I remember seeing him live and the local "music reporter" for our newspaper slammed Chris so hard...at the same show I had the incredible fortune of witnessing. Almost made my heart stop...
Needless to say, I don't read that newspaper anymore.
To those who can't follow the groove, try watching his foot and listening to the sound it makes. Not trying to be patronizing, it just really shines light on how he is feeling it!
In NYC's lower east side back in the late 70s & early 80s Chris was a regular street performer in Washing Square Park. This was not your licensed, volume controlled, curfew limited, street music scene of today but the raucous bottle bagged beer, public joint circulating, all night circus of the time. Lots of talent and future icons representing but Chris was the undisputed king of the scene. Raw, angular, ingenious, impossible, real deal, next world blues. God bless him for it.
Avant garde jazz, entirely in a delta blues structure with a dead-steady boot tap and poetry floated over top ... executed with technique to make you drool.
@semiLivedj So you know of some blues you can 'groove' to?.....I wasn't aware that blues was a warm 'groovy' type of music.....pretty sure it was created to channel the misery of the field hands that created it
That's the Triolian with a Barcus Berry Hi-Tek pickup. I have played that very guitar. And it let me play it just fine. But then again, Chris knew me, so maybe his spirit was cool with me touching it.
Yeah....i don't know ... i'm sure his spirit was absolutely fine with you playing it... I haven't played them since he passed away though ... it was only one time while at his apartment that i had the honor of fooling around with some of his guitars.. and it's not that they were difficult to play, action wise, but they didn't seem to want to stay in tune for very long, mabey because he was constantly changing the tunings himself, but he definitely had to mess with them ... man i miss that dude
His daughter and brother have all his guitars and i don't think they would ever sell them..... I have played that and many of his guitars and they were difficult beasts.lol.... it seemed as if they didn't want to be held by anyone but him..... also i'm not sure he would dig people fighting over him..... he just wanted to be understood..... he was one of the warmest, kindest people i've ever had the pleasure of spending my time with and i miss him every day.....
Hehe, This is a masterpiece and he'd love this fight dontcha think? That guitar has a great sound btw, it's on the albums, just easier with the pickup now with all the great soundmen NOT out there. If you can't hear the brass through the EMG pup, you're not trying.
He's the greatest, changed a lot of minds with his art and with me always. Hope you're jamming with the other greats in the Big Sky Country now CW! Thanks for everything. And Phil thanks for posting this : )
Douche....... he created HIS OWN sound with it.... GET IT? It's about CrEaTiViTy.... not using the guitar as it was supposedly "Meant" to be used. Go listen to Hinder.
Yup, u get it, creativity overflowing, and NO fake pride, had to move him to a bigger place. Robert Johnson etc can only be proud of their legacy dontcha think?
people can play dobros just the way they want to, i just dont get why he uses one when he doesnt use the sound of it? he has thin strings on it and an electric pick-up? buy an les paul or a telecaster if you want that...
but by all means if it makes you happy keep tapping away on your dobro, hell light it on fire and eat it if thats what you want... people are very touchy on youtube
Dude you answered my reply after four months I didn't even remember this video, don't say I'm touchy. He does use the sound of the dobro, because.... it is producing sound. Maybe he just likes the sound of it with lighter strings. the end
This is the concert that made me fell in love with his music 12-14 years ago. It was broadcast on german TV. I never had the chance to saw him live. I was really shocked by his death when I learned it last year. i still miss him, he was something really special. Thanks to the music that remains !!!
I've just learned (here) that Chris is gone... It's so hard to know what to say, because he was one of those old friends I'd always hoped I'd bump into again. I still remember how my ex-girlfriend, Lauren, and I babysat for Trixie in the basement apartment Chris and Helene had in Greenwich Village, in the Summer of '88. We'd often catch him at Mondo Cane or Mondo Perso after I was done with my gigs... Whatever took you from us, my kindest thoughts and many great memories are with you...
Raving genius on guitar. No other description comes to mind. Those of us who were lucky enough to see him live will never forget him. Long live his music (and Trixie).
damn! i had recorded his performance from that "house of blues" tv series back in the nineties, came here to see if maybe someone had posted parts of it, as my copy is long lost...and now i'm learning he's dead! when did this shit happen?!
I've never seen him in concert but have talked to several people who have and EVERY one of them says that it was one of the best, most intense music experiences that they've ever had. Evidently, seeing Chris in concert is akin to a life changing event
I came on U Tube to check this guy out after buying this months Mojo mag. There is a free CD on it of Hendrix covers and every song is amazing. After hearing this guy cover Hendrixs Drifting, my God I have to have his music AMAZING His voice is lovely.
