Eddie Harris & Les McCann - Compared To What (Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 1969)

[@Babygirl61868]

I first heard this in high school. What a masterpiece.❤

[@MrTwangstaable]

That's no regular high school!

[@DavidScotttennis]

I bought this album in 1970 - helped get me through college - if you aren't moving during this, you are dead

[@tomgardner8825]

i too bought this in 1970 while in college. i nom have it on cd

[@mwdonohoo]

Same here..UW-Madison '71-'75. Nothing better and sounds just as great in 2024

[@oh13voter]

A definite go to when I was in college too

[@derrickgatson6794]

SHO' NUFF !!!! HAHAHAHAHA....

[@EdwinEdwards-cb7ol]

Bought it in H.S. 1970

[@SunnnyDay]

I'm coming here to pay my deepest respect. Rest In Peace, Les McCann !

[@C0wboyzfan4life]

Same

[@hivicar]

Saw his band at Paul's Mall in Boston in '73. Good stuff! I remember well known Red Sox players were there, particularly new FA Orlando Cepeda, well on his way to the HOF.

[@corbin9501]

Wasn't this brother from Kentucky?

[@Rigpasword]

RIP Les McCann - such a storied career but if he had done nothing else but this one performance, he’d be remembered for eternity. Best groove on the planet. Even after 50 years, it never gets old.

[@j.j.2491]

Amen.

[@billieaustin7842]

Who else is here in November 2024 still giving homage to 2 of the Greatest 💯💯

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

And Leroy on bass!!! I knew Leroy later in his life.. he moved to my city and was active until the end.. He would take oxygen in the breaks, as his lungs were not working so well.. Wonderful guy.. loved listening to his stories for hours❤️. Rest In Peace.

[@colinwynn4384]

Me

[@lilymuseic]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@ollieballard2465]

I certainly am continuing to give homage. Heard this for the first time back in high school in the late 60s! The lyrics and the beat grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. Same thing happens every time I hear it. I’m still “Tryin' to make it real, compared to what?” !

[@TomHession-d3x]

I listen to this song at least 3 or 4 times a month. I am 70 now and this never wears thin.

[@jayherzog7683]

One of the greatest performances in jazz history. Thank you Les for your most significant contribution to our music.

[@j.j.2491]

Amen

[@cwtcwt6915]

I'm 65yrs old. MY big sister turn me on to Bill Withers, Canonball Adelerly, Les McCann&Eddie Harris. and others. Thx you Sis

[@Linkmeister518]

Rest in Peace, Mr McCann, dead at 88. This masterpiece will live on for a long time to come.

[@raymurphy7746]

Best jazz man to come out of Kentucky! We lost a number of great ones last year. Ahmad Jamal, Jeff Beck are always in my regular rotation.

[@janedow1319]

Dayem, Stalwarts!!! This is the kind of music that just penetrates throughout your body. I saw Les at the Jazz Embers in Washington, DC in 1973. My era had it all. No doubt about it.

[@raygist4583]

I was hipped to the cut when 8yrs old. 1968ish , older neighbor friend, blasting volume causing his mom to yell out at us. 😅

[@BlueSky...]

That opening minute of piano is the most impressive solo I've ever heard. Les tells a whole story through those keys.

[@j.j.2491]

Amen.

[@JimmyCrawford-y9z]

All I can get to come out of my mouth is WOW!..shines like the Sun...

[@karencanova3736]

This!! Just unbelievable. It grabbed me 50 years ago and still has all the power. Rest in Peace, Les McCann. 😢💔 🕊️

[@eugeneflynn7435]

RIP Les McCann. This is a top 10 song on the soundtrack of my life. Les & Eddie were geniuses on display in this clip.

[@j.j.2491]

Amen, brother.

[@gnarlton7084]

RIP, Les... man this is one of the most hard grooving tunes you will ever hear!

[@j.j.2491]

One of? The Best.

[@georgekrpan3181]

Loved that song as a 16 year old in 1969. RIP Les McCann.

[@4hunnid5thecentralspot10]

80s baby, so u know that this way b4 my time, but judging by the way that I listening this, u know immediately that age doesn't have nothing to do with my love for music. This song and performance touches my soul EVERY TIME THAT I TURN IT ON. I LOVE IT!!!!! SO IN TUNE WITH WORLDLY AFFAIRS THAT IT'S RELATABLE TO THE BS WE GO THROUGH TIL THIS DAY. I CAN'T HELP, THIS IS ADDICTIVE MUSIC RIGHT HERE. BRO TOOK IT 2 CHURCH, AND THEN CAME RIGHT BACK OUT INTO THE STREETS BY THE TIME OF THE END OF THE CHORUS HITS!!!!!!! THIS IS WHAT I CALL A MASTERPIECE!!!!! THANKS 4 THIS UPLOAD, CAN'T GET ENOUGH

[@MrBlackbass59]

These lyrics are a demand for personal freedom! I am so grateful to my parents for exposing me to this music at a young age.

[@kennyschachat]

So grateful for all that Les gave us. This performance is a stone cold/red hot/funky jazz masterpiece! The lyrics haven't lost one bit of their relevance since 1969. If you can't get your groove on to this...

[@j.j.2491]

Gained relevance since the US supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade. Unwed mothers need abortions.

[@j.j.2491]

You are dead.

[@1mespud]

Thank you, LES McCANN for your life's contribution and doing your part to help tame mankind with your gift and talent. Your legacy is sealed. This version of "Compared to What" was part background soundtrack to a once younger version of myself and then some. In the meantime, I'll continue to keep the music playing.

[@btinsley1]

rest in peace maestro. thanks to mom for playing this in the 70s when i was a teen & developing my own musical taste. this is so cynical, hilarious and jazzed for the ages.

[@ronaldstokes4841]

This was an anthem of ours in Nam in 1970. Everything was, 'Compared to What?"

[@helenrigmaiden6375]

Thank you for your service. ✌🏽❣️

[@ronaldstokes4841]

THANK YOU for caring enuff to 'preciate my service... that's important. @@helenrigmaiden6375

[@VILJL]

Les McCann died on December 29, 2023 at a hospital in Los Angeles, at the age of 88. He was an American jazz pianist and vocalist who helped shape the “soul jazz” style of the 1960s with his earthy piano playing and singing and whose live recording of the antiwar anthem “Compared to What” became a musical touchstone of the era. His music has been widely sampled in hip hop. McCann gained his greatest acclaim in 1969 with his performance of “Compared to What,” a politically charged protest song written by Gene McDaniels that became a rhythm-and-blues hit at the height of the Vietnam War.

[@EddieHarrisJazz]

Les McCann , rest in power

[@fