The Night Rider, by Jimmy Bryant and Speedy West - Cover, Rob Bourassa

[syncdog]

I have ripped this video to mp3 and learning it with The Amazing Slow Downer (yes, necessary)

It is a ton of fun and you have the best version I have found. The video helps me figure out your fingering. At 0:45 it sounds like a F6 sustained prior to the slide to Bb6, but your fingers are dancing at that moment. Thanks for clearing that up.

The hardest part is figuring out the original rhythm track.

I'll eventually get it, but a chart would help.

Thanks again for the excellent post.

[robbourassaguitarist]

@syncdog Don't bother learning it from here. I changed the structure, because I am playing my own rendition. Just use the slow downer on Jimmy Bryant's version. I never do it the same way twice probably.

[syncdog]

What is going on at 0:45 ?? Is this an air-guitar video to a previously recorded track?

I am not questioning you ability, just the construction of this video.

Regardless, it is brilliant.

Thanks for posting.

[robbourassaguitarist]

@syncdog No, it is real and in time. I have no drums or bass on this, but I am playing to a rhythm guitar track I laid down earlier. When you hear that chord, I am still trilling a bass note, and getting ready for a slide with the lead. The chord is simply the rhythm guitar. There is no way I could get that all out of one track. Many of my videos have multiple tracks. This video has two. A rhythm, (pre-recorded off camera) and the lead track which you are watching.

[kennywayne99]

Very nice job.I like how you improvised over the steel parts.

[Whiskers1949]

Amazing Rob! Jimmy and Speedy are two of my all time favorites. You honor them!

[robbourassaguitarist]

@Whiskers1949 Thanks. Jimmy has always been one of my greatest guitar heros. Not only were he and Speedy great musicians, but Jimmy was one of my favorite writers for guitar ever. What an imagination.

[stringbender57]

Truly amazing! Rob, I have the Jimmy Bryant - Speedy West CD collection and love this song. You nailed it my friend. You are a very gifted guitarist and musician PERIOD! Your dedication to your love of music is obvious. Thanks again for sharing!

[et7waage1]

Wonderfully played!

[drfligo]

Great tune! I hope you post that video lesson soon...

[jeffee47]

AWESOME JOB!!!! Great technique

[wjm52358]

This is now my favorite video!

[tombstonejackson]

How can anyone dislike this? Beyond my comprehension......

[greekflatpicker]

Where can i find the TAB of that tune?

[robbourassaguitarist]

@greekflatpicker I don't do tab, but when a video gets enough views, I usually do a video lesson for it.

[greekflatpicker]

Please do it! I would like to learn how to play that tune.

Thanks!

[greekflatpicker]

@robbourassaguitarist ,

Still waiting patiently for a lesson of that tune! So?

I think it have gotten enough views.Come on!

[greekflatpicker]

Hey,it's 22000 views!

Please make an instructional video of that tune.Still waiting patiently.

[larrybillguitar]

HOW MUCH FOR LESSONS?

[robbourassaguitarist]

@larrybillguitar I learned everything from Larry Bills, Electric Lead Guitar Pickin' Course.

Seriously, I am a fan Larry. I have passed your instruction video to hundreds of people by now. A Youtube classic.

I charge $25 per half hour, but get ahold of me at bourassastudio@gmail.com

I can usually fit in a bit if extra time at no charge if it is the right time of day. I will work something out. I am a fan. I've been a subscriber of yours for some time now.

[larrybillguitar]

HOW MUCH FOR SKYPE LESSONS?

[troubleclef]

Hey Rob, that was ripping good. effortless and effervescent. I love that Jimmy Bryant stuff with Speedy. Damn, man, good job. I'm your new subscriber. Now to check out more of your stuff.

[greekflatpicker]

Jimmy Bryant he's one of my favorite players,he was just a genious.

You sound fantastic!

Regards from Greece

[nevershoutneverdude]

where did you get the music for this

[robbourassaguitarist]

@nevershoutneverdude I learned this off the record "Stratosphere Boogie" years ago.

I actually changed the melody slightly to fit the chords. I basically goofed around with trying to do a type of substitution for the Speedy West part, but it isn't very much like a steel. I would do it differently every time.

