Chuck Leavell: The Pianist behind Clapton's Unplugged

[@EdStruijlaart]

Come and see me play Eric Clapton's Unplugged album with a kick ass band. In theaters this fall. For more info check: 👇👇👇 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipq8pYmvotisjM0

[@sash5589]

Chuck played the best ever recorded piano solo in recorded history …….period! Jessica ……with the Allman Brothers Band……this guy is belongs in the Hall of Fame

[@EdStruijlaart]

The man is a legend! 🙏

[@barrysmith8920]

True! Unbelievably, I’ve seen him play even more inspired live performances of “Jessica” on YT..

[@waynej2608]

Oh, hell yes! 👍

[@flyingburritobro68]

Chuck is great but Nicky Hopkins was the best. Leon Russell was right there too

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

Never knew that! Huge music buff and Gilmour fan, and always drop the fun fact that Jessica is harmonized by a piano not a guitar….yet, never looked up who played it ha.

[@smittysmat7826]

I’m still not sure how it happened, but back in the 90’s, I had the unbelievable opportunity to work with Chuck on two separate recording projects with my little unknown band. The first time was precisely when he had secured the George Harrison gig. He was giddy with excitement and exclaimed to me, “I got me a Beatle!!”. Of course I was thrilled, not only about playing with CL myself, but also that that someone I was talking to personally knew George Harrison! Lol The next time was just after “Clapton’s Unplugged” which made us(my band) feel so unworthy. It really underscored how fortunate we were that Chuck Leavell would even give us the time of day. That said, any inclination for us to be star-struck was quickly put to rest by Chuck’s “down to earthiness”. I can honestly say from personal experience, he is every bit as humble and affable as he comes across in this video. Just a gentle, kindhearted, country boy…who just happens to be a musical genius. One thing I told him that made him laugh was “Chuck you’ve played with both ends of the fame-no fame spectrum. The Stones…and us.”. It would be a good joke if it weren’t true! Lol! Great interview!

[@EdStruijlaart]

Great story!! Thx for sharing!! 👍🤘🙌

[@gastondeveaux3783]

When I heard his piano on Old Love, is when I wanted to know who Chuck Leavell was. Little did I know at the time what a legend this man is.

[@okonspruce]

Wonderful interview - thank you. Chuck's amazing!

[@EdStruijlaart]

You’re welcome! Thanks for taking the time to let me know 🙏🙌

[@MAP448]

This album changed so many guitar players lives.

[@autothaiman52]

Old love is a crown of the whole album! And the best solo on keyboard i ever heard

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

Classy Man: Chuck Leavell!!!

[@bobchristiansen2783]

Chuck Leavell is the best. He is practiced in the art of playing not just cords but delivering feeling. No wonder all the great bands want to play with him. The song "Old Love" is a testament to the heights he has reached as a musician. Bravo. I would pay to see him perform his own tour.

[@EdStruijlaart]

👍👏

[@bcmt543]

It has been one of the great pleasures of my life to get to see Chuck Leavell with the ABB in 1975, then nearly 40 years later, take my kids to see him with the Stones. Great musician, class act; I've been a fan for a long time. Very nice interview BTW; not all interviewers provide their subject adequate space to really express themselves. Well done!

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thanks for the kind words! As a musician myself I know who it is to be interviewed and to not get the space to tell your story. Great that it came across! 🙏

[@bcmt543]

@@EdStruijlaart Ed, You're very welcome. I've been playing guitar for decades, but no one has ever asked to interview me ;-). Our son however..........

[@EdStruijlaart]

You make me curious now who your son is :)

[@andrewburman9469]

Proper gentleman. Chucks contribution cannot be underestimated. His playing is identifiable. I love his playing.

[@deanpreston]

Great interview and Chuck's playing on Old Love is one of the best pieces of piano playing you will ever hear and to know it wasn't even meant to be on Unplugged was incredible to know.

