Classical Composer Reacts to Air (Jason Becker) | The Daily Doug | Episode 184

[@JasonBeckerOfficial]

Cool! I'm so happy you liked it. Thank you so much, Doug.

[@mojopin70]

Beautiful piece of music Jason.

[@pacolightmaster]

Impossible not to love it

[@rafaelhenck8169]

I'm also glad for being introduced to this song 😊

[@harshtimes23]

You influenced me to play guitar when I was 12 years old. Thanks for being a driving force in so many musicians lives.

[@kriszteblade]

I remember to this day the first time in my life I have heard "Altitudes". I had tears in my eyes.

[@musicnutzunite]

He was EIGHTEEN. Un-friggin-believable.

[@bangermccrusher]

A true genius

[@borizh]

He wrote the finger part at 14

[@millerbeer01]

So much joy watching you realizing the joy it took to make this ... @18

[@LogioTek]

Intro melody Jason composed at 15 and the rest at 17.

[@musicnutzunite]

@@LogioTek Well consider me even MORE impressed.

[@matthewferguson8428]

The section at 2:57 is Jason playing solo classical/baroque guitar (fingerpicking, with contrapuntal bass and melody lines) on an electric guitar with clean tone. Pure genius! Sounds like a Bach two-part invention.

[@bestiaonthedrums]

this comment should get a thousand likes

[@Hexaven]

When Doug commented on it, I just laughed: *"He's a goddamned MACHINE, IS WHY!"* lol

[@garettoverstreet]

Thank you for clarifying for Doug.

[@DRUMPROGRESS]

absolutely i agree

[@Hellion73]

Yeah, there is the musical part...and then comes the technique of how the f can I do that🤷‍♂️😳👍

[@LuisRdzG10]

With Stephen Hawking passing away, Jason Becker is now the longest alive survivor with ELS disease... he was a freak of nature in the guitar, even the great Steve Vai acknowledges his creativity, he released a 2019 album composed by him even with the disease with technological development for composing, that album was supported by famous guitarist to play the songs and notes Jason composed... and the profits are for his medicines and treatment for that damn disease... Oh, I forgot, since a few months ago, he's selling his world-famous guitars (like that blue one on the cover of perpetual burn), the profits as well are for his treatment, you can find guys like Herman Li from Dragonforce promoting them on their videos.

[@michaelmccoy1794]

That just makes me so sick that he has to sell personal priceless relics like that just for his medication.

[@LuisRdzG10]

@@michaelmccoy1794 that’s exactly why for me a medical insurance is nothing more than a scam. For big diseases they just sent you to die… you’re not business for them anymore.

[@johnmcminn9455]

I hope Jason can take advantage of new brain chip technology and link to the computer that way so he can speed up his amazing process ! Steven Hawkins of Music, Jason Becker ALS Awareness

[@krusher74]

ALS

[@stevetobin7495]

Hawkins was a hoax

[@deuscida88]

Jason (his profile manager) actually shared your earlier reaction on Instagram.

[@pocewar]

Jason’s “Air” is a gift to humankind… is a true masterpiece composed by him being just a child…. I still listen to it in awe as if it was the first time when I did it, 32 years ago

[@scottbrouse3747]

Jason was a modern day Mozart on guitar at that time.

[@ThatDangKid1]

Absolutely true. I would say he was more of a Bach but absolutely true

[@fbettr2627]

@@ThatDangKid1 YES. God bless the BECKER family for their selfless dedication to Jason's welfare and care. And may God bless Jason BECKER.

[@tommyvictorbuch6960]

Jason can pretty much only move his eyes, but he moves many hearts with his extreme musical talent.

[@ronwilliams1094]

And the great thing about today's technology is that Jason IS STILL writing music on his specially adapted computer!!!

[@ecouture33]

Well said!!!

[@randyrigatti1865]

What's most impressive about this song doug, is that the classical guitar part at 2:58 is played on only one guitar. 1 GUITAR DOUG!!!

[@natureandanimals5894]

What I really like in Air and in Jason’s music in general is that you can hear both untameable young heart and mature virtuoso in it. And most of all, love for life.

[@iptranslations1987]

Speed metal symphony - we need this!

[@cratwinterz200]

The genuine joy this man gets from listening to Jason Becker makes me happy.

[@jeromedigiovanni4384]

Thanks Doug, there is indeed an adaptation for orchestra by Konstantin Kokourov, quite awesome...

[@matthewferguson8428]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKWXinuiiMeooZI

@@matthewferguson8428 holy crap, I had no idea! Thanks for the link! What a glorious adaptation...

