Neil Young @ Nokia Theatre

[ernstinen]

Quote:I have seen Neil Young play several times and have often left absolutely astounded, when all I expected was to hear some friendly old tunes. I mean it: astounded. Not just a bunch of inspired flailing, not at all.I also recall seeing footage of Neil Young trading leads with Jimmy Page on "When the Levee Breaks" upon their induction to the R&R Hall of Fame. At one point, Page just gives in, shakes his head and salutes Neil with his guitar as if to say okay, okay, you win. Still, I'm surprised he let Ben put the black Les Paul on his lap and use a slide...I mean, what if he put a nick in that old '57? Alright, that settles it --- I'm going to see another one of the "old guys" at the Nokia Theatre in a few weeks --- John Fogerty.He's another cat who's a great songwriter, but I never knew what a fantastic guitarist he is until I saw an "Austin City Limits" concert on T.V. recently that was recorded a few years ago. He sang like a bird, the band was great, but I couldn't believe what a GREAT electric guitarist he is! Holy smokes, all these, um, veteran guitarists burning up the stage. Pretty inspiring!Lyle, I'm not absolutely positive Ben played the Les Paul, but I saw Neil smile as he whispered in his ear before the song, and it sure looked like old '57. I AM sure he played through Neil's amps. It sounded great.Ern

[Mark Kaufman]

Hope you knew I was joking a little, too---that Les Paul is the most beat up thing you've ever seen...with tone and playability to die for.Fogerty should do as well as ever...he's still got the pipes. Wish he still played a Rickenbacker like the old days with that piercing "Up Around the Bend" tone.My two favorite Neil Young gigs: Minneapolis 1978 or 9...(Rust Never Sleeps) and with Booker T and the MGs in Mountainview in aroun '93 or 94. But always a good show.And one more vote for Zappa...no one could touch him when he set his mind to playing something, and the whole time playing it he looked almost bored!

[horacejesse]

I have heard that Fogarty has improved tremendously as a player. That wouldn't be a great surprise. Didn't he basically have to sit home for twelve years while his legal woes were resolved? That is a lot of time to practice.

[ernstinen]

Quote:I have heard that Fogarty has improved tremendously as a player. That wouldn't be a great surprise. Didn't he basically have to sit home for twelve years while his legal woes were resolved? That is a lot of time to practice.Yup, he spent a lot of time learning to play the drums, I've heard. His drumming on "Centerfield" is really great. The dude can still rock. In fact, he could be better now than 30 years ago. Practice makes perfect, as long as you're not on hard drugs. --- Well, maybe that's an overstatement. Ever heard of Keith Richards? Ern

[elser]

Quote:I have heard that Fogarty has improved tremendously as a player. That wouldn't be a great surprise. Didn't he basically have to sit home for twelve years while his legal woes were resolved? That is a lot of time to practice.He was studying with Carl Verheyen for alot of those years. Another great L.A. session player who frequents Musicians Institute as a guest lecturer. I agree, Fogerty's playing is really cool. His motto is 'if you play something good, play it again'.

[Mark Kaufman]

Quote:I agree, Fogerty's playing is really cool. His motto is 'if you play something good, play it again'.That would account for "The Old Man Down the Road"...(Remember that lawsuit about him plagiarizing his own song, "Run Through the Jungle"?)