The Jitterbug Waltz - Fats Waller, Chet Atkins, Rob Bourassa

[dayvday]

learning this tune on an old gibson archtop. great instruction and very clean interpretation. thanks so much.

[mrmarioreyII]

hi Rob, What about the music?, I would like to get some partitures of Chet Atkins.

[singinjohnny]

Your Mom and Dad obviously had a wonderful influence on you. Mine did too...

[singinjohnny]

Oh my! This is so beautiful! I love Chet's recording of this. And your rendition is just what you said. It's YOUR interpretation. I don't even try to compare it to Chet's. His is his and yours is yours. This is absolutely beautiful! And it is stamped with your individuality. You play beautifully and do this song proud! All the best to you and you have my resounding applause. Music is about feeling, not compression.

[CvgGuitarPlayer]

Beautiful Playing.

David

[mfn4u]

You have set up your stuff to get that sweet sound like Chet did. You've got the magic! Slight echo and compression what all do you do on setting up that sound?

I love it!

[robbourassaguitarist]

@mfn4u It's the guitar mostly. I play a Zimnicki 18" archtop, which is very resonant, and the tone comes through the pickup because of the natural woody sustain. As for compression, I am using a pretty light compression, built into the preamp. The preamp is a large part of the tone as well. It is a Class A tube preamp; The Avalon VT737sp. I plug straight into the preamp and then right into the board. The reverb is the board unit in the Tascam 2488, which is the hard drive I record to.

Thanks.

[crazypianolady]

So are you playing all of this? It sounds like two guitars are playing. It's just what I need after a stressful day moving house!

[robbourassaguitarist]

@crazypianolady I laid down a track of rhythm guitar, and another of bass. I often do videos of studio recordings like this for my online students to play along with. If I have 2 or 3 students all learning the same song, I will record backing tracks and post the performance here for them so they can play along.

[danielle051194]

omg u made tears well up.. <3

[robbourassaguitarist]

@danielle051194 Thanks for the nice comment.

[GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

Amazing!

[estderoma]

oh my god what a beautiful tone

[MrDanofthedeep]

Thanks man... I just saw Bucky Pizzarelli play this last night (He was sitting in with Gene Bertoncini and Ed Laub)and was trying to figure out what he was doing... I really like your tempo and feel. Great stuff.

[robbourassaguitarist]

@MrDanofthedeep Bucky is great. This tune isn't that hard, but I guess you have to keep it in your head a bit. I like it played more slowly than Fats Waller did it.

[MuseDuCafe]

Really REALLY nice!. Too many do it way to fast, etc. This is well 'in the pocket,'

lovely.

[vernonbigsby]

nice 1 rob, ive just had a go at this 1.

it seems like every tune i think about having a go at, youve allready done it, you must have some good taste!

wish i would have seen this just before, i could have nicked some bits of you ;o)

[foolaloof1]

are we hearing the seduction of cynicism....

[mrmarioreyII]

This song transport me at other dimention, Chet Atkins played so good this song too.

[mrmarioreyII]

I remember this valse all time, I wrote you five months ago about your magic playing song, recently I playing this song so good many friends are glad with my play song

[mrmarioreyII]

I remember forever this waltz, I wrote you three months ago, this waltz I playing so good my partners are very glad for this song. thanks again brother.

[sblazen]

awesome!

[fr3rdsky]

beautiful!

[troubleclef]

straight to my favorites. great job.  love this tune

[theorganloft]

Fantasttic!

[Whiskers1949]

I have never heard a nicer interpretation of this classic tune. Very Nice!

[Gordonwalthall]

My favorite Chet tune and you really nailed it! Excellent tone. I've enjoyed many of your videos. Do you ever play a 6120? Gordon

[robbourassaguitarist]

@Gordonwalthall I had a 1958, 6120 for awhile. Great guitar, but I like the tone of the Zimnicki more. It sounds more like the old D'Angelico New Yorker, and has more sustain than the Gretsch.

I couldn't afford to have both of them, so I offed the Gretsch. I still love those guitars though. Maybe some day I'll be rich and have one of everything.

[AproposMode]

IMO, this is the best take after the original. Wonderful.

WHERE can I get an MP3 of this?

[AproposMode]

IMO, this is the best take after the original. Wonderful.

[goose1785]

i just might have to move to detroit and be your student.

[robbourassaguitarist]

@goose1785 Don't risk it. We were just voted most violent city in the world.

Actually, I live south of Detroit. Most of my students live in England, Scotland and Wales actually. I teach online with Skype and a web cam.

[marioermac]

Some day you visit Venezuela contac me, our people like the jazz music.Recently many bands of England and EE.UU are visit.Congratulations again.

[mrmarioreyII]

Thanks a lot, well never mind, I would like to try to learn it into the video.If you come some day to Venezuela no doubt to contact me, this country love the jazz music.

[mrmarioreyII]

Nice song really. I would like to get the tablature. Congratulations.I live in venezuela and the tender jazz is amaizing for me.

[robbourassaguitarist]

@mrmarioreyII Thank you. I wish I had tab but I don't. I would love to see Venezuela some day.

[Lachance8]

Love Chet Atkins. Great interpretation!

[swordsman68]

Just Beautiful!

[robbourassaguitarist]

@swordsman68 Thank you.

[praisejah81]

what pickup do you have on your guitar sound wonderful and are you using an amp if so what are you using. Thanks

[robbourassaguitarist]

Kent Armstrong makes the pickups, but I think that this was an old Dean Markley Pro Mag that I shaved down to fit on here. I use a ton of pickups, and change them around a lot.

The guitar sounds pretty much the same with a number of pickups, because of the resonance of the top. Gary Zimnicki is the builder.

As for the amp, I just ran in direct through my preamp, into the board. The pre amp is an Avalon VT737sp, made in California.

Thanks.

[tophatandtails]

You got it going!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks. I love the Art Tatum favorites you have listed.

[TRAINIAC19]

A new fan!!!!

[theserpic]

Just one word. Beautiful!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks.

[CornishMiner]

A really super rendition of this great tune. And what a fantastic sound you get out of that lovely guitar!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks, the guitar is made by Gary Zimnicki. It is a German Spuce top with Flame Maple sides and back.

I have had it for 16 years now, and it sounds better all the time.

[DayTripperLennon]

Never heard of this tune before, but it's really great.

[bach2117]

Never heard it better and nice with slower tempo, classy performance.

[robbourassaguitarist]

I like the faster version by Bucky Pizzarelli, but I like Chet Atkins version with the Boston Pops, the best.

[anthonypepitoneVideo]

.Very nice! I've seen Bucky Pizzarelli play this tune - it's a favorite of his and he usually always includes it in his sets - though he plays it a bit faster. A unique tune by Fats Waller one of the great musical geniuses of the 20th Century

[robbourassaguitarist]

Bucky is great.

[dealer205]

Pure magic!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks. I have always liked this song. It is better on guitar than on the piano in my mind, because of the tonality and vibrato that the guitar allows.

[DeGrzym]

Can I get tabs for that ? : o

[robbourassaguitarist]

I think Chet Atkins has it in one of his books. I do it differently, but I'm sure his version isn't that much different.

[lempeafeawintil]

thanks for that!

[ScubaSteve2241]

First time listening and it just relaxed me!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks Steve.

[lafreeway]

As I have grown older I notice that the great ones, whether it be golf, basketball or guitar, always do it so gracefully and seemingly effortlessly. Your playing is a perfect example of that. Thanks for posting all these great videos.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks. You should see me play basketball. Pitiful.

[robertmazzo]

Great job. Smooth as water...Bob Mazzo

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks Bob

[eddie619]

i love chet

[robbourassaguitarist]

You said it.

[5mrbanjo01]

Rob!!! Great, as usual. Loved your dizzy fingers post...didn't know Chet did arrangements...will be at village 23rd, you still there...kim & mr. banjo

[robbourassaguitarist]

Hi friends.

Sorry, I left the Village in September. It was too hard to start my lessons back up every fall. I wish it would have been a full time position there, because I really loved the place.

Oh well, maybe I'll be back some day for a few shows.

See you around,

Rob

[idasynco]

Lovely bent notes and smooth style...so nice!!

[winddance368]

Rob, what a marvelous talent.  I have watched this over and over. I think it is my favorite of all your postings.

[shortynshoni]

Its like hearing the Ghost of Chet. Rob, it's that good.

[tdub1941]

This is wonderful! Very nice rendering of this great melody by Fat's. 5 Stars and thanks for posting it. Gosh I wish I could play a guitar like that!

RagJazzMonkey

[hog02]

Rob Great job, I am trying to learn Chet's style. If you get time, will make a breakdown video of this song? Would like to learn it.

[guitaress1]

Cool I love this song and you've done it beautifully

[papacope1]

Rob, this is beautiful.

[acey65734]

Rob, I'm just a beginner, so I can't make a comment from an accomplished musician's perspective, but I sure do love to hear your playing.

I have started taking some of your lessons that you have posted and love your teaching methods.

Keep up the good work my friend.

allen

[randamid]

Amazing, although for some reason it doesn't seem as cool as seeing you live.

P.S: I still say you have a cool pick.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Were have you seen me? Would I remember?

[randamid]

probably not...

[Kikalani]

Beautiful sound and flow.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks Chuck and Deb.

[billyclamp2]

Dam fine job ---- My hat's off to you --- i like the way you manipulate treble to bass as all guitar players do, but your axe sounds incredibly good

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks Billy.

The guitar is a Zimnicki archtop. I sounds most like a D'Angelico to me.

[winddance368]

Something got screwed up when you posted replies. If you click on "view all 20 comments" they come up in order. Computers confuse you, too? Join the club.

[jeannepruett]

Wow! Rob! You blew me away with that. Just gorgeous! Thanks!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Maybe a version on the banjo would be good for you to learn.

[Sammisysta]

Beautiful work.

Thanks for sharing.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thank you Sam.

[wendyow]

FANTASTIC!

-w (xo)

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks Wendy.

[kotiaho]

wunderbar!

[daffydoug]

That is such a nice tone! Very unique!

[robbourassaguitarist]

I love Gary Zimnicki's guitars. They do have a vibe all their own.

[coachdoc49]

Ahh Rob. Ya done it again. Great stuff.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks Doc.

[DoomMarco666]

That was incredible! Chet Atkins would've been proud.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks. I loved Chet.

[thechetpicker]

Now that was just lovely. Thanks Bob. Any more Chet in the pipeline?

Jim

[robbourassaguitarist]

I might do another next week. Thanks for the kind words Jim.

[lesatz4]

Luiz, me ha enviado tu vídeo y es fabuloso!!!

5*

[fridrikur]

Very well played. Loved the vibrato. Great guitar tone too. One of my favourite Chet tunes too.

[robbourassaguitarist]

This has always been one of my favorites too. Thanks so much. The vibrato might be better with a Bigsby, but I don't have my Gretsch anymore.

[Beretta9000s]

ANOTHER fine video Rob!! As usual, I'm drooling with envy. Thanks :)

Robb

[robbourassaguitarist]

You are a fine player, and I'm sure it was no time before you picked up your guitar and played this piece in your own rendition.

[JulieB328]

Just finished watching this with a group of friends and we are all in awe. BTW, we all want a CD, hint hint...

[robbourassaguitarist]

CDs are coming slow these days. I have too much to do just keeping my head above water this time of year. I am working on it though.

[slofu]

Gorgeous, Rob- as usual.

I don't supposed you'd find time to post your take on 'Dream a Little Dream of Me,' would you?

-Joe

[robbourassaguitarist]

I'll keep that on the back burner of my mind. That is a beautiful song.

[RickMeister]

Rob, you are my hero!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Rick, you are lowering your standards, LOL.

[FolkRockerYT]

Rob, this is so beautiful. I usually say "thank you" to you, but this time I think I'll say thank you to your parents for instilling a love of Chet's music in you. So beautiful!

[robbourassaguitarist]

I thank God for having such good parents every day.

[Marcblur]

Wow, Rob, I think this may be my favorite so far.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Let's hear a bagpipe rendition.

[chivasreligion]

incredible. one day i will master the guitar like you

[robbourassaguitarist]

I hope to master the guitar someday too.

[winddance368]

Rob-My better-half (or worst-half) loves this. Said if you made a CD of it, would sell like hot cakes.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Hot cakes are pretty cheap. I'd have to sell a ton to make money. Hot cakes don't fit in a CD player either. My daughter tried.

[Qpidon]

JUUUUUUUUUST Love it!

I start to look foreward to your post just so much..its always a massive surprise, as this one: what an idea to play this! And it is marvelous!!

btw, after listening to this 3X in a row, your realy get dizzy. How does it feel playing? :-D

Pascal

[robbourassaguitarist]

I love this tune, but I change it up too much.

[fridrikur]

I love it too qpidon. We both know I am sure how hard it is too play. And believe me I have watched this video a dozen times over. Several times a day. Cannot get enough of it. I see what you mean about the head movements :) Great to see how much this talented guitarpicker loves the music he plays.

[winddance368]

MY, OH MY. A pleasure to listen to.