Added: 4 years ago
From: DLSwan04
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  • This is JAZZ.

    What they call JAZZ today ain't.

  • im the old one

  • This is me and my dad!

  • I can't believe I recognized both tunes the first time hearing this! "It Might As Well Be Spring" and "Things Ain't What They Used To Be"

  • I don't know why this is so low on hits, should be 5 million plus by now. Sweet melody wraps around me. Pure communication.

  • This bassist makes me sick!

  • Comment removed

  • @pashtettRB

    Why? Because he's got more talent than you? That's nothing to get sick about. Everybody's got more talent than you.

  • One of the most memorable experiences I had was getting the autograph of Mr. Herb Ellis mid 70's at the Great American Music Hall after a Great Guitars concert. What a wonderful swinging player!!

  • Does anyone know where I can get the sheet music for this or possible tabs?

  • @gsamov2 tabs really?

  • @sonique25 How does a musician get better if they don't play the music they enjoy? Chord Charts and/or transcriptions help a musician grow musically. Or have you never played a cover of any song ever?

  • @gsamov2 easy boy Im just being sarcastic at the fact that you asked for a tab regarding this performance...is kind of ridiculous saludos desde méxico

  • who's the bass player??

  • @kugmo04 David Maslow

  • usually I'm a metal head but there is nothing better than a good guitar or sax solo to take you away from everything

  • It was a year ago today that my father passed. The finest thing I've done was to care for him those last years. We miss him an awful lot, but clips like this do so much to bring him back to the here and now. Thanks so much for posting it and for helping to keep his extraordinary music in the air.

    Mitch Ellis

  • @riaweno

    Your dad was amazing i am a woodwind player and his guitar playing is amazing I am playing along with him now Doug :)

  • @riaweno I've got to tell you a funny story. When I was like 14-15 in 1975/76 I saw your dad play at the Mountain Winery , Saratoga, CA as part of "The Great Guitars." After, I went up to ask them what they thought of Ted Nugent. They all grinned and were very cordial, but I can't remember what they actually said. I'll never forget it and shortly after started to get into guys like Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton, and Pat Metheny.

  • always trust the old man with the guitar!

  • Lovely, lovely... I knew him, played with him and miss him.

  • I met Herb Ellis in Anchorage, AK when I was 17 (back in the '70s). This was the cat that really made me want to play jazz.

  • I saw a DVD many many years back that had this on it. It was a compilation of million jazz songs and was just wondering if anyone knows what it was called. Also I love how Herb keeps bashing his bassist for being too fast or too slow.

  • @gsamov2 I'm afraid you don't know what you're talking about. Herb Ellis always seemed to come back to this same bassist everytime he was in the twin cities. Not sure why he would do that if he thought him not up to snuff. Plenty of musicians in this city, plenty of bassists. Dave Maslow was always known to have impeccable timing. Herb Ellis always shot those types of looks and made those types of faces. Please point out the segments where he rushes or lags, if you would.

  • @JosephK1980 I sincerely apologize if my comment has somehow offended your intimate relationship with Mr. Ellis. I was merely enjoying the looks Herb was shooting over to his bassist and speaking from experience, I too am a musician, I know that even if you have the best possible timing, you still need to adjust to the musicians you're playing with.

  • no wonder Gibson named a model for him...

  • I would've given a tooth or finger to have seen this back in '86. Ellis is the man, and cello player is awesome too !

  • WoW..what an amazing talent. Really love it when it let's it go after the 6 minute mark till the end. Really Outta Site !

  • One of my few guitar heroes that I have to come back to from time to time. Played a tune with him once at the Frankfurt Music Messe.He was a very nice guy and I respect the fact that he stayed where the Band stayed when Jim Crow was legal and allright with most.

  • WOW!

    Totally genius. Pure passion and melody!

  • formidable!

  • Great!

  • he is my uncle

    thats freakin awesome

    its to bad he recently died

    i just got back from the celebration of life in beverly hills

  • @cod6junkie yo what up codjunkie, herb ellis is your uncle??

  • ok i got it...it might as well be spring

  • please can someone tell me the name of the first song played?..i'm lookin for that in the web but i can't find it...i'm gettin crazy,it is so wondeful....the song,not gettin crazy..

  • RIP

  • I hear a couple of riffs Stevie Ray probably incorporated into his playing style. Very nice.

  • rest in peace :(

  • RIP

  • Mr Herb Ellis thanks for the many years of beautiful music. May you rest in peace. Play now, with the angels.

