Danny Gatton on Nightwatch, 1989

[@stevearle]

The reason why Danny Gatton did not receive attention and dues he deserved is possibly because technology had developed production values and indeed parallel possibilities such as video so that the average consumer was now faced w/ many new options as to how to obtain and assess their entertainment and artistic choices. Most of these new options were not germane to the focus and sensibilities of many great artists and the simpler criteria that they in previous generations (lets say pre late 70's...certainly 80's) were judged, appreciated and rewarded by in the general audience.

[@billbates6887]

OK, thanks!

[@notvisible8200]

Alan - You are great! (his Bass player?) You make a great point, but it is even harder now. I think he would have made it if wasn't for Fair-fax County Police. I might be wrong, but didn't he die in that hell hole? Alan, you know the real deal. What the heck happened?

[@danharris3925]

In colloquial terms, Danny was way, way, way over the heads of 90+ % of the average music consumer. Most great artists of any medium only have been recognized after they died.

[@chikkipop]

stevearle Actually, the reason Danny did not get the acclaim was because his brilliant playing was rarely *in a context which was palatable to a wide audience.* Watch a set and you are not compelled to go back to it because you just have to hear that old, recycled rockabilly tune again; you want to hear Danny rip. There are a number of very fine players of all instruments who are well-known within their field, but who have not reached a wider audience for this reason.

[@chikkipop]

@EramSemperRecta Nah; there's lots of fine music out there. My point above stands. He had little commercial appeal because beyond his virtuosity on the guitar, the music itself was unoriginal and dated.

[@MrSlikvee]

Would have absolutely LOVED to see Danny play live. He is the most versatile and talented guitar player I have ever, ever seen..and I was a musician for 15 years. Awesome…gone too soon!

[@Fozzybear1]

Danny was a phenomenal player. I had the good fortune to see him twice. Both times he was extraordinary. Over the top. It is a shame more do not know about and can enjoy his music.

[@shakybeevessouls]

Best ever. Can't believe I've just discovered him, god bless Danny Gatton!

[@AlanKresse]

Movie in the works www.thehumblermovie.com/

[@ozbluesman]

As a longtime fan- since that Guitar Player edition , this is such a great interview. I see a truly humble man and just an inch of sadness. Was he the”best” ? His mastery of the guitar is undeniable. Perhaps it’s the music consumer? They want something palatable. For me , his brilliance is simply jaw dropping. His death at his own hand is so completely sad . And tragic . Seeing this video only confirms what a delicate line there is in life. RIP Danny. You were the best.

[@jason698]

Danny had more cool riffs and runs than anybody. So underated and so fantastic. Scary good.

[@pb12661]

back when guitarists were still respected.

[@tonyfondacaro1980]

JONATHON SEAGULL Back when "musicians" could play an instrument.

[@michaelaronson5014]

Those of you who appreciate the skill and the person portrayed here, take note - a documentary on the man is in post-production and will hopefully be released soon. It is going to be called "The Humbler", which was Danny's nickname based on any other guitarist's experience after getting up to jam with him. I'm not sure Danny's horrible, crippling depression did not also contribute to his lack of success. Creative genius seems to carry a hefty price tag for some.

[@jeffgarland6962]

I think his depression had everything to do with it. Amazing talent. Terrible loss.

[@rayonism]

The depression causing the lack of success is one way of looking at it, I might posit that the lack of success could have a lot to do with reinforcing and causing or at least worsening the depression. How heartbroken would you be if you knew you were this good but people didn't care? To have to struggle and scrape and then see someone famous with your name in their mouth, talking about how you're lightyears ahead... That seems crushing. It makes me weep for him and his family. Also they said this doc is finally coming out this year, 2022, I hope that's the case!

[@jdhaole7650]

@@rayonism I've never known a single person who wasn't a guitar player that gave one damn about Danny Gatton.

[@pbwbrian53]

@@jdhaole7650You may not know us, but we’re out here.

