Fantastic. Albert Collins has made me smile and laugh more than any other blues player I can think of. I so wish I had known about him when he was alive, so I could have seen him in concert. The heart, soul, and spirit he put into his music will live on! Timeless!
We saw Albert Collins and the Icebreakers at Rockefeller's in Houston in 1987. What a band! What a show! I think it was the same band as in this video (I remember Debbie Davies on 2nd guitar). The audience called them back for an encore, and they did an over-the-top 20-minute jam-- Albert stepped down to the floor (of course playing all the while!) and wound his way toward the door, followed by the whole horn section. We and many of the audience followed them out to the curb on Washington Ave. There was a light drizzle and they played a while facing the traffic on Washington Avenue before returning to the stage for the finale.
Rockefeller’s. What a great place. I’ve seen him there several times. And BB King in the night of my 40th Bday, in 1990. On down the road to The Bon Ton room. Or next door at The Satellite Lounge, great days.
Albert Collins' tone was all his own. Absolutely enjoyed seeing him live growing up in Detroit and Chicago as a kid in the late '70s and mid-'80s. Thanks for this post, and your detailed analysis, Phil!
Albert was fantastic. One of the very first blues CD I bought was his Ice Pickin' album, in the late 80s. He was a guest with Eric at the Royal Albert Hall in 1991 (for Eric's blues nights). Or at Albert's Royal Hall as Albert put it 😀
I discovered Albert some 35 years ago. Kudos to you for introducing him to a new audience (I see in the comments that many had never heard of him) and giving him the props he deserves.
Fil, thanks for covering Mr. Collins, He was one of a Kind, the Master of the Telecaster, Always used a Capo, and played all the notes Way up on the Fretboard, Nobody played like him, I got to see him one time, and it was Spectacular, Cousin figel
"The Master of the Telecaster", "The Texas Tornado", "The Ice Pick", "The Ice Man", "The Razor Blade", etc. (Albert Collins had many nicknames...LOL). This brings back many memories. I love the late, great Albert Collins and saw him many times. When he was based out of the Bay Area and used to come up here (Portland, Oregon) in the late 1970s, he would typically use the Robert Cray Band as a pickup band (when they were still mostly a regional act). Later on, after he signed with Alligator Records, he would tour with the classic lineup of the Ice Breakers that included the great A.C. Reed on sax and Johnny B. Gayden on bass etc. I had the pleasure of doing sound for him and the Ice Breakers twice. You're right about the reverb on his amp; it was cranked way, way up, as were the treble and volume knobs. My recollection was that even though I put a mike in front of his amp, I didn't need to use it, his stage volume was loud enough to sit in the mix with the rest of the band that was going through the P.A. system in a medium large room. He really knew how to interact with, and entertain a crowd. Before wireless guitar setups were common, he had a 100+ foot long cable. I remember him playing a long solo and wandering through the crowd at the Euphoria Tavern, stopping at a couple tables to flirt with some women, then walking out the front door and playing on the street for a minute or two before returning to the stage to finish the tune.
@@GINKBB Hey, thanks for the response. When you said Key Largo I assume you're talking about the club that was in NW Portland not the island in Florida...LOL. That was a pretty live sounding room with all the brick walls. It was a cool venue though; I saw lots of shows there and mixed quite a few too but I don't think I ever saw Albert Collins there. When I did sound for Albert I think he had a Twin Reverb not a Quad, which is apparently a weapon of mass destruction.
BTW-it was a common thing (at least among my crowd at the time) to down tune a half step on a Telecaster. It was thought to make it sound more full, or bluesy. Many people did that (and still do) with the Stratocaster, but for whatever reason, the Texas/Louisiana music crowd in the 1980s and 90s did it with Telecasters also. Also-you are correct-Albert used the capo because he thought it made him unique among Blues guitarists.
One thing Albert liked better than playing guitar was driving his tour bus! Saw him in 1992, he did two shows at the venue I saw him at, had tickets to the first show and never left, watched the second show and he played a completely different set.
I saw him on long island six months before he died of cancer, and you would never know he was so sick: HE KICKED ASS !!! And what a showman, coming down into the audience with his guitar. It was like he was saying "YOU'RE GONNA REMEMBER ME, YOU S.O.B.'S. !!!!amazing show, and a dad loss of a unique and fiery performer.
YEAH!!!! AK used one of my favorite traditional moves where you close the phrase with a quick series of descending pentatonic notes. Frank Marino does that one a lot. Can you imagine playing with that band? They are amazing!
I've told this story before, but at the Eugene Hotel parking lot circa 1979, Albert was headlining with Robert Cray backing band and a car pulled up to me in parking lot before the show and it was Albert Collins! We talked shop for a few minutes, he was a very nice guy. He and Robert ended show with "Frosty".
