able to chat with John, telling him about my adventure fifty years before, which made him laugh. A very simple guy by the way. I bought his last record, by the way, and I didn't take my moped back, because I lived less than a mile away ... This is how I shook hands with one of my favourite blues heroes . Nothing spectacular, but a memory, for my 66 years!
Loved Rick Vito’s commentary at the beginning. His perspective on Bloomfield is a reminder that Clapton’s most lasting influence that transcends virtuoso technique is the transformation of guitar tone and texture. This is why Pete Townshend was once considered such a guitar hero; they changed the sound of the instrument, rather than just playing faster or with more linear complexity. Bloomfield explored interesting modal areas, but his sound stayed much the same through 66-70. This is why for some of us three bars of Peter Green phrasing will always be worth more than 3 minutes of Steve Vai or Eddie Van Halen shredding all over the fretboard. “Feel” and dynamics, touch and sensitivity, responsiveness to the music not overwhelming it; that is expression, not “skill”.
I'll compress it down to three notes of Peter Green phrasing! Saw him in Byron Bay a few years ago, he still has it. I don't mind the other guitar styles at times though but for feeling, yeh.
Rick Vito's take on hearing the Beano album is exactly the way I felt on my first hearing of it. I was a huge Mike Bloomfield/Paul Butterfield fan. Back in the day, there was a music store, Wallich's Music City in Torrance, Cali. There was this young, very hip sales clerk who worked there. I was raving about Bloomfield to him. He pulled out the Beano LP & told me that if I liked Bloomfield so much, I should listen to this Blues band from England. The store had private listening booths so I took the LP into one of the booths & played it. I liked it, but Clapton was no Bloomfield. I Didn't buy it & went home. I couldn't get the sound of that LP out of my head. I went back 2 days later with a friend. We both played guitar. I played it for my friend. On a second hearing of the LP, I was hooked! My friend said if you don't buy that LP, I will. The store had only one copy! Of course, I bought it. This was in 1967. I wore that LP out. BTW, soon after that, that same sales clerk got a copy of the single Purple Haze. He played it over & over on the house PA system. This was before the Are You Experienced LP came out stateside. Talk about a life changing experience for a teenage guitar player! That single blew my head apart! Like I said, that sales clerk was a very hip dude. And I thank him.
I first heard the "Beano" around 1965 when I was at Newcastle University. I was doing solo gigs with a lot of Bob Dylan stuff. Some guys asked me to front their new Uni blues band but, studying mechanical engineering I declined. They took on a student from the fine art department called Bryan Ferry. True. I played bass for him at one Uni gig when his regular bass player didn't turn up. Many many years later in Hong Kong, when I owned three live music bars, I got back into a band scene and finally played "All your loving is loving". Good times. At the age of 75 I still perform a regular solo gig in the Philippines once a week.
My first year at University, a jazz fan friend of mine invited me into his room to hear this great sax solo. It was, I believe, Alan Skidmore's solo on the intro to "Have You Heard," on the Beano record. I was impressed, but then Clapton started playing and my life as a guitarist was changed forever.
I first heard the LP back in '86, when I was 16, and a big EVH fan. It tore my head off, just the sound of it. So raw.And emotional. Turned me on to the blues, big time, up to this day. BB King is probably my favourite now, but every now and then,I go back to the 'Beano' LP, and remember where it started for me. Thanks for your great research .👍
Thanks for posting.. this album was a major league influence on me as a guitarist... Clapton's "Beano" tone... everything about his phrasing on that record... amazing stuff :)
Did you know that it was Mike Bloomfield who introduced Jimi Hendrix to The Beano Album in August 1966 when him and Jimi were playing the East Village in New York (Mike had an import copy from England at the time)?According to Mike Bloomfield (in his interview with Guitar Player Magazine 1975),Jimi was mesmerized when he first heard the Album.He was very impressed by Eric's playing.That is one of the reasons why Jimi went to England with Chas Chandler in 1966.
Hi Ramon, just thought that I would mention a blues guy that most people fail to ever give recognition to is the great Luther Allison. There's a DVD and CD combo available from him. The show was recorded in Montreal, Quebec back in the early 90's. This guy is absolutely one of the blues greats that seldom ever gets the recognition that he deserves. He unfortunately died from lung cancer in 1997. I was working on a Canadian ship back in August of 1997. I used to sail to the port of Duluth, Minnesota. He just happen to be on the bill that night. Unbelievable show. I have been a huge fan of Luther Allison for many years. The fire that he played with in his guitar playing was amazing. Y problem is that the only guys anybody ever refers to are BB King, Freddy King, Albert King, Albert Collins and Clapton and Greenie. Yes, those guys are great, but like I said there were countless great players down in the States that never ever got the recognition they deserved,. I spent years traveling through the States hearing countless great blues guys that never get mentioned, even in the smallest of bars there, I saw some incredible acts. The new kid on the block is a kind of chunky black kid from the States called Christone kingfish Ingram. This kid is in his early 20's. He is tearing it up in the blues world. This kid is the real deal. All of the old greats were just that, but some of these young guys that are keeping the blues alive and well are awesome today. Luther Allison's son is another. Unfortunately, these are the very black guys that invented this music. Nobody sings like black Americans. White people fall short big time. Give these guys a listen and I'm sure you will agree with me. Blues forever!! Forgot to mention, I love the show.
