Joe Ely- David Grissom versus Wilko Johnson ( UK session)

Okay, just picture it. You're a highly respected Texan guitarist, touring the UK and Europe with a new perm and a couple of PRS promotional guitars... but THEN you are joined onstage by the unlikely figure of hideous, uncouth, horrid, sweaty, ungainly Wilco Johnson- who is being a naughty boy as usual.... Maybe if you ignore him, he'll go away? ...... A classic clip, and an interesting clash of cultures. Some killer sustain from mister Grissom.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Joe
• Ely
• David
• Grissom
• Wilco
• Finger
• nails
• long
• piano
• PRS
• telecaster

[LearnerMIC]

Joe Ely's written some great songs. Wilko is a great musician. Dave is a great musician. What's with the spin?

[incongra]

@LearnerMIC Good comment. Why dontcha hang around and explain that to the "awesome" brigade who keep comparing Wilco and Grissom as if it was the Guitar Olympics?

[randyex23]

A comment on the "versus." Any time two guitarists are thrust on stage together, it's a competition. A cutting contest. You know damn well Grissom felt the pride of Texas was at stake here. I'll let the rest of you decide who won, but I recommend keeping "versus" in as entirely appropriate. Oh, and who doesn't hear the amazing Snooks Eaglin in Grissom's initial chorus? Damn....

[incongra]

@randyex23 gotcha. Couldn't agree more.

[BreekieMe]

If anything, it's a clash of styles, not talent.

[incongra]

Exactamente!

[sixaxle]

You know what's funny? David would never put down or criticize Wilco's playing or style or anything about him, and I doubt that Wilco would talk down David! I guess it's up to others to make comparisons the really don't count for anything... real pro musicians don't have time for these kind of comparisons, they do what they do the best they can and hope people will appreciate their work.

[VintageSG]

If it was a 'battle', fer fuxache let Wilko win or he looks like he'll nut you!, legend that he is.

There's some real tasty bass going off in there too.

[FullMontyUK]

@stevobath Cheers for that. There is nothing worse than hearing a guitarist (or musician generally) playing inappropriately for a song. In my opinion Grissom isn't guilty of that here, if anything it's Ely who is responsible for stretching it out (Grissom is clearly waiting for a cue to end a solo and Ely just waits for him to go around again, and again) beyond what's necessary. Wilko, as the guest, just does his slot and that's it. Imho it's not really adding anything but it is brief.

[stevobath]

@FullMontyUK No doubt about Grissom being a better muso. For me its also about the character of the individual too. I can well admire someone being a great guitarist & accomplished musician. As you say its all about 'taste' whatever that may be. Its a cliche, but sometimes less is more. Also Im not totally against solos, just sometimes 7 minute ones in a song is too much....for me :)The list of those whove frittered talent away, as you know is endless. Thats another rock n roll cliche! :(

[FullMontyUK]

@stevobath 'Self Indulgent' is, to a large degree, a matter of taste. Wilko, bless him, has frittered away what little talent he has since parting company with Dr Feelgood. If you enjoy his minimalist style then that is your prerogative of course but Grissom is the better musician by far. (:

[stevobath]

@salvadory Totally agree. Tossy self indulgent solos. Give me Wilko anyday. For me ultimately more entertaining.Its not just the guitaring its the whole energy he gives off!

[FullMontyUK]

@salvadory Further to that (being a long-winded so-and-so), songs like 'Roxette' and 'Chequebook' could only have come from one place just as Grissom's fusion of musical styles could. I can't think of two players who could play together as they do here yet still be poles apart ..... rather like the opinions expressed on these pages. (0: Enjoy the guitar, whatever style you play, and I hope others enjoy it too.

[FullMontyUK]

@salvadory Fair enough. As I said though, it's Ely's song and in the end he dictates what it sounds like. I would say that I'm very familiar with Grissom's playing and he is, generally, a master of taste and tone. He also plays a real variety of styles whilst still remaining, to my ears anyway, very distinctive. Wilko is such a 'one off' it's difficult to make comparisons. His technique is very minimalist and his tone is, well, his own. Feelgood and Wilko were both better together than apart. 

[salvadory]

@FullMontyUK yeah i do hate guitar solos to be honest- i like songs first and foremost- and being into punk and 60s music i just like wilko johnsons playing and style look gear etc better - the song is great i could do without the dueling guitar solos- i still say grissoms a good player - i just dont like his style look sound- to me his solo reeks of guitar wankery- as in showing off and not keeping in feel with the song

[FullMontyUK]

@salvadory What you 'like' is neither here nor there, it's having a bit of respect. Why is what Grissom plays 'wankery' but Wilko 'honest'? Especially as Grissom is playing what his boss wants him to whilst Wilko is under no such restriction! You remind me of a bass player I used to work with - he just hated guitar solos, whoever played them (although mine came in for some particularly strong criticisms!).

[salvadory]

@FullMontyUK im not dissing him- i just prefer wilko johnsons honesty gear and playing more- i hate guitar wankery and im a player myself- long live wilko! just like i prefer joe strummers voice over someone who can sing