Paco de Lucia: Monday YouTube Fix

Last week the world lost one of the greatest musicians of all time, Paco de Lucia.  This performance of Joaquin Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez" for guitar and orchestra, will leave you speechless.  If there is a musician who phrases with more relentless passion than Paco de Lucia did, I am not familiar with them. The second movement of this live performance is spellbinding.  When commenting on this melody, Miles Davis once said  "That melody is so strong that the softer you play it, the stronger it gets, and the stronger you play it, the weaker it gets." I've never heard it played better than Paco does here.

We lost a truly great one last week.  RIP, Paco.

Wynton Marsalis & Eric Clapton: Monday YouTube Fix

I have evidently been living under a rock because I had no idea two of my favorite musicians headlined an entire concert together.  Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton are both institutions on their respective instruments and in music in general for a good reason.  This is just fantastic. Every person on this stage is expressing a strong musical opinion without stepping on each other's toes.  Tons of exclamation points going around this band and no question marks at all.

The slow, relentless groove alone is enough of a reason to play this for any young musician.  I don't know how many times I've been told that slow music is "easy" by young players.  Slow music ain't easy.  In fact, it's the hardest music to play in the world.  The slow groove in the first half of this clip wouldn't have budged if the hall had caught on fire.  As it should be.  This is how "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" goes.

Enjoy!

Lenny Kravitz and the Voice of Praise Choir: Monday YouTube Fix

This clip embodies everything I love about music.  Lenny Kravitz, the singer/instrumentalist/songwriter, was hanging out in New Orleans when he heard a band and choir covering one of his songs.  Even if you are the biggest Lenny Kravitz fan, the rest is best described by just watching the clip. The whole thing is summed up by the expression of the acoustic rhythm guitar player the moment that Lenny sits down on the drum kit.  I just think this clip is the perfect example of pure joy that only music provides in my life.  And how about this kid on guitar?!?

This is just awesome.

Enjoy!

Monday YouTube Fix: Frank Zappa and Steve Vai

This is a whole lot of guitar chops on one stage at one time. Many people know Frank Zappa for his off the wall lyrics and personality and don't realize he was one of the greatest electric guitar players to every strap one on. It takes some serious courage to just get on stage with Steve Vai and Frank doesn't just hold his own on this clip. Love that this is live and they only got one take. Two absolute masters enjoying what was obviously hours and hours of intentional, dedicated practicing.

Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEnzdp71U78]

Monday YouTube Fix: Leo Kottke

The best kind of virtuosity is the seemingly effortless kind.  I know better, but he sure makes what he's doing sound easy.  Sometimes I can't even make the first page of the Arban's book sound this effortless. I've got to go practice...

Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnQTC5ICGik]