[@charleshill9546]

@@matthewferguson8428 would be good to hear Dougs' reaction to this

[@chessbrainiac]

I was just going to post the same, it's quite interesting to hear how much more dramatic it sounds with a whole orchestra, yet keeping the beauty of the lead melody.

[@FusedAndLovingIt]

@@matthewferguson8428 That is wonderful and the notes say the composer of the adaptation corresponds with Jason and Jason was very pleased with the result. I’m a sucker for videos of a live orchestra playing like this with impeccable sound quality.

[@MechanicalRabbits]

This is the first time I've seen a video where Doug didn't pause the song at any moment. He had a face of pure joy the whole time! Maybe you'd enjoy the instrumental pieces that Jason played in his band Cacophony. It was a band he formed with his friend and fellow guitar virtuoso Marty Friedman (who later on became the lead guitarist in Megadeth and recorded some of the best guitar solos ever with them). Most of the songs in Cacophony had vocals, but each album had a couple of mindblowing instrumental tunes where you could see how much Jason and Marty's styles complimented each other. Both learned a lot from playing together and it shows when listening to the solo stuff they released after disbanding.

[@khellendross3573]

for a really fun look at that collab, on Perpetual Burn there is a terrific track called Eleven Blue Egyptians. This song features Marty on guitar and is a really neat deconstruction of more middle eastern modes along with traditional blues, set to Jason's (and Marty's) high octance shredding. The only real downside to Cacophony and their great instrumentals is the subpar sound production. Concerto is a fantastic piece.

[@aleyahndrovargas7900]

Try react on Cacophony Speed Metal Simphony song, please.

[@MechanicalRabbits]

@@khellendross3573 yeah it's a bummer nobody cared to give them better producers. There's a guy on KZbin who remastered both albums as good as he could, and he uploaded both in lossless quality to google drive. Check them out if you haven't! It helped me enjoy those songs much more than before.

[@AlfaRossa88]

Jason himself liked your first reaction a lot 🤘🤘🤘

[@ardacakaroglu7159]

I WAS LITERALLY WAITING FOR THIS THANK YOU SO MUCH, MAYBE MORE JASON IN NEXT VIDEOS?

[@tiesdm5039]

i say speed métal symphony

[@GentCM]

End of the beginning is another you’ll dig

[@javierespada72]

That's my favorite Jason Becker track, not just because of the beautiful sound and guitar but also for the work that went behind it. Jason had to write this album, note by note at the speed he could with only his eyes, imagine the work he had to put in on this song to make it from an idea to an actual track!!! I love Jason and his music and wish him the best!!!

[@KiraPlaysGuitar]

:(

[@sianpodmore4988]

The next person who gets snobby with me about 'classical' v 'rock' music, I'm playing them this. Such virtuosity and skill in such a young man, absolutely extraordinary. Beautiful piece

[@Alberich64]

He composed this when he was 15 years old.

[@LogioTek]

Intro melody part at 15, the rest at 17.

[@christineayres7094]

Modern day Mozart he is so underrated

[@partydeer1640]

The entirety of Perpetual Burn is a fantastic masterpiece. Jason is really a modern day Beethoven, both in technical ability and the hardships he had to overcome to create his music. Another highlight of this album is the title track!

[@kazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

This song is flawless, period. And the fact that he took over the keyboard and bass as well is just amazing

[@jimmyggs91]

Mad respect for Jason. Very talented guitarist, and even ALS got rough on him, he's still composing until this day.

[@anthonymclain371]

Jason Becker has been a player that not only open my eyes to his amazing abilities, and emotional textures but it also I opened my heart to his absolutely flawless phrasing. With him only being 17 & 18;yrs of age totally blew me away. I would listen to this album on random repeat when going to sleep. I went to sleep listening and listened all the way to waking up. Absolutely amazing! Thanks for giving him a listen and giving your critique! Definitely listen to the full album! ✌️❤️

[@filipe77dias]

How great is Jason Becker? Thank you Doug. What a great moment.

[@PK--ITA]

Thank YOU for keeping Jason's music in circulation, for remembering this wonderful "composer" because he must be regarded as such. Thanks.

[@davidbetts1180]

Jason is my hero. Please do check out as much as possible of his music.

[@Catcavi]

Finaly, the reaction we all spected

[@hmoen]

Thanks man ❤️❤️😭😭 I'm crying of emotions

[@vincentmarion5499]

Xwdh III

[@vincentmarion5499]

J

[@dyosang_asting]

Same here 😢😭😍

[@fretmajik777]

I have been listening to Jason Becker since 1989 when shrapnel records sold this album and to this day every time I listen to his music I cry. So beautiful, thank you Jason.