Thanks for an amazing comment and I agree Luther Allison was a legend and needs to be remembered. I will for sure name check him in the future. Thanks 🙏
RIP John Mayall. I'm a fan of Clapton Beck Page- saw the ARMS Show but honestly I bought Beano Lp cause Page said in a 1977 Trouser Press interview he is almost positive he produced " Double Crossing Time". On the deluxe 2 cd there is a " Double Crossing Man" on it. Love the album!!
Very interesting and equally well done. As a high school drummer I heard about the beano album in ‘67. What a great time of musical evolution. Thanks so much for the great work.
This is the best and coolest video to date on the the details of the recording of the Beano album and of the Decca studio it was recorded in! Such great historic information and photos. Sincere thank you for this museum grade documentary.
Brilliant video Ramon ,thanks for clarifying the Rangemaster situation . To follow up on what you said about his pickups , I have The Les Paul book by Bacon & Day in front of me . Page 27 , pic of Eric from a 1967 copy of Beat Instrumental and quote "You've probably heard about me taking the covers off my pickups . The improvement soundwise is unbelievable". Of course we all understand this principle ,with unpotted coils ..and then effectively removing the Faraday cage... Cheers 👍
This album was my favorite record when it came out. It was an inspiration to me as a young guitar player with his first electric guitar. I didn't get into Bloomfield's work until Super Session. Interesting how similar my experience was with Vito's. I was like a sponge absorbing all this stuff playing along with the records through an old Champ amp my mom bought me for $59. Great video man. I still love these records.
It was really fun. I usually find live chat guitar related streams getting too heavy into gear for me to enjoy them. But I accidentally stumbled on yours because I'm a subscriber. I've seen a couple of your videos and quite liked them. You're style of playing is very similar to mine in many ways. I liked the riffing on Miles you were doing and references to the early Mayall years with EC and all that. I was in high school in 1968 and totally info the Bluesbreakers, the Kings(Albert, BB, Freddy), Cream etc. When I was a little younger and taking lessons, I was into all the British Invasion bands, and of course, the Beatles. So I have played for a long time, and I have gone through all the different styles of the decades. Anyway, it was fun to hang with you'all. You know a lot of interesting stuff and don't get all wrapped up with excessive gear discussions, well mostly. I love those Navigators, especially the butterscotch Tele. I wish I could find one here for a reasonable price.
When I first started playing it was Dickie Betts and the Allman Bros….suddenly I heard this Bluesbreaker record!!! Great vid!! My all time #1 LP….long live Beano!!
Thans for a great and instructional video. No recording has informed my guitar playing or musical taste more than the Beano album and I enjoyed learning more about how it was produced.
If you want to learn to play the electric guitar, this album is a must, regardless of what style you're into. The touch and fluidity of Claptons playing is so beautiful.
I also saw Rick Vito live and met him. Also, I saw Kirk Fletcher live and met him. Very amazing musicians. John Mayall is a legend. He signed the CD, after I saw him live. I saw Eric Clapton live, and got one of his guitar picks from a roadie, after the show. John McVie was with Fleetwood Mac, when I saw them live. What a great documentary of an awesome album. Cheers!
Ramon that wuz great... You've certainly got you brain on the pulse of where all electric guitar plunkers live and it's appreciated... I always love going straight into my amps whenever possible as every amp has it's own musical character (if treated as such) It's all about keepin' it fun so thanx and I can't wait for the next one!
What can you say about Mayall, Clapton, the tone, and the recordings. Mayall is a sorta Zappa of blues, Clapton was compared to God (a god not the God), the tone; well no one EVER heard something like that. The combination of amp, guitar, and E.C.s talent WAS the british "BLUES TONE" invasion. So many influences from that moment rippleing through blues. Rick Vito put into examples the Blumfield 'clean' blues tone and the Clapton 'overdrive' blues tone. That album was a crossroads into todays blues sound. The recordings are amazing, it could only have happened at Decca. Great vid Ramon.
Ramon. As someone who first saw EC at Eel Pie Island and was forever turned on and then to buy all the albums you mention here, I'm indebted to you for this documentary. Some of it I was very familiar with. I was a roadie/guitar tech for over 30 years and I've worked with some of those here (and more besides). It's such a treat to see and hear accurate information. Thank you again.
This is great work. I enjoy these mini docs a lot. You opened a can of worms now, Cream, Fleetwood Mac, Bloomfield etc. All these classic album can have a mini doc to go with them. Thanks for your efforts. 👍👍👍
@@TheGuitarShow I've ALWAYS read that he used a Rangemaster. As a matter of fact, reading that was the first time I ever heard of a Rangemaster. If Bob ever works another Crossroads Guitar Festival have him ask E.C.
@@jltrem I believe that the only way you could get a tone to approach Eric's at the time might have been to use a Rangemaster. If you didn't have the luxury of being able to turn the amp up all the way then using one would get you in the ballpark. The Blues Breaker amps were reissued not long ago, I remember Lee at Andertons reviewing one, and I was distinctly unimpressed with the tone. Most of the comments were: TURN IT UP!, which of course he could not do in his studio. I'm sure Dallas didn't mind one bit everyone believing that Eric used one, it must have shifted quite a few units for them. On the other hand Rory Gallagher did use one with his AC 30 to great effect. Great video, thanks.
