Les Paul: Chasing Sound

rickboy88 · Post by **rickboy88** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:33 pm

I just got done watching an "American Masters" program on the PBS high definition channel here in the U.S. It was about Les Paul. He's obviously known for multi-tracking, overdubbing, and of course a certain guitar model, but I didn't realize what an *amazing* guitar player he was from the old video (and he's still doing it now).
He was apparently one of B.B. King's heroes, and it was neat seeing them on stage together. You also see him with Paul McCartney (at various ages) and others like Keith Richards. Richards was apparently the first British rock and roller to bring a Les Paul back to England.

The program is available on DVD (same name as the subject), and if you are a guitar player (or even bass player like me) I strongly recommend it. He played such a huge part in the modern history of music recording.

mgauction · Post by **mgauction** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:44 pm

I am a big fan of Les Paul also, David! Saw him play in NYC at the Iridium a few years ago. Bing Crosby had something to do with the beginning of overdubbing too around the early 40s.

peewee · Post by **peewee** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 1:22 am

I watched this last night myself. Really enjoyable program! The closest we ever had here to Les was a fella by the name of Gatton, who was heavily influenced by Lester Polfus. I heard many licks on the program last night that I saw Danny play many, many times. I'd have given my left arm to have heard those two together just once!

mfb · Post by **mfb** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 3:37 am

Danny Gatton!

He was amazing with a Tele, or anything with six strings for that matter.

peewee · Post by **peewee** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 4:27 am

Well, in the earlier days, Danny played a rare '61 3 pup Les Paul Custom with a florescent green pinstriping job that he did himself; like you'd find on an old hot rod. He was an avid "gearhead" and an extremely nice, down to earth guy. See if you can find a copy of "Redneck Jazz" or "Danny Gatton's Redneck Jazz Explosion". That's Danny with the Custom and the "magic Dingus box" ; jaw dropping! Both were recorded in '78 here in DC.

I've played a number of gigs with alumni from his bands over the years and the caliber of musicianship those guys possess is down right SCAREY!!

robbo63 · Post by **robbo63** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 4:53 am

I saw that show on Les Paul too, and I'm considering buying the DVD. It was wonderful seeing him, and seeing the deep respect paid to him by some big-time musicians, plus his heartfelt respect for people like Django and Bing Crosby. Plus his humility on his playing with people like Charlie Christian. I'm familiar with some of Les Paul and Mary Ford's songs and used to have a best of CD, but I never knew he played for Bing, who is my mother's all-time favorite.

longhouse · Post by **longhouse** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 5:41 pm

I'm a longtime fan of mr.Lester Polfus. No one plays like him. Still recall seeing him in tears on a morning show about 6 years ago talking about Mary.

What a talent! And a true renaissance man. My children are growing up with a 'How High the Moon' and many other Les Paul masterpieces.

I absolutely MUST get to the Irridium to see him before it's too late.

And though he would lick me and shame me without trying, I would love the chance to play with him. 'Moon River' maybe!

Hats off to Les. The 'Chasing Sound' show was well-made and thorough.

kenposurf · Post by **kenposurf** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 6:57 pm

Les Paul=The Best
Danny Gatton-Ditto
Danny w/Robert Gordon was scary good

firstbassman · Post by **firstbassman** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 6:28 am

Quote: The closest we ever had here to Les was a fella by the name of Gatton.

Mike, I don't know if you were joking or not.
Everyone on this forum, I believe, knows who Danny Gatton was. An amazing talent and a great loss.

And don't forget, the DC area is rich in guitar player history besides Danny - Roy Clark, Roy Buchannan, Bill Kirchen, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady (who both played with Gatton).

lyle_from_minneapolis · Sat Jul 14, 2007 6:42 am

It's sad that many people have no idea who Les Paul is--they think he's a guitar.

peewee · Post by **peewee** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 6:48 am

Hey Mark!

Just a little tongue in cheek there. You're absolutely right about DC and guitarists; there are sooooooo many great players here in every genre that it's crazy! A couple of locals that you didn't mention are Chick Hall, Jr., Jim Stephanson, Dave Chappelle, Tom Principato and Dan Hovey. All just know how to tear the Tele to pieces and really humble guys to boot.

firstbassman · Post by **firstbassman** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 5:45 am

No problems Mike.
I thought I did detect a tongue firmly planted.
Was just makin sure.

Yes, Principato for sure belongs.

Sorry, not familiar with the other names.
Will have to check them out.

collin · Post by **collin** » Sun Feb 21, 2010 7:38 pm

Just an update:

I just watched Les Paul: Chasing Sound for free on Hulu

Excellent viewing, if you're at all interested in early recording, Jazz guitar, early popular music etc.....Les Paul is legendary.

Check it out FREE : http://www.hulu.com/watch/91100/les-pau ... nd?c=Music

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