[@EdStruijlaart]

🙏

[@bandshillyshally]

what a great Interview with my good friend Chuck Leavell. He is addicted to music and he always looks for what is needed and what he can contribute with his 88 Keys to make the song sound great. I love his work as an artist and I adore him as a person and human being. Always kind, always patient and respectful, but always aware of what he does. Old love on Eric Clapton's Unplugged Album was his chance to step out an show his feeling for music with this uncomparable piano solo... he rose to the occasion. What a gift to the World... and Chuck has so much more to give and he does... take a look at his work as an environmentalist and treefarmer! Thanks my friend, I am happy that you were in the right place at the right time, and I am happy that we are friends. Take care, Christian

[@roberttowler1278]

Check out Sea Level to hear even more great chuck level music !!!!

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thank you! 🙏

[@paulfuller8985]

What a great guy Chuck is . Always loved his piano playing with ABB , Sea Level , Clapton and that other little English band , The Rolling Stones . I have only seen him once , with The Stones in Sydney . Great show .

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thanks! 🙏

[@alancrossley4461]

Great insight into my favourite album in my 72 years.

[@tefenstrat]

I remember growing up in the 70s my older Sisters did not really like the music I was listening too. Then along comes Unplugged the next thing I know they are huge fans, also with Neil's Harvest Moon album that came along about the same time. There was a whole new generation of fans, young and old.

[@alancrossley4461]

One of the great piano solo of all time

[@Sarvasaha]

I always thought the piano parts made the album special. Such tasteful playing.

[@davidrice3337]

Chuck should be in the Hall of Fame on his own

[@gabrielfernandez9792]

What a great interview, Chuck comes off as someone I'd like to have as a friend.

[@EdStruijlaart]

🙏

[@russhird]

They did the whole set twice Rollin & Tumblin was played while they changed the film in the cameras. That’s why they only got half of the song. My fathers eyes was played but never made it to the official cd. Worried life blues was also played. I was there.

[@yanrasolau2195]

It's brilliant interview. Thanks of lot for your work.

[@EdStruijlaart]

You are welcome! 🙏🙌

[@joshd2597]

This is one of the best interviews I’ve ever seen

[@EdStruijlaart]

🙏

[@joseph_Stuart]

Fantastic interview with a man who’s name takes me back to my childhood for the very reasons he stated - because Eric shouted out his name! Those piano solos Chuck played on the unplugged album will forever hold a truly special place in my heart

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thanks!! :)

[@matthewtodd3879]

Old love is so fantastic I love it on unplugged, fabulous

[@craigtittsworth9440]

Great interview and insight from Chuck, I am now an even bigger fan of his! ... Chuck is a very cool guy & what a player!

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thanks Craig! 🙏

[@davidrusso675]

My favorite Keyboardist in the world!!!

[@Dr.Fiendish]

What a lovely chap.

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thanks! Chuck also! ;)

[@kathif17]

I love this interview and Chuck I have seen you in many bands and Eric is my favorite ❤ I can relate to most everything he has written I felt those things. Old love was a magic last minute addition. God bless 🙏

[@twoblacklabs904]

Ed, thank you so much for bringing us these interviews with some of the greatest “unsung heroes” in Rock Music. Chuck’s career with the Allman Bros (as a stand-alone) should be R&R Hall of Fame worthy, but his decades of touring and recording with the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and many others should automatically induct him, based on the volume of his legendary contributions. The guy could easily have a wing of the Hall of Fame dedicated to his career…

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thanks! Yeah, the man is a legend! 🤘🙏

[@operationremodel]

Chuck's playing on this album is masterful but old.love specifically is one where his playing really shines and has some magical moments throughout

[@EyalNimrodi]

Thanks for the great interview! Chuck is a phenomenal musician, thanks for giving him the space and atmosphere to share some of these great secrets. I can't believe "old love" was not planned to be part of the show! and it's funny to admit, but I too know him from the end of layla "CHUCK LEAVELL" yell of Clapton

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thanks! 🙏

[@mickknight646]

Thanks for the great interview with such a wonderful guy & musician! Have loved your work, Chuck, since "Brothers & Sisters" and with everybody from The Allmans, Stones, Sea Leavell, to "Unplugged". Great stories! Thanks for saying, "Old Love" to Eric! For me, it helped make the album, it is a favorite of mine. To hear this makes it even more alive when I listen, knowing it was all in the moment! Lord bless ya, brother. ✌️

[@EdStruijlaart]

You’re welcome! 🙏

[@tonybatt3081]

You know it is amazing musicianship when it still sounds great and people are still talking about it 30 years later.