Ramon you’ve done it again. Those photos are glorious. You should compile a book. I know that is an epic task. Looking forward to your next splendid History treasure trove. Peace & Twang
There was a tiny store that sold British imports in the 60's. One read the liner notes and if the record sounded cool you bought it. Fortunately I bought it! I already had a good collection of Chicago Blues records. I probably owned more Freddy King records than Clapton. i recognized 2 of Freddy's songs on the Beano record ...that's why I bought it. Still it surprised me because white guys just DID NOT play like that.(I'm 74 in case you wondered)
Great video, and in my opinion some of the best and most unique guitar playing I've ever heard. Clapton at his best to me, not to flashy but the perfect notes and feel. 😊 Thank you for the great content 👍
At 12:47, it's mentioned Clapton used a 45 watt 1962 Marshall combo. I was under the impression ( from Clapton himself and Billy Gibbons ) it was a 50 watt. Thanks for the pics! Never seen a 45 until this doc.
I started out with Sunshine of Your Love and reversed course. I bought both Cream albums, the JM Bluesbreakers album and then Five Live Yardbirds. I couldn’t figure out if Clapton had gone down to the crossroads or what the hell happened. The difference in his playing with the Yardbirds to the Bluesbreakers was remarkable. Although the flip side of the last single he made with the Yardbirds showed the direction Clapton was heading in. Beautiful, fluid with that fat powerful sound he got with the Les Paul / Marshall combination. He never sounded better.
Excellent info - thanks! I also agree that Mike Bloomfield was a deep player, and the Paul Butterfield recordings with him should be listened to by all guitarists.
coincidentally i bought the mono-vinyl just two day ago. I listend to when i starte playing and didn't for years. Now I'm back in love with it.... This and Fresh Cream has to be among his best sounds ever....
This was really interesting. Nice work !! I was only 9 in '66 so a little young to appreciate this landmark album but 'the big kids' on my block (older brothers of pals) had it. I got into Cream at 11 first then Fleetwood Mac with Kiln House in '71. It took buying a copy of John Mayall's 'Looking Back' from the neighbor of a girlfriend in '72 to appreciate what EC and Peter Green had done. Took awhile but finally 'got it' :) Interesting about Bloomfield. Super Session was another album I saw a lot. I have it and like it but funnily enough, my favorite track is one Michael doesn't solo on, "You Don't Love Me"'. Just never had the impact on me as those guys from across the pond.
When I first started playing guitar I asked a local blues hotshot if he gave lessons. He said no, he was too busy to teach but told me to get the Beano album and steal every lick off it that I could. Good advice.
Great video! I learned some things i did not know about the recording end of things and the studio itself. And seeing the pics of Clapton in the studio at that time is interesting and moving in some way. A musically brash and passionate player but kind of a shy guy as a person, he set the bar for the future of guitar. This is Guitar 101 Ground Zero for the rock and blues artists who came later. He would not revisit the blues in a deep way until 1994's From The Cradle album which i would love you to do a documentary of. You would do that as well or better than anybody. It is a shame that guitar got stolen from him. Anyone who steals what isn't theirs has some serious moral issues but stealing a guitar from a player of his caliber robs the world also of what might have come later. Fortunately, Clapton went on to become the iconic artist he is and thrilled us with his playing for years after this. He is still revered and rightly so. Thanks for this video and i look forward to more great work from you mate!
Have you read his autobiography ? I found it had quite a strange atmosphere about it but couldn't put my finger exactly what it was. I came to the conclusion that he does not really like himself much.
Milkman strut! Famous story: they didn't lock the studio door and in walks the milkman during a take, dumps down the milk crate and leaves. They left it in the session! Classic.
I used to play in the old Railway .. Mo's New Shoes Club .. & lived around the corner .. I was in the pub one rainy afternoon when John Mayall & a Journalist / camera guy from the local Paper The Ham & High .. were in there .. They had a Blue plaque to present to ???? .. Sadly .. The landlord had never heard of the blues & I saw him throw the plaque onto a pile of Bar towels .. John Mayall did not look very Happy .. & shortly after they left .. I did try & rescue the plaque but the Landlord said " what's it worth to you ? " & I had not even got the price of a 2nd pint .. oh well .. Memories .. on another note I did once shove Jason Statham aside with my shoulder trying to get a drink b4 last orders .. He was a lovely bloke very nice about it letting me squeeze in next to his place .. where he had a foot on the old rail that used to run along the bar at floor level as a foot rest .. which I used to stand on & call out my order .. & Jason said to me " Scottish then are you ?" with his smile .. Back then His mate was more famous .. He has a part in Eastenders as a Market trader .. Ginger haired fella .. memories lol
You do such a wonderful job on these documentation videos Ramon! Have you ever considered doing one about Johnny Winters? Being a lover of all things slide related I hope you enjoyed his work as much as I. Stay healthy and sane kind sir!
I bought my first Mayall album from Mike Vernon's father who run an electrical shop where I lived in New Addington,I first saw Clapton play in Croydon as I did with Mick Taylor,I have forgotten the name of the pub.
Contrary to popular belief Eric's 1962 combo was a JTM45 chassis(no tremolo) inside a Jim Marshall custom built cabinet. It was a one off and there's never been another like it. Nobody knows(and apparently not even Eric) what happened to that amp. Unlike his Beano Les Paul there is no mention of it being stolen or otherwise, another mystery.