When Chris Whitley toured Australia I was fortunate enough to see him perforn. He was not just good, he was extraordinary. This video reminded again of just how extraordnary.
That's during this TV show that I discover the music of Chris Whitley and he really blow my mind with his personnal way of playing a real modern incarnation of the Blues !
I still have the video tape of this show I'm gonna watch it again and again !!
This has been flagged as spam show
save the lotion, i creamed the second that slide touched the strings
watchmovies295 1 month ago
save the lotion, i creamed the second that slide touched the strings
watchmovies295 1 month ago
God he tears this shit up. I love the way he played. So sad that he's not here to continue spreading this gift. I didn't get enough of him.
lmrich109 3 months ago
I remember seeing him live and the local "music reporter" for our newspaper slammed Chris so hard...at the same show I had the incredible fortune of witnessing. Almost made my heart stop...
Needless to say, I don't read that newspaper anymore.
MsNancyGray 4 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Chris Whitley
sounds a little johnny winter like.....good shit here....why do the best gotta die?
freeman2545 7 months ago
holy shit......that boy is tearing that damn guitar up
freeman2545 7 months ago
This guy was legendary and you really dont hear anything about him why? I just found out about his death and felt devastated.
1216saab 8 months ago
To those who can't follow the groove, try watching his foot and listening to the sound it makes. Not trying to be patronizing, it just really shines light on how he is feeling it!
AvianSurvivors 9 months ago
if they ever make that documentary of him, you will think of Hendrix, beautiful, and, tragic.
GeezerYoung 9 months ago
In NYC's lower east side back in the late 70s & early 80s Chris was a regular street performer in Washing Square Park. This was not your licensed, volume controlled, curfew limited, street music scene of today but the raucous bottle bagged beer, public joint circulating, all night circus of the time. Lots of talent and future icons representing but Chris was the undisputed king of the scene. Raw, angular, ingenious, impossible, real deal, next world blues. God bless him for it.
djmikio 9 months ago
I got 4 resonators( and two still in the making) but good gawd how I'd love to have THIS one!!
rchenry 10 months ago
Sweet Soul
markLANYC 11 months ago
Oh my God....BRILLIANT! The word "genius" gets tossed around way to casually, but here I think it applies.
SingingStringsMusic 1 year ago
Totally ashamed to say this is the first I've heard of Chris. Call myself a fan of the blues and slide. Ha!
Have just checked Spotify and plenty for me to catch up with.
TheFredfumanchu 1 year ago
@TheFredfumanchu He didn't really hang too much in the "blues" scene - he wanted to keep his freedom to go other places.
MickeyYahoo 2 months ago
Avant garde jazz, entirely in a delta blues structure with a dead-steady boot tap and poetry floated over top ... executed with technique to make you drool.
notgrekk 1 year ago
Its very exceptional! But Im not feeling it. Its almost like one long lead break, I just dont feel any rhythm or something i can groove to.
semiLivedj 1 year ago
@semiLivedj So you know of some blues you can 'groove' to?.....I wasn't aware that blues was a warm 'groovy' type of music.....pretty sure it was created to channel the misery of the field hands that created it
sero69 7 months ago
@sero69 Their are different type's of blues.Depending on what country your from or what part.
semiLivedj 7 months ago
Mr rich stark412....
You have no ears!
mentaltrade 1 year ago
not feelin it.....
RichStark412 1 year ago
Do you think he was human? I'm not so sure. Soul was too deep.
broadpath 1 year ago
I saw him in a tiny club in Indy not long before he passed away. Amazing.
buddaman1971 2 years ago
He was truly an original. I will miss his unique style.
rodentcafeteria 2 years ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
Why, he's dead?
caralhosvosfodam 2 years ago
@caralhosvosfodam I don't know if you're kidding or not, but, yes, he is.
rodentcafeteria 2 years ago
One of the most innovative blues styles I have seen. Excellent.
bertly71 2 years ago
cool!, no eyebrows like Geezer Young!
GeezerYoung 2 years ago
He don't need them to play good.
bertly71 2 years ago
11/20 always makes me sad....miss you dust brother!
roccotanto 2 years ago
Everything he played was GOLD !!!!!!!!!!!!!! love the way he threw in the "dissonant, atonal,chaotic chordal stuff.....
aballballball 2 years ago
Right on. Totally agree.