[@EdStruijlaart]

True! 🙏

[@ijali9]

Thank you for making this happen

[@EdStruijlaart]

You are welcome!

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

What a wonderful interview with a great guy! When I first heard “Alberta, Alberta” I could’ve sworn that Eric Clapton called out “Taco Bell”. That drove me to play that over and over again and (my hearing is poor) and was t until I saw a video a long time after where I discovered the name of “Chuck Leavell”.

[@EdStruijlaart]

😂🙌

[@berkc06]

I know him from Eric Clapton and he is just amazing musician. I also watched his documantary, what a beatiful human being he is.

[@TwoIndians]

Great interview, never have seen Chuck interviewed and have always been a huge fan through the ABB. Thansk so much for this!

[@EdStruijlaart]

Your welcome! Thanks!

[@LSU01]

Very interesting man and a great player in his own right. You know you have to be a superstar to play with Eric Clapton!

[@billleblanc819]

Old Love is far and away my favorite song on that album. To learn that it was an unplanned encore is hard to comprehend now that it’s. done. The reason why that song is the stand-out favorite for me IS because of Chucks magical playing. Aside from the phenomenal solo, he added so much color and texture to the song along its course with his fills, and runs, etc. I never even knew his name or his other playing with other artists until I happened upon this KZbin video. Chuck, in case you ever read this, that was an extraordinary performance!

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thanks for sharing. You are right! His playing (on the other songs as Well) is amazing

[@uglytuco3829]

The piano solo in Alberta in the Unplugged album is so tasty, just filthy!!

[@EdStruijlaart]

Haha, Yes you are Right! 🤘

[@saltwatergallery2005]

Regarding Chuck’s comment near the end that this music is still celebrated after thirty years…the Robert Johnson music goes back another seventy or so before that! Good to remember where Eric was drawing from with those covers. They did an amazing job - love that album! 😊

[@EdStruijlaart]

Exactly! He was honoring his heroes :)

[@UlloMark]

Wow... Love this... what an outstanding interview; May i state... Clapton's 'Unplugged' is the best album, of all time... (high praise, coming from the biggest Beatles fan, ever...!) Kudos to Chuck and everybody else on stage for that special Unplugged performance.

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thank you! It was such a pleasure talking to Chuck. Did you see the talk I had with Andy Fairweather Low? Also great stories about Unplugged. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYTZZpKVprWtgtk

[@davidmclachlan6592]

Eric Claptons Unplugged is one of my favourite albums, there's a few sad songs (Tears in Heaven, Lonesome Stranger) that are very moving. It was great to hear the story behind the making of it.

[@marivanthof7845]

Beautiful interview.

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thanks Mary!

[@j.d.o5709]

I LOVE these kinds of interviews. Just subscribed. Chuck is a magical musician. His playing gives life to the songs he plays on. Every project he’s been a part of has been beautiful.

[@MichaelAlso]

fantastic interview..loved learning why Gregg Phillinganes left the band and details about Unplugged from an insider. Thanks so much!

[@EdStruijlaart]

You’re welcome! Thanks, Michael!

[@dilligaf2818]

fantastic interview

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thanks!

[@HektorBandimar]

Great interview, I really enjoyed it, Chuck Leavell is a really nice guy.

[@sidv192]

what of the greatest albums of all time.. easy

[@BunyanaRed1958]

Great interview. Really enjoyed it. Chuck is a mint guy.

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thanks! 🙏

[@pmomalley]

Great interview. You asked all the questions I would have. And what a humble guy Chuck is.

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thanks Patrick! That is very nice to hear :).

[@1973danielreis]

A true and humble gentlemen, both! Congratulations, great interview!

