The first time I saw this clip of Bill Withers on The Old Grey Whistle Test, I knew it wouldn't be the last. I knew this because of drummer, James Gadson. If there is a more perfect example of being "in the pocket," I don't know what it is. I can't stop looking at him. That shit-eating grin tells me, he knew exactly how funky bad he was.
I only just came across the Beat Club clip below, thanks to the great New Orleans guitarist and funk man, Billy Iuso. Again, James Gadson lays it down like a cool machine. I could watch him play this groove all day.
Dig it!
13 comments:
Great clips. Thanks for sharing. Nice to show a little love for the drummer man. The Kissing My Love clip also had some absolutely sublime guitar playing. The whole clip was just perfection.
great clip and for some reason it made me think of JJ Cale and how cool it would be to have dueling porches with bill and his cats on one and JJ cale and his on the other.
by the way I'm pretty sure the guitar player is David T. Walker, but whose James tailor?
I'd say give the drummer some but he just took it all.
Sal -
There's a recent Withers documentary called "Still Bill" that is well worth your time, if you haven't seen it. - bill buckner
Thanks Bill. I have seen it, and you are absolutely right. Fantastic! I;m really interested in getting a hold of "Keepin' Time," a documentary about funk drumming with Gadson and Earl Palmer.
I bought "The Old Grey Whistle Test" from you. I watched it wondering what the hell happened to music? There is no great band without a great drummer.
Bill withers is one of the most under-appreciated artists.
The guy can write and what a voice he has!
Thanx for those clips, Sal.
Groovin'!
Awesome clips!!
And Bill, I need to see that Bill Withers movie for sure. Good point. Especially since he is very much still alive, but apparently has either some mental issues (a la Sly Stone) or a hatred of touring (a la Andy Partridge) or something else that has kept him out of the public eye for more than 25 years now.
"Still Bill" is a GREAT music documentary. (future post topic - best music docs?) Anyway, Withers has been going his own way for a long time. After watching "Bill" I'd say if anything he is a little too sane for the music industry.
I got the impression from the doc that Bill had had enough. Don't think he appeared to be anything but sound and smart.
Great clips - his Live at Carnegie Hall recording has been one of my favorites since I bought it, I don't know, a couple decades ago.
Thank you, Sal!
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