You should take up the 'RETURN ERIC'S BURST CAMPAIGN'! A well known burst collector boasts about knowing where it is located Eric needs to have this in his hands again!
John was one of the best band leaders of that era and a few more. Still touring with 5 events scheduled for last half of 2020 and the same the first half of 2021. He was a creator of star musicians and tight bands.
Just a little anecdote; I loved John Mayall, I was young (end of the 60s), and he went to the Olympia (Paris), 400 km from my home - I am from the center of France -, and I decided to 'go see him and his already famous musicians.
Not having a car, nor a driving license, I tried the adventure of doing 400 kms, then as much on the way back, with my moped, adventure that lasted 3 days, in cold and rainy weather, sleeping chilly in bus stops or other places unsuitable for camping.
I had 3 chains and padlocks to prevent my precious vehicle from being stolen ...
The concert was a revelation for me. I didn't get to see the musicians backstage, but I enjoyed it a lot.
Then return, partly at night, soaked, stars in your eyes (probably the headlights of cars), with these wonderful memories ...
And I never saw John again, live, except ... one day in October 2015, when he was in a room near my house, in reduced formation (I remember Rocky Attas on guitar.
There, I was able to chat with John, telling him about my adventure fifty years before, which made him laugh. A very simple guy by the way. I bought his last record, by the way, and I didn't take my moped back, because I lived less than a mile away ... This is how I shook hands with one of my favourite blues heroes .
Nothing spectacular, but a memory, for my 66 years!
These are the things we had to do then😍
... same for me but it was Charlie Chaplin in 1921.
this record blew us away. my mate Bret Taitoko who died young could play all this and I bashing boxes and buckets. so good from Aotearoa NZ....
Loved Rick Vito’s commentary at the beginning. His perspective on Bloomfield is a reminder that Clapton’s most lasting influence that transcends virtuoso technique is the transformation of guitar tone and texture. This is why Pete Townshend was once considered such a guitar hero; they changed the sound of the instrument, rather than just playing faster or with more linear complexity. Bloomfield explored interesting modal areas, but his sound stayed much the same through 66-70. This is why for some of us three bars of Peter Green phrasing will always be worth more than 3 minutes of Steve Vai or Eddie Van Halen shredding all over the fretboard. “Feel” and dynamics, touch and sensitivity, responsiveness to the music not overwhelming it; that is expression, not “skill”.
Amazing comment 🙏 many thanks
You summed it up perfectly, beautifully stated. “Tone, texture and expression” is why this music still moves us. Thanks again.
I'll compress it down to three notes of Peter Green phrasing! Saw him in Byron Bay a few years ago, he still has it. I don't mind the other guitar styles at times though but for feeling, yeh.
And Jeff Beck?
100% agree. Also, while speed and technique are impressive, capturing the essence of a song like Red House holds more meaning.
Rick Vito's take on hearing the Beano album is exactly the way I felt on my first hearing of it. I was a huge Mike Bloomfield/Paul Butterfield fan. Back in the day, there was a music store, Wallich's Music City in Torrance, Cali. There was this young, very hip sales clerk who worked there. I was raving about Bloomfield to him. He pulled out the Beano LP & told me that if I liked Bloomfield so much, I should listen to this Blues band from England. The store had private listening booths so I took the LP into one of the booths & played it. I liked it, but Clapton was no Bloomfield. I Didn't buy it & went home. I couldn't get the sound of that LP out of my head. I went back 2 days later with a friend. We both played guitar. I played it for my friend. On a second hearing of the LP, I was hooked! My friend said if you don't buy that LP, I will. The store had only one copy! Of course, I bought it. This was in 1967. I wore that LP out. BTW, soon after that, that same sales clerk got a copy of the single Purple Haze. He played it over & over on the house PA system. This was before the Are You Experienced LP came out stateside. Talk about a life changing experience for a teenage guitar player! That single blew my head apart! Like I said, that sales clerk was a very hip dude. And I thank him.
I first heard the "Beano" around 1965 when I was at Newcastle University. I was doing solo gigs with a lot of Bob Dylan stuff. Some guys asked me to front their new Uni blues band but, studying mechanical engineering I declined. They took on a student from the fine art department called Bryan Ferry. True. I played bass for him at one Uni gig when his regular bass player didn't turn up. Many many years later in Hong Kong, when I owned three live music bars, I got back into a band scene and finally played "All your loving is loving". Good times. At the age of 75 I still perform a regular solo gig in the Philippines once a week.
thanks for this Howard
Just for accuracy's sake "Beano" was released in July, 1966.
What a great documentary! Thanks so much! That album was a landmark blues recording and put Eric on the map. It still stands up today.
Pleasure Corey
My first year at University, a jazz fan friend of mine invited me into his room to hear this great sax solo. It was, I believe, Alan Skidmore's solo on the intro to "Have You Heard," on the Beano record. I was impressed, but then Clapton started playing and my life as a guitarist was changed forever.
Great comment Michael Thanks!
I first heard the LP back in '86, when I was 16, and a big EVH fan. It tore my head off, just the sound of it. So raw.And emotional.
