Danny Gatton Licks And Tricks Pdf
Elodie Akiyama
DANNY GATTON:
-The Humbler
-Son, husband, father, & friend
-The last word in shred roots Tele abuse
-The world's greatest unknown guitar player (but which famous one could outplay him?)
Danny Gatton was the last word in shred roots Telecaster abuse, and a musical genius who left us far too soon. There are 15 albums under his own name, and he played on many more as a sideman. I have collected information about Danny's recordings, television/radio appearances, and print articles in my little red notebook for several years. Now I am experimenting with web page design by transferring this information to this site. I am adding more stuff all the time.
NEW DANNY GATTON DISK AVAILABLE!!"Funhouse", the first new Big Mo/Flying Deuce release is now available. This is a live date from 1988 at the Birchmere, with the full Funhouse band and special guest Buddy Emmons. In addition to Danny & Buddy, the band includes Barry Hart on drums, John Previti on bass, Billy Windsor on rhythm guitar/vocals, Chris Battistone (composer of "Red Label") on trumpet, Bruce Swaim on tenor sax, Phil Berlin on tenor sax, and John Jensen on trombone. It sounds pretty darn good!
There are two errors in the liner notes. "Song of India" is listed as "Land of Make Believe" and "Melancholy Serenade" is listed as "Harlem Nocture". These errors do not detract from the great performance.
Ed Eastridge of Big Mo gave me a special link so I'd get credit for referrals, but my browser won't post it in its entirety! Oh well, just use the regular link instead:
TWO NEW BOOKS ABOUT DANNY GATTONThe long-awaited biography, "Unfinished
Business: The Life & Times of Danny Gatton" by Ralph Heibutzki (Backbeat Books) has finally been released. 290 pages about Danny, expanded from Ralph's cover story for Vintage Guitar. Covers all phases of his life and legacy. I can't say it included all the details I wouldhave wanted to see, but the author does a good job given the editorial restrictions,and in light ofthe fact that some sources declined to be interviewed for the book. It is definitely a good read. He is also kind enough to include a revew of this little site (which made my year). Thanks, Ralph! Support your local bookseller and go buy this book.
Also, Mark Opsasnick's follow-up to Capitol Rock has recently been released,and is available at Amazon.com. Contains a whole chapter on Danny, although there is more detail in his earlier book.
DANNY GATTON TRIVIADid you know...
- Daniel Wood Gatton, Jr., born September 4, 1945
- Danny was left-handed, yet played guitar in right-handed fashion. That sure explains the amazing dexterity over the fretboard!
- The first time Danny played in front of an audience was in 1956 at the Cottage City Firehouse in Bladensburg, MD. He was 11.
- Danny's first band was The Lancers. He joined in 1957, playing the Gibson ES-350 his father bought him (see below).
- Danny graduated from Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, MD, class of 1963.
- Jack Casady occasionally played bass for Danny's high school bands, around 1962 and '63. Jack went on to be the bass player for Jefferson Airplane.
- Danny played bass and guitar in his rival Roy Buchanan's band in 1971.
DANNY ON DVDDC guitar legend Tom Principato has released the DVD "Blazing Telecasters", the double threat guitar band he and Danny fomred back in the 80's.For those of you familiar with the CD "Blazing Telecasters", this is the same band, but a different recording session.This DVD consists of several tracks and outtakes professionally filmed in a Maryland TV studio. There are two takes of the tune "How's Your Sister", which evenually evolved into "Fine" as recorded by Danny & Joey DeFrancesco on "Relentless." There's a shortcut labelled "Blazing Telecasters" in the Links section below where you can buy this DVD online. (2/27/03)
NEW ARCHIVESI have added archives for Danny's commercially released videos and for his sideman work. As you can imagine, tracking down his sideman work is tought stuff. If you have any information you would like to contribute, please contact me through the guestbook page. My thanks to Gatton fan Josh, who lit a fire under me to get this sideman archive up.
Albums released under Danny's own name.