Fil-you keep picking out favorites of mine! This one is particularly fun for me, as I had the opportunity to sit in with the Icebreakers and Albert Collins back in 1988, when he was in New Orleans for JazzFest. I was a young physician (and musician) at the time, and a patient of mine was on the JazzFest Board of Directors. She knew I was a "semi-professional" musician and got me backstage, where I met Albert. After the show, Albert and his entourage went to a local New Orleans' music club, but it turned out his bassist couldn't make it. Albert invited me to go with them and fill in onstage with the band. We played "I Ain't Drunk", among several of his other songs. It was among my favorite musical experiences ever. I recognize several of the other band members in this video, but I never got to see any of them in person after that night. Great memories-thanks!
12:10 The "one extended note" technique reminds me of the second verse of Tommy Tucker's "High Heel Sneakers". It's the kind of thing most people couldn't pull off, but for those who can, the sound is stunning.
I caught Albert Collins in San Antonio about 1 year before he passed away. It was high energy to say the least. He also had a F minor tuning he sometimes used, learned from an uncle in south Louisiana.
When I lived in Chicago in the 70s -80s, Albert Collins and Son Seals were my favorite bluesmen. As Collins' "attack" was unique, I appreciate your efforts to break it down for us.
I saw him at the Whiskey when I was like 14 years old on a Friday night. I was so happy with what I saw I stayed for each of his shows that night and the next. I think I saw six shows in one weekend. I got Albert Collinsed out. What a blast that was. He was using two fingers, like a bass player. I couldn't believe it.
I JUST LOVE it when you do anything like this-love the blues, and SRV has named Albert Collins…I’d love to have been there …!! (I was a dancer, I al-ways danced!)
I have never heard of Albert Collins, but this was a really cool performance! I found myself tapping my feet while I was listening to this, lol. It was another great analysis and it was fun watching you get into it as well, and your awesome guitar demonstrations too! Keep on rockin'! 🎸✌️🙂♥️
Hi Fil, Fun video for a Friday night! They were all just having so much fun playing and singing, and enjoying music. So nice to have your guitar demonstrations to accompany the analysis. It really helps to bring it all together. Great job explaining the inner workings of this performance. Have a great night. Debbie☮️
I saw Gary Moore live at the Manchester Apollo in the early 1990s and Albert Collins was the surprise ''Special Guest.'' When Gary introduced him onto the stage, the roar from the crowd was so loud, my ears actually clipped into distortion. It was like I had a biological distortion pedal! In my ears! 😲 I feel honoured to have seen Albert play live.
Wasn’t familiar with Albert Collins, but I did enjoy listening to all the great jazz music, that he and the band played. Learning about artists that I wasn’t familiar with is great. Fun, energetic experience. Thanks!
Obtain Albert’s best CDs on Alligator Records. “Live in Japan” and “Showdown.” And while you’re at it you can find some of the best ever on Alligator. Lonnie Mack - “Strike Like Lightning.” Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown - “Pressure Cooker.” And ANYTHING by the great Roy Buchanan, an early guitar genius who was worshipped by everyone, and invented the guitar stunts that have been copied for generations.
I was searching through the comments to say the same thing! Love Albert! I'm not sure where he acquired that tuning, but I know that Skip James used a similar tuning in earlier acoustic blues, but in open D minor (D-A-D-F-A-D). Albert developed a very individual style, and no one has duplicated it. When Jimmie Vaughan switched from a pick to fingers, he incorporated elements of Albert's style and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown's fingerpicking style too.
I love Albert Collins .. AND I love watching your face F.il while you watch.. your smile and appreciation of their talent just makes me smile with you.. Thanks and enjoy your weekend.
I got to see Albert 3 or 4 times. So entertaining! He was one of my first and favorite blues musician. And yes! The band is fantastic! Thanks for reviewing FIL.
This band is fully there to give an entertaining performance and, while doing it, have fun themselves! Loved it! Your analyses are always great, too, Fil! You point out things I wouldn’t have noticed but, I love to find out. It honestly enhances the enjoyment knowing the hows and whys…any tidbits, of the production.
That’s why I’ve always loved the blues. The virtuosity is cool, if you get into a cutting contest, but feel is more important because you’re basically playing off the guitar and the voice - they’re having a conversation. It’s just like the call and response pattern in gospel music. Muddy once said that the blues IS gospel stood on its head. And Texas has produced as many great blues players as anywhere.
I saw the title of this video and thought you were saying Albert Collins was an Italian Mafia boss on the 7th fret. 🤭But that is what I love about this channel! I learn something new every time. I love the energy of the band (especially the keyboard player) and the crowd is energized too! I also love to see a female guitarist. Thanks Fil!
