Albert played our high school dances; Twice! Paying his dues. He had a 100ft. guitar cord and would jump off of the stage and come out into the crowd while playing. circa 1970-71.
I worked at the Gopher Motel in Mpls as a kid in college around 1980 and all the Blues guys stayed there when they played at the Union Bar or downtown. Albert was a really sweet guy. As were Luther Allison, Lonnie Brooks, Johnny Copeland, Gatemouth Brown ... all of them and their band and crew. They were REAL blues men, older dudes made their way through the Depression and rough personal life and the endless road. After a few times we knew to go over to "Surdyks" to get the booze they wanted when they'd show up way past closing time around 2 a.m. They loved the girls and the girls loved them as well. Old school mischief and fun! :>)
@@luvthedrake1375 I can’t speak to it firsthand, but the only old school blues man I ever actually being rough was Albert King. Seemed he was a harsh critic and a paranoid man later in life, if stories are to be believed.
@@joshfrommilan6130 Albert was kind of rough, but when playing to the audience he was one hell of a showman. They didn't call him the Velvet Bulldozer for no reason. He was notorious for giving his band a hard time if they didn't do exactly what he wanted them to. In his later years his ears were real bad, you can hear it in his later performances, how sometimes he wouldn't quite bend like he used to and what not, I'm guessing he lost much of his hearing - these old timers would just crank their amps to 11 all day, no wonder his hearing got damaged. He wanted to perform but couldn't do it up to his standard because of his bad hearing - which I am sure would make any musician mad. His golden years in my opinion was his Stax era. Fantastic records and performances when he was with Stax.
In my perception Albert Collins is one of the very few blues guitarists who could let his guitar talk and enter into an bluesy conversation with his guitar - awesome!
This sax player is so freaking good. You hear him doing these small notes softly on the background to supplement Albert. It's insane how he feels him and knows when to do that. Amazing!
Albert's Live and Cool Album is an absolute one if its kind. So raw. No excess production. You actually feel like you are there sitting at a table . I heartily recommend it
I saw Albert play in the mid 90's shortly before he passed. He was one of the best examples ever of someone who was playing like they might die later that day. He always played like that. Towards the end of the set, when he went into the crowd with his long cord, he passed right by me and he was absolutely killing it. He soloed at the back of the bar for what felt like forever, in a good way, and when he returned and passed by me again on his way back to the stage, he was sweating through his three piece suit and he had broken THREE STRINGS. He never stopped playing and still sounded great. I'll never forget that.
Albert Collins does more with half a guitar in an open minor tuning than most of us can do with the whole guitar in standard. You might think it's pretty simple, but try to do it. He's more fascinating to watch and hear than all the shredders and headcutters put together. And he has a great sense of humor: I Ain't Drunk, I'm Just Drinking...Dirty Dishes...Good Fool Is Hard To Find...he's got a bunch of great songs.
First live concert I ever went to was Albert Collins playing in my high school gymnasium in 1972.......I was gobsmacked by "The Master of The Telecaster"! His guitar extension cord was about 100 feet long and he jumped down into the crowd and just machine gunned us with that Telecaster! I was hooked.
Ah, the 100 foot cord. Saw him at a club a few times (Antone's) and every show at some point he would climb down off the stage, climb up on the long bar, stalk all the way down the bar, climb down, walk across the room, and out the front door into the parking lot, of course playing his face off the entire time. Eventually he'd come back... total entertainment
The greats are each totally unique. No one ever was or ever will be like Albert Collins. The blues is way more than the notes that get played. You want to hear true blues - listen to Albert. Thank god for recordings, so Albert can live on, for those who love him.