Turned me on to the blues, big time, up to this day. BB King is probably my favourite now, but every now and then,I go back to the 'Beano' LP, and remember where it started for me.
Thanks for your great research .👍
Thanks Shane
Thanks for posting.. this album was a major league influence on me as a guitarist... Clapton's "Beano" tone... everything about his phrasing on that record... amazing stuff :)
Thanks for the comment Brian 🙏
Did you know that it was Mike Bloomfield who introduced Jimi Hendrix to The Beano Album in August 1966 when him and Jimi were playing the East Village in New York (Mike had an import copy from England at the time)?According to Mike Bloomfield (in his interview with Guitar Player Magazine 1975),Jimi was mesmerized when he first heard the Album.He was very impressed by Eric's playing.That is one of the reasons why Jimi went to England with Chas Chandler in 1966.
Many thanks indeed for this info Michael
This is huge man...and just speak volumes about Clapton's Legacy.
Great video. That album is a masterpiece and never gets old. Thanks for putting that together.
My pleasure Ed 🙏
Things like this one, makes internet such a great gift to humanity.
Many thanks 🙏
Great comment....and youtube is the ultimate gift to all of us
First recording of Eric Clapton singing, was a duet with Paul Samwell-Smith on "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" ; from "Five Live Yardbirds".
Hi Ramon, just thought that I would mention a blues guy that most people fail to ever give recognition to is the great Luther Allison. There's a DVD and CD combo available from him. The show was recorded in Montreal, Quebec back in the early 90's. This guy is absolutely one of the blues greats that seldom ever gets the recognition that he deserves. He unfortunately died from lung cancer in 1997. I was working on a Canadian ship back in August of 1997. I used to sail to the port of Duluth, Minnesota. He just happen to be on the bill that night. Unbelievable show. I have been a huge fan of Luther Allison for many years. The fire that he played with in his guitar playing was amazing. Y problem is that the only guys anybody ever refers to are BB King, Freddy King, Albert King, Albert Collins and Clapton and Greenie. Yes, those guys are great, but like I said there were countless great players down in the States that never ever got the recognition they deserved,. I spent years traveling through the States hearing countless great blues guys that never get mentioned, even in the smallest of bars there, I saw some incredible acts. The new kid on the block is a kind of chunky black kid from the States called Christone kingfish Ingram. This kid is in his early 20's. He is tearing it up in the blues world. This kid is the real deal. All of the old greats were just that, but some of these young guys that are keeping the blues alive and well are awesome today. Luther Allison's son is another. Unfortunately, these are the very black guys that invented this music. Nobody sings like black Americans. White people fall short big time. Give these guys a listen and I'm sure you will agree with me. Blues forever!! Forgot to mention, I love the show.
Thanks for an amazing comment and I agree Luther Allison was a legend and needs to be remembered. I will for sure name check him in the future. Thanks 🙏
I used to see Luther Alison playing at a local club often. His son is great too.
michael newell , so listen to either of the
Winters brothers, Johnny or Edgar, sing.
R.I.P. Mr John Mayall❤.
RIP John Mayall. I'm a fan of Clapton Beck Page- saw the ARMS Show but honestly I bought Beano Lp cause Page said in a 1977 Trouser Press interview he is almost positive he produced " Double Crossing Time". On the deluxe 2 cd there is a " Double Crossing Man" on it. Love the album!!
Great report! Especially all the info about Decca Studios and the recording- fascinating!!
Pleasure Ulrich
Very interesting and equally well done. As a high school drummer I heard about the beano album in ‘67. What a great time of musical evolution. Thanks so much for the great work.
This is the best and coolest video to date on the the details of the recording of the Beano album and of the Decca studio it was recorded in! Such great historic information and photos. Sincere thank you for this museum grade documentary.
Many thanks John
Brilliant video Ramon ,thanks for clarifying the Rangemaster situation . To follow up on what you said about his pickups , I have The Les Paul book by Bacon & Day in front of me . Page 27 , pic of Eric from a 1967 copy of Beat Instrumental and quote "You've probably heard about me taking the covers off my pickups . The improvement soundwise is unbelievable". Of course we all understand this principle ,with unpotted coils ..and then effectively removing the Faraday cage...
Cheers 👍
Thanks for this Shaun 🙏🙏🙏
@@TheGuitarShow Pleasure Brother 👌
This album was my favorite record when it came out. It was an inspiration to me as a young guitar player with his first electric guitar. I didn't get into Bloomfield's work until Super Session. Interesting how similar my experience was with Vito's. I was like a sponge absorbing all this stuff playing along with the records through an old Champ amp my mom bought me for $59. Great video man. I still love these records.
Thanks Jonathan and thanks for joining the live stream today
It was really fun. I usually find live chat guitar related streams getting too heavy into gear for me to enjoy them. But I accidentally stumbled on yours because I'm a subscriber. I've seen a couple of your videos and quite liked them. You're style of playing is very similar to mine in many ways. I liked the riffing on Miles you were doing and references to the early Mayall years with EC and all that. I was in high school in 1968 and totally info the Bluesbreakers, the Kings(Albert, BB, Freddy), Cream etc. When I was a little younger and taking lessons, I was into all the British Invasion bands, and of course, the Beatles. So I have played for a long time, and I have gone through all the different styles of the decades. Anyway, it was fun to hang with you'all. You know a lot of interesting stuff and don't get all wrapped up with excessive gear discussions, well mostly. I love those Navigators, especially the butterscotch Tele. I wish I could find one here for a reasonable price.