[@kraftwerk974]

The easiness of Jason is beyond belief. Simply born to play.

[@rocix.1647]

Happy Birthday Jason. More importantly, thank you for staying with us.

[@james7275able]

Very well said. Happy birthday Jason. Good to know you are a fellow cancer like me.

[@Hardysamnin]

"I think it's time I listened to the entire album" Yes indeed, you're in for a treat.

[@simonlesorcier]

Yeahhhh... Thanks for getting to this one! My all-time favorite!

[@bradleymccampbell9808]

Loved your video, you are very detailed and precise with your evaluation of Jason Becker’s “Air,” most people don’t realize nor comprehend his musical concepts and talents. I would love to see a reaction video of Jason playing “Paganini Caprice no.5,” it’s exquisite. Most people don’t understand that in his short prime, not even at his apex, he could rival any legendary guitarist, his pallet was that vast and versatile, limitless even.

[@kaischmitt4226]

Sir, this is the best reaction-video on the internet at least for me. Watching you react as a classical composer to the music i've been grown up with is a pleasure...

[@mooncritter721]

He dedicated this one to his parents. I am a Jason junkie. I know all about him. His Hurricane guitars were cheap to buy at 199 dollars. Just junk, but he did things that no human has ever done with any guitar! That says alot about his talent! A hard to play instrument with high action but he mastered it and made the most amazing guitar album of all time. Only Jeff Loomis was ever able to play his stuff note for note. Check out Jeff playing Perpetual Burn. Once you see the hand work required to play it, you will understand why Jason will always be the best there ever was! Jeff is the only man who is equal to JASON BECKER! The only one who can play it. You must see it! You will be shocked at the effort needed to pull it off!

[@jesseh621]

Blue is a brilliant song from Becker. Its very simple song but the amount emotion is like he is singing with his guitar. Also black stallion jam is another good one by Becker and Friedman.

[@MegaIronica]

It is kinda weird that after listening to this piece for hundreds of times, every little note is memorized for me and to hear this composer say that was unexpected. Great reaction btw 👌

[@lindabergman3127]

Right 😁 exactly how I feel after watching the Russian Chicago cover band Leonid and friends 😍 performing Christmas Chicago's old songs!! It's simply mind blowing. such artistic talents 😁Wow😘

[@CrookedEyeSniper]

I am a (almost completely) self taught luthier, who does pretty well, and it's pretty much all because of Jason Becker. I was never able to play on that level, but it led me to building guitars. The seed was planted while listening to his music. A very inspiring man.

[@keithmasey664]

Becker is a great composer, it is very sad he can't play guitar anymore due to illness, but he is a genius. I have Perpetual Burn and it is a stunning album. Amazing playing and amazing compositional skills. It's great that technology still allows him to channel his genius into amazing work. Becker's genius is not just appreciated by guitar players, his compositional skills are amazing.

[@Aeonblade10]

Definitely want to see End of the Beginning, and Higher. Two of his tracks that are probably more in your wheelhouse. End of the Beginning is also the best thing he's ever written in my not so humble opinion.

[@randyrigatti1865]

I do agree, end of the beginning (full version) may be the my favorite composition of all time and Doug's future favorite review of all time

[@agustinalessio]

Jason himself asked Doug to react to a new song of his new record, I can't remember which one, I should check on his instagran account

[@sinking1902]

Yes yes yes!!!…These 2 gems absolutely. Please Doug.

[@robhall3693]

Cacophony- concerto or go deep with speed metal symphony Thanks Doug, I tried many times to show this kind of music to my friends and they just said "hey that sounds nice..." And I was always trying to get people to see how complex and amazing it was, but most people don't have real musical training. Love the reaction, Thanx for being the friend that sees it the way I do. Cheers

[@NestorDave]

Speed metal symphony please!

[@RaterisimoCBA]

This is one of my Jason's favourites. Amazing that you're covering his material, certainly appreciated and great that you're loving it as well ! To me he's something special , to say the least. Cheers !

[@dirk4896]

Phenomenal playing. Just wow, I wish I'd heard Becker much earlier. Thanks Doug, great channel man.

[@kisstagals]

You unknowingly save guitar world and restore humanity..thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

[@JorgeGarcia-ex3mq]

THANKS for doing Jason BECKER altitudes AND this song,you're the composer and AIR is definitely a complex song worth observing. BECKER WAS KING! God bless him and his family. "Guitars in a cathedral" lol

[@BrianAuer]

I had a feeling you’d enjoy this! Jason was no doubt a modern savant on the guitar. Very much enjoyed your reaction.

[@JasonSmith-lp6wg]

"I thought he was going to go to the A note." In the words of my Grammarian Professor: "Looks like I've lead you down the garden-path, once again!" (Professor Cummings could be a right, sneaky bastard.) I'm going to put this out there - again - but I, really, do think you'd love Diamanda Galas. Like yourself, she's got a lot of training behind her; plus, she's very conceptual/experimental. Her performance of Skotoseme, on The John Stewart Show, 1994, is amazing. She, really, is in a tier of her own. (Note: if you do choose this, there are two versions, with one having much better audio.) Any rate, thanks for the Becker review. Best, J.

[@RahpaSmurf]

Love seeing this channel grow. Great stuff Doug.

[@quiquicampos]

I love this show ... A huge fan of Jason Becker I'm a bass player I remember at 15 years old not having .eney music knowledge or theory .and having the same reaction as Doug has .for me it was a spiritual feeling his music would take me on a musical journey .I'm so happy to see Jason Beckers music finally being apriciatted.

[@abesluciferius]

This video took me back to the first time I heard this album and it brought up that strange and intense feeling of absolute tantalised awe and fascination it gave me. Jason really is a unique musician.

[@Freawulf]

At long last! One of the greatest neoclassical compositions ever!

[@symphonyofshred]

You should check out Jason Becker’s Higher. It is possibly one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. The most impressive thing about Higher is he created that AFTER he came down with ALS.

[@zanetsu7287]

Jason doesnt play guitar-He IS Guitar! Glad you listened and shared. Do listen to the whole album.You will note on some of the more insane playing on album Jason lifts or accents certain notes to make a melody stand out in the middle of the fury of notes, like a melody inside a melody. Its magical!

[@socrates1954]

For me, Jason is the greatest guitar virtuoso there has ever been. So unbelievably talented at a young age, beautiful song writing ability and one of the cleanest, technically gifted guitar players I've ever heard.

[@brianthieme9969]

Loving the Jason Becker reactions! At the risk of repeating myself, you would love Tony MacAlpine, a contemporary of Jason's. Anything off his 1st album, best are: Empire in the Sky, The Witch and the Priest or The Raven...

[@suprchickn7745]

I second Tony MacAlpine. A brilliant musician!

[@bagwa8]

Of the Neo-classical artists Tony was and is still my favorite. For mine Maximum Security is a stronger collection of compositions. I live in Australia and I got to see him live once, but only as a part of Vai's band on the G3 tour with Satch and Petrucci. Man he had some moments were Vai let him cut loose and he was awesome!

[@BenA718]

Great analysis of a truly one-of-a-kind guitar genius! Jason Becker is, hands down, one of the most inspiring people out there today, his music is incredible! (PS - echolyn, Thank You Scientist, please! :D)

[@DarkKnight4533]

Listening to the whole album would be awesome! I love hearing you analyze these songs and perpetual burn is my favorite instrumental album of all time.

[@scifimonkey-7182]

Welcome back, hope the move went well, supposed to be one of the most stressful times in life so chilling to some music is a great antidote

[@droiduser9633]

My love of Nightwish partly started as a result of the great Jason Becker so long ago! This is a great example of how I fell in love with symphonic metal later...

[@thomass6988]

So glad you did some more of Jason's music! I strongly recommend Serrana, a classical type piece the he composed mostly after losing the ability to play. Then "Hold on to Love" (official music video). This is a recent one that shows his perspective from where he is in his life and watching the video is one of the most moving things I've experienced.

[@davidaladro6898]

Man, you should listen to Serrana too. Jason is one of my preferred musicians.

[@DarrenHowseMusic]

Amazing tune. Jason Becker is one of my favorites. Keeping with older guitarists in this realm, you should check out Greg Howe - Jump Start.

[@goncalobaia1574]

2:24 the face of somebody discovering Becker... Boy do I remember that For me, I always get the feeling that this is the piece that Becker decided "know what, Imma go full Bach on this one" Absolutely lovely

[@koulis70]

The only word that comes in mind when i think of Jason Becker is ' musical Genius'. Not many artists in the history of music can combine exceptional techniqe with excellent compositional skills plus the ability to be able to play any musical style from Classical to Rock to metal to Blues to Country to Jazz to Funk to Ethnic and many many more , combining them at the same time creating a masterpiece!

[@Diebattou]

First song i've heard from Jason back in 2004. Fell in love immediately. You should listen to Serrana and The End of The Beginning too.