[@GuitarNerdDude]

Still waiting

[@VIBRATO1]

We saw Danny at the old Birchmere in Northern Va.where he just flat out rocked that place,and years later at Va. Beachs' "Jewish Mother"..One hell of a nice guy,who just happened to be a once in a lifetime,certified guitar legend...RIP.

[@MegadethMiller]

My mom worked at the Birchmere and saw Danny several times. She said the front row had famous musicians every time he played. Also said it was always a very loud show I believe

[@EKdlwoasred]

Did we?

[@KBK286]

So much missed he was a genious ...thanks for remind us how much he was awsome!

[@guitarman6742]

Nice post. I suggest a dictionary next time.

[@chikkipop]

@@guitarman6742 Unfriendly & unnecessary post. I suggest a guide to etiquette next time, and the consideration that others may not have English as their first language.

[@claytongillaspy8796]

This is some great guitar playing here! Danny had amazing tone control riffs chords string bending slide you name it Danny could do it and do it better than anybody on the planet then and now Joe bonamassa doesn't even come close still although he is very good Danny was in a league all by himself! He was a true genius guitarist that left far too soon

[@jason698]

RIP Meastro. You and your music will always be alive in our hearts and our ears.

[@Stevegoodine]

Learned a lot from Danny's DVDS great player and teacher

[@ellokittymew]

A great talent! Sometimes, if a gifted person is taken out of their comfort zone, the results can be tragic. The artist might want to simply play for the joy of doing so on a smaller scale vs. what the record contract forces you into. The music industry is brutal and there are so many talented musicians out there who never get noticed, or the record labels just don't know what to do with them. Even Steve Morse became a commercial airline pilot in the 80s for a while to make a living and this was after releasing multiple albums with the Dixie Dregs (nominated for 5 Grammy Awards), the SMB and a crazy touring schedule. With the advent of the internet, the industry has changed and it offers a platform for more people to get noticed. With downloadable music (burning vs. buying), record companies no longer have the same amount of control that they had in the past. Andy West once said that signing a contract with a record label in those days basically made you an "indentured servant", with the company owning you and your music.

[@tamiludwick3269]

Thank you Danny Gatton for teaching Joe Bonamassa guitar. You must be so proud of him from where you sit.

[@mariussauer892]

super humble Interviewer.. It gets deep on a really respectfull way.. the Interview gets really Interessted in the whole thing :P

[@MrJackal43]

Marius Sauer his nick name to local guitarists was the “Humbler” a true head cutter... no one stood a chance.

[@chaosmusician]

Thanks for sharing this. 88 Elmira was a tape that introduced me to Danny's amazing playing. I had a chance to see him live on one of the outdoor smaller stages at the Montreal Jazz Festival and he just blew away the audience. So many people had not heard of his talent. Two records in and he was gone. Tragic. R.I.P Danny Gatton. "New York Stories" is a great jazz recording he is all over, too!

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Absolutely unbelievable! What a talent, the Master of the Telecaster.

[@darthpinkie2667]

Wow, this is great. Danny really opens up here...a bit. Thanks so much for publishing this.

[@garyeasy7436]

If you do not have it, find a copy of Danny Gatton's "Cruising Deuces". Probably still available on CD. One of my all-time favorites. Danny Gatton, R.I.P. 10/4/94, never forgotten.

[@thrummer1953]

Check Amazon.

[@etkbruze5526]

The best guitarist i have ever seen

[@thaisnowman1]

He was too rock for jazz, and too jazz for county, and too country for rock. Record companies didn’t know what to do with him…

[@blkjckgtr3075]

Thanks for the post truly one of the best guitarist ever! I guess he wanted to jam with Roy or Rory !! not many great guitarist anymore!rock on !!

[@kimwelstead8994]

I would like to think that Stevie And Jimmy are also in that jam.

[@danielbergman703]

Great interview and guitar demo! Thanks for posting!

[@Quazi-Moto]

Damn! Never heard of him. Unreal, that. And I dig his humility.

[@votephillips2564]

He was nicknamed the "Humbler". ..and was Joe Bonamassa's teacher. Les Paul loved him said he was amazing. He's got several tutorials around and they are interesting and good.