When I first started playing it was Dickie Betts and the Allman Bros….suddenly I heard this Bluesbreaker record!!! Great vid!! My all time #1 LP….long live Beano!!
Thsnks Philip
Thank you for a great documentary on one of my all time favorite albums!
Pleasure Steve
Thans for a great and instructional video. No recording has informed my guitar playing or musical taste more than the Beano album and I enjoyed learning more about how it was produced.
If you want to learn to play the electric guitar, this album is a must, regardless of what style you're into. The touch and fluidity of Claptons playing is so beautiful.
I also saw Rick Vito live and met him. Also, I saw Kirk Fletcher live and met him. Very amazing musicians. John Mayall is a legend. He signed the CD, after I saw him live. I saw Eric Clapton live, and got one of his guitar picks from a roadie, after the show. John McVie was with Fleetwood Mac, when I saw them live. What a great documentary of an awesome album. Cheers!
Thanks for your comment Dwayne and thanks for watching
Thanks for this video. The recording at decca section was especially good as I'd never heard about that before.
That album was a groundbreaking experience for me and every guitar player. I first heard it in 1967 when another guitar player told me about it.
Ramon that wuz great... You've certainly got you brain on the pulse of where all electric
guitar plunkers live and it's appreciated... I always love going straight into my amps whenever possible as every amp has it's own musical character (if treated as such)
It's all about keepin' it fun so thanx and I can't wait for the next one!
Thanks bro... Was a lot of fun to research this album. Stay safe.
23:55 of pure fun thanks Ramon..
🙏Pleasure
Awesome video. One of my all time favorite records. I still listen to it regularly. It always amazes me.
Many thanks Scott
What can you say about Mayall, Clapton, the tone, and the recordings. Mayall is a sorta Zappa of blues, Clapton was compared to God (a god not the God), the tone; well no one EVER heard something like that. The combination of amp, guitar, and E.C.s talent WAS the british "BLUES TONE" invasion. So many influences from that moment rippleing through blues. Rick Vito put into examples the Blumfield 'clean' blues tone and the Clapton 'overdrive' blues tone. That album was a crossroads into todays blues sound. The recordings are amazing, it could only have happened at Decca. Great vid Ramon.
Many thanks Maurice and a great summation of the clapton/bloomfield styles. Thank you 🙏
@@TheGuitarShow Never really thought of it till a night of insomnia and Rick Vito. Lol
And Your vid obviosly
Great vid again! Keep them coming please can’t wait for the next!
Thanks am thinking either Fresh Cream or Regatta du blanc
It's amazing how much musical talent came out of the Yardbirds and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. So many music legends were in both bands. Cheers!
Really nice job Raymon. You found a bunch of great pics I’d never seen. Really enjoyed it.
Pleasure brother - lets collab on something in the future!
Looking forward to the next chapter
Coming soon!
My introduction to Blues....still my go-to album...
Ramon. As someone who first saw EC at Eel Pie Island and was forever turned on and then to buy all the albums you mention here, I'm indebted to you for this documentary. Some of it I was very familiar with. I was a roadie/guitar tech for over 30 years and I've worked with some of those here (and more besides). It's such a treat to see and hear accurate information. Thank you again.
This is great work. I enjoy these mini docs a lot. You opened a can of worms now, Cream, Fleetwood Mac, Bloomfield etc. All these classic album can have a mini doc to go with them. Thanks for your efforts. 👍👍👍
That's the plan... Thanks 🙏
This cool... it seems we can't get enough of this music and what is represents... keep it burnin! Mike
Thanks Mike
Super Session with Mike Bloomfield and the Beano album with Eric Clapton are both GOLD
agreed
Wonderful, Ramon, wonderful. How interesting that your dispensed with the Rangemaster story.
Thanks bro, yes I really researched that point and in my opinion no Rangemaster was ever used by Eric.
@@TheGuitarShow I've ALWAYS read that he used a Rangemaster. As a matter of fact, reading that was the first time I ever heard of a Rangemaster. If Bob ever works another Crossroads Guitar Festival have him ask E.C.
@@jltrem I believe that the only way you could get a tone to approach Eric's at the time might have been to use a Rangemaster. If you didn't have the luxury of being able to turn the amp up all the way then using one would get you in the ballpark. The Blues Breaker amps were reissued not long ago, I remember Lee at Andertons reviewing one, and I was distinctly unimpressed with the tone. Most of the comments were: TURN IT UP!, which of course he could not do in his studio. I'm sure Dallas didn't mind one bit everyone believing that Eric used one, it must have shifted quite a few units for them. On the other hand Rory Gallagher did use one with his AC 30 to great effect. Great video, thanks.
@FlamQ Dbltap Yes, I was waiting to see if Keith from Five Watt concurred with Ramon on the Rangemaster.
@@jltrem 5 watt World.... He's done the same doc 3 days after me... What a coincidence haha
Ramon you’ve done it again. Those photos are glorious. You should compile a book. I know that is an epic task. Looking forward to your next splendid History treasure trove. Peace & Twang
Many thanks Ronald, it's always a pleasure to go back in time with these videos.