[@trailrunner919]

Awesome analysis! My all-time favorite artist & album...please keep doing reaction videos from this masterpiece album Dr Doug!!!

[@bm8584]

To see your reactions about Altitudes and Air makes me very happy. I am glad that the talent and legacy of Jason Becker is being recognized. I am a great fan of him. I consider Jason as my biggest inspiration. He is a musical genius, a great classical music and guitar lover, but among everything the nicest person ever. I also recommend to listen to his second and third albums "Perspective" and "Triumphant Hearts". You will also love them, Doug. Thanks for these videos and help Jason and his lovely family.

[@ricardozr2006]

Im literally in tears, been waiting for you master to react to this for months

[@freddiekirschman4933]

So happy you finally listened to the epic!!!

[@AlejandroMarin-r5p]

I love the tender sounds of the beginning!!!

[@tpike32]

Glad you like this !!👍

[@jrburner1]

It has been a while since we have heard any of his works, I know of 3 you have done, but hope you can do more

[@RodneyFravel]

Mr.Becker is a true American icon.I love his music very much.Blue is my favorite.For those who hasn't heard,please listen to it.What a genius.

[@edurock55]

Best reaction ever for a song, its so nice to see a reaction from someone who know music theory.

[@raphaelwicker5902]

Danke für deine tollen Reactions - kennst du Al Joseph’s neuesten Song Elemental - hör dir den mal an bestes wishes from Switzerland 👋😎🥃

[@cleverclover7]

Okay I take back my comment on your Altitudes video. Now you finally understand what a unique genius Jason is. You can see it in your eyes.

[@nicolaschanut2129]

We're waiting for the entire album ahah

[@JosephSaintClair]

So glad someone reacted/analysed this piece. And thank you Doug for doing this. It is an amazing piece indeed. I’d love to see some classical composer scribe this for a small ensemble some day!!

[@NBLP7001]

Here it is by a full orchestra. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKWXinuiiMeooZI

[@hmoen]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jason Becker ❤️

[@HuyNguyen-vj1uw]

Such a beautiful piece of music

[@zyxwfish]

This was the song I was waiting for! 😁

[@michaelpeacestewart]

many artists paint a picture with a song,jason paints the whole area surrounding the picture)jason you are a wonderful soul

[@arnaldospiller]

Thanks for reacting to this epic piece. Thanks Jason for the music. Love to y'all

[@ionasguitar]

Dear Doug thank you for doing this

[@headbangercani]

Jason becker es uno de esos que te conmueve verlo tocar tanto su guitarra metal como su vertiente mas guitarra clásica. Gran analisis y reaccion señor Doug !!

[@frankiebq5604]

Awesome, please react to The End of the Beginning or Primal, they really tell Jason's story through music Also Perpetual Burn is from 1988 :D I love how you appreciated the textures Also there's an orchestral adaptation on Jason's channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKWXinuiiMeooZI

[@lindabergman3127]

Speechless 😳

[@neilslater1182]

Seconding the End of the Beginning.

[@Hexaven]

Third!

[@innerente]

The end of the beggining x3!

[@DiederickBosman]

End of the beginning!! Yes yes

[@getexis8685]

Everything in this theme is new forever ... What a blessing to have someone so genius playing what's in his head.

[@Bridging_the_Political_Divide]

Only brilliant musicians like Jason would even attempt something so challenging and different from his genre. Wow.

[@stringsofgrace5591]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for reacting to Air.

[@Hadri_ART]

Finally, thank you for this one😱🥳🔥 there s a orchestra version of this piece✌🏼

[@clutchkman]

That was amazing! I can’t believe I missed Becker at the time. Not only is everything well orchestrated and expertly played, but I’m also impressed with his ear for tonal quality, something I was severely lacking at 18. Those soft tones are like ear candy and makes you want to turn it up.

[@innerente]

my favorite is "the end of the beggining" what a master piece!!! it's journey! nice reaction for "Air", another sweet heart composition by our friend J. B.

[@MagicPQ]

Hi Doug, welcome back on your channel :-) like the new setting with the moving boxes...

[@jimm2099]

Awesome stuff! Thanks for another great video.

[@apexdoxer9662]

The world could not handle Becker's insane talent, he would have dominated the world of music had he been left untamed.

[@vinnieakio]

More Jason please!!!!!

[@sontinos528]

I love Jason Becker. Thanks for this reaction.

[@JT40_]

Good to see you back mate, great song!

[@hablahivan6110]

My favorite JB song is Mabel's fatal fable. You should react to it!

[@maidenforever999]

the solo in that song is one of my absolute favorites... bad ass threw and threw