I saw him but one time, late July, 1991, Philadelphia "River Blues" Fest. That capo setting! "Master of the Telecaster", indeed! Another fun and informative analysis, Fil. Thank you!
There are very few guitarists you could recognise from one note the late 'SIR' Albert Collins is one of them. Ty Fil as ever for bringing artists of this uniqueness to a wider audience in an entertaining and informative way!
I love Albert he always has the best time playing music. I enjoyed watching you with that big smile all the way through this video. This song is on my top ten list. Thank you Fil .
An afterthought a day later. More Texas Blues! Gatemouth Brown! Lonnie Mack! Jimmy Lee and the T-Birds! Johnny “Texas Twister” Copeland! Little Charlie and the Night Cats! And, needless to say, the incredible BUGS HENDERSON!
Great guitarist and great character, such fun! I bet this whole concert was just a blast for everyone, band and audience alike. My first recollection of Albert Collins was back in the 80s in the movie Adventures in Babysitting where they played on that whole audience interaction he did. Definitely gone too soon. Oh, and what's up with that double sax?
The look on your face Brother Fil says it all! The Iceman is a huge favorite for me. Albert was such a huge influence as musician but I believe his personality was even more powerful. So MANY folks that met + spoke at length with him ALL will testify to his warmth. When I met Tab Benoit he mentioned it also. Tab wrote liner notes + said ; " He treated me like an old friend + I never told him I could play. How did he do it? I don't know. It's freaking impossible! He could stretch out that left hand fingers a mile!! Thanks SO MUCH FIL!! ILL dance at your wedding!
If you're a left handed guitar player that doesn't change the strings around, you'll find out that it is a lot easier for you to use this. My Father, I count as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, played with the Capo in this position for certain sounds he was looking for. But, he did refer to the Capo as a torture device from Hell. If you ever want to see who my Father is, just check out Duck for the Oyster from Malcolm McLaren. My Father is the guitarist in the music video. I am the little girl holding the duck, the reason for the name of the video. ;) I am glad that I came across your channel. My family was the inspiration for quite a few musician's out there. Malcolm McLaren was not the only one. Buffalo Gal's, also on that album, was sampled by Eminem.
Cold feelin with Mr Gary Moore ladies and gentlemen! That's the one that caught me. I believe it was on Gary Moore live in Montreux,well worth a listen. Top draw stuff Pegasus
Great video. The other guitarist is Debbie Davies, who is a considerable blues guitarist in her own right. She doesn't normally use a capo. See her on You Tube e.g. doing "All I found" at Callaghan's music hall backed by Tommy Castro's band. Albert Collins was a great character. On "Too many dirty dishes" off his cold snap album, he imitates on the guitar the sound of him washing up the dirty dishes left by his cheating wife's boyfriend. Very funny.
Hi Fil.. great stuff! I'm not familiar with Mr. Collins nor the band, but, I enjoyed this surprise video today. Always wonderful content on your channel..love it! Thanks for sharing. Rosemarie ❤
Nobody plays like Albert did. totally unique style, and a great singer as well. I first heard him on the radio in about 1964 or so, went looking for his record 'Cool Sound of Albert Collins' but couldn't find it anywhere. Eventually found a reissue, "Truckin with Allbert Collins", all instrumentals except for one cut, Dyin' Flu. Frosty, Sno Cone, Don't Loose Your Cool, Backstroke, etc. Interestingly the texas Canonball (Freddie King) also started out doing mainly instrumentals and of course Hideaway was his hit and signature tune as Frosty was Albert's. One of the things Albert does is rythmic comping when other band members are soloing. Just really swinging with perfectly timed accents.. Of course his soloing is unique and a lot of it is really the guitar being a second voice. And a lot of times the guitar becomes the voice Albert is arguing with, but then Albert grabs the guitar from his imaginary better half and does the talking on it himself. I am so glad you chose to do this video on Albert I was going to suggest you do one on him, glad you beat me to the punch!
Great analysis, Fil, as usual. One thing though: If his capo is in the 7th position (which it is, I checked the original video) and his open E strings sound like a C, his guitar must be tuned a semitone sharp, not flat. Right?
I am not familiar with this artist but what a great performance! Great lyrics too and so upbeat that it does get your attention. I enjoyed this analysis and your guitar demonstration as well.
@@lindadescafano3749 Albert and The Icebreakers did their best work on Alligator Records. I’d especially recommend “Live in Japan” - it’s a nonstop dance fest - and “Showdown,” a collaboration with Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland. Also from the Alligator catalogue you should get “Strike Like Lightning” by Lonnie Mack and SRV, “Pressure Cooker” by Gatemouth Brown, and ANYTHING by the great Roy Buchanan. Happy hunting!