Great documentary Ramon. Thoroughly enjoyed all the interesting facts and timeline of the Mayall development. Cheers from NZ.
Pleasure Anthony thanks for watching!
There was a tiny store that sold British imports in the 60's. One read the liner notes and if the record sounded cool you bought it. Fortunately I bought it! I already had a good collection of Chicago Blues records. I probably owned more Freddy King records than Clapton. i recognized 2 of Freddy's songs on the Beano record ...that's why I bought it. Still it surprised me because white guys just DID NOT play like that.(I'm 74 in case you wondered)
Excellent comment Paul I agree Freddie King is the King
As far as I’m aware the only Freddie King song on the original Beano album is ‘Hideaway’.
@@southsidesteve01You are correct. "Steppin' Out', the other instrumental track, is a Memphis Slim song.
I hope you still have all those records!
Excellent in depth Doco on this Groundbreaking Album. Explains many things I have always wondered about. Cheers Mate
Pleasure
Great video and nice Tokai Les Paul btw Ramon!
Many thanks indeed
Great video, and in my opinion some of the best and most unique guitar playing I've ever heard. Clapton at his best to me, not to flashy but the perfect notes and feel. 😊 Thank you for the great content 👍
Pleasure thanks for the comment too. 🙏
G’day mate
This was fantastic!
Thank you so much sir! Your narration was very enjoyable and informative!
👍🇦🇺
Many thanks indeed
At 12:47, it's mentioned Clapton used a 45 watt 1962 Marshall combo. I was under the impression ( from Clapton himself and Billy Gibbons ) it was a 50 watt. Thanks for the pics! Never seen a 45 until this doc.
I think it was wired for 45watts but stay tuned for a future video on this
I always heard it was 45 watts
Excellent documentary very well researched and documented as usual..
Many thanks Bertrand 🙏🙏will be in touch
@@TheGuitarShow My pleasure, I wouldn't write it if I did not mean it.. Good please keep me posted :)
What a wonderful video to wake up to and start the week
Great insightful content as always Ramon 👍
Pleasure Gary
I started out with Sunshine of Your Love and reversed course. I bought both Cream albums, the JM Bluesbreakers album and then Five Live Yardbirds. I couldn’t figure out if Clapton had gone down to the crossroads or what the hell happened. The difference in his playing with the Yardbirds to the Bluesbreakers was remarkable. Although the flip side of the last single he made with the Yardbirds showed the direction Clapton was heading in. Beautiful, fluid with that fat powerful sound he got with the Les Paul / Marshall combination. He never sounded better.
I absolutely love this! Thank you for the education and keeping this knowledge out there so it's not forgotten.
Pleasure Mike
Thanks for that. Walked by many times, I'm locked down in the burps...can't wait to get back to the city.
Pleasure
Love these videos!🙏🔥
Appreciate that Connor!
Excellent info - thanks! I also agree that Mike Bloomfield was a deep player, and the Paul Butterfield recordings with him should be listened to by all guitarists.
I agree 100%
I completely agree with R Vito's comment regarding Bloomfield and then to Clapton and then to Peter Green.
Me too Rick really encapsulated that era of guitar players
coincidentally i bought the mono-vinyl just two day ago. I listend to when i starte playing and didn't for years. Now I'm back in love with it.... This and Fresh Cream has to be among his best sounds ever....
Agreed two amazing albums
@@TheGuitarShow do you know when those light gauge string sets without a wound G (as we know em today...)became readily commercially available. Was
ThE sound of ThE spoonful riff at ThE end of ThE song IS so powerful that I cant figure out how he managed It !!!!
Great documentary ! Ive had this album on vinyl since the early 80's & still listen to it regularly, loved the insight into the making of it.
Many thanks Farang
This was really interesting. Nice work !!
I was only 9 in '66 so a little young to appreciate this landmark album but 'the big kids' on my block (older brothers of pals) had it.
I got into Cream at 11 first then Fleetwood Mac with Kiln House in '71. It took buying a copy of John Mayall's 'Looking Back' from the neighbor of a girlfriend in '72 to appreciate what EC and Peter Green had done. Took awhile but finally 'got it' :)
Interesting about Bloomfield. Super Session was another album I saw a lot. I have it and like it but funnily enough, my favorite track is one Michael doesn't solo on, "You Don't Love Me"'. Just never had the impact on me as those guys from across the pond.
Many thanks for the amazing comment.... I will try to do something on the super session album soon
When I first started playing guitar I asked a local blues hotshot if he gave lessons. He said no, he was too busy to teach but told me to get the Beano album and steal every lick off it that I could. Good advice.
Like you said - great advice!
This channel rules.
Thanks Jerry
I literlly just finished recording All your Love... this is amazing
Fantastic - you must share it when its ready! Thanks Giorgi
Absolutely brilliant
Pleasure!
It does sound fresh.
This is great! Really enjoyed it 😊
Thanks Gary 🙏
Mr. Fletcher took the words right out of my mouth!!
