Allan Holdsworth - Earth (2016)

Tribute to the Maestro.
I couldn't find this anywhere else online so I though I'd upload it for all the Holdsworth fans out there that may have never heard it before.
Back in 2016, their was a kickstarter-esque campaign on a now defunct website called pledgemusic, where Allan was scheduled to be releasing original tunes as well as unreleased & remastered songs. The album was to be titled "Tales from the Vault". I'll spare you the details, but needless to say it was a bit underwhelming.
This is the only new unreleased song on the album and was written by the amazing drummer Virgil Donati. To the best of my knowledge it's the latest and last recording of Allan playing guitar. After some searching i'm pretty sure it's Jimmy Johnson on Bass.
I don't own any of this. Just sharing for all the fans of Allan Holdsworth. RIP Allan.

[@Desafino]

I discovered Allan on a french TV program "Pop 2" back in 1974, he was playing with some Soft Machine cats ... I looked sadly at my Firebird and from then on he's been my man, the great composer & astounding player, his music 's gonna live for a very long time. Allan you're still here. Thanks a lot.

[@nasticanasta]

I saw Allan over 20 times from 84 till a year before his passing, I talked to him every single time, even had dinner with him and the band several times. many beers and laughs, a humble giant of music. Truly missed

[@FusionHowie]

My guitar player and I also had a beer in Detroit around the same time. I was so scared to talk with him at first, he was so damn nice! I also met Jaco the same year with Weather report, my only two hero encounters in my almost 60 years ! Peace from Detroit MI.

[@leorugerio925]

You have lived my dream

[@alexanderallegra432]

Greatest to ever do it…

[@robinpearce6961]

I saw allan 6 times first with nucleus in 1979. I was too shy to speak to him apart from briefly.

[@Gregorypeckory]

Every Allan concert was a peak moment!

[@jamesneyt701]

What can I say, I spoke with Allan after an amazing gig at the Jazz Cafe in Camden.I tried to buy a cd ,they had sold out but there was a few copies of Forty Reasons,so I bought another copy and had a chat with Allan. Words don't explain.

[@virgilrw]

I saw Allan with “Tony Williams and Lifetime” at the Childe Harold in Washington DC in the mid 70’s and they were sensational! All I heard before that was Tony Williams found this unbelievable guitar player that used to play with, “Soft Machine”. The rest is history! Everybody wanted to hear Allan what an exciting time in music! REST IN PEACE ALLAN!

[@MrDaveaccord]

Yes Jimmy Johnson on the bass. Part of a pledge campaign for a new record but it never happened. They recorded three or four new songs then Allan suddenly passed away. Allan the greatest ever, a pioneer, innovator, and visionary on the electric guitar. A hundred years from now new musicians will be listening to his music in awe. RIP Maestro.

[@edwardmclaughlin7935]

There should be some recognition of this man's achievement and standing. His home town has nothing by way of tribute. I hope this can be changed.

[@johnferry7778]

Hear hear!

[@peterkawiecki9342]

I had the pleasure of hanging out in a pub just before his show at Infinity Music Hall in Norfork Connecticut. He was so down to earth and genuine. Im a drummer and asked him how he liked paying with Virgil and told him i had recently seen him do a drum clinic. Allan just smiled and said Virgil is on another level and he was blessed to be touring together. The show blew my mind. What a treasure. I miss him dearly.

[@johnbonani7188]

I was fortunate enough to see them play this live. I remember being freaked out at what Virgil was playing.

[@alexanderallegra432]

Harmony is far beyond anything I’ll ever understand. Rhythm is absolutely bonkers too. Inspiring beyond doubt.

[@threeleggedman]

Holdsworth's music is a comfort drug.

[@d.l.jardine-dl3jg]

can you imagine how fucked up 2024 is if this is comfort music?

[@threeleggedman]

@@d.l.jardine-dl3jg I can imagine a lot of things, but your post makes no sense.

[@1bionic1]

I've listened to this probably over 100 times: LOVE IT! THANKS FOR SHARING.

[@enejka]

Tengo la sensación que Allan se marcho feliz , construyo , creo , dejo las huellas de sus 10 dedos en el camino musical , he pensado tantas veces que Hendrix me había volado la cabeza como nadie , y en este avance en el tiempo aparece este genio , que en segundos crea una nueva forma de ver el sonido de la guitarra como algo filarmónico , coral y que el mismo acompaña y azota con sus solos increíbles que desembocan en armonías dulces y potentes que quedan grabadas en nuestras memorias musicales .....que grandioso fue Allan , supremo musico que nos dejo tarea ..para seguirlo ..para ver de otra forma ....para adorar su música también ...Gracias por estar aquí Allan Holdsworth .

[@LarryJazzLouis]

Thanks a lot 4 Share, the world need this music…..to rise up the SOUL

[@jamesgerbino9939]

Only saw him once touring with Ronnie Montrose opening at The Palace in Hollywood. What an immense loss.

[@matthewskeaping6766]

Thanks - I pledged and never received, so nice to get something to listen to.

[@PlnJn]

Such a great song by Virgil! We saw him & Allan in Phoenix in 2014...It's so fitting to see Allan playing a minimalist body guitar with no head with such incredible magnificent beauty. It's almost like the guitar didn't nave to be there to expose his fantastic talent!

[@tg4878]

He was a gift from the music gods to us mere mortals!

[@monacoGTR]

Such an amazing musician and decent human being.

[@MrThomas1958]

...many thanks for that fantastic stuff, Allan. Where ever you are now.

[@Drumulater1]

Super Virgil. Great song. so techy but luxurious. Thanks for you and Allan Holdsworth.

[@juanpablotorresmuniz5123]

Master (Virgil) and Master Genius (Allan)... Amazing...

[@YuTuboTuTubas]

Allan, one of the greatest ever. And his band just another level. The source where great musicians get lessons and inspiration.

[@spookybaba]

The tormented soul. Rest, Mr. Holdsworth. Finally escaped the unmerry-go-round.

[@sseltrek1a2b]

don't know for sure, but i imagine a very lonely life because of having a very unique perspective/approach musically, as well as not receiving the recognition he definitely earned...(even though he's deeply respected by other musicians)...

[@carlcook9094]

This man changed my world

[@LarryJazzLouis]

Too for eveyone Allan's fan

[@lex.cordis]

Same.

[@hazardeur]

i immediately knew it's virgil after 5 seconds. clues? the bassdrum dynamics and the ridiculous hi hat placing vs the beat or vice versa. he's one in a million

[@mammontustado9680]

Is it crazy that I can also hear his traditional grip, that's how I knew it's Virgil

[@bigstam1234567890]

If he's one in a million there's approx 7000 of him roaming around, I don't think that is the case

[@hazardeur]

@@bigstam1234567890 It's not meant literal. But anyway, I defintely think we have 7000 people on this planet with this level of talent. Of course they don't all choose drums as their profession and some of them might not even realize their potential or maybe can't.

[@hazardeur]

@@mammontustado9680 that's crazy indeed

[@bavingeter423]

His drums have a distinct sound, just the way they’re tuned, mixed, and played

[@PeterJimenezSEO]

Thank you so much for this musical jewel. I'm speechless and tripping. RIP 🙏🏼 AH

[@robertmcdougall3166]

Thank you so very very much for posting this, it displays Alan’s virtuosity on guitar to perfection - an absolute classic. Virgil and jimmy provide that driving force and platform for Alan’s guitar. This is not the version of Earth I heard some time ago and I think this is much better. You have made my day.

[@alessandrotozzi5496]

Tutto quello che toccava Allan era unico.straordinario. brano musicale. Che suono incredibile. Mai più uno come lui.

[@hwabag7]

Would've been awesome to hear this album finished, it's a really cool sound coming off of this

[@RedRose4711]

Absolutely amazing!

[@markteasdale9283]

Saw him Orlando with Chad on Drums... He signed the Fosters Lager beer bottle for me... There will never be another one like him

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

Wow some of the best playing I've heard from Allan

[@heerodevries944]

The force is strong in this piece!!

[@Drumulater1]

Thanks so much for the playing and posting here..

[@emptycloud2774]

This is absolutely incredible.

[@vinceleonberger5362]

Awesomeness ... BIG THANK YOU for posting this. Love that Virgi Donati is on this. Very cool. RIP Allan.

[@karilamervo5343]

Thanks a million for this.

[@sergiomachado2332]

Thanks for sharing this Nick! This song is amazing!

[@frankmonk9122]

recien lo manda la IA..... GRACIAS ALLAN ...FLOTANDO EN EL UNIVERSO CON TU MUSICA!!!

[@seanscott2063]

Saw him live in Cambridge....made my har stand on end. His advice to me as a guitarist was; "play your optimum".

[@jamesmick8653]

Thank you for posting.

[@Netlife-001]

Superb photos, and pacing of. 👍

[@lukather78]

Wow, thanks for sharing! Sooo beautiful...

[@juliahenrik]

One of the most beautiful solos💚

[@roopemakela2984]

Nice to get to hear this, thanks!

[@abirdynumnum9612]

What a beautiful track. Played with such virtuosity and precision by Virgil, Jimmy, and Allan. Not sure if there is a keyboardist in the mix (Steve Hunt?) or just Allan's guitar playing (synth-axe)?

[@orenjisoul8578]

Incredible! I never thought we'd get to hear this! S H E E S H

[@arturomontilla5073]

¡Gracias! 😎¡Birthday present!

[@chasebairdmusic]

So awesome. Wish the full album was available somewhere

[@someonespecial1329]

5:06 absolutely beautiful phrasing

[@196620410]

grand monsieur et titre excellent.

[@barrygreenstein8383]

I remember him from the debut album by a band called UK with John Wetton on bass and vocals, Eddie Jobson on keys and Bill Bruford on drums. He left after that album and the band released their second album "Danger Money" without a guitarist. I believe that Terry Bozzio played drums on that album.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

Yes, it was a good album too although nothing beats that first one, which is my all-time favorite album.

[@watermaj]

@@porflepopnecker4376 Got to see UK twice with Holdsworth/Bruford, what a great band. Unfortunately, the only times I heard Allan play live.

[@FernandoMLamas]

Beautiful!!!!

[@reinerlaaber7875]

So Great !

[@ziegunerweiser]

I heard about the track earth and the online pledge thing I think in 2016 and just assumed it would eventually be released on cd but im pretty sure it never did. Six years or so later I finally get to hear it. After allan passed I uploaded some bootlegs of allan and also a double live recording of virgil with tribal tech but the tribal tech seems to have gotten blocked or removed I dont know how, makes me sad.

[@JazzRockFusionSynthesizerMusic]

Scott Henderson is known for zapping videos with him in them. I had to remove mine that featured Henderson with Donati from Just Add Water.

[@ziegunerweiser]

thanks for telling me that I wondered why, I plan to put it up again in a few days and let everyone know to download it right away because it probably won't be up for very long, I will reply to this message when I do

[@FusionHowie]

Holy Crap! I love all the drummers that played with Allan but Virgil.... Please check out Icefish Vigil played on , it will amaze you! Thanks for posting this, peace from Detroit MI

[@frankfertier34]

Donati is so precise and clear that it immediately catches the ear. I am a drummer myself, and Donati is real ear candy, to the detriment of Holdsworth. sad but true.

[@FusionHowie]

@@frankfertier34 I think of it as a Jean Luc Ponty type temporary musical partner, as if he was able to play with Tony Williams again...I think:) This collaboration will be noticed for many years! Peace from Detroit MI.

[@davidespini1557]

Stil now forward.i Met him After show,i knew that he was fans of sport bike,so i grave to him a new jersey bike.he was very Happy,but told me..i'm a bit unfit with a big smile🚴

[@riqui53]

Virgil Donatti intimidante!!!