[nevershoutneverdude]

@robbourassaguitarist

ever think about makin tab for it or something?

[robbourassaguitarist]

@nevershoutneverdude No, I don't have time unfortunately. It isn't public domain, so I couldn't publish either without all of the hassles in auditing with the publisher.

I teach it often on Skype, because a lot of my students like this tune. This is the reason I put it on Youtube.

[nevershoutneverdude]

@robbourassaguitarist

that sucks oh by the way what guitar is that your playin its beautiful

[robbourassaguitarist]

@nevershoutneverdude That is a 1993, Zimnicki 18" Archtop. My favorite guitar.

[Mucklum]

What a wonderful tune, and such a lovely swing feel. Great, great stuff, man !

[davecorbey]

Discovered you yesterday when when searching for some Jimmy Bryant stuff.. Thought I'd give this a listen, you have a nice touch....blown away!

Now searching for all your stuff :-)

[mosrite60]

great sounding guitar. you pretty well have this tune right down the center

[alliecat1941]

I hear some Les Paul and Chet Atkins influence in there.Good Job!!

[timtoob]

Rob, always great to hear you play. I love your Zimnicki but it would be nice to hear you play some of Jimmy's stuff on your Tele.

Tim T. (your humble student)

[steelescout]

wow indeed!! How long have you been playing?

[rhp52]

hey Rob, still play this every day.......but your touch is like a butterfly with sore feet!

[Velvet4U]

Nice stretch at 1:24 . Great Job as usual!!!

[BenPowellGuitar]

You've just made my day!! Love it!

[Bobsteyl]

Excellent (Великолепное исполнение)

[wingobingo]

the apache thing was a joke lol - i've watched this vid a million times & i've now given up playing the guitar - what's the point lol - you sir are a genius

[Bigerjoel]

Incredible !

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks so much.

[pigochy]

Wow! That was totally fantastic! I love that style of music and it was awesome hearing you play it. So easy on the ears!!!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thank you.

[Lachance8]

Great job on this!

[wingobingo]

yeah but can you play apache lol - awesome absolutely awesome

[robbourassaguitarist]

I love Apache. Good idea.

[ekudds]

Awesome! I stumbled upon you via the Quebe Sisters. "Dinah" rocks too! You should go to the Chetfest in Nashville this year.

[robbourassaguitarist]

The Quebe Sisters Band is my favorite. They are all great, an Joey is a monster. I got to hear them live, and Drew really impressed me too with a few bass lines.

It is amazing how good those young girls are, and how they keep improving.

[ekudds]

They are great; I practically stalked them at IBMA last year. As Bob Wills would say, "they bring a tear to a glass eye".

[robbourassaguitarist]

Yes, it is so nice to hear those songs with such a fresh breath of life, and yet they still have the original flavor. They are excellent.

I will probably go to CAAS again this year. I just stopped in for a quick peek last year, but hadn't been in 15 years before that.

[stringbender57]

Absolutely AWESOME! I stumbled on to Jimmy Bryant about 15 years ago and have been a major admirer since. I can just see the picture of Jimmy in my Jimmy Bryant - Speedy West CD box set while you are playing that tune. I met Speedy in ST. Louis, MO at Scotty's Steel Guitar Convention. Wish I could have met JImmy. Post more!!!!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Jimmy was the greatest. Not only did he have unbelievable technique, he wrote that stuff.

[Redsnapper4me]

Wow!! You make it look so easy. Very nice!

[numberoneson78]

WoW! Someday, I will play like that.

[guitgeo]

Beautiful guitar, looks like it plays smooth as glass! Bet it cost an arm and a leg..customs usually do. Nice playing technique...

[Rockabillied]

Wow. That's fantastic. I wonder if "I would not do very well with a flatpick" is code for "I would only bury 90% of the people I encounter as opposed to the entire lot." Great stuff...

[Raine419]

Rob, that was great!!!!!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks Raine.

[Raine419]

P.S. BTW, Raine is my nickname. :) Maureen

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks Maureen.