  • RIP Herb. I stood next to Herb one night watching Howard Roberts play before Herb went on. Both were great.

  • Mr.Ellis has gone to the great blues club in the sky,but as long as there are videos like this he will never be forgotten.

    His fret work is phenomenal.

    Great listening to with a good cigar, a glass of wine and a pretty woman at your side.

  • There was never a bad word spoken about Herb..he was a real beautiful person. He'll be sadly missed.

  • RIP Herb...!!

    Love his pickin style...!!

  • Thanks for the melodies, RIP.

  • This is great - what a wonderful tribute to an amazing jazz artist. Thank you so much!

  • R.I.P Herb

  • RIP Herb Ellis...you will be missed

    :(

  • herb, your transition from "it might as well be spring " into "things ain't what they used to be" was brilliant! you were a master who will be long remembered!

  • RIP Herb

    Thank you very much for your music!

  • Rest in Peace. Your brilliance will live on...

  • RIP Herb. You were the greatest

  • This is what I think of when I think of Jazz Guitar.

  • @buddaman1971

    Right on buddaman. Herb and Oscar changed my life, when I switched from

    violin (15 years old) a started to copy Ray Brown. (In Czechoslovakia!)

    And had a very successful career as a bass player (thanks RAY), which brought

    me eventually to USA and later to Las Vegas, where I had a chance to make may dreams come thru. Played the Strip and was even lucky enough to work behind

    Frank Sinatra. Irv Cottler and I became friends for life. Miss you GUYS!

  • :-) my pleasure, Mike4.

  • thanks for posting!

  • que bueno!!!!

  • Just Beautiful...!!!

    Herb plays soooooo smooth and tasty !!

    Another American Jazz Legend..!!

  • he is way beyond compare..

    he play a complicated stuff..

    he truly a master..

  • horrible bass solo...

  • Oh yeah, why is that?

  • This is an excellent bass solo. Very personal, it swings like hell, it fits perfectly with what is going on there. This is great music.

  • Absolute fabulous tune! What was the name of the tune again?

  • It Might as Well Be Spring

  • Swing e grande conoscenza del blues. Grande Herb Ellis

  • yes!!!

  • wow  what musician player lml

  • \m/,

  • It might as well be spring

  • whos playing bass?

  • Dave Maslow

  • thanks.

  • The bassist getting his groove on is quality. Sick duo.

    Although, everyone is saying this is 'It might as well be spring,' but from listening to other versions of the song, i can't find the lick from the start that reoccurs throughout. What is it?

  • Possibly Ellis' own tag on it

  • It looks so easy.. but it aint!!! Great musicians!

  • Star Wars sucks

  • genial!!!un gran maestro

  • Yeah, what's wrong with addictive drugs? Nothing, unless you're addicted to them. Acknowledging that something like weed is destructive is not being closed-minded. It's acknowledging an inconvenient truth. You are an astounding idiot. Just.........Whew!!!!

    PS Don't insult us by contending that weed is not an addictive drug. You'll just look more clueless.

  • there ain't nothing wrong with the odd joint. Hasn't done anybody any harm

  • Thanks to BocaFriend for this treat.

  • Great!

  • don't be a heel

  • jazz and weed go together smoothly

  • Everyones opinion should be seen as a commercial on TV, if you do not like it, turn the channel or take the time to go to the restroom/lavatory ..

    Internet bullying is for seven year olds and its just plain childish and selfish.

    Turn it up, close your eyes and sit back n smile.

    Cheers!

  • thank you for the upload .. great atmospheric music like this should be more appreciated by people in general.. but of course only people who know music and know how to use it (whether you can play an instrument or not) are the ones that able to "use" this song, if you know what I mean..

  • @goldlessbassist good call , cant agree more godless, he´s a smooth player on this track for sure

  • Herb Ellis for president

  • Too late!!

  • This is a fantastic, beautiful, incredible video. I keep coming to it, once and once again.

    Made me buy the play along version of 'spring' just to play it Herbie style...

    and the bass is also great!!!

  • That Bassist made my night.

  • You made the bassist's night with your comment...I should know, he's my pops...

  • Well i think the important thing about the bass solo is that the bassist seems to be really enjoying himself, Herb don't seem to mind so no problem, a bit quirky but fun all the same

  • kevinherbert is the the man!!!!!!!!!!

  • JosephK: I'll drink/smoke to that..thanx man.