Great video! I learned some things i did not know about the recording end of things and the studio itself. And seeing the pics of Clapton in the studio at that time is interesting and moving in some way. A musically brash and passionate player but kind of a shy guy as a person, he set the bar for the future of guitar. This is Guitar 101 Ground Zero for the rock and blues artists who came later. He would not revisit the blues in a deep way until 1994's From The Cradle album which i would love you to do a documentary of. You would do that as well or better than anybody. It is a shame that guitar got stolen from him. Anyone who steals what isn't theirs has some serious moral issues but stealing a guitar from a player of his caliber robs the world also of what might have come later. Fortunately, Clapton went on to become the iconic artist he is and thrilled us with his playing for years after this. He is still revered and rightly so. Thanks for this video and i look forward to more great work from you mate!
Amazing comment thanks 🙏
Have you read his autobiography ? I found it had quite a strange atmosphere about it but couldn't put my finger exactly what it was. I came to the conclusion that he does not really like himself much.
@@TheGuitarShow you are very welcome!
rdmkeytohwy my point was that after that journey including his regrets the TONE was that he didn’t like himself much
Ohhhhh man what a show that is a joy to watch very in depth maaaan 👍👍
Thanks brother!!
Thank you. Absolutely fascinating!!!
Thank you
This is an excellent history of this album & time. Thank you.
Pleasure
Very cool stuff Ramon!
Thanks Lucas
DC Thomson, publishers of Dundee should reproduce THAT BEANO comic edition. It would indeed be a worldwide bestseller.
I had that copy of the beano as a kid, a hand me down lol. if only i knew.
Wow! Look at that Lemon Flame Paul! oooh nice! from mtw - guitar fan in LA. California. Dig your show!
Nailed it, mate.
Cheers
Many thanks my friend
Milkman strut! Famous story: they didn't lock the studio door and in walks the milkman during a take, dumps down the milk crate and leaves. They left it in the session! Classic.
@@geew-fr9th cool info
enjoyed that ramon!
Thanks bro hope you are well
I used to play in the old Railway .. Mo's New Shoes Club .. & lived around the corner .. I was in the pub one rainy afternoon when John Mayall & a Journalist / camera guy from the local Paper The Ham & High .. were in there .. They had a Blue plaque to present to ???? .. Sadly .. The landlord had never heard of the blues & I saw him throw the plaque onto a pile of Bar towels .. John Mayall did not look very Happy .. & shortly after they left .. I did try & rescue the plaque but the Landlord said " what's it worth to you ? " & I had not even got the price of a 2nd pint .. oh well .. Memories .. on another note I did once shove Jason Statham aside with my shoulder trying to get a drink b4 last orders .. He was a lovely bloke very nice about it letting me squeeze in next to his place .. where he had a foot on the old rail that used to run along the bar at floor level as a foot rest .. which I used to stand on & call out my order .. & Jason said to me " Scottish then are you ?" with his smile .. Back then His mate was more famous .. He has a part in Eastenders as a Market trader .. Ginger haired fella .. memories lol
Very cool thanks for this Ben
Thanx, loved the studio breakdown info. Going to listen to the album right thru now! 🤣
Many thanks
Great video well done! I love this record! I learned every lick I could from it
Many thanks Daniel and great comment 🙏
I’m sharing this, very interesting !! Thank you so much .... 💗💗
Thank you Karin 🙏
The Guitar Show 💗🎸
Thank you, I enjoyed this documentary.
good one Ramon !
Thanks Arvon
DECCA had decided not to sign the Beatles... :))) So documented: from the string gauge to the plectrum ! great documentary Ramon. Cheers
Pleasure Rene
I wonder if Jared James Nichol's Old Red is the one that Freddie King displays on the photo you show in your documentary at 12:36: red with P90's...
Interesting Rene
I bought this LP (we didn't call them 'albums' then) and it blew my mind way back in '66. Still have it, but scratched to f*ck...
Great doco, thanks!
Pleasure
Excellent, superb, fantastic 😊 😊 😊 ! Thx a lot, mate!
Pleasure
You do such a wonderful job on these documentation videos Ramon! Have you ever considered doing one about Johnny Winters? Being a lover of all things slide related I hope you enjoyed his work as much as I. Stay healthy and sane kind sir!
Many thanks indeed and thanks for an amazing suggestion! I'm a big JW fan... Stay safe my friend
Wonderful first 2 albums to get your guitar playing going!😊
I agree Randal
I bought my first Mayall album from Mike Vernon's father who run an electrical shop where I lived in New Addington,I first saw Clapton play in Croydon as I did with Mick Taylor,I have forgotten the name of the pub.
So cool to hear that John
Contrary to popular belief Eric's 1962 combo was a JTM45 chassis(no tremolo) inside a Jim Marshall custom built cabinet. It was a one off and there's never been another like it. Nobody knows(and apparently not even Eric) what happened to that amp. Unlike his Beano Les Paul there is no mention of it being stolen or otherwise, another mystery.
You should take up the 'RETURN ERIC'S BURST CAMPAIGN'!
A well known burst collector boasts about knowing where it is located
Eric needs to have this in his hands again!
Yes I have heard of its whereabouts - its still in London
I’m sharing all over the net ok !
Thank you!
John was one of the best band leaders of that era and a few more. Still touring with 5 events scheduled for last half of 2020 and the same the first half of 2021. He was a creator of star musicians and tight bands.
Cheers Ramon!
Thanks Ramon.
Pleasure 🙏
Great job! Thanks.
Thank you
Great video , thanks a lot.
Pleasure John
Jim Marshall used a fender Bassman as the model for the first Marshalls ever built.