Some people talk disparagingly of the PENTATONIC SCALE, but I never get tired of it. Or the Blues. I think that the Blues are the Father of Rock and Roll. Who's the Mother? Why, Women, of course.
Nice ! jumping in half way thru (laundry day ;( Albert had a style and sound all his own, The capo gave his Teles extra 'snap'. I have sorta like whats here (i know, this ain't a Tele)... Think early Andy Summers,,,Sq Fat Tele without the binding. I should play it more. Ha, capo at the 7th fret....two different tunes i copped with this,,,, Here Comes The Sun,,,nice happy major key tune thenTraffic's "John Barley Corn Must Die", minor key ominous. I'd sometimes use the melody as a jumping off point for soloing,,,,pretty inspiring. Btw, I think it was Gary Moore's "Still Got The Blues" that had Albert for "Too Tired"....'Take it Albert, I'm tired...' A solo that was trademark of his sound. Thanks, Fil !
As well as the capo, i think Albert used an open tuning. Very original style and the consummate show man who obviously loved what he was doing - something an audience notices and appreciates. For me, it's between him and BB King.
The tuning was open F minor (F-C-F-Ab-C-F), which is a higher tuning than standard (E-A-D-G-B-E). Not sure where he learned it from, but it's part of what makes him so unique.
Fil, the immortal Johnny B Gayden on bass, who was the king of Alligator Records bass players. He's on lots of Johnny Winter, too. Also in the Icebreakers, Debbie Davies, who's had a great career, beginning as Albert's understudy. Saw them several times in this Glory Era at Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa, 1980's, in front of 1100 sweating, writhing, crazed blues fans at the best concert venue that ever existed.
You mentioned having the capo on very tight. What if you use one of those Kaiser quick-release kind? You don't really adjust those you just kind of slap them on and away you go?
And there we have it again people, Fil’s contagious smile when he recognises true musicianship and/or musicians enjoying themselves on stage 😁
Fantastic. Albert Collins has made me smile and laugh more than any other blues player I can think of. I so wish I had known about him when he was alive, so I could have seen him in concert. The heart, soul, and spirit he put into his music will live on! Timeless!
We saw Albert Collins and the Icebreakers at Rockefeller's in Houston in 1987. What a band! What a show! I think it was the same band as in this video (I remember Debbie Davies on 2nd guitar). The audience called them back for an encore, and they did an over-the-top 20-minute jam-- Albert stepped down to the floor (of course playing all the while!) and wound his way toward the door, followed by the whole horn section. We and many of the audience followed them out to the curb on Washington Ave. There was a light drizzle and they played a while facing the traffic on Washington Avenue before returning to the stage for the finale.
THAT, is heavenly cool.. I'm memory transferring that.. appreciate
Classic Albert Collins! Saw him in Austin Texas do the same. One of my best concert experiences ever.
Rockefeller’s. What a great place. I’ve seen him there several times. And BB King in the night of my 40th Bday, in 1990. On down the road to The Bon Ton room. Or next door at The Satellite Lounge, great days.
Albert always seemed to be having the time of his life out there. He loved his audience and they loved him.
Thank you for honoring the Blues!!!!
Albert Collins' tone was all his own. Absolutely enjoyed seeing him live growing up in Detroit and Chicago as a kid in the late '70s and mid-'80s. Thanks for this post, and your detailed analysis, Phil!
Albert was fantastic. One of the very first blues CD I bought was his Ice Pickin' album, in the late 80s.
He was a guest with Eric at the Royal Albert Hall in 1991 (for Eric's blues nights). Or at Albert's Royal Hall as Albert put it 😀
I discovered Albert some 35 years ago. Kudos to you for introducing him to a new audience (I see in the comments that many had never heard of him) and giving him the props he deserves.
Fil, thanks for covering Mr. Collins, He was one of a Kind, the Master of the Telecaster, Always used a Capo, and played all the notes Way up on the Fretboard, Nobody played like him, I got to see him one time, and it was Spectacular, Cousin figel
"The Master of the Telecaster", "The Texas Tornado", "The Ice Pick", "The Ice Man", "The Razor Blade", etc. (Albert Collins had many nicknames...LOL). This brings back many memories. I love the late, great Albert Collins and saw him many times. When he was based out of the Bay Area and used to come up here (Portland, Oregon) in the late 1970s, he would typically use the Robert Cray Band as a pickup band (when they were still mostly a regional act). Later on, after he signed with Alligator Records, he would tour with the classic lineup of the Ice Breakers that included the great A.C. Reed on sax and Johnny B. Gayden on bass etc. I had the pleasure of doing sound for him and the Ice Breakers twice. You're right about the reverb on his amp; it was cranked way, way up, as were the treble and volume knobs. My recollection was that even though I put a mike in front of his amp, I didn't need to use it, his stage volume was loud enough to sit in the mix with the rest of the band that was going through the P.A. system in a medium large room.