[SconeMason]

Sweeeeeeeeeeet!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks.

[DogCatchersBand]

Really smooth, great.

Love Jimmy Bryant!

[FireGarden35]

Absolutely terrific! Great job keeping the memory and the music alive.

[CuntreeBoy]

Fantastic playing. Nice to see somebody playing this style and using a thumbpick.

[robbourassaguitarist]

I would not do very well with a flatpick.

[artpam]

Very entertaining ! Thanks! 8^)

[MrCaribbean]

Wow! this is great!,thanks for sharing this with me batfink777 .damm great finger style!

[fendermac]

Man,that guitar sounds stunning and your playing does it justice.Thanks to batfink777 for the share.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thank you very much.

[batfink777]

I loved that and laughed out loud at the end when you looked at your watch. Such a contrast to the usual striking of the "Cool and Nonchalant Guitar Player Pose" You didn't need another take anyway, that was superb.*****

[robbourassaguitarist]

Great stuff Don. I just watched your channel. You have a gift.

[fendermac]

Thanks for this Donn...it's great.

[VinnyRaniolo]

Good jamming with you at CAAS!

[robbourassaguitarist]

You too Vinny. We'll have lunch next time maybe. George Gruhn's 1928 L-5 was actually an L-10. What a great guitar though.

Nice meeting you, and looking forward to next year.

[nikitran]

Sweeeeet!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks.

[antzombie280]

rob your great :) I look forward to seein you at our recording :)

-----the sax player from cranium 12

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks.

Where are you guys doing that?

[antzombie280]

im not sure, but Mr. Zang said you were gonna be there?

[fatdaddo]

Rob, if I needed to get stoned just to play that tune so well....I'd take the plunge! BTW, you don't look tired or stoned to me....just havn' a little fun!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks. I am usually beat by the time I start recording these things. I do have fun though.

[firstteleuser]

Hey Rob,

How are you buddy?

I have never seen anyone do that song as well as you, i wish my dad was around to play it with you, he would have liked that I am sure. He always respected players that put the time into getting better, and you are really good!

Take care,

John Bryant

[robbourassaguitarist]

John,

I was just thinking about you a couple of weeks ago. I haven't been to the NAMM Show in a while, but I was hoping to catch up with you. As you know, your dad was one of the most influential players in my learning process. It is an honor to have gotten to meet you.

It was so funny to be doing all of your dad's tunes, and not know it was you standing there. I am getting ready to record Cotton Pickin' for my Youtube videos.

I wish you were up here to play drums on it. Maybe some day.

Rob

[vinnothelizard]

he looks stoned!! but he can play!!

[robbourassaguitarist]

That is hilarious, I do look pretty messed up.

Actually, I would usually wait till about 2:00 A.M. to record these things, when everyone was asleep. I have 4 kids, and they keep making noise. Once they are sound asleep, I can do what I want, without waking them up, or having to worry about noise.

All I usually have to worry about is staying awake, so, I look kind of dopey. I don't take anything stronger than an aspirin. If I were stoned, I wouldn't be able to play at all. LOL

[Fr3derick]

Marvellous!!! Thanks for posting:)

Grandma Mary

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks. I will try to do another Bryant song soon.

[BirdmanWayne94]

Love it! Thank you for sharing... I enjoyed this piece a lot.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks Birdman.

[johnfromedinburgh]

Hi Rob, this is one of my favourite vids too along with Dizzy Fingers. That's what made me travel 3500 miles for a lesson with you and boy was it worth it! Your teaching technique enabled me to remember all you taught me, all the way home to Scotland. I've had guitar lessons before but not like this. I'll be in touch for Skype lessons next then I'll see you again in January for more. Oh well, jet lag setting in. Talk to you soon. John.

[ziggo3]

I'm damn glad Mr. Lloyd told me about you. Subscribed, keep it up ;D

[vladgromek]

hi Rob,

I just love the way you play that tune (goes well with your acoustic guitar, too). it's also one of my faves from Jimmy & Speedy and I really can't stop wondering why Jimmy Bryant is so little known by most guitarists nowadays. he was such an awesome player - mostly filed under country but equal if not superior to so many still well remembered jazz guitarists! but that doesn't make you an lucky guy for all your life didn't then and doesn't today.

[NotOrdinaryInGames]

Great playing.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks, this is one of my favorite tunes.

[rutlegirl]

really beautiful! You play elegantly

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks so much.

[1mothra]

Man, you are SOMETHING ELSE.

GO GO GO Rob...!!!!!

[geedubthegoose3]

Terrific, sweet swing! Tremendous finger extension. At my age (55) I can do that but my left pinkie falls off.....I hate when that happens!!

[superdave2112]

Sweet Rob, very sweet.

Are you running late? What time is it again? ;)

[vodtap]

Absolutely amazing! I'm diggin' it!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks Tim.

Hey everyone, go check out this guy's channel and look at the Tele with the benders that he designed. Very cool.

[nylonguitar]

Wow! hI Rob. I just discovered your video's today. You knocked my socks off man. :-) Your incredible my friend. I'm one of those guys that play by tab and thought if I could work with you, maybe I could get better. Please contact me.I do have skype. thanks... Steve

[robbourassaguitarist]

Skype is great isn't it.

If you have any time this week, just give me a call on my Skype line, and I'll give you a run down of how I approach the guitar.

My skype name is,

robbourassaguitarlessonsonline

[jlpinei]

Great job....my uncle jimmy would be proud to know that his music still lives on!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Your uncle was a genius. He not only played great, but wrote some of the best tunes for guitar ever.

I'm going to do "Cotton Pickin'" in a couple of weeks. I am in the process of moving, so it will take a while to get set up.

I met Jimmy's son, John at the NAMM Show a couple of years ago. Very nice guy.

I'm sure Jimmy was too.

Rob

[freddym223]

well done! i hung around with Jimmy back in the 60"s. he was amazing,but so are you!

[robbourassaguitarist]

I just checked out some of your videos. Great stuff. You are a great musician. I'll be watching all of those again.

I met Jimmy's son, John, at the NAMM Show a couple of years ago. What a nice guy. I'm sure Jimmy was too. I would have liked to hear you two play together.

[FatManNapster]

VERY Nice!

[krwcarolina]

nice playing.

[hola50i]

so much talent!

[CiscoNast]

you are a god of guitar

[robbourassaguitarist]

God would laugh at that statement. We'll wait and see how the creator of the universe plays. I'll bet I'm not too good in comparison.

Thank you though.

[CiscoNast]

i said a god not jehovah the god of abraham or allah

[robbourassaguitarist]

Just covering my trail. I remember the story of Herod Agripa, who when his subjects called him a god, didn't rebuke or deny the claim. He immediately saw an owl, perched above his head, and this was a portend of his ensuing death.

He suffered by being eaten by worms.

I'm just covering my bases. LOL.

Thanks for the compliment Justin. I know what you meant, and I thank you.

Rob

[timechannel]

Hello God here.amazed that you sound like Jimmy and Speedy combined..might have to move you on to one of our other parallel universes

[vladgromek]

really awesome - elegant and seemingly effortless playing. wish I was that talented. and yeah: Speedy and Jimmy were such a great team in those days and it's good that they are still remembered!

[ZachWest2010]

-Rob Bourassa, your insanely talented my man!

i dont know if it means much but speedy west was my first cousin, and i feel you've him a service in your playing, lata broski

[robbourassaguitarist]

You have a great pedigree. Speedy was great with Merle as well.

Did you ever see him play much?

[DemonsFire]

wow. amazing.

[Fretkillr]

Go man, go!

[robbourassaguitarist]

I am not worthy. You are the man.

[ppatpparis]

Awesome - Five Stars

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks so much.

[ShadowDragon2153]

5 star + fave

[echolalia1965]

Great Playing!! I was looking for the original and found something even better! Nice Django-like tone on that guitar, would love to see it done on a tele as well. Thanks for posting this video

[fridrikur]

Fantastic. This song makes me happy. Love this style. Guess who just subscribed to your video.

[coachdoc49]

Rob, if I could play like that, I'd quit my day job. Pronto. I thought all the great jazz players had died.