  • People get mad easily over these youtube videos, either your punctuation is wrong, or your comment is gay, etc..My music is better

    I want to slam the performer.. I know what this song means (dumb guy) You're a racist I not.. This music is according to me.

    God people are so fucking annoying..

    Im gonna smoke a stogie and listens to Herb..

    People can kiss my ass..This is Bill cosby, no Im not.. People are annoying..

  • My favorite jazz guitarist, used to be pat metheny, now Herb..lol

  • man i really love this music, go Herb!

  • anyone know what tune this is?

  • minortalent7b5b9: man,wrong again..you've got to stop drinking while submitting on You Tube...have you attacked any Juillard students recently??....you know, like the young guitar player you attacked for having the temerity to post his version of a Charlie Christian solo....finally, WHEN are we going to see an example of your "I've played with all the greats" guitar playing ??? I'm not holding my breath...

  • minortalent7b5bullshit: last chance to achieve some credibility. what's your name? identify yourself...give us your web details...all music legends have a web site, don't they???..as for the union being against YouTube appearances, I expect it's the Teamsters Union in your case....they know how to haul rubbish !!!!!

  • flat nines belong on dominant chords. your name is an invalid chord symbol. although it is part of the upper extension, it's not a note that you can sit on as you would if it were part of a chord symbol. but maybe i've lost you.

  • jazzcatuna: I think your observation on the invalidity of poor old minortalent's symbol, has definitely struck a chord with me!!!...this is a guy who bags out legends like Herb.

  • i like to think there is a certain degree of cosmic justice - in which case mister minor will be dealt a 2-4 mixed suits from the deck of life, at which time the only 'ems he'll be texas holding are his nuts and johnson bar.

  • LOL...that is hilarious...you're my hero...

  • "It might as well be spring"

  • Great performances by both musicians! I especially enjoyed Dave Maslow's bass work, which is first rate. I was a bass student of Dave's back in the late 1970's. In those times he was the best bassist in Minnesota. I wonder where he is now?

  • I mean "are getting".

    Whatever.

  • You seem like a decent person, JosephK1980 and I'm sorry about all this crap you and your dad is getting, but honestly, kevinherbert is a fool who has no idea what he's talking about. His comments are only gonna hurt your reputation more. I bet you people who watch this video (who actually know anything about music) are laughing at kevinherbert's comments over and over and over and over. Mark my words.

  • I have a feeling that you're just one of those people who think they can play

    guitar because they listen to some blues players and Phish and automatically think that they can make music by raping the blues scale. You need to get yourself some brains. Or at least an ear canal. And JosephK1980, you sort of disapointed me when you tell me that you understand my points and about me trying to defend my viewpoint.

  • GatheringRust: you're gonna be embarrased when the medication runs out dearie...and no-one's repuation has been impugned save for yours..you're a fool with delusions of grandeur..tell us what you actually play..or are you also a coward???

  • GatheringRust: 1. well are you a big mouthed asexual / androgynous / transvestite coward who comment anonymously on YouTube sites???..go on tell us what you play..why not post some of your playing so we can all share in your musical wisdom. 2. and we're all still waiting for your notes on exactly where the bass 'drops the time'...vous etes un tete du Richard !!!

  • It might as well be spring

    Rogers and Hammerstein

  • The tune is called "It might as well be spring"

    Rogers and Hammerstein wrote it for "State Fair"

    It is a pretty tune.

  • excuse me for a potentially moronic question...

    does anybody know the name of the first song in this medley? it's incredible

  • GatheringRust: I've read your comments again..and they're rank bullshit the second time around.You're a classical player who thinks he can talk the talk..all those years of endless practice & for what?.witless, unintelligent commentary..you're plainly out of your depth...I'm betting you'd need a chart to play the blues..maybe you've got some tips for Neil Caine et al..you should launch a website called "Amateur Subjective Comments re Music"..and again, where does he drop the time..c'mon tell us!

  • I would just like to let you know, that I really am sorry, and I don't mean to be such a jerk(or possibly even a pretentious jerk). Herb wouldn't have asked your dad to play with him if he was horrible. He's good for what he does. He's just not my cup of tea.

    And sorry about this comment getting cut up into 4 pieces.

  • Hey, to each their own, and at least you tried to explain your reasoning, unlike some other assholes on here(looking at you, crawdad). What I do know, though, is that Herb always made those ugly faces, and, whether the solo is good or bad, my dad played with many of the greats...there are plenty of bassists in the Twin Cit., so, he must have been doing something right. And for all of the criticism, I don't see anyone else on here showing their genius chops. It's easy to talk, harder to walk.

