I see now why I called this the
Occasional Cozmo Recommendation Thread.
Anyway, I heard a song last night I hadn't heard in a long time. I wanted to share it for all those who are familiar to listen to again and for those who aren't, as you need to hear it. It's Stevie Ray Vaughan's rendition of Jimi Hendrix' "Little Wing". Now the Jimi version was unique on its own, but the main differences: way shorter, xyolophone (which I never cared for), and lyrics.
Now admittedly, I heard the SRV version first and MANY times before ever hearing the Hendrix version, but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't have mattered. For me, this is about as close as anybody gets to becoming one with their instrument. For SRV, the guitar is an extension of his hands. Like his blood flows through that guitar as a living part of him. It's
that amazing to me.
So there are a few things in particular I like about this version. First off, the tone. SRV has always had a guitar tone that could make mere mortal guitar players tremble. It is at its absolute finest here. The dynamics. It starts out quiet and laid back, when the band comes in and has little accents throughout, then at the "chorus" it's like BAM! Here I am, baby! It's loud and passionate and amazing. Then it quiets down again, etc. Also, it shows what an overall great guitarist he was. He knew when to lay back and when to lay it all out. He's got some stunning licks in this one, but some nice lyrical lines also. To take such a short and to the point song by Hendrix and craft it into a master class in blues guitar is awesome.
Here it is, over a Fender promotional video, mixed with various old SRV footage. I think it really adds to the song though, given his love of Fender guitars. Also, at one point they show back and forth footage of him and Hendrix, illustrating the way he paid tribute to his idol in his live performances. Very cool. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdYRzH10L2M