JeffBlazer74 2 years ago
AMAZING!
zr24X4ROCKS 2 years ago
and what about the action?
high?
low?
bebenavole 2 years ago
what string gauge was he using?
bebenavole 2 years ago
I was told 11-49 electric guitar strings.
subtoxin 2 years ago
EXCELLENT!
deltabluesman1 2 years ago
The dust and open country that is illustrated in his voice and slide comes from a true heart that somehow conveyed his surroundings perfectly
GlassEyedVision 2 years ago
Magic
preachingsin 2 years ago
this guy shreds
... ooooh does this guy shred it up
hed2myshoos13 3 years ago 2
i'm new to chris' music so far so good and i like trixie too.
dubbedcrazy 3 years ago 2
That guitar would be bored with my poor playing anyway, I don't deserve it...
SonicSilverAngel 3 years ago 4
11/20 again :-(
That's the Triolian with a Barcus Berry Hi-Tek pickup. I have played that very guitar. And it let me play it just fine. But then again, Chris knew me, so maybe his spirit was cool with me touching it.
RIP dust brother....
roccotanto 3 years ago
Yeah....i don't know ... i'm sure his spirit was absolutely fine with you playing it... I haven't played them since he passed away though ... it was only one time while at his apartment that i had the honor of fooling around with some of his guitars.. and it's not that they were difficult to play, action wise, but they didn't seem to want to stay in tune for very long, mabey because he was constantly changing the tunings himself, but he definitely had to mess with them ... man i miss that dude
fouryearbeard 3 years ago
woow quite exelent!
lobis19 3 years ago 2
Maybe there can only be one at the time? Y'think?
SonicSilverAngel 3 years ago
Understood Chris? Be less of a genious, and I'll understand. LOL
SonicSilverAngel 3 years ago 3
His daughter and brother have all his guitars and i don't think they would ever sell them..... I have played that and many of his guitars and they were difficult beasts.lol.... it seemed as if they didn't want to be held by anyone but him..... also i'm not sure he would dig people fighting over him..... he just wanted to be understood..... he was one of the warmest, kindest people i've ever had the pleasure of spending my time with and i miss him every day.....
fouryearbeard 3 years ago 2
this poster is correct.
roccotanto 3 years ago
Me again, oops, think this is the steel one right? The 1930 one, maybe it is the pup, sorry : /
SonicSilverAngel 3 years ago
I'd like to buy the guitar btw, if anyone knows where it's at?? Anyone?
SonicSilverAngel 3 years ago
Hehe, This is a masterpiece and he'd love this fight dontcha think? That guitar has a great sound btw, it's on the albums, just easier with the pickup now with all the great soundmen NOT out there. If you can't hear the brass through the EMG pup, you're not trying.
He's the greatest, changed a lot of minds with his art and with me always. Hope you're jamming with the other greats in the Big Sky Country now CW! Thanks for everything. And Phil thanks for posting this : )
SonicSilverAngel 3 years ago
Douche....... he created HIS OWN sound with it.... GET IT? It's about CrEaTiViTy.... not using the guitar as it was supposedly "Meant" to be used. Go listen to Hinder.
fouryearbeard 3 years ago
Yup, u get it, creativity overflowing, and NO fake pride, had to move him to a bigger place. Robert Johnson etc can only be proud of their legacy dontcha think?
SonicSilverAngel 3 years ago
Unless you have seen Chris Live you cannot appreciate his talent and gift to us when he was alive. RIP Chris!
BrentJ67 3 years ago
The demo on LWA around is great but this version I love... the way he pics and his percussion makes it special.
mair927 3 years ago
Unbeleviably great performance.
w23eer 3 years ago
Ok... Loomis. How can you not get it?
hardroc59 4 years ago 5
This comment has received too many negative votes show
ok....i don't get it.....barely made it thru this video.....terrible...
loomis4747 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
im with you, this is horrible! i saw him mentioned on danish tv and got very confused when i heard his music...
somebody recently posted a new video of son house playing death letter, it shows how dobros are supposed to be played...
deadboybo 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
im with you, this is horrible! i saw him mentioned on danish tv and got very confused when i heard his music...
somebody recently posted a new video of son house playing death letter, it shows how dobros are supposed to be played...
deadboybo 4 years ago
so now dobros are SUPPOSED to be played like son house plays them. I like that mindset
rootpepper 3 years ago
people can play dobros just the way they want to, i just dont get why he uses one when he doesnt use the sound of it? he has thin strings on it and an electric pick-up? buy an les paul or a telecaster if you want that...