  • Gathering dust is a cheesedick who's just trying to make nice with you because he's embarrassed about getting caught cutting an A-List bassist by that bassist's son.

  • But, I don't want to sound bitter, and most of my vitriole isn't aimed specifically at you, so, no offense meant, and none taken on my side. And it wasn't just once that Herb played with him, it was numerous times, including AFTER this particular time, so he couldn't have thought him THAT BAD. And again, I would like to see all of the critics(it's easy being a critic) post a little something of their own on this here youtube, so we can all rip them to shreds as well. Cuz' it's obviously fun..

  • S'all good.

    I think everyone just likes to get their opinion across, whether it's a good one or not.

    Although, I do believe that we all have our opinions for a reason and some of us don't feel it's necessary to explain. But yeah, hopefully no one gets seriously offended, 'cos it's the internet for goodness sakes. But thanks for the reply.

  • GatheringDust: what silly bullshit..he almost dropped the time...what does that mean exactly in the context of this duo?..please let us all know at what points he 'almost drops the time'. The bullshitometer is off the dial...

  • I feel like with his limited knowledge(even his walking is a little bit square), he can't play with as much vivacity and swing it as hard as Herb. You could say because he's

    playing an upright bass, this makes things

    harder for him to play, but that's just an excuse. If he wanted to sound better, he would've shedded like crazy. I would have just liked to have heard some more color tones than just the major scale train wreck that he kept repeating over and over again.

  • Gathering Rust: you're the one who's square, you pretentious dickhead!!!

  • Uh, Herb always made those kinds of faces when he was playing, have you watched the whole video?...and what exactly is the problem with the solo? Examples please...

  • this is music

  • So, who else like to rape the shit out of trills like this socially awkward guy in the vid?

  • you're not even literate.

  • This is great!! Herb Ellis is great!!!!. I wanna be like this when i grow up!!!!!!. Please can you all please ignore the colloid!!! Intelect is not compulsory......Masked Man

  • We'll never see any of your playing, so it's useless to argue with you. You can't back up any of your big talking with big playing, so it's you that lacks the 'moral imperative', you moron. You really fail to see that logic? How sad.

  • The solo is ridiculous, that's the only point I was ever trying to make, and you can't make it a good solo by using a resume of gigs played in Minnesota or elsewhere to justify your reasoning. Tell me why you think this bass solo is good--what elements of harmony, rhythm, soul, feel, and melodic sensibility am I failing to hear?

  • For anyone interested in a rational analysis of talent, the bassist in this video was also used by Charlie Byrd, Tal Farlow, Ellis(as seen here), and many other jazz giants...I guess they must all be musical imbeciles as well to have wanted what crawdad so hyperbolically called the 'worst ever'. You, crawdad, are a moron who hasn't grasped the concept of consistency. Your opinions are irreconcilable with each other. Can you grasp this concept, you simpleton?

  • So much for a wiping of the hands. Let's talk about this video, and the bass solo in particular, rather than a lifetime of work. The one concept my simple mind can grasp is that I laugh my ass off every time I watch that bow solo. Worst ever? Perhaps not. A totally non-sensical, unsubtle, over the top wrong note wank-fest? Most definitely.

  • And you STILL haven't replied to the question of why Ellis would use him every time he came to the Twin Cities. What a complete ignoramus you are.

  • I don't fucking know or care--that's not the issue! Because he was a nice guy? Because he knew the real bridge to "When Lights are Low?" Guys come through town and use local musicians because it's cheaper that way for one thing.

  • I know you don't know, because you are ignorant. You probably don't play a lick of music, and if you do, I'm sure you're just another mediocre, deluded asshole who thinks he's has 'talent', jealous of anyone who actually has, and has to run his big mouth of on the internet without putting his money there as well. Why not show use all some of your own prodigious talents on here. And any city(the Twin Cities in this instance)with over a million people has plenty of good musicians to chose from.

  • I don't see you on here playing with any jazz greats, even a fool like you should be able to recognize that that doesn't happen often. Only a pathetic, vicious little man like you would be so bold and hubristic to tear apart a man's achievements without putting his own skills on the table as well. Repugnant...

  • Come on, silly, let's see some of your awe inspiring solos. I bet they rock.