Thanks for keeping Albert's legacy alive and introducing him to many more. I was lucky enough to see him perform a few times, once with Albert King in a small club in Houston. The Master of the Telecaster , the Iceman and Lightnin' Sam Hopkins cousin
My favorite guitarist😀-did you notice that he is jumping in and out from nodes when ever he want's to, and still in the music with his personality.That is what is mesmerised me.Fantastic guitarist-my first one, love him so much. Enjoy his style. HE is UNIQUE!!!!!!😃
Something you didn't mention: he usually tuned to open Fm and capoed everything. So those those bends were a feat of raw strength. The way he weaved major and minor together is unparalleled to this day.
I almost get dissapointed when people says "it's only pentatonics"...Just like it was the most simple and easy thing, without any value. It's not about how many notes you play per second. It's about what you say with them. And just a note in the right moment, means a lot lot more than a hundred without sense. Just remember the first time that your girl/boyfriend told you: "I love you". Just 3 simple words, but in the right moment they can change your life.
Was fortunate to see him in 92'. I believe he had like a 100' cord and he would walk out into the crowd. Unbelievable sound, tone, and control of that instrument. Definitely in my top 5 guitar players.
Saw him twice playing small venues, he had people who couldn’t get in listening outside … he would walk on the tables while playing , it was incredible….
Hello, I am 63 years old and I have the same reactions as your face when listening to this video. I thought it was just me who would be impressed with Albert Collins! congratulations on good taste! Amazing I looked at you and saw myself, we felt the same way!
He is my favorite guitar player, The love is coming from my heart when he is JUMPING in and out from ritm. Unbelievable the way he plays guitar, never miss a cord,a sound.I never heard somebody play like that. Puliing out and goes back inside the ritms.
Albert used to have a ridiculously long cable when he went out "crowd walking". His stagehand used to follow him around and keep the cord from getting tangled on pillars, tables and audience. LOL My buddy and I were at the Minnesota Music Academy in St. Paul playing pool way away from the stage when Albert came in during a long solo and he grabbed my pal's pool cue and shot the balls into pockets with his right hand while hammering down on the fret with the left. Awesome entertainer.
I like all Albert Collins. My favorite is snowed in. How he gets the guitar to sound like a worn out starter/ ignition switch floors me. I’ve been listening to Albert for 45 years… with no end in sight.
@@Guitargate Just discovered you 2 days ago. 👍I like the Paul Reed look and tone…and your analysis is cool. You locked me in with Robert Cray and your personal attachment to “Time takes two “
Albert Collins is one of those guitarists that is pure expression. Endless licks as well as being able to hold one note like a boss. High tier blues master. 🥶
I've never heard this song till now. Tho I know of him and have heard quite a bit of him playing. But this song, when he started skat vocal/guitar lines. Instant tears. Yes this band is on fire. Thank you for this reaction.
I was so happy to hear you give Albert a tidbit of the credit he deserves I was a friend of Alberts and it means the world to me One of the kindest men I’ve ever known He was so happy to see how engrossed I had become in his guitarist have yet to hear Anyone play like Albert
Listening to Albert Collins is a complete master class in style. His dynamics are amazing, something I think frequently goes under appreciated in music. I also loved his heavy palm muted rhythmic staccato playing during the intro, it was more like percussion work than melodic playing.
Albert Collins was a freaking beast and he was always in beast mode and your “stone cold killer” was perfect description! Albert drew your ears in then the “sledge hammer!”
My friend Jim Casey produced an entire album for Albert Collins, it was 1972 or 73', at Jack's Tracks in Nashville, one of Cowboy Jack Clement's studios. He spent a couple of weeks arranging the songs with Albert, altogether like a month to cut the album. Then Albert's record company folded, and the album was never released. Albert previously recorded one of Jim's songs in 1970, a groovy blues called "Fade Away", with Dr. John on Piano. Also, the sax player's name in Albert's band is Jerry Petersen, he played in the Rick Danko Band in the late 70's.
I agree, a killer onstage. And yet really soft-spoken and decent backstage. I talked to him for a few minutes. He came and played at GIT while I was there. I'd seen him before when he played the (now burned down) Evergreen Ballroom in Olympia in the mid-80's. I remember it so well because every guitar player I knew in town was up at the front of the stage just staring up at him, slack-jawed.