- "American Music" * [NRG NCD-3422-2] This was Danny's first album under his own name. Originally released on Aladdin Records in 1975, his mother reissued it on CD in 1998 with 3 extra live tracks. Has Danny's first version of Harlem Nocturne featuring Hammond organist Dick Heintze.
- "Vintage Masters" [Hippo H8901] Released on cassette only, this was a partial reissue of the "American Music" album. Contained an alternate take of the song "American Music" (this version was previously released as the B-side of the "Harlem Nocturne" single) and an alternate take of "Move On Down the Line."
- Redneck Jazz* [NRG NCD-2916] The 1976 version of this album was orginally released on fire-engine red vinyl. This was probably the first example of the playing that would eventually be recognized as the "Gatton style." Guitars pumped through Leslie cabinets, pedal steel (some of which was played by Buddy Emmons) and vocals by Evan Johns and ex-Roy Buchanan singer Chuck Tilly made this a fun album. Norma re-released it on CD with two additional cuts from the Redneck Jazz Explosion (see below). This album contains a special song for me called "Sailin' On", which was the first song I heard after learning of Danny's unfortunate demise: "Sailin' on while I talk to your pictures/ All around I'm not by myself..." Danny's spirit still lingers in the words of this song, for me anyway.
- "Redneck Jazz Explosion" * [NRG NCD- ] This is probably my favorite album. Recorded live on New Yaer's Eve 1978 at DC's famous Cellar Door, this all instrumental quartet featured Buddy Emmons on pedal steel, Steve Wolf on electric bass, Scott Taylor on drums, and DG on Les Paul Custom and Magic Dingus Box. This is the definitive recording of how the Magic Dingus Box worked and Danny's complete mastery of it. Three songs also recorded that night appear on other disks: "Ode to Billy Joe" (on "Redneck Jazz" reissue), "Canadian Sunset" (on "Redneck Jazz" and "Hot Rod Guitar"), and "Deep Purple" (on "Untouchable"). If you are only famliar with his Telecaster feats, you need to investigate this fascinating side of Danny's talents. Can you say "taste"? Can you say "smooth"? If not, buy this disk!
- "The Humbler" * [NRG NCD-6842] Live recording with Robert Gordon & band. Some say this is the best ROCKABILLY record ever made. They'd be right. Imagine every great rockabilly player rolled into one guy who was having a very good night, and you would have an idea of Danny's Telecaster/Gibson ES-295 antics on this record. Amos Garrett (best known for his guitar work on "Midnight at the Oasis") used to carry a bootleg of this live gig around with his band while they toured. Whenever the band got a little too full of themselves, Amos would slap on this tape; the band would play real simple for the next few nights. After circulating as a bootleg for 15 years, Danny's mom Norma tracked down the original source tape, remixed, and released this fabulous night in Danny's career. Danny was frequently unsatisfied with the way Robert Gordon's producers made him play on Robert's records. After hearing this early 80's gig, you have to wonder what kind of idiots they must have been. Robert gave Danny plenty of rope this evening and he played it for all it was worth. Of course, 11 songs into it, the fire marshal shuts the gig down. Meanwhile, Danny pays homage to Scotty Moore, Carl Perkins, Paul Burlison, Les Paul, Cliff Gallup, Roland Janes, James Burton, and all the others. Somehow it comes out sounding like 100% pure Gatton. When you talk about rockabilly revival pioneers, remember that the Stray Cats didn't even have an American record deal at this time, and they certainly never played it as hot as this (sorry Setzer fans)! Dig Danny's version of the Robert Gordon/Pointer Sisters/Bruce Springsteen song "Fire" and the definitive pedal steel imitations on "There Stands the Glass"!
