http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNfyt7d_WA4

The Outrider Tour Featured Jimmy Page’s Finest Playing Since 1973.

This song, Emerald Eyes, is an instrumental from Jimmy Page’s Outrider album, and it really comes to life in concert. There’s 80′s cheese all over this. From the on the beat, soulless thudding of a 22 yr old Jason Bonham, to the icky tone… yes, this is the 80′s. Nonetheless, Jimmy plays wonderfully, and the the solos kick ass. Enjoy.

If you want to hear more live Jimmy, from this tour, you can download a  show a few days before this one.

Wouldn’t You Miss Me At All? Mick Rock’s Iconic Pic

The Twilight World Of Syd Barrett Is Still A Mystery

This new radio documentary about Pink Floyd’s legendary guitarist, and primary songwriter, doesn’t really shine any new light on Syd’s mysterious disappearance from the music world. It does have commentary from Syd’s sister, who was his caregiver in later years, as well as what is thought to be Richard Wright’s last interview (before he passed in 2008). It’s 30 minutes long, and if you don’t know Syd, it’s a must hear. If you do know Syd, well, you’ll probably want to hear it as well. So listen up, motherfuckers. It’s the craziest thing ever.

I have written of Syd before, as well as my love of Pink Floyd.

I can’t embed the player, nor do I know how long BBC4 will keep this up, so if it’s a dead link, you’re too late. Check teh tubes. Here is the BBC4 show page.

Imagine the debauchery

Jimmy Page And Ron Wood Sound Great Together

Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) is old friends with Ron Wood (Rolling Stones), to the point of sharing Ronnie’s spouse for a time. Yes, it was the ’70′s. It was 2/13/75 in Uniondale, NY. Led Zeppelin (I believe they were some sort of sporting team. Lawn darts, I believe it was… or polo) was playing one of their rock and roll concerts, and their chum Ronnie Wood (who was playing NYC with the Faces) jumped onstage for a rollicking version of Communication Breakdown.

The sound quality is very good, but this audience recording lacks bass, and it’s a shame because Jonesy’s bass lines would have funked this up a ton if they were more prominent.  I’m sure a soundboard tape of this gig exists, since the next night is available in pristine stereo sbd (hear for yourself), and more and more ’75 board tapes are dribbling out.

Until the board tape of this gig is liberated we’ll have to make do with this. Enjoy the unique experience of hearing Led Zeppelin with two guitarists. Some of it is awesome. All of it is the Coolest Thing Ever.

Yep. He's playing with two fingers, cuz he's awesome

Django Reinhardt is one of the greatest guitarists in history.  He’s tremendously influential, wicked cool, and incredibly vibrant and lyrical. He also played with two fingers. Holy shit, right? Les Paul was with him the day before he died, that’s how awesome he is. Check it out. His music is, without a doubt, the coolest thing ever.

By the way, if you want to watch a video of Les Paul telling the story of Django’s death (and completely overshadowing the famous person next to him), then click here.

Django Reinhardt from Antuare Mare on Vimeo.

Boolah Boolah, Youdopia. Great song. Clapton is spending the Sept of his years playing with who he wants. He told Rolling Stone that he always felt like a dick (paraphrasing here) because he pretty much just bailed on Blind Faith, because of drugs/fame. That’s why Clapton went underground (kinda) and went with Derek and the Dominoes, instead of Eric Clapton’s super awesome group w/ Duane Allman. Drugs and anguish can make for great music. Layla is amazing, as is Bell Bottom Blues, the two big hits from that band. So… dig it. It’s the coolest shit ever.

For extra points and a chance at the bonus round I ask you to listen to this version of the same song from 1970, by Derek and the Dominos. Mr Clapton outdoes himself, in my opinion, especially with the wah wah string bending @ 2:00. Check it out. Live music, when it’s performed by masters, and there’s magic in the air, is trascendent. You can watch a slideshow of Derek and the Dominoes pix while listening. Amazing band, amazing songs, short short life. Definitely a case of burnout rather than fade away.

Let’s not forget the writer of the song, Mr Jimi Hendrix, either. I understand he also played guitar.

Youdopia, Les Paul is amazing. His playing is amazing. His impact of music is virtually unparalleled in the 20th Century. He invented multitrack recording (as demonstrated in the video above) and overdubs, he perfected the solid body electric guitar, he played with some of the greats like Bing Crosby, Chet Atkins, and of course, Mary Ford. He’s still alive and in his mid 90′s. This video (below) was from a couple of years ago, when he was in his early 90′s. There’s not much playing, but there’s lots of playfulness. Les’ solo on How High The Moon is still one of the best ever recorded, and he did it on acoustic gauge strings with a wound third. All hail the man. Coolest Shit Ever.

Jack White, Jimmy Page, and The Edge Jam Together

Originally posted on The Toronto International Film Festival Page.

The electric guitar has dominated popular music for the last half century. Anyone who has ever plugged into an amp understands its power. So does the average stadium crowd. But if you have too much exposure to amateurs, you might forget the incredible range of expression that the creation pioneered by Les Paul can achieve in the hands of masters.

Director Davis Guggenheim, well-known for his Academy Award-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth, deepens our appreciation for going electric by bringing together three virtuosos from different generations: Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, The Edge of U2 and Jack White of The White Stripes. It Might Get Loud weaves together their stories to reveal how each of them developed a unique sound.

Unlike rock ‘n’ roll documentaries that focus on backstage drama, this one concentrates on the music, giving us intimate access to the creative process. Each guitarist describes his own musical rebellion: Page against the saccharine pop of the sixties; The Edge against the self-indulgent solos of the seventies; White against the soulless bass machines of the eighties. The film also travels to the locations that left a mark on each player. Page visits the stone halls of Headley Grange where “Stairway to Heaven” was composed. In Dublin, The Edge pulls out the original four-track rehearsals of “Where the Streets Have No Name.” And in Tennessee, White describes being inspired by the raw style of bluesman Son House. What’s more, we see each musician play new work that has yet to be released.

The trio comes together for a jam session, during which they demonstrate their varying tastes in gear, from Page’s double-neck guitar to The Edge’s array of accessory pedals to White’s cheap plastic instrument. Contrary to the stereotype that rock ‘n’ rollers are sullen and guarded, these three display an infectious joy when discussing their craft. Anyone who has ever played air guitar along with a Zeppelin song will be thrilled watching Page mimic the licks of one of his own favourites, Link Wray’s “Rumble.”

You don’t need to be an aficionado to enjoy the pleasure of this company. This film might not affect how you play, but it will change how you listen.

Thom Powers