Mike I'm so serious when I say this ball I am glad to see somebody appreciating The Iceman! This man was like a runaway locomotive! There is a two-way tie for King of the Telecaster! Albert Collins/Roy Buchanan! Two complete different styles but there you have it! Absolutely love your channel man. It's good stuff
Great reaction, brother. I agree with you 100. The Iceman was a blues GOAT! No one sounds like Albert. Great talent. The capo on like 10th fret" with elecrical tape... Savage! And brother, you are so talented on the guitar. I envy you. Huge fan as well. Alberts one if my faves.
It’s funny that you mentioned the hesitation of a sound man wanting to change his amp settings. I actually witnessed it happen at Antone’s in Austin circa ‘1990. The sound guy turned the volume down on Collins’ amp and Collins lost it. I was a afraid for that poor bastard.
I got to see Albert play a couple times in his last years. Not only was he a great player, his shows were just fun to watch. He was a great stage entertainer.
I'm not sure I've ever managed to make it through an Albert Collins performance without my jaw sneaking its way open! The sheer feeling he gets across is incredible, the vocal quality and expressiveness with such ostensibly simple lines.....then those fall offs and grace notes like no other.....and just crazy little moments that make you grin as he just went somewhere weird and brought it back so fast you barely noticed. Plus he just always seems like he's having so much fun! RIP Mr. Collins Mr. Collins.
Chicago boy here. Grew up hearing the greats. I feel what lots a players miss is the blues guitar is about the notes you dont play. The anticipation, the drama. The instrument provides the illustration for the story. Once saw Albert put his capo on the wrong fret and play the entire tune out of key. The band didn't dare change a thing.
Michael just love your delivery. Your genuine connection with music and the ability to relay the love and language of this foreign language that is music. you make it accessible to all of us. Thanks
You are a joy to watch!! Your reactions are so Real and I can feel how you feel...Nothing brings us these feelings but Blues! Thank you for showcasing the Great Geniuses of this genre here..Put and raw talent ..from the gut..Love it all!!
I was lucky enough to see Albert Collins a few times live in the '80s, he was simply unbelievable.........especially when he came out into the crowd with that long cord...unreal!
This is the kind of tune where you just can't help but geek out at how amazing the song and the players are. This series is fantastic!! Please keep up the great work!
Saw Mr. Collins a few times at the Lone Star Café in NYC: on 13th and 5th. He was the most powerful guitarist I've ever heard or seen. The dust flew off the speakers.
We had AC in our club in Erie, Pa back in the mid 80s he had a a very long guitar chords attached to his guitar. He walked off the stage through the crowd out the front door and leaned against the telephone pole on State Street downtown Erie and played while the band played inside. Epic!
his album, showdown, with robert cray and johnny copeland is a most excellent piece of work. was lucky to see him in memphis shortly before his passing. great job
I met Robert Cray backstage at a B.B. King concert. Everyone said that he doesn't talk much. We had a nice conversation, nice guy. B. B. was also beyond incredible. All I could think of was these guys knew Hendricks.
Soooo glad someone else appreciates this footage for what it is. In your face. I’ve always thought Collins had something bb, Freddie and Stevie didn’t have. Listen and you’ll hear it too.