[@EelcovanZanten]

Jimmy Johnson on bass

[@fusionhar]

TRUE BROTHERS, PLEDGED

[@aidenrose9736]

Soooooo goood

[@doctorpatient519]

let me preface this comment by stating that I've been a Holdsworth afficionado since 19-seventy-something when I saw -- and was amazed by -- him with the Tony Williams Lifetime -- but this Donati composition, to borrow a phrase from the poster's opening description, is " a bit underwhelming." ... sure, everyone's playing the hell out of their instruments, but I find the piece harmonically disjointed with gratuitous, jarring chord changes that nonetheless Allan handles with his usual aplomb, perhaps he was just doing his (predictably over-playing) drummer a favor ... I will give it another listen, for sure

[@99beatmonster]

Allan wanted the drummers in his band to play in an active way....but you apparently know better !! People accused other drummers in Allans band of over-playing ...so you are not the only person arrogant enough to dismiss the quality of the work of these brilliant drummers. You do this even when someone who you claim to admire and respect, has personally chosen those musicians for their style and expression within his music. Get off your high horse and stop bashing drummers who Allan clearly loved working with.

[@doctorpatient519]

@@99beatmonster "but you apparently know better !" -- not so, I just feel differently, as you do with my observation, both of which are valid - again, my feeling about this work is just that I feel Donati's substantial talent (and does that sound like bashing?) sometimes obscures Allan's brilliance, and if you will allow some introspection, your well said comments could be interpreted as coming from your own "high horse" - that being said, thanks for your civilized discourse

[@doctorpatient519]

@@99beatmonster [follow-up] thanks for bringing up the point about Allan wanting his drummers to play "in an active way" as that highlights one of the many things I/we loved about him, as he didn't want the spotlight, and "active" drummers might draw attention from him, accomplishing that goal, but perhaps forgetting that his many admirers felt privileged --as I did -- for the opportunity to see him perform

[@vintagemxer9165]

What a rhythm Virgil! My God! BUT, it doesn't sound like an AH piece. It sounds like a VD piece. A bit much for me and I'm a drummer. I didn't really care for it that much. I felt it had potential at the beginning then became over-indulgent by VD.

[@Kris_jellybeard]

virgil wrote it

[@enoughcorruption5975]

What happened to him and what is his best live footage available on u tube??? Thanks!!!

[@rmcfee]

Jezus what a killer bass solo.

[@sergiomachado2332]

Allan will remain...per omnia saecula saeculorum

[@claymationwaves]

4:05 thrilling picture

[@pobinr]

One of a tiny handful of true originals in music. Almost everyone else pretty much just copies everyone else with only a tiny accent of themselves... if you're lucky

[@irena7777777]

Sounds a bit like Alien Hip Hop

[@dahlavibez5726]

Man it's like all the maxed out drummers came to Allan or Allan only looked for drummers with level 100 Rhythm 😅 so much playing on the E and a

[@Carehuea]

Why hasn't it been released yet...? Who's that on bass by the way...? Fantastic bass solo...

[@Simon-xi8tb]

This has Beef Cheeroke vibe

[@liverpoolhw]

The bass driving it ......

[@Babassecretchannel]

We don't make mistakes in music, nor in life.

[@reah7213]

Man I love Holdsworth, and I love Donati, but I would rather hear Novak or Whacker- Man on the kit, sorry

[@spookybaba]

Vinnie didn't play with him enough. 😕

[@carloscappellini1687]

Absolutely agree. Pretentious unnecesary drumming that ruins the Allan feel. Chad, Vinnie, Gary. Yes

[@reah7213]

@@spookybaba Vinnie did play on the album secrets I'm pretty sure he's playing on spokes at least

[@spookybaba]

@@reah7213 Sure, Allan played on all but one track on Secrets. Also one on Wardencliffe Tower - Against the Clock. Still not enough 😉

[@hazardeur]

@@carloscappellini1687 you must be out of your mind so I can't even be mad at you. Nobody could have layed down a groove like this but Virg. Allan could pick and choose and he choose Donati for a reason so I think I will trust him and not some random schmock on youtube

[@liverpoolhw]

6'50

[@neaituppi7306]

Tales from the Vault was not "underwhelming"

[@Egor-xb7ii]

Невероятно!