[TheJeffMiller]

Rob, I love the way you look at your watch when you are done! What? Did you have a plane to catch? :-)

Absolutely brilliant playing!!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Actually, the end was kind of quirky, but I had given myself a cut of time, and I wasn't going to do it again. I had already flubbed several attempts.

[gskarogiannis]

Wow again! I wish I could play the chords around 1:25. Great playing Rob. That's what I like about Youtube, that I can communicate with great guitarists (like you!)

[gesunelson]

Superb playing, Rob!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks so much.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks so much. You are a very talented song writer.

[FolkRockerYT]

Great job, thank you Rob! I've been listening to and seeing players live for over 30 years and I can safely say that if you were gigging in the NY area, I'd be at every show.

[robbourassaguitarist]

If I were gigging in New York, I'd have a long drive home every night. LOL.

Thanks FR.

[Sammisysta]

WOW great job.

Beautiful tone and great timing.

[jong649]

Hey thanks for watching my version of this.....you play beautifully. I first heard of Jimmy Bryant & Speedy West while taking guitar lessons in Sacramento. Was blown away by their technique.....at that time I thought Jimmy Page was the best guitarist ever.

[tonedr]

oh my! Wow tat was great - you sir have a killer gift and make it look so easy. I love all of your stuff, but for today this is my favorite! Thanks for posting,

dale

[lw216316]

Hi Rob, I've been working my way thru your beginner videos, tks 4 them , hope to see more when you can.

May I ask a beginner guestion ?

Each time you move to a different neck position in this advanced piece, are you using a different scale pattern for your fingers ? Are these the same patterns for the scales you showed us in the open positions ?

Is this why beginners need to learn scale patterns and practice the scales - so they can put them together in a piece like this ?

- Larry in TN

[robbourassaguitarist]

Great question Larry. I have a series of lessons that will deal with that subject. My fingers always follow templates that are formed by the chord itself. I just fill in the blanks by using the accompanying mode as a guide, but I rarely use a mode as a solo line. I just pick notes from the chord, then adjust my line with the mode as a guide, as to where I can or can't go. Then, I usually will add chromatic ideas as well. I'll show you in an upcoming lesson.

[Qpidon]

This looks like a Walk in the Park....

One thing: boy this brings a MASSIVE smile on my face.

Made my day, realy.

Pascal

[Qpidon]

Its 18:56 Pm here! ;))

[robbourassaguitarist]

You should have seen the first few walks in the park where I fell a few times. I started trying to record this and messed up quite a few times. I promised myself that I was going to make this the one, mistakes and all. I looked at my watch at the end to see if I had time to do it again, but decided to hit the hay.

I do this tune differently every time, so I wouldn't use it for a reference guide. This is a great one to ad lib on.

[Qpidon]

you sound like me when I record something to upload ;)

Let me tell you: this sounds phenomenal. Seems flawless play you could use for a CD.

Fourth X in a row I listen to this and it sounds like pure magic.

[Qpidon]

10X by now...Gotto get some sleep now, bey ;))

[Myavrick]

Super smooth Rob, watching you play this great tune so effortlessly shows your great skills..This is a favorite

Tony

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks Tony. I was hired by a company to play at NAMM in Anaheim a couple of years ago, and I was doing this tune. A guy stopped in front of me and asked me if I knew who's tune I was playing. I played another 3 or 4 Bryant tunes, and the guy showed me his license; It was Jimmy's son. He was surprised that someone knew so much of his father's catalog. He shouldn't have been. I love all of those tunes. Stratosphere Boogie is one of my favorite albums. He was a genius.

[QuebeSistersBand]

this is great!! Night Rider is one of my favorite Bryant tunes...

THanks for posting this, HQ

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks Hulda. Some day I will get to see your group I hope. Your album "Timeless" is still getting a workout on my CD player. I never get tired of it. I don't think I have enjoyed a disc as much as this one for years now. I'll send you my swing album as soon as it's done. Indiana was the first track.

[QuebeSistersBand]

wow thanks so much! We can't wait till your CD comes!!!!