Im 73 years old, dude i saw albert live at the chicago blues festival, i have no idea what year it was, early 70's i think, he frickin killed it, i dont think anyone else came close to him that tone is off the hook
Great analysis very well said. I saw his amazing greatness at the old Tipitinas in New Orleans and he was UNBELIEVABLE! I was lucky to See Stevie Rays 1 st Jazz Fest Show on the Riverboat, and you can imagine how many more players I’ve heard come through this area. Doesn’t make me an expert lol I’ve played at Bb Kings Home town Festival and was lucky to open a show for Lonnie Mack. I say all this not to drop name but to add a little bit of where I’m coming from when I say ALBERT WAS SO POWERFUL, YET GENTLE, Unique, SERIOUS and at the same time comical. He didn’t seem to take himself too serious and that’s why he continued to grow. He obviously knew how much I was freaking out on his show he jumped off the stage on his last song and played the entire last solo right in my face. I’ll never forget it. THANK YOU for bringing up this great memory for me
First time I saw Albert Collins(circa 1979) was not on stage, he was parked next to me in the parking lot of the Eugene Hotel where he was playing with Robert Cray, He was super nice guy, chatted up the Blues with me for about 5 minutes before he had to go inside. Next time I saw him was at Belly Up Tavern, Solana, Beach,Cali, where he had 100 foot cord and was playing blues out on the sidewalk scaring people leaving nearby restaurants. h
Totally agree. And Im a trumpet player. I found this when a friend who runs a music school queried who was the best soloist of all time. I didn’t even have to think about it, I had seen Al Collins at a blues fest in NYC, then maybe 5 times at Antone’s when I moved down to Austin, and he NEVER failed to put my heart in my throat, again and again. Pure raw emotion and personal power. No one played wIth more AUTHORITY or heart. And you mention his rhythmic focus, his comping as a rhythm player was unmatched. I knew I was in the presence of greatness. Also rans: Dizzy, Maceo, Jimmy Smith, Billy Gibbons, Louis: all originals, and all totally keyed into the emotional power of what they were doing. And all demonstrate the power of phrasing over technique, to play an instrument as seamlessly as a top-flight vocalist sings.
One note from Albert says it all, and that’s all you need.
Albert played our high school dances; Twice! Paying his dues. He had a 100ft. guitar cord and would jump off of the stage and come out into the crowd while playing. circa 1970-71.
"Nobody gets outta this place without singing the blues."
-Albert Collins
Love that movie!!!!
That's simply the best opening line to blues tune.. If trouble was money, I swear I'd be a millionaire.
Damn straight
Indeed
Don't forget he was a gentle and kind person.
Most blues men were, if you look at howlin wolf he looks mean as hell but he was a super polite respectful man
He was a killer on stage
I worked at the Gopher Motel in Mpls as a kid in college around 1980 and all the Blues guys stayed there when they played at the Union Bar or downtown. Albert was a really sweet guy. As were Luther Allison, Lonnie Brooks, Johnny Copeland, Gatemouth Brown ... all of them and their band and crew. They were REAL blues men, older dudes made their way through the Depression and rough personal life and the endless road. After a few times we knew to go over to "Surdyks" to get the booze they wanted when they'd show up way past closing time around 2 a.m. They loved the girls and the girls loved them as well. Old school mischief and fun! :>)
@@luvthedrake1375 I can’t speak to it firsthand, but the only old school blues man I ever actually being rough was Albert King. Seemed he was a harsh critic and a paranoid man later in life, if stories are to be believed.
@@joshfrommilan6130 Albert was kind of rough, but when playing to the audience he was one hell of a showman. They didn't call him the Velvet Bulldozer for no reason. He was notorious for giving his band a hard time if they didn't do exactly what he wanted them to. In his later years his ears were real bad, you can hear it in his later performances, how sometimes he wouldn't quite bend like he used to and what not, I'm guessing he lost much of his hearing - these old timers would just crank their amps to 11 all day, no wonder his hearing got damaged. He wanted to perform but couldn't do it up to his standard because of his bad hearing - which I am sure would make any musician mad. His golden years in my opinion was his Stax era. Fantastic records and performances when he was with Stax.
Wonderful and wonderful to see your love of it 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Supposedly BB King said he hated having to follow Albert. The way Albert connected with an audience is a masterclass.
Albert Kings favorite guitar player
The ferocity with the way he rips those notes from the fretboard is truly insane…..not sure we will ever see the likes of this legend again.
In my perception Albert Collins is one of the very few blues guitarists who could let his guitar talk and enter into an bluesy conversation with his guitar - awesome!