but by all means if it makes you happy keep tapping away on your dobro, hell light it on fire and eat it if thats what you want... people are very touchy on youtube
deadboybo 3 years ago
Dude you answered my reply after four months I didn't even remember this video, don't say I'm touchy. He does use the sound of the dobro, because.... it is producing sound. Maybe he just likes the sound of it with lighter strings. the end
rootpepper 3 years ago
haha, four months! thats true didn't notice that! cheers! sorry bout being a cunt...
deadboybo 3 years ago
Maybe you don´t even get yourself...
nicoschneekloth 3 years ago
I can't believe how many people STILL have NO IDEA who this man was.
drunkenplumber15 4 years ago 3
rip chris
awesome performance
izbator 4 years ago 3
I remember seeing this for the first time
It felt like the time I first heard Hendrix...
mtdp5 4 years ago
holy shit
Jack458111 4 years ago
This is the concert that made me fell in love with his music 12-14 years ago. It was broadcast on german TV. I never had the chance to saw him live. I was really shocked by his death when I learned it last year. i still miss him, he was something really special. Thanks to the music that remains !!!
Rowenband 4 years ago
I've just learned (here) that Chris is gone... It's so hard to know what to say, because he was one of those old friends I'd always hoped I'd bump into again. I still remember how my ex-girlfriend, Lauren, and I babysat for Trixie in the basement apartment Chris and Helene had in Greenwich Village, in the Summer of '88. We'd often catch him at Mondo Cane or Mondo Perso after I was done with my gigs... Whatever took you from us, my kindest thoughts and many great memories are with you...
Gemdoug1 4 years ago
Raving genius on guitar. No other description comes to mind. Those of us who were lucky enough to see him live will never forget him. Long live his music (and Trixie).
3dphotoartist 4 years ago
damn! i had recorded his performance from that "house of blues" tv series back in the nineties, came here to see if maybe someone had posted parts of it, as my copy is long lost...and now i'm learning he's dead! when did this shit happen?!
livin' with the law is a flawless album
khrisfromsmoke 4 years ago
God bless this guy there in heaven to day !
I'm so sad...
...what's our world without your spécial sound to day ?
He was a kind of Hendrix of the Dobro guitar.
My prayer is for him and his family.
His die let me a bitter feeling...
mikka972 5 years ago
i wish i had the opportunity to see him live..
nickybux 5 years ago
so intense, so personal
frenchcapel 5 years ago
the best....gone too soon from the good red road....RIP brother....bobby d
roccotanto 5 years ago
I've never seen him in concert but have talked to several people who have and EVERY one of them says that it was one of the best, most intense music experiences that they've ever had. Evidently, seeing Chris in concert is akin to a life changing event
cosutton 5 years ago 4
It really was like that. I was lucky to see him five times.
philipvm 5 years ago 3
I came on U Tube to check this guy out after buying this months Mojo mag. There is a free CD on it of Hendrix covers and every song is amazing. After hearing this guy cover Hendrixs Drifting, my God I have to have his music AMAZING His voice is lovely.
zippy930 5 years ago
Chris Whitley is pure genius. Spread the word!
animeerman 5 years ago
This is awesome, can't believe I hadn't heard him before!
bluesgunner 5 years ago
When Chris Whitley toured Australia I was fortunate enough to see him perforn. He was not just good, he was extraordinary. This video reminded again of just how extraordnary.
TerryMcArthur 5 years ago 2
Have you already purchased "Dislocation Blues", his new album with Jeff Lang? Most songs are very beautiful, you won't regret it.
philipvm 5 years ago
No but I will. Thanks.
TerryMcArthur 5 years ago
That's during this TV show that I discover the music of Chris Whitley and he really blow my mind with his personnal way of playing a real modern incarnation of the Blues !
I still have the video tape of this show I'm gonna watch it again and again !!
jipes 5 years ago
Wow, great to see this live stuff from around when Living With The Law came out (I guess). So intense!
Chododolina 5 years ago
Amazing video indeed..... I'm so sorry I never saw him live. So sad that he's gone.
ecnofoon 5 years ago
There was no one like Chris............no one
dbuchta 5 years ago
Great video.Would love to see Chris perform 'Complex Sex Ritual'
robbenford 5 years ago
Amazing artist. Thanks for all the beautiful music.
Will miss you.
bryanday 5 years ago