[@DRUmBEaTTS]

I saw Allan for the third and final time in Orlando about a year before his passing. Virgil was on drums and Jimmy Haslip was on bass. I got to talk to Allan after the show and finally got to tell him how much I loved his music over the years. He seems genuinely thankful as he reached out and gave me a firm handshake after our conversation and said “thank you.” I cried when I heard the news of his passing.

[@hathaway.1166]

Why did he had to go? Fucking hell

[@mrnelsonius5631]

As a professional musician, I can’t fathom the commitment Allan had to making the music he wanted to make even if he knew it was WAY over most people’s heads. Even by jazz standards his music is like it’s own language. In a way that feels singular to Allan Holdsworth. Every time I try to start decoding his songs, I get lost in how inventive they are. Not just his soloing, his compositions themselves are on some other level. And so much of it *is* beautiful while seeming alien at the same time. A genius, but at least he left us a lot to chew on 🙏❤️

[@MrThomas1958]

💔

[@HotelAVJobs]

Crying yeah...Changed my life too. Changed the way I live my life. Might seem strange, but think about it.

[@jbceedeez]

@Mr.Nelsonious...that was a most profound write up, stated very well ...Allan was and is the best past, present or future...sheesh!

[@benjamintromly656]

Absolutely inimitable. In my view, one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

[@roydaviescoleman1]

Actually he was the GOAT

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

Yup,-

[@robinfereday6562]

It’s a disgrace rolling stone magazine don’t feature him in their 250 greatest guitarist of all time

[@josefk-bf8me]

@@robinfereday6562 What's that ? That's shows the level of that magazine. And you still reading it ?

[@robinfereday6562]

@@josefk-bf8me not reading that rubbish got the information from KZbin 👍😂

[@michaelb.42112]

We are SOOOooo lucky to have lived at the same time as Allan Holdsworth. Like Mozart, DaVinci, and Galileo, these kinds of talents come around once every 500 years and move humanity forward.

[@bluesboywyl]

Absolutely ture !

[@visionalert]

Agreed!

[@burtmantooth8913]

He will be considered “modern” for another 100 years

[@Gongchime]

Righ?

[@pobinr]

Make that a 1000

[@arnauloayza]

I almost gave up on searching this wonder and now finally I can listen to it... thanks so much!

[@MaskedRiderChris]

The photo of Edward Van Halen with Holdsworth was wonderful, because if I recall rightly? VH was one of the first, if not the first people to use his celebrity status to draw more attention to Holdsworth's unique flavor of musical genius. Maestro Van Halen knew what he liked, and more power to his memory for it. This is a breathtaking piece of what made Allan special; the texture, the space, the feeling that was so unique to him. RIP, Maestro!

[@jimmyz2098]

Yes. And there's actually a lot more to that story. Holdsworth's talent was undeniable, and he might have been a wonderful person. I don't know. I didn't know him. But he really screwed over EVH and Ted Templeman, and Warner Brothers in general, back in the mid 80's as he was hitting the scene. Then again.... I'm quite certain Warner Bros have screwed over a ton of artists. So maybe it was meant to be. LOL I don't know.

[@creativecoldsnow5515]

@@jimmyz2098 I've never heard this. I've read that EVH helped Holdsworth get a recording contract (maybe not his first contract, not sure), and that the amp EVH used on "Beat It" was borrowed from AH. Everyone I've heard who knew AH said he was nice, down-to-earth, unpretentious, and so on.