This sax player is so freaking good. You hear him doing these small notes softly on the background to supplement Albert. It's insane how he feels him and knows when to do that. Amazing!
Albert's Live and Cool Album is an absolute one if its kind. So raw. No excess production. You actually feel like you are there sitting at a table .
I heartily recommend it
Albert Collins, one of the Greatest Showman in music. What a performer!
I saw Albert play in the mid 90's shortly before he passed. He was one of the best examples ever of someone who was playing like they might die later that day. He always played like that. Towards the end of the set, when he went into the crowd with his long cord, he passed right by me and he was absolutely killing it. He soloed at the back of the bar for what felt like forever, in a good way, and when he returned and passed by me again on his way back to the stage, he was sweating through his three piece suit and he had broken THREE STRINGS. He never stopped playing and still sounded great. I'll never forget that.
Wish I could have seen him in concert.
Albert Collins does more with half a guitar in an open minor tuning than most of us can do with the whole guitar in standard. You might think it's pretty simple, but try to do it. He's more fascinating to watch and hear than all the shredders and headcutters put together. And he has a great sense of humor: I Ain't Drunk, I'm Just Drinking...Dirty Dishes...Good Fool Is Hard To Find...he's got a bunch of great songs.
Someone else that GETS Albert
Michael,
I love your passion in describing every phrase during your breakdowns!!!
First live concert I ever went to was Albert Collins playing in my high school gymnasium in 1972.......I was gobsmacked by "The Master of The Telecaster"! His guitar extension cord was about 100 feet long and he jumped down into the crowd and just machine gunned us with that Telecaster! I was hooked.
Ah, the 100 foot cord. Saw him at a club a few times (Antone's) and every show at some point he would climb down off the stage, climb up on the long bar, stalk all the way down the bar, climb down, walk across the room, and out the front door into the parking lot, of course playing his face off the entire time. Eventually he'd come back... total entertainment
That was 17 years before I was born. How I wish I could've seen him live.
The only Bluesguitar legend who can talk with his guitar. Listen to a conversation with mrs Collins. Just unbelievable great.
This is not about gigs or music, it is a ritual and he is the shaman blessing us all!!
The greats are each totally unique. No one ever was or ever will be like Albert Collins. The blues is way more than the notes that get played. You want to hear true blues - listen to Albert. Thank god for recordings, so Albert can live on, for those who love him.
Thanks for keeping Albert's legacy alive and introducing him to many more. I was lucky enough to see him perform a few times, once with Albert King in a small club in Houston. The Master of the Telecaster , the Iceman and Lightnin' Sam Hopkins cousin
The moon is full from the same gig is wonderful too... I love the "razor blade".❤️
Jumping in and out of many colors of cords, my my my . And very precise. Unbelievable.
My favorite guitarist😀-did you notice that he is jumping in and out from nodes when ever he want's to, and still in the music with his personality.That is what is mesmerised me.Fantastic guitarist-my first one, love him so much. Enjoy his style. HE is UNIQUE!!!!!!😃
Something you didn't mention: he usually tuned to open Fm and capoed everything. So those those bends were a feat of raw strength. The way he weaved major and minor together is unparalleled to this day.
I almost get dissapointed when people says "it's only pentatonics"...Just like it was the most simple and easy thing, without any value.
It's not about how many notes you play per second. It's about what you say with them.
And just a note in the right moment, means a lot lot more than a hundred without sense.
Just remember the first time that your girl/boyfriend told you: "I love you". Just 3 simple words, but in the right moment they can change your life.
Was fortunate to see him in 92'. I believe he had like a 100' cord and he would walk out into the crowd. Unbelievable sound, tone, and control of that instrument. Definitely in my top 5 guitar players.
I love this performance. Albert IS the Telecaster. Amazing entertainer.
Saw him twice playing small venues, he had people who couldn’t get in listening outside … he would walk on the tables while playing , it was incredible….
Soul/R&B singer with head cuttin’ guitar playing. He had it all.
Seventeen minutes of smilin with a side of stank face....good stuff sir.
Feel this one way down in my soul...The Best
Albert and his band are rockin it, freakin Genius...
I watched this guy's show here in Brazil in 1989 and it was sensational.
Hello, I am 63 years old and I have the same reactions as your face when listening to this video. I thought it was just me who would be impressed with Albert Collins! congratulations on good taste! Amazing I looked at you and saw myself, we felt the same way!
Yes! Albert was the toughest of all! I love him! And you nailed it in your comments. I'm following you for this because you get it!
I've watched this Albert Collins video so many times. It's awesome watching somebody who knows guitar just digging in and loving the video too.
He is my favorite guitar player, The love is coming from my heart when he is JUMPING in and out from ritm. Unbelievable the way he plays guitar, never miss a cord,a sound.I never heard somebody play like that. Puliing out and goes back inside the ritms.
Nobody leaves this place till they sing the blues.
Buying Albert Collins cds is like completing your SRV collection. Along with Albert King, Albert Collins was a huge influence on him.
Albert used to have a ridiculously long cable when he went out "crowd walking". His stagehand used to follow him around and keep the cord from getting tangled on pillars, tables and audience. LOL My buddy and I were at the Minnesota Music Academy in St. Paul playing pool way away from the stage when Albert came in during a long solo and he grabbed my pal's pool cue and shot the balls into pockets with his right hand while hammering down on the fret with the left. Awesome entertainer.
I love me some Albert Collins
My favorite blues guy of all time. From a time when being a showman was equally an art as playing the guitar.
God Damn!!! What a performance....thank you for show us this
Yeah.. I love Albert collins. He was just one of the great souls of the blues guitar and electric blues. Top
I like all Albert Collins. My favorite is snowed in. How he gets the guitar to sound like a worn out starter/ ignition switch floors me. I’ve been listening to Albert for 45 years… with no end in sight.
Correct!!!
@@Guitargate Just discovered you 2 days ago. 👍I like the Paul Reed look and tone…and your analysis is cool. You locked me in with Robert Cray and your personal attachment to “Time takes two “
Love the series.
Keep killing it, buddy.
Thank you!
@@Guitargate Please give a Video Guitar Playing Analysis of the 3 Kings of Blues, Albert King, Freddie King and BB King
Albert Collins is one of those guitarists that is pure expression. Endless licks as well as being able to hold one note like a boss. High tier blues master. 🥶
Albert Collins-a total package case study in dynamics-guitar, visually and vocally👍
I met him one day walking down the street near SF. We talked for about an hour in his tour bus😎
Wow that's awesome!!!
I am jealous
Your opening description of Collins is awesome.
I've never heard this song till now. Tho I know of him and have heard quite a bit of him playing. But this song, when he started skat vocal/guitar lines. Instant tears. Yes this band is on fire. Thank you for this reaction.
Agreed! He's a beast... He plays with great attack that gets your attention like no other!
Albert has that Quint look, when he's staring down the killer shark.
I had the privilege to witness these amazing artist via backstage and front row.
They were preachers of the blues
I was so happy to hear you give Albert a tidbit of the credit he deserves I was a friend of Alberts and it means the world to me One of the kindest men I’ve ever known He was so happy to see how engrossed I had become in his guitarist have yet to hear Anyone play like Albert
Listening to Albert Collins is a complete master class in style. His dynamics are amazing, something I think frequently goes under appreciated in music.
I also loved his heavy palm muted rhythmic staccato playing during the intro, it was more like percussion work than melodic playing.
Albert Collins was a freaking beast and he was always in beast mode and your “stone cold killer” was perfect description! Albert drew your ears in then the “sledge hammer!”
Enjoyed that. Good blues playing is all about soul and attitude! This guy had it in spades!
Totally agree. Albert Collins is a beast. Definitely one of the best, if not the best, blues guitar players ever. Love it!