He really knew how to interact with, and entertain a crowd. Before wireless guitar setups were common, he had a 100+ foot long cable. I remember him playing a long solo and wandering through the crowd at the Euphoria Tavern, stopping at a couple tables to flirt with some women, then walking out the front door and playing on the street for a minute or two before returning to the stage to finish the tune.
@@GINKBB Hey, thanks for the response. When you said Key Largo I assume you're talking about the club that was in NW Portland not the island in Florida...LOL. That was a pretty live sounding room with all the brick walls. It was a cool venue though; I saw lots of shows there and mixed quite a few too but I don't think I ever saw Albert Collins there. When I did sound for Albert I think he had a Twin Reverb not a Quad, which is apparently a weapon of mass destruction.
Albert Collins - pulsating music
BTW-it was a common thing (at least among my crowd at the time) to down tune a half step on a Telecaster. It was thought to make it sound more full, or bluesy. Many people did that (and still do) with the Stratocaster, but for whatever reason, the Texas/Louisiana music crowd in the 1980s and 90s did it with Telecasters also. Also-you are correct-Albert used the capo because he thought it made him unique among Blues guitarists.
One thing Albert liked better than playing guitar was driving his tour bus! Saw him in 1992, he did two shows at the venue I saw him at, had tickets to the first show and never left, watched the second show and he played a completely different set.
I met Albert Collins in a Denny's in north Austin, back in the very-late '80s, and I don't think he could have been nicer!
I saw him on long island six months before he died of cancer, and you would never know he was so sick: HE KICKED ASS !!! And what a showman, coming down into the audience with his guitar. It was like he was saying "YOU'RE GONNA REMEMBER ME, YOU S.O.B.'S. !!!!amazing show, and a dad loss of a unique and fiery performer.
YEAH!!!!
AK used one of my favorite traditional moves where you close the phrase with a quick series of descending pentatonic notes.
Frank Marino does that one a lot.
Can you imagine playing with that band?
They are amazing!
I've told this story before, but at the Eugene Hotel parking lot circa 1979, Albert was headlining with Robert Cray backing band and a car pulled up to me in parking lot before the show and it was Albert Collins! We talked shop for a few minutes, he was a very nice guy. He and Robert ended show with "Frosty".
Fil-you keep picking out favorites of mine! This one is particularly fun for me, as I had the opportunity to sit in with the Icebreakers and Albert Collins back in 1988, when he was in New Orleans for JazzFest. I was a young physician (and musician) at the time, and a patient of mine was on the JazzFest Board of Directors. She knew I was a "semi-professional" musician and got me backstage, where I met Albert. After the show, Albert and his entourage went to a local New Orleans' music club, but it turned out his bassist couldn't make it. Albert invited me to go with them and fill in onstage with the band. We played "I Ain't Drunk", among several of his other songs. It was among my favorite musical experiences ever. I recognize several of the other band members in this video, but I never got to see any of them in person after that night. Great memories-thanks!
That is amazing. You played with Albert Collins. Just incredible.
@@johnnymossville thanks. One of my favorite memories
Collins is a BEAST!!! Showdown (Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, and Robert Cray - 1985) is a "modern" classic - Highly recommended!
Yes it is! The picture on the album cover slays me !!
12:10 The "one extended note" technique reminds me of the second verse of Tommy Tucker's "High Heel Sneakers". It's the kind of thing most people couldn't pull off, but for those who can, the sound is stunning.
Some of the best stuff your ears could ever hear!
I caught Albert Collins in San Antonio about 1 year before he passed away. It was high energy to say the least. He also had a F minor tuning he sometimes used, learned from an uncle in south Louisiana.
When I lived in Chicago in the 70s -80s, Albert Collins and Son Seals were my favorite bluesmen. As Collins' "attack" was unique, I appreciate your efforts to break it down for us.
I saw him at the Whiskey when I was like 14 years old on a Friday night. I was so happy with what I saw I stayed for each of his shows that night and the next. I think I saw six shows in one weekend. I got Albert Collinsed out. What a blast that was. He was using two fingers, like a bass player. I couldn't believe it.
I JUST LOVE it when you do anything like this-love the blues, and SRV has named Albert Collins…I’d love to have been there …!! (I was a dancer, I al-ways danced!)
Yes yes yes!!! I LOVE this song and Albert blows my mind when he plays ! Thank you for bringing a little blues into my day !!! You rock love ❤❤🤘🏿🤘🏿
Thank you Fil! God bless you and your family!