[@99beatmonster]

@@jimmyz2098 wrong !! Warners wanted to alter most of what Allan wanted to play. They required a known or 'more visible' vocalist, they were trying to steer the material to be more mainstream...they saw him as a cash-cow ...Allan stuck to his guns ...and rightly so imo. He was on a mission to deliver his vision of music.

[@treylh82]

Virgils work on this is beyond amazing. I guarantee you every other drummer that played with Allan that heard this would praise it as amazing as well. Shame on y’all that compare drummers at this level of comprehension.

[@treylh82]

As a matter fact, every drummer that’s played on all of Allan’s stuff is “pushing” the envelope just to try and be comparable to Allans playing. Seems Allan’s work brought that out in musicians around him.

[@jobryant8672]

Then don't.

[@MrDaveaccord]

Agree, one of the greatest living drummers on the planet. Always pushing the envelope of modern drumming.

[@dunningkruger3774]

Thank you. LIke finding a great vintage stashed behind the two buck chuck. I first saw Allan at the Bacchanal in San Diego in 78. EVH was right next to me. Miss you Allan-

[@GerardVos]

Closest to musical heaven as it can get.

[@mr.hmusic07]

Allan really... You are and forever to be the most complete and delcious guitar of the world.... Thanks for your music... Master i miss You... You make me fell happy... When i hear your music...I cry...exploted My head... Good bless You Master

[@santana1578]

I am immensely grateful for your kindness and generosity in posting this Work that marked a generation

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

Saw Allan twice , in Copenhagen ,- my life was changed forever.....

[@michael1]

You can get specs to fix double vision

[@jerrygardner9370]

Amazing drums and frighteningly good guitar, that classic, unmistakable Allan Holdsworth sound, jimmy Johnson on bass is going for it too, it's almost frightening how much energy, intensity and musical prowess these people have put into their music, ~ I think I'm going to have to go and lie down now.

[@jobryant8672]

THAT is one of the best bass solo's I've ever heard.

[@chrisb-eg7kt]

I heard Allan two times in Frankfurt in the 80ties, one concert with Jimmy Johnson and Gary Husband, one with Gerry Brown and Stanley Clarke - both were amazing !

[@Samsgarden]

Sublime bass solo by Johnston

[@JazzRockFusionSynthesizerMusic]

Thanks for sharing this. Allan’s fans need to hear this version- seeing as Allan has left us in 2017. Donati is sitting on this version for some unknown reason and preventing it from an official release other than its original pledge digital format. Fortunately, I secured a “not for sale” redbook CD of TFTV that included “Earth” with Allan’s solo.If you google up this release and contact label(s) that Allan was with around during that ill-fated Pledge campaign, you may luck up like I did and score a CD with this version of "Earth w/solos".😎🎼🎸

[@groverbaker6404]

Some band called TEMPEST opened for Fleetwood mac on the penguin tour..a young allan blew everyone away..England has been the source of musicians unlimited..RIP ALLAN!!!! NOBODY BETTER

[@skullfoot]

WOW, really. Must of been amazing. Love that record,too.

[@pobinr]

Tempest albums great

[@watermaj]

I bought the Pledge Music deal - this was basically the only significant new piece of music that came through and it's great, right up there with the best AH solo stuff. Wish there were more, as I understand it there were, Allan lost some content while trying to mix, and then lost more as most of his equipment was seized. Was hoping that there would have been more posthumous unheard new music coming along. He was just so awesome and lost way too young.

[@jcjc5702]

What do you mean seized?

[@lex.cordis]

Also, THANK YOU for sharing this. I've been dying to hear the full version of this ever since I saw the video of Virgil and Allan hanging out in Allan's studio.

[@bavingeter423]

What video is that?

[@lex.cordis]

@@bavingeter423 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmGamHd_m7dksJI

[@bavingeter423]

@@lex.cordis thanks!

[@ChristopherDillman]

Virgil on this track - 👂👀🔥

[@mikamatto_]

If this is the last piece he recorded, the last phrase at the end sounds pretty haunting and inconclusive