My friend Jim Casey produced an entire album for Albert Collins, it was 1972 or 73', at Jack's Tracks in Nashville, one of Cowboy Jack Clement's studios. He spent a couple of weeks arranging the songs with Albert, altogether like a month to cut the album. Then Albert's record company folded, and the album was never released. Albert previously recorded one of Jim's songs in 1970, a groovy blues called "Fade Away", with Dr. John on Piano.
Also, the sax player's name in Albert's band is Jerry Petersen, he played in the Rick Danko Band in the late 70's.
I hate watching people do reaction videos, but this is different. You have so much passion for Albert and its incredible!
I agree, a killer onstage. And yet really soft-spoken and decent backstage. I talked to him for a few minutes. He came and played at GIT while I was there. I'd seen him before when he played the (now burned down) Evergreen Ballroom in Olympia in the mid-80's. I remember it so well because every guitar player I knew in town was up at the front of the stage just staring up at him, slack-jawed.
Mike I'm so serious when I say this ball I am glad to see somebody appreciating The Iceman! This man was like a runaway locomotive! There is a two-way tie for King of the Telecaster! Albert Collins/Roy Buchanan! Two complete different styles but there you have it! Absolutely love your channel man. It's good stuff
Telecaster bridge pickup + Quad Reverb for the win.
Got to see MR. Collins in 84.
He blew the roof off the place
Cold Snap is pure Magic. Had the pleasure of hearing the man live. What a sound
Great reaction, brother. I agree with you 100. The Iceman was a blues GOAT! No one sounds like Albert. Great talent. The capo on like 10th fret" with elecrical tape... Savage! And brother, you are so talented on the guitar. I envy you. Huge fan as well. Alberts one if my faves.
It’s funny that you mentioned the hesitation of a sound man wanting to change his amp settings. I actually witnessed it happen at Antone’s in Austin circa ‘1990. The sound guy turned the volume down on Collins’ amp and Collins lost it. I was a afraid for that poor bastard.
seen Albert in Perth Australia back in the late 80's, I still got his concert ticket and the back stage photos, unbelievable stuff from this legend
Sir Albert Collins
I got to see Albert play a couple times in his last years. Not only was he a great player, his shows were just fun to watch. He was a great stage entertainer.
I'm not sure I've ever managed to make it through an Albert Collins performance without my jaw sneaking its way open! The sheer feeling he gets across is incredible, the vocal quality and expressiveness with such ostensibly simple lines.....then those fall offs and grace notes like no other.....and just crazy little moments that make you grin as he just went somewhere weird and brought it back so fast you barely noticed. Plus he just always seems like he's having so much fun! RIP Mr. Collins Mr. Collins.
I've always said when he comes in with lead its like thunder. It even has the rolling crescendo crack right before it hits.
Chicago boy here. Grew up hearing the greats. I feel what lots a players miss is the blues guitar is about the notes you dont play. The anticipation, the drama. The instrument provides the illustration for the story. Once saw Albert put his capo on the wrong fret and play the entire tune out of key. The band didn't dare change a thing.
Why would they all change key?
Michael just love your delivery. Your genuine connection with music and the ability to relay the love and language of this foreign language that is music. you make it accessible to all of us. Thanks
Gotta love Albert Collins !!!
You are a joy to watch!! Your reactions are so Real and I can feel how you feel...Nothing brings us these feelings but Blues! Thank you for showcasing the Great Geniuses of this genre here..Put and raw talent ..from the gut..Love it all!!
New Favorite youtube guitarist. Lots of info sprinkled in. Easy learning
I totally agree!
I was lucky enough to see Albert Collins a few times live in the '80s, he was simply unbelievable.........especially when he came out into the crowd with that long cord...unreal!
Oh the passion and the emotion in the music!
This is the kind of tune where you just can't help but geek out at how amazing the song and the players are. This series is fantastic!! Please keep up the great work!