[@EdStruijlaart]

🙏🙏

[@christopherallen9580]

Great interview Ed! Love Chuck Leavell!

[@kennethhacker1341]

Wow!!!! Great interview and you ask all the right questions for all of us.we all need to follow these great musicians cause they are aging and might not tour much longer ..thank you from NJ

[@EdStruijlaart]

Thanks! 🙏

[@CompleteCretin]

So glad this just happened to pop up on my YT recommendations. What a great interview & Chuck is such a nice bloke :) Thanks!

[@elephantfootrisers]

Great interview and stories - thank you!

[@EdStruijlaart]

🙏

[@hekotodo]

Prachtig interview. Mooi om die verhalen te horen. Hoop in Beverwijk te komen om Clapton hommage te zien en horen. De DVD van unplugged zo vaak gezien van het concert. Wel een hoogtepunt in muziek historie.

[@user-et2fj8xm5l]

That room Chuck is in looks like a wing of buckingham palace. At his level Rock n roll pays well

[@MegaSammy70]

It's a shame that Chuck Leavell isn't in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame by now....He has worked with Dr. John,was a member of the Allman Brothers Band back in the early 70's after Duane Allman died,,then the band Sea Level,and has since been the keyboardist for the Rolling Stones for over 30 years,and has also worked with many other famous musicians over the years.

[@doster59]

Chuck writes in his autobiography that there was a handshake deal for the video royalties, which he got screwed out of.

[@EdStruijlaart]

Oh wow, did not know that!

[@ny8851]

Great interview with one of my fav musicians

[@EdStruijlaart]

🙏

[@hhensen55]

Super om die helden te horen Ed. Wat een leuk gesprek weer 👍

[@EdStruijlaart]

Dank Hans!!

[@arnoldr3920]

Wederom een geweldig interview! Dat wordt een leuke tour! 👍

[@EdStruijlaart]

Ja, wordt te gek!!

[@curtiseverett1671]

I think the piano solo on Southbound is my favorite of the whole era.......and that's saying a lot

[@johnthigpen3686]

Another great solo by Chuck is Don’tMess Up A Good Thing on Gregg Allman’s Laid Back album and live album.

[@3dougj]

Chucks band Sea Level was awesome.

[@redshifttrucking4537]

No one has the touch of Chuck Leavell

[@tubescreamer7227]

I was young. Didn't know Chuck Leavell. I thought Eric said "Taco Bell". Still one of my favorite records...

[@jasonkeith9317]

Taco Bell lol.

[@arjanbohm5697]

Gave aflevering weer, Ed! Mooi opwarmertje voor je tour. En mooi dat je elke persoon die betrokken was bij het Unplugged album aan bod laat komen. Krijg je Clapton nog voor de camera ? Dat zou de kers op de taart zijn 😁

[@EdStruijlaart]

Wie weet! Maar die kans acht ik vrij klein. Uiteraard zit ik er wel achteraan!

[@chanang453]

You would hope that Clapton wrote a few bonus cheques to the band after selling 25 million copies of the Unplugged album but he didn’t…but mean I think

[@billyclub56]

My favorite album is From the Cradle

[@EdStruijlaart]

Then you should have a listen to my interview with Andy Fairweather Low! He shares your opinion 😎

[@davidrice3337]

I won tickets for the Louisville KY show + it wasn't made up - haven't heard a word from the radio station - a simple phone call would be acceptable - When you commit to playing a show - reschedule if it has to be cancelled - it should not have been cancelled in the first place - (Stones concert )

[@no59do56]

Chuck said how could he contribute...hmmm he listened.

[@barruzza]

Where did you find that t-shirt?

[@EdStruijlaart]

In a shop called ‘only for men’. The brand is scotch and soda!

[@barruzza]

Thank you!!

[@helmutsecke3529]

40 second mark yer man spews bollocks. Auf wiedersehen.

[@EdStruijlaart]

Please dó stick around for the rest of the conversation, because Chuck will bound to fill your heart with joy (you sound like you can use it 😉😅❤️) with his stories!