- "Blazing Telecasters" [Powerhouse P-108] Live gig in 1984 with Tom Principato on guitar. Tomcoaxed Danny out of one of his semi-retirement phases to put togeher this relaxed-sounding band. You could call this album "Two Guitars, Gatton-style", but then you might not give Tom his due. Tom more than holds his own in this frenzy. They tear through a bunch of tunes, including "Cherokee" (dig the competing, simultaneous solos that magically come together in the end), "Quiet Village" (I love John Previti's bass solo in this one), "Honey Hush", "Don't Think Ttwice, It's All Right" (you'll never hear the Peter, Paul & Mary cover of this Dylan tune the same way again!) and others. A lot of people ask me where the can get a copy - SEE THE LINKS SECTION! Tom's record company put it out, and they're still distributing it. This is a fun album!
- "Unfinished Business" * [NRG NCD-02479] This all-instrumental 1987 release was the beginning on Danny's breakthrough to success. Following its release, he appeared on the cover of Guitar Player magazine, which also included a free soundpage "Nit-Pickin." While "Nit-Pickin" did not appear on the original LP/cassette release of this album, Norma did include it in the CD re-release, together with an unreleased track "Georgia on My Mind." A variety of Danny's personalities are represented here, from the jazzy Les Paul-inspired versions of "Cherokee" and "Homage to Charlie Christian", to the Telecaster anthems "Sleepwalk" and "Melancholy Seranade," and the Spike Jones-style wackiness of "Fingers on Fire." Different shades of blues are also included, with the Tele/lap steel duet of "Lappin' It Up", the tribute to Bill Doggett, Billy Butler, and King Curtis on "Sky King," and the down 'n' dirty "Notcho Blues." Speaking of Bill Doggett, Danny must have been listening to a lot of his mid-50's B-3 combo, as whole Doggett/Butler choruses are quoted in both "Lappin' It Up" and "Sky King." The cover is pretty neat, too, depicting Danny's old garage, a bunch of classic cars parked outside, and some guys in the back jamming. As much as I like this album, I have to admit that I prefer the sequence and mastering of the LP over the CD; in comparison, the CD is not nearly as loud and clean as the LP (which is backwards from the norm). Nevertheless, this is a noteworthy and great album.
- "Untouchable" * [NRG NCD-1242-2] The album that never was. Danny recorded this album for NRG as a follow up to Unfinished Business. However, the Elektra deal came through, and the project was shelved. Norma mixed, mastered and released this CD in 1998. Contains a previously unreleased track from the Redneck Jazz Explosion ("Deep Purple"), a Gatton Band showcase number ("Gold Rush" - yes, the Bill Monroe song and a different version than that which appears on Hot Rod Guitar), trio version of "One for Lenny", 2 vocal numbers with Tommy Lespon and Billy Windsor. How many different tones can come out of a Telecaster? Check out "One More for the Road"!
- "88 Elmira Street" [Elektra 9-61032-2] Danny's first major label release. All instrumental, with a good blues-rock vibe. Not much country or jazz here. However, you do get "Funky Mama," "Blues Newburg," "Red Label," "In My Room," "Sliding Home," and a host of others. The rockabilly rave-up "Elmira Street Boogie" was nominated for a Grammy in 1991 for Best Rock Instrumental.
- "Cruisin' Deuces" [Elektra 9-61465-2] This CD is probably the best representation of Dann's eclectic nature. He covers all the bases here: salsa, rock, blues, honky tonk, rockabilly, Lenny Breau style folk jazz, and searing Telecaster anthems. Danny recut "Harlem Nocturne" alone in the studio with a click track as a gift to his mother. Later, the rest of the band was added in. This cemented the tune as Danny's signature song. A full transcription of Danny's searing licks was distributed all over the world Guitar Player magazine's July 1993 issue, saluting Masters of the Telecaster. Other notable tracks include a raveup version of the Bill Haley tune "13 Women" complete with a lap steel solo, "Puddin' & Pie" a jazz tune with rap drums that was also featured in Quentin Tarantin's film DestinyTurn On The Radio", a version of "Satisfied Mind" (Billy Windsor on vocals) so potent you can smell the beer on the barroom floor, a tribute to Elvis (Sun Medley) with Delbert McClinton on vocals, and many others. Amazing stuff. I learned of the release of this CD when I was strolling our local mall and, glancing in the window of the teeny-opper music store, I saw a full floor display with Danny's face, Tele and a 32 Ford Coupe looking back at me. Holy cats! I thought I was dreaming!