Saw Mr. Collins a few times at the Lone Star Café in NYC: on 13th and 5th. He was the most powerful guitarist I've ever heard or seen. The dust flew off the speakers.
25 year ago when I was learning , the Albert Collins album Frozen Alive! was a go to for licks.
I love that you posted this - the iceman was so good. Appreciate what you’re doing and love your channel - spot on with the dead in Buffalo too. ✌️👍🎸
We had AC in our club in Erie, Pa back in the mid 80s he had a a very long guitar chords attached to his guitar. He walked off the stage through the crowd out the front door and leaned against the telephone pole on State Street downtown Erie and played while the band played inside. Epic!
his album, showdown, with robert cray and johnny copeland is a most excellent piece of work. was lucky to see him in memphis shortly before his passing. great job
I met Robert Cray backstage at a B.B. King concert. Everyone said that he doesn't talk much. We had a nice conversation, nice guy. B. B. was also beyond incredible. All I could think of was these guys knew Hendricks.
Albert foi e sempre será um dos maiores gênios do Blues de todos os tempos!
Sim,fraseado original,muita expressão e feeling
Soooo glad someone else appreciates this footage for what it is. In your face. I’ve always thought Collins had something bb, Freddie and Stevie didn’t have. Listen and you’ll hear it too.
Glad you made this vid because Albert's been on my mind
Im 73 years old, dude i saw albert live at the chicago blues festival, i have no idea what year it was, early 70's i think, he frickin killed it, i dont think anyone else came close to him that tone is off the hook
Great analysis very well said.
I saw his amazing greatness at the old Tipitinas in New Orleans and he was UNBELIEVABLE! I was lucky to See Stevie Rays 1 st Jazz Fest Show on the Riverboat, and you can imagine how many more players I’ve heard come through this area. Doesn’t make me an expert lol
I’ve played at Bb Kings Home town Festival and was lucky to open a show for Lonnie Mack.
I say all this not to drop name but to add a little bit of where I’m coming from when I say ALBERT WAS SO POWERFUL, YET GENTLE, Unique, SERIOUS and at the same time comical. He didn’t seem to take himself too serious and that’s why he continued to grow.
He obviously knew how much I was freaking out on his show he jumped off the stage on his last song and played the entire last solo right in my face. I’ll never forget it. THANK YOU for bringing up this great memory for me
First time I saw Albert Collins(circa 1979) was not on stage, he was parked next to me in the parking lot of the Eugene Hotel where he was playing with Robert Cray, He was super nice guy, chatted up the Blues with me for about 5 minutes before he had to go inside.
Next time I saw him was at Belly Up Tavern, Solana, Beach,Cali, where he had 100 foot cord
and was playing blues out on the sidewalk scaring people leaving nearby restaurants.
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Totally agree. And Im a trumpet player. I found this when a friend who runs a music school queried who was the best soloist of all time. I didn’t even have to think about it, I had seen Al Collins at a blues fest in NYC, then maybe 5 times at Antone’s when I moved down to Austin, and he NEVER failed to put my heart in my throat, again and again. Pure raw emotion and personal power. No one played wIth more AUTHORITY or heart. And you mention his rhythmic focus, his comping as a rhythm player was unmatched. I knew I was in the presence of greatness. Also rans: Dizzy, Maceo, Jimmy Smith, Billy Gibbons, Louis: all originals, and all totally keyed into the emotional power of what they were doing. And all demonstrate the power of phrasing over technique, to play an instrument as seamlessly as a top-flight vocalist sings.
Willie too. Straight up. Something about the Texas tradition.
Gary Clark made this thing too!! The iceman could warm our hearts
Pure joy if you truly understand music
I love this guy he gets it
I love that color red strat too
You gotta do one with the Allman Brothers at the Fillmore East!
I'm just going to listen to it. Had the same thought after watching this the 3rd time.
This was awesome! Love seeing some blues on here!
"Blunt force trauma" -that would be a great name for a blues instrumental! :)