Gatemouth Brown and his Capri

[davidj]

Hello all,

I don't know how many of you might be aware that in 1966 Clarenc Gatemouth" Brown played rhythm guitar to the incredible Freddie King on a Mapleglo Capri that appears to be around a 59 vintage.

There are videotapes available of some TV shows that originated in the Southeast (Atlanta I believe) that featured R&B and blues artists. Unfortunately I have bootleg copies a friend made for me and I don't recall if it was Rounder (my esteemed label), Alligator or that other company in upstate NY, who's name escapes me, that puts these tapes out. I'm quite sure they are still in print and they're not only musically fabulous, they have a lot of historical value.

Freddie is at his best with outragous phrasing and tone on a 355 through a Fender Twin and the mix is surprisingly good but you can't really hear much of Clarence.

Nonetheless, it is quite a sight to see a certified blues great playing such an instrument way back when.

Might he still have said instrument?

[admin]

Great sighting and interesting question David. This once again reminds us of the longstanding tradition of Rickenbackers across a wide spectrum of musical styles. Can you get stills of this video?

[davidj]

Peter,

Much of my equipment is in storage so I can't do much technically at the moment but what I will be happy to do is send you my copies so you can post them for everyone and then return them.

David

[davidj]

I remember the name of the label these tapes are on. It is the one in NY State; Homespun Tapes. The book dealer that always has a full page ad on the back page of "Vintage Guitar" (Luthier something or other} is where my friend got his copies from.

David

[rkbsound]

Homespun is out of Woodstock. I have the McGuinn Video and just bought a Blues video. Their catalogue shows a Freddie King video called The Beat, recorded live for tv in 1966 for $24.95. The website on the catalogue says http://www.jklutherie.com. I have local music shop that carries them -- I will definitely check this one out. Perhaps there will be a quick run on this tape? I hope they have a lot in stock!

[davidj]

J.,

There are two tapes of Freddie King on "The Beat." Only one of them has Clarence on it. Better check the liner notes if you are only purchasing one.

The show was interesting because it was an independent TV production at a time when this was pretty much a rarity. In addition, it featured a white host and only black artists and was beamed only to some Southern areas.

Viewers will be amazed at how good the production quality is, if they don't mind the dancers who for each show were selected from a different local high school. Go-go dancing doesn't go that well with blues but they had to keep it hip.

David

[jwilli]

I've seen a short snippet of that video on TV. Gatemouth is playing a '59-'60 345 MG that is EXACTLY like the one I own. Could it be the same one?? Did he ever play with Etta James? I saw another snippet of the him playing the same guitar while she was singing. Then again, it could've been Hubert Sumlin.
There are pics of it here:
http://www.homestead.com/aurs/345.html

[rkbsound]

That is one hot guitar, Jwilli!

[tracy]

Gatemouth Brown had a nationally syndicated TV show in 1966. It was shown here locally on KCOP channel 13 Saturday nights at 10 PM. He had a terrific 'big band', with a drummer that could really lay down the fat, and several different well known guests each week. I tuned in regularly just to hear him play his Rickenbacker 345. Seems I recall however, that his 345 was a bit more beat than the example in your photo (some highly visible scuffs). After several months, he started sporting a white Fender Jazzmaster and the 345 was relegated to silence. At that point, I stopped tuning in. Oh, the music was still great, but the cool was gone.