I have never heard of Albert Collins, but this was a really cool performance! I found myself tapping my feet while I was listening to this, lol. It was another great analysis and it was fun watching you get into it as well, and your awesome guitar demonstrations too! Keep on rockin'! 🎸✌️🙂♥️
I've never heard this before and it makes me so happy.
The Master of The Telecaster...RIP...
Cool performance by all up on that stage. your details on tuning and Capo were interesting. thanks Fil.
Hi Fil,
Fun video for a Friday night! They were all just having so much fun playing and singing, and enjoying music. So nice to have your guitar demonstrations to accompany the analysis. It really helps to bring it all together. Great job explaining the inner workings of this performance. Have a great night. Debbie☮️
I saw Gary Moore live at the Manchester Apollo in the early 1990s and Albert Collins was the surprise ''Special Guest.''
When Gary introduced him onto the stage, the roar from the crowd was so loud, my ears actually clipped into distortion. It was like I had a biological distortion pedal! In my ears! 😲
I feel honoured to have seen Albert play live.
Mega! I remember Gary and Albert having lots of fun playing together numerous times.
In fact, Albert is featured on one track of Gary Moore's "Blues Alive" album.
Wasn’t familiar with Albert Collins, but I did enjoy listening to all the great jazz music, that he and the band played. Learning about artists that I wasn’t familiar with is great. Fun, energetic experience. Thanks!
Obtain Albert’s best CDs on Alligator Records. “Live in Japan” and “Showdown.” And while you’re at it you can find some of the best ever on Alligator. Lonnie Mack - “Strike Like Lightning.” Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown - “Pressure Cooker.” And ANYTHING by the great Roy Buchanan, an early guitar genius who was worshipped by everyone, and invented the guitar stunts that have been copied for generations.
Albert Collins is such a great guitarist. What an awesome live performance. Thanks for sharing this analysis video. Cheers, Fil! ✌️
I LOVE Albert Collins !!! He tuned in open Fm ( F - C - F - Ab - C - F )
I was searching through the comments to say the same thing! Love Albert! I'm not sure where he acquired that tuning, but I know that Skip James used a similar tuning in earlier acoustic blues, but in open D minor (D-A-D-F-A-D). Albert developed a very individual style, and no one has duplicated it. When Jimmie Vaughan switched from a pick to fingers, he incorporated elements of Albert's style and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown's fingerpicking style too.
I love Albert Collins .. AND I love watching your face F.il while you watch.. your smile and appreciation of their talent just makes me smile with you.. Thanks and enjoy your weekend.
I got to see Albert 3 or 4 times. So entertaining! He was one of my first and favorite blues musician. And yes! The band is fantastic! Thanks for reviewing FIL.
Pure entertainment! So much fun :) Thanks for highlighting them and explaining all about his guitar.
Albert My Man! Seen hims < 10 times in Austin. great shows. I posted alot about him elsewhere so i'll keep it short, Albert's the Man!
Dennis
what a treat that was😊
This band is fully there to give an entertaining performance and, while doing it, have fun themselves! Loved it! Your analyses are always great, too, Fil! You point out things I wouldn’t have noticed but, I love to find out. It honestly enhances the enjoyment knowing the hows and whys…any tidbits, of the production.
love the variety on this channel!
Absolute vibe here .
Outstanding .
Thanks for caring about timeless tunes .
Just unbelievable performance...we just have players like that around anymore.
Bringing the house down with their incredible sound!
That’s why I’ve always loved the blues. The virtuosity is cool, if you get into a cutting contest, but feel is more important because you’re basically playing off the guitar and the voice - they’re having a conversation. It’s just like the call and response pattern in gospel music. Muddy once said that the blues IS gospel stood on its head. And Texas has produced as many great blues players as anywhere.
That`s what I needed to cheer me up. That`s a band!
Albert is very expressive in his singing and story telling.Looks like all have a good time!!
I still play this one at gigs...cheers !!
I saw the title of this video and thought you were saying Albert Collins was an Italian Mafia boss on the 7th fret. 🤭But that is what I love about this channel! I learn something new every time. I love the energy of the band (especially the keyboard player) and the crowd is energized too! I also love to see a female guitarist. Thanks Fil!
Collins also tuned his guitar in Fminor. Good luck with that.
They sure could play! Fun video. Thanks for the analysis Fil😊🍻🔥🎹🎶🎼
I saw him but one time, late July, 1991, Philadelphia "River Blues" Fest. That capo setting! "Master of the Telecaster", indeed! Another fun and informative analysis, Fil. Thank you!