  • Unfortunately, Joe, that's not how it works. Until you can tell me what elements of harmony, rhythm, soul, feel, and melodic sensibility I'm failing to hear in this wonderful solo, you don't have a fucking leg to stand on, much less the moral imperitive to demand equal time. I've yet to hear any of you turkeys tell me what's so great about this solo! If I'm so ignorant, than fucking PROOVE it or shut the fuck up. Or you can keep making juvenile threats and changing the subject. . .

  • What a coward... ... ...

  • And where did I threaten you?

  • Just keep repeating the same shit. The reason you won't answer any of my points is because you can't, simple as that. You're a silly little poser with a big mouth.

  • Big talker...LOL

  • crawdad76 - what is this shit you're pushing?

    Are you trying to tell me that one of the world's foremost Charlie Christian diciples isn't down? Man you are not only CRAZY, you're without taste. For you NO explanation is possible. Go back to Rush and Hannity fascist pig. THAT'S where someone like you belongs - not here.

  • LOL!  Thank you, sir...my sentiments exactly.

  • crawdad76: I've heard sone dross on YouTube, but you take the cake...he's a nice bass player & it's a nice solo..and he's apparently good enough to play with Herb...so that makes you a friggin idiot..you know, the kind of guy who should be making guitars, not playing them.

  • Just what is so 'truly awful' about the solo, camtra1, or are you just another lemming who says what every other hack here on youtube says. But again, what is so awful? Because I don't think you know what in the hell you are talking about...Yeah, Herb Ellis, coulda' had about any bass player he wanted, but decided to continually choose a 'truly awful' guy to play with...that doesn't make any sense whatsoever. Another big talker who doesn't dare show his own chops on this here youtube. Typical

  • camtra1: no, jazz is alive & well..but you're braindead..and obviously out of ideas both creatively & emotionally..back to those Mel Bay books !!!!!

  • No, I haven't, but I don't go talking shit about other people's musical abilities, either, so, yeah, the onus is kinda' more on you than it would be on me to show those genius chops...but I don't know, apparently that concept might be a bit above your head, seeing as how you didn't realize it in the first place...

  • hey crawdad76, you are showing your fucking total ignorance regarding the music scene in the twin cities when you make your remark about best farmer in the sahara analogy. you are obviously a total moran concerning music. Most likely one of those shitheads who spout their shit about music but cant play a single note. Ring true?

  • Ok Joe, you got me with that zinger, you wordsmith you. And an excellent use of the word shit in various contexts. But unfortunately for you, this video has taken on legendary status with every jazz musician I know, and not because they think it's good. Upon reading these other comments, it seems I've insulted your dad and some other guy's stepdad, and for that I'm sorry. I'd probably be pissed off too. So I'll recognize your muscial ignorance for what it is, and leave it at that.

  • So, again, why is that you think Herb Ellis used my dad every time he came to the Twin Cities? Surely a giant of his stature could have any bassist he wanted. Apparently he doesn't know shit about music either, you imbecile.

  • Your ignorance is astonishing...

  • And with that, I wipe my hands of you.

  • for anyone interested, Tal Farlowused Dave on bass for at least 8 or 9 times he came to mpls. He was his favorite bass player.

    also might add Charlie Byrd.

  • A bit of history ..

    My grandmother met Herb once back in the early 70s, I was maybe five or six years old and my grandmother told me i actually sat on his lap after a performance in San Antonio. I have no memory of it though :P

    My grandmother said he was without a doubt, a very decent and kind gentleman.

  • Hey buddy boy DJ--don't be so quick to confuse virtuosity with making music. If you think that's a musicial statement, I feel sorry for you. And the best bass player in the Twin Cities? Isn't that like the best farmer in the Sahara? You're right about Herb, though--he's probably incontinent or gaseous.

  • Crawdad says:"Hey buddy boy DJ--don't be so quick to confuse virtuosity with making music. If you think that's a musicial statement, I feel sorry for you. And the best bass player in the Twin Cities? Isn't that like the best farmer in the Sahara? You're right about Herb, though--he's probably incontinent or gaseous."

    I say: To intimate that MPLS./St.Paul doesn't have world class musicians is mighty ignorant of you...and insulting. We have a fine arts/music scene here. Better than most cities.

  • That could possibly be the worst bass solo of all time. If you look closely, I think Herb is even like "what the hell is this guy doing?" Wanking like that? Are you serious?

  • You obviously don't know shit about music, buddy-boy. That's a fine bass player there...

  • Also, if Herb didn't like his playing, why was he always the bassist requested by Herb himself when he was to play the Twin Cities?....Also, Herb was always making crazy faces...just watch the clip.