Grant Green (Rare Video)

**El Fundo** · 08-22-2017, 11:33 AM

For die-hard Grant Green fans like me who lament over so very little footage of him playing, I just discovered this awesome video. And of course Kenny Burrell and Barney Kessel sound incredible too. But Grant Green really stole my heart years ago. If I could only be that cool and honest and unbelievably melodic!

**Greentone** · 08-22-2017, 11:51 AM

Isn't that video a beauty? All three players do their thing with assurance and gusto. No slouches on that stage, let me tell you (as John McLaughlin would say)

I think Grant Green really gets it done, there. He manages to outshine two of my very favorite guitarists of all time. In particular, I am a long-time fan of KB. Yet, Grant Green's lines just command attention. Part of it is that his rig is simply better suited to get across on that stage. His amp really cuts. But his lines are also VERY authoritative.

**gmek** · 08-22-2017, 12:41 PM

Any footage of Grant Green is wonderful. Have you got the video his son made available? Live in Paris 1969, definitely worth the $6: http://store.payloadz.com/details/21...d-product.html

**Stringswinger** · 08-22-2017, 12:43 PM

I agree that Grant Green's playing on this video is superb and right up there with KB and BK. IMO, all three players sound great as do their respective guitars. The three makers, Gibson, Epiphone and D'Angelico were the best of the best in that day, and IMO, have never been topped.

**wintermoon** · 08-22-2017, 02:12 PM

On recordings of the 3, I normally like Barney best, Kenny and then Grant.

But like SS posted, Grant does a great job here, easily hanging w/the others.
He seems to use less of his pet licks than normal, imo, which for me is a good thing.
I always like his tone and soul, but sometimes the same variations of the 3 or 4 licks he uses can wear on me a little.

Great guitars as well, but don't forget Elmer Stromberg as on the same level as the best of the best....

**neatomic** · 08-22-2017, 03:05 PM

great clip of three classic jazz guitarists...not to be reduced to win place and show...they all have their strengths

cheers

**docbop** · 08-22-2017, 04:03 PM

Grant is the best to me, time, feel, phrasing, and he always puts the song as most important.

**gator811** · 08-22-2017, 05:09 PM

Yeah love this video. Green's feel,articulation and time are amazing - and he really does give the other two a bit of a nudge!
Brilliant.

**Doctor Jeff** · 08-22-2017, 10:41 PM

Great players all!

I love Kenny and Grant--they are both the definition of cool in their own way.

What I find interesting about Barney is how he seems to work so hard to get the notes out. It's like he's trying to solve a problem. Definitely not rote lines there.

I remember someone writing about Jimmy Page that they enjoyed him best when he played up to the limits of his competence. That sort of applies to Barney--playing up to the limits of his technique, which few pros seem to do.

**whiskey02** · 08-23-2017, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by Greentone

Isn't that video a beauty? All three players do their thing with assurance and gusto. No slouches on that stage, let me tell you (as John McLaughlin would say)

I think Grant Green really gets it done, there. He manages to outshine two of my very favorite guitarists of all time. In particular, I am a long-time fan of KB. Yet, Grant Green's lines just command attention. Part of it is that his rig is simply better suited to get across on that stage. His amp really cuts. But his lines are also VERY authoritative.

Greentone,
Do you know what amp/cab he is using? Looks enormous compared to a 112 combo.

**keith** · 08-23-2017, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by docbop

Grant is the best to me, time, feel, phrasing, and he always puts the song as most important.

Agreed, not to make it a competition but he really is in the pocket on this one versus the others. You can just feel it!

**Greentone** · 08-23-2017, 02:40 PM

I can't figure out what amp that is. It IS rather large.

Absolutely, I agree: Grant was IN the pocket.

**pcsanwald** · 08-23-2017, 03:11 PM

Also, it seems like Grant's amp was pretty hot: he's picking fairly lightly and just getting a huge sound. One really valuable lesson I've gotten from playing upright is that pulling the strings harder does not equal a bigger sound.

I remember reading something somewhere that Wes' setup was similar: amp was super hot.

**fasstrack** · 08-23-2017, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by El Fundo

For die-hard Grant Green fans like me who lament over so very little footage of him playing, I just discovered this awesome video. And of course Kenny Burrell and Barney Kessel sound incredible too. But Grant Green really stole my heart years ago. If I could only be that cool and honest and unbelievably melodic!

Yeah, seen this before. I like that Grant is playing more 'in the moment', not his usual licks that he recycled so much---on that 1st tune, How Could You Do a Thing Like That To Me?. His sound really cuts through, too. I remember another tune where the 3 guitarists were sort of trying to cut each other, or kick up a little fuss anyway---and they start speeding up. Larry Ridley on bass. Who's on drums?

Nice vid...

**wintermoon** · 08-23-2017, 03:25 PM

^
Don Lamond

**fasstrack** · 08-23-2017, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by wintermoon

^
Don Lamond

Thanks...

**neatomic** · 08-23-2017, 05:46 PM

always dig grant, but the slow tempo bluesy stuff really lets him shine...its when he goes uptempo that he resorts to formula licks and repetition...not that he doesn't make'm sound good!! haha

here's our trio in color