There are very few guitarists you could recognise from one note the late 'SIR' Albert Collins is one of them. Ty Fil as ever for bringing artists of this uniqueness to a wider audience in an entertaining and informative way!
I love Albert he always has the best time playing music. I enjoyed watching you with that big smile all the way through this video. This song is on my top ten list. Thank you Fil .
An afterthought a day later. More Texas Blues! Gatemouth Brown! Lonnie Mack! Jimmy Lee and the T-Birds! Johnny “Texas Twister” Copeland! Little Charlie and the Night Cats! And, needless to say, the incredible BUGS HENDERSON!
Good critique. Maybe one day Fil will let his inner bluesman out, I know it’s not his preferred genre but he seems to have good instincts for it!
Great guitarist and great character, such fun! I bet this whole concert was just a blast for everyone, band and audience alike. My first recollection of Albert Collins was back in the 80s in the movie Adventures in Babysitting where they played on that whole audience interaction he did. Definitely gone too soon. Oh, and what's up with that double sax?
I was digging that double sax. Good one Fil .🤘🏼
That thing is crazy!
@@bryandraughn9830 yeah it was
Very interesting video. can you do one for the GAP Band i searched your site and did not find anything for them.😊
The look on your face Brother Fil says it all! The Iceman is a huge favorite for me. Albert was such a huge influence as musician but I believe his personality was even more powerful. So MANY folks that met + spoke at length with him ALL will testify to his warmth.
When I met Tab Benoit he mentioned it also. Tab wrote liner notes + said ; " He treated me like an old friend + I never told him I could play.
How did he do it? I don't know. It's freaking impossible! He could stretch out that left hand fingers a mile!!
Thanks SO MUCH FIL!!
ILL dance at your wedding!
Great, great fun band to listen to! Love it!
If you're a left handed guitar player that doesn't change the strings around, you'll find out that it is a lot easier for you to use this. My Father, I count as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, played with the Capo in this position for certain sounds he was looking for. But, he did refer to the Capo as a torture device from Hell. If you ever want to see who my Father is, just check out Duck for the Oyster from Malcolm McLaren. My Father is the guitarist in the music video. I am the little girl holding the duck, the reason for the name of the video. ;) I am glad that I came across your channel. My family was the inspiration for quite a few musician's out there. Malcolm McLaren was not the only one. Buffalo Gal's, also on that album, was sampled by Eminem.
Love the fact you throw in some great blues stuff
What a band! They are having so much fun! The great Albert Collins. Thannk you Fil.
that was very cool , thanks Fil 👍👍✌🤘
The Master of the Teleblaster! He's so hot, he's cold!
Fantastic! And also reminds me of Phil Upchurch's band long ago.
The master of the telecaster or the iceman
Cold feelin with Mr Gary Moore ladies and gentlemen!
That's the one that caught me.
I believe it was on Gary Moore live in Montreux,well worth a listen.
Top draw stuff Pegasus
Great video. The other guitarist is Debbie Davies, who is a considerable blues guitarist in her own right. She doesn't normally use a capo. See her on You Tube e.g. doing "All I found" at Callaghan's music hall backed by Tommy Castro's band. Albert Collins was a great character. On "Too many dirty dishes" off his cold snap album, he imitates on the guitar the sound of him washing up the dirty dishes left by his cheating wife's boyfriend. Very funny.
Hi Fil.. great stuff! I'm not familiar with Mr. Collins nor the band, but, I enjoyed this surprise video today. Always wonderful content on your channel..love it! Thanks for sharing. Rosemarie ❤
Nobody plays like Albert did. totally unique style, and a great singer as well. I first heard him on the radio in about 1964 or so, went looking for his record 'Cool Sound of Albert Collins' but couldn't find it anywhere. Eventually found a reissue, "Truckin with Allbert Collins", all instrumentals except for one cut, Dyin' Flu. Frosty, Sno Cone, Don't Loose Your Cool, Backstroke, etc. Interestingly the texas Canonball (Freddie King) also started out doing mainly instrumentals and of course Hideaway was his hit and signature tune as Frosty was Albert's. One of the things Albert does is rythmic comping when other band members are soloing. Just really swinging with perfectly timed accents.. Of course his soloing is unique and a lot of it is really the guitar being a second voice. And a lot of times the guitar becomes the voice Albert is arguing with, but then Albert grabs the guitar from his imaginary better half and does the talking on it himself. I am so glad you chose to do this video on Albert I was going to suggest you do one on him, glad you beat me to the punch!
A measure of AC's brilliance is ive never hesrd anyone capture his tone!
I don't know this band.
But I always liked this kind of music; blues, soul, jazz, gospel etc.
My friends said I was a weird kid.