- "Relentless" [Big Mo 20232] Hammond B-3 fiesta! This 1994 release paired Danny, bassist John Previti, and drummer Tmm Biery with organist Joey DeFrancesco for a blistering blues-jazz instrumental release. Notable trancks include the shuffle "Fine", a deep blues exploration "The Pits", smooth stylings on "Big Mo', and a breakneck tempo on Thelonius Monk's "Well You Needn't." Gatton's Kenny Burrell influence really shows through, in both his playing and song choices. My local NPR jazz station (KCLU) plays this disk from time to time. Guess who keeps calling in to request it? It's OK, though, because the music director is a Danny Gatton fan, too! I believe this disk is still in print and available through Big Mo Records.
- "In Concert 9/9/94" *[Big Mo 2028] Recorded less than a month before he died, this disk captures the instrumental madness that was a Danny Gatton show. Tunes blend from one into the next, without so much as a breath. This was how Danny's mind worked, and his ability to segue so smoothly is unparalled. Danny jokingly commented to the audience, "Joey DeFrancesco wanted to come play with us, but I told him, "No, you're too good. Stay home.'" Backed only by drummer Timm Biery and constant right hand man bassist John Previti, Danny uses both Telecaster and custom doubleneck to sail through tunes like "Secret Love," "Caravan," "Walk Don't Run," "Sunnymoon for Two," and other Gatton classics. This disk is one of two sets that were recorded that night. Maybe set two will be released one day as well.
- "Portraits" * [Big Mo 2030] Yet another studio album "that never was." This set was produced by Ed Eastridge, who ran Big Mo studion, Danny's favorite recording studio. This set includes some unreleased versions of "The Chess Players", "Pretty Blue" and "Fine." These may be demos, or tracks rejected by Elektra. Danny even plays drums on some of them! Some nice rockabilly-type vocal numbers, and two live cuts from 1989 round out this set. Not a clunker on it, and I think it's still available from Big Mo.
- "Capitol Attack" [Renegade CD2010] Live rockabilly with Robert Gordon. If you liked "The Humbler," you'll like this. Limited edition.
- "Hot Rod Guitar: A Danny Gatton Anthology" [Rhino] A double disk set that touches Danny's recordings for NRG, Elektra, and Big Mo. All are great tunes, altough I mayhave made some different choices. The Redneck Jazz Explosion with Buddy Emmons is criminally under-represented with only one track (Canadian Sunset), while there are 3 tracks from "Relentless," 4 from "Cruisin' Deuces (but not Harlem Nocturne!), 4 from 88 Elmira Street, 1 from "In Concert 9/9/94," 1 from "Untouchable," 2 from "New York Stories," 1 from "The Humbler," 3 from "American Music", 2 studio tracks from "Redneck Jazz," 2 from "Unfinished Business," and 3 previously unissued demos. Among the unissued is an interesting version of Red Label with horns and an acoustic guitar solo from Danny, an alternate version of Gold Rush (different than the alternate version at dannygatton.com), and Buboy, a trumpetless demo version of Cruisin' Deuce. Nice 32 page booklet. Still in print.
- "Running Wild" [Renegade]: Catch the behind the scenes stories in Billy Poore's book "Rockabilly: A Forty Year Journey." This four CD Box set of Danny's 1980's rockabilly work, was released by Renegade Records on April 23, 2001. This set contains 83 tracks, including Danny's work with Johnny Seaton, Robert Gordon, Leslee "Bird" Anderson, Billy Poore, and others. Danny considered the title cut "Running Wild" to be his best studio work ever. With eleven tracks of guitars, it's easy to see why. None of these cuts have ever been released on a Danny Gatton album until now. If you dig Danny's rockabilly work, you need this set! Because the original studio masters were destroyed in a fire that also claimed Billy Poore's home, this CD is dubbed off second generation copies, so the fidelity is not pristine.