[@Quazi-Moto]

@@votephillips2564 Humbler. I can see why. Thanks for the info, man!

[@grimoire7851]

sow it in dream and cheked out

[@joaquinvargas3915]

The best ever. A total master at any style.

[@bigg4454]

It was an honor to get "humbled" by "The Humbler" back in 1986 at the Gentry in DC. Got some good advice and tips out of it.

[@groverw7507]

grew up in NOVA, older brother and Danny were friends, my bro, a great guitarist himself, used to to drive over to the Maryland farm for lessons, after meeting him in DC. Danny is a class unto himself.

[@notvisible8200]

Groverw - who's the bassist? Still alive? I live in NOVA Too.

[@sammccue500]

One-of-a-kind, to be sure, he touched on a lot of bases.

[@mauropoli2657]

Big Mac Bass player is John Previti

[@frozendivots1564]

If I remember correctly Charlie saw Danny at a bar and was obviously impressed enough to bring him on his show. Kudos for that.

[@digitalsketchguy]

So sad he never had truly commercial success as his talent deserved before he took his life. The greatest musicians are so humble & self effacing, like this man. RIP Danny G.

[@SplitRockGuitars]

So sad he's gone. What an amazing musician!

[@RzAk-ut1hb]

He's is definitely missed. Thank the Lord I was able to see him in my early 20s. Still have a shirt he signed for me from Milwaukee summerfest.

[@brewswillis9783]

I got to see him about 6 months before he died, it was one hell of a show!

[@vox1003]

We miss you Danny R.I.P.

[@tonystamkoski5226]

What a genius... he wasn’t quick he just makes the impossible look easy.. we ll never hear or see anyone like him ever again.. one out of the hat guitar master.

[@joebwannabe]

Crazy how talented he was but he was also so humble. You could tell he was uncomfortable with some of the questions about his virtuosity. Once in a generation type player. We miss you Danny.

[@daw162]

Some people strip the finish off of their fretboard. Danny just wore his off instead.

[@rachelgrenadier3021]

He could do a mother-of-pearl inlay that was a thing of beauty.

[@joelharrisongtr]

This is some of the greatest Gatton playing I've seen- wonderful! As for why Danny was not better known, it's incredibly complex IMO. 1) He could not be pigeon-holed to style. 2) He was his own worst enemy in business 3) He was not willing to BS his way into situations that may have elevated his status. 4) The music business is fucked and grinds you into tiny pieces, esp. if you're this good. Weirdly, he's more famous now because of youtube, but not so much with younger folks I think

[@guitarman6742]

"Younger folks"...don't know jack.

[@legatrix]

See also Allan Holdsworth.

[@markkombol6593]

Joel Harrison j

[@sammccue500]

“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side.” Hunter S. Thompson

[@georgecallahan6531]

I think you're right about the fact that not very many young people know or appreciate this amazing guitar player would love to know more about his life there's not very much information that I have found I take it his depression is what led to his suicide

[@ltfunko]

Man, this is one of the best posts in a while. Thank you SO MUCH!

[@nemanjapetrovic6110]

Such a treasure video. But, i am also saddened a bit seeing him here, with his emotions all out and then knowing how tragically it ended. Such was his playing, all out for everyone to see with nothing to hide. Only discovered him in recent years myself. Such personalities have a hard time coping with the business side of music and are not very tolerant of some of things that surround it and therein also lies one of the reasons he never really reached widely known stardom. tx for upload.

[@themanfromutopia1]

Thanks for the post, brilliant...I really enjoyed it.

[@shable1436]

Go watch the video of Danny and Arlen Roth jamming together, and making an album, talk about string bending craziness

[@joemarshall4226]

There are so many brilliant musicians , actors, comedians, songwriters, etc...who never get to the "bigtime" because it just didn't come their way...they didn't understand the business, they didn't want to move, they had other interests, their spouse wasn't into it, etc etc etc but this man is one heck of a guitarist...

[@earlhaywood4372]

Well said Sir , millions and millions of them. God has given all gifts way beyond the understanding of the human mind . Praise his Holy Name .

[@mitchgawlik1175]

I wish Danny had left us with more blues recordings, he could certainly play the blues. We are just hammered with Danny's "pants on fire" country playing. He's showing relative restraint here on "Secret Love" and that's welcomed, at least by me.

[@rachelgrenadier3021]

As great as Danny was, he left the blues playing to another D.C. legend, Bobby Radcliffe. On our first date, Bobby took me to see Danny playing with Dick Heintze and Liz Meyer. Was great music!

[@mitchgawlik1175]

@@rachelgrenadier3021 Thanks for your comment. I appreciate your mention of Bobby Radcliffe. It's an irritation that I've never had the chance to see and hear Bobby perform in person but I've enjoyed his unique style of playing and singing through his recordings.

[@JaimeMCEWEN]

Check out relentless with joey defrancesco. Lots of blues/jazz on that one

[@JPFP1958]

The Greatest Underrated.

[@mr.wizard2974]

I saw Danny tune his guitar like a banjo and played it like a banjo and it sounded just like a banjo...also Danny played the fiddle.

[@jimfitzgerald6510]

1st album I bought of his was 88 Elmira. Listened to it for hours.

[@gunzrloaded]

I wish he was still here today shredding on that Telecaster ..!!

[@mr.wizard2974]

Gunz Danny could do a lot more than just shred on a guitar.

[@jeanfrancoisethier7608]

The last piece is the jazz standard Secret love and I believe it was in honour of his late friend Lenny Breau. They would play that song together.

[@rvm8315]

what is the name of the song in the opening before the interview? I just love it

[@knowmusicman157]

I guess we can forgive Charlie Rose now since he featured The Telemaster, Danny Gatton.

[@russellzauner]

He was probably tipped off. I'm not getting that he was a cryin blues sorta fella...maybe more a cryin gal sorta guy. Evil walks among us. A right thing for a wrong person is still net suck.

[@russellzauner]

Also then he would have had on Buster B Jones too. He hid that shit for decades, he's got a great game face or two. Hard to say what CR actually was like on any count; when revelations as such are made it destabilizes any reputation or even basic fact/behaviors you thought you knew...thought you knew them well. How many people have been fooled and because internet we now know the cut of the jib of some of the skeletons; I don't want to see any more.

[@ramonmoreno8014]

I never had a problem with him to begin with

[@knowmusicman157]

@@ramonmoreno8014 none of us did but he got canceled by the cancel culture for doing the tv broads

[@BillRayDrums]

There'll never be another Danny Gatton. He was there and then boom, they broke the mold.

[@theeaskey]

Danny you were amazing , I hope your soul is finally free and in a happy place..simply amazing.

[@michaeladrian2210]

His roommate was Roy Buchanan for a time. Funny how Roy's influence is hardly mentioned. I sure wish Roy and Danny got together and composed massive tracks together...to confound n teach future players

[@knowmusicman157]

Danny had a falling out with Roy over a misunderstanding

[@rachelgrenadier3021]

@@knowmusicman157 A gross understatement.

[@knowmusicman157]

@@rachelgrenadier3021 ok so explain instead of criticize or put a clamp on it

[@MUFFINHEAD1985]

@@rachelgrenadier3021 what happened dude?

[@beachcomber4141]

"This little rascal can....." Do ANYTHING!!!!! LOL!! Just amazing.

[@claytongillaspy8847]

Here’s a great matchup Danny gatton and Wes Montgomery together! Also Danny and Scotty Anderson would be incredible together both have similar styles

[@aab9828]

Tele found its soulmate Danny! Rest in peace Master.

[@dr.know-it-all5148]

1953 Fender Telecaster, original handwound Joe Barden pickups.

[@w302nv7]

Thank you, Alan.

[@cattleprods911]

Wow, thanks for the upload. Django Reinhardt, Johnny Smith, Roy Buchanan, Jimmy Bryant, Wes Montgomery...Danny could hang with and even outflank. Simply the best, most far-reaching, mind-blowing and diverse guitar player ever, the Charlie Parker of guitar.

[@AntonioValotoJunior]

totally agree

[@letsif]

But the guitarist Danny and many other professional guitarists most admired was the now also deceased at a young age, Lenny Breau.

[@Crussman499]

Could add Shawn Lane to that list. Two greats gone far too young.

[@Ayo.Ajisafe]

Ok Danny was talented and a Virtuoso. But do you know how many Django Reinhardt, Montgomery and Parker composed tunes are standards? For him to be the Charlie Parker of the guitar he would have to be THE reference for great guitar playing. And we would be learning his tunes. Give the man his due yes. Say he's your favourite but please do NOT say outflank and mention Django and Wes. Or say the Charlie Parker of the guitar. Its either you don't know who these players are or you simply forgot to qualify your statements. These players did not have the versatility Danny did...no. but in what they did....they left legacies that are impossible to outflank. Hundreds of class recordings with the BEST musicians of their day. And their compositions. So in no way mean to diminish this mans remarkable talent but i think you should do him the favour and let his talent stand by itself instead of forcing him into shoes his legacy cannot fill.

[@richardv.582]

This guy stood alone...

[@guitarman6742]

Well said.

[@Southernguitar74]

Yes, he sure did.

[@michaeladrian2210]

Can't say he stood alone....he also stood at a stage to tape record n learn from Roy Buchanan. Their lives often crossed..roommates, like same music n Gatton even owned Roy's Fender Telecaster after Roy's suicide.

[@mononoaware1960]

Absolutely but Lenny Breau too, check him out if you haven’t. I discovered him through Danny, was a major influence on him. Similar techniques and unparalleled talent. Jazz, country, and Lenny had an extra flare with the classical influences. Both gone way too soon, what a shame.

[@paulbuxton1326]

Danny was the best.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

Joe Barden created Danny's pickups so if you want phenomenal pups; whether for Teles, Strats of Jazzmasters, they are excellent and especially, affordable.

[@Wolferal]

A true guitarists' guitarist.

[@danieltul5032]

my brother spent many an afternoon with danny at his farm, they both passed too soon

[@richardv.582]

Two best all round guitarists in the last 50 yes are ..Brent Mason....and Danny Gatton.

[@guitarman6742]

yes.

[@grahamt33]

Brent who ?

[@sammccue500]

You left out Johnny Hiland. kzbin.info/www/bejne/onW4iHmHpaxsedE

[@dickey7319]

Scotty Anderson & Tommy Emmanuel

[@paulm74]

Fantastic.

[@frukwon420]

rest in piece great upload!

[@Ayo.Ajisafe]

Just discovering this genius from researching telecasters. Seemed such a humble lovely guy.

[@zelejazz]

Maestro and a humble human being he was... rest in peace Danny.

[@swordfish52]

Thanks Alan !!

[@luckylicks3497]

Great post!!

[@jimcharles651]

Guitar Player Magazine was a magazine that I DID read regularly

[@rickmueller7082]

Liz Meyers Band on Banjo and lead guitar Monster may they both RIP

[@wesworach7441]

Most unique phrasing from Mr Gatton indeed !!!

[@lemonnlimelight2760]

One of the saddest interviews. Gut wrenching what transpired

[@Crussman499]

Jazz chops out of this world.

[@rowdyhoo]

Dang...what kind of mind allows himself to see the fret board as he does so easily and inclusive?

[@MarkInLA]

In the final duo I did have trouble understanding the harmonic progression going on, or recognizing what piece/s he was playing...Unless it's just me, maybe he was shy in that aspect of music..I did enjoy it though. He is very gifted, otherwise....I'm a retired bassist and I did like this bass man alot !! Interesting fingerboard ,too ...

[@paulreese3071]

@Mark Harris The tune is Secret Love but I’m not sure of the composer. Cudo’s to you for recognizing the connection between Danny and John. To my knowledge, John was the longest standing member of The Humbler’s musical circle. I grew up in Maryland and had the good fortune of watching them up close. Nice and humble human beings! :-)

[@TruthSurge]

4:59 jesus, man, not even a wow, or great job just a dead, unrealization of what he just witnessed. just wow.

[@jimmycrabtree-tb6jc]

Totally awesome!!

[@jamesnorwood4084]

Key to Danny, he was a banjo player as well. Right hand pick and 3 active fingers on the strings. Takes some doing and a lot of practice to wrap one's mind around that technique. Most throw it down as too difficult. Spanish finger pick style ain't easy, but if mastered makes for an impressive show guitar.

[@fendermcmarshall]

He definitely knew that kneck like nobody's business. He played from deep within and he expressed his musical sensibilities from a very non conventional personal place within

[@IO279K4RMN]

Holllly shitt. that's a really fluid one, very impressive guitar playing.

[@droliver]

While he’s certainly revered by guitarists, the major impediment for his relative obscurity was that he played a style (rockabilly and jazz) that wasn’t particularly popular commercially. Sometimes overly technical playing like he would do live, is just not very easy to listen to

[@tommyborgstrom5580]

So great🎸🎸🎸

[@bon9764era]

the best forever

[@mickd.4081]

Fame isn't for everyone. RIP Danny.

[@irvinkelso8189]

That song Is Once I Had A Secret Love. Doris day sang it real well.

[@mr.wizard2974]

He plays a lot like Vince Gill!

[@sammccue500]

I believe Vince would tell you he listened to Danny. Check this out: Vince Gill - Danny Gatton - Albert Lee kzbin.info/www/bejne/apergHucn6uMeK8

[@magooinlalouisian]

You- mean Vince Gill plays a lot like Danny don't ya?.

[@guitarz99]

gatton...the telecaster master of all time

[@mma1st105]

This is awesome

[@dannyc.jewell8788]

I had an Antique shop in Luray Va. in the 80's and I sold a high back oak bed to his wife, she was from the area,she said here husband was in the music business,he came in to help load it,kinda ancy,gota go gotta go,had never heard of the fellow before , but I remember him,he was wearing a brown jacket,had extra weight on him. latter I found out more about him, funny how you remember some things,

[@gavriloprincip11]

The "thumbs down" are from people like me that just want to smash our guitars on concrete and stick k are are hands in boiling oil after seeing him play , cause there's no point anymore

[@j.d.leslie8458]

Not true at all.

[@gavriloprincip11]

@@j.d.leslie8458 your either an Idiot , didn't get the joke or are deluded into think you could possibly ever play as well as him

[@j.d.leslie8458]

@@gavriloprincip11 kzbin.info/www/bejne/joOon6mAh9CcnJI

[@gavriloprincip11]

@@j.d.leslie8458 was this your pathetic attempt to "dox" me or are you subscribing to my non- channel ? Don't forget to hit like and show your support on patreon !! You Slack jawed yokel

[@claytongillaspy8847]

Another great Danny matchup would be the incredible Rory Gallagher two titans of the guitar both vastly underrated

[@irishguy13]

I met Rory, and would love to have met Danny.

[@MUFFINHEAD1985]

just saw in a comment above that they apparently briefly room mates but fell out over a misunderstanding.

[@mr.wizard2974]

Here's a little tidbit I bet a lot of you didn't know.....Danny did not read music!

[@sammccue500]

"Natural ability without education has more often raised a man to glory and virtue than education without natural ability." Marcus Tullius Cicero

[@MrDoctorCosmo]

@@sammccue500 Yes. "It's that mediocre education that'll rot your mind." --Frank Zappa

[@dickey7319]

Neither do most great players.

[@chalandemago]

Thats the american spirit? Beatiful Maravilloso!!!

[@erictred4529]

Miss you Danny!

[@artprince9163]

tragically Danny and Roy Buchanan died early and somewhat tragically.

[@lamper2]

he admired danny weis who's still playing and danny g did weis's "apricot brandy"

[@davidhayes7596]

Totally original technique. Jazzabily ! That's not covering it. Not even halfway. Genius

[@wesmanshaw]

I've known about Danny for a long time, but Jesus, that bass man is absolutely kickass too. I don't guess I noticed him as much before as I should have.

[@paulreese3071]

wesman shaw absolutely! John Previti is a monster player. He was with Danny for years!