💜
Well, now that you have, start digging around in the Alligator Records catalogue. It’s a whole new universe.
This one misses that Albert tuned FCFAbCF.
Man are those guys havin fun.
I tink Albert Collins tuned his guitar to a sort of Em chord.
Yes, Em up a half step, or Fm (F C F Ab C F)
Great analysis, Fil, as usual. One thing though:
If his capo is in the 7th position (which it is, I checked the original video) and his open E strings sound like a C, his guitar must be tuned a semitone sharp, not flat. Right?
Thanks for pointing that out and yes you're right!
@@GINKBB I found a video by one Robert Noll and it seems you are correct.
I noticed Fil used capo8 after saying AC was capo7. Thanks for saving me the trouble of doing the math.
I am not familiar with this artist but what a great performance! Great lyrics too and so upbeat that it does get your attention. I enjoyed this analysis and your guitar demonstration as well.
What??? Never heard of Albert? Well, I guess that’s how it is with you youngsters … Now you’re on your way to a classical education. 😊
@@danielschaeffer1294 Yes most definitely! This is a great channel to learn about many different artists. 😊
@@lindadescafano3749 Albert and The Icebreakers did their best work on Alligator Records. I’d especially recommend “Live in Japan” - it’s a nonstop dance fest - and “Showdown,” a collaboration with Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland. Also from the Alligator catalogue you should get “Strike Like Lightning” by Lonnie Mack and SRV, “Pressure Cooker” by Gatemouth Brown, and ANYTHING by the great Roy Buchanan. Happy hunting!
@@danielschaeffer1294 Thank you so much! 😊
Some people talk disparagingly of the PENTATONIC SCALE, but I never get tired of it. Or the Blues. I think that the Blues are the Father of Rock and Roll. Who's the Mother? Why, Women, of course.
The Master of the Telecaster. Saw him live in 1986. Ultimate showman
Nice ! jumping in half way thru (laundry day ;(
Albert had a style and sound all his own, The capo gave his Teles extra 'snap'.
I have sorta like whats here (i know, this ain't a Tele)...
Think early Andy Summers,,,Sq Fat Tele without the binding. I should play it more.
Ha, capo at the 7th fret....two different tunes i copped with this,,,,
Here Comes The Sun,,,nice happy major key tune thenTraffic's "John Barley Corn Must Die", minor key ominous.
I'd sometimes use the melody as a jumping off point for soloing,,,,pretty inspiring.
Btw, I think it was Gary Moore's "Still Got The Blues" that had Albert for "Too Tired"....'Take it Albert, I'm tired...'
A solo that was trademark of his sound.
Thanks, Fil !
Thanks for replicating his unusual approach to his music. Thorough, as usual.
The king of blues yesss🎸🎸🎸
2:45 Peg Bundy on his lap lighting a cigarette
As well as the capo, i think Albert used an open tuning. Very original style and the consummate show man who obviously loved what he was doing - something an audience notices and appreciates.
For me, it's between him and BB King.
The tuning was open F minor (F-C-F-Ab-C-F), which is a higher tuning than standard (E-A-D-G-B-E). Not sure where he learned it from, but it's part of what makes him so unique.
One of the guitarists that amazed Jimmy Hendrix. Check out “ Thaw Out “.
Listen to Lonnie Mack's "Why?" Capo on the tenth fret for song and guitar solo.
Cooking !
and Debbie Davies on rythm
Great choice on another sadly missed guitar legend.....I was expecting John Belushi to handspring it up on to stage!!!
Nobody else impressed or amused that the sax player is playing an alto and tenor at the same time?
Yeah! I am!
That was impressive!
That’s an old Roland Kirk bit, but it still works.
@@danielschaeffer1294 I think you’re probably right about that!
Good critique. Maybe one day Fil will let his inner bluesman out, I know it’s not his preferred genre but he seems to have good instincts for it….
Fil, the immortal Johnny B Gayden on bass, who was the king of Alligator Records bass players. He's on lots of Johnny Winter, too. Also in the Icebreakers, Debbie Davies, who's had a great career, beginning as Albert's understudy. Saw them several times in this Glory Era at Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa, 1980's, in front of 1100 sweating, writhing, crazed blues fans at the best concert venue that ever existed.
This band, The Icebreakers were so phenomenal that they played several songs before Announcing..."Star Time"! with Mr. Collins
You mentioned having the capo on very tight.
What if you use one of those Kaiser quick-release kind? You don't really adjust those you just kind of slap them on and away you go?
I noticed Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown used a capo regularly, with his horn band also.
The amazing Debbie Davies on 2nd guitar
Was that sax player blowing two horns or am I drinking’?
I think the was "Double Chuck" Chuck Williams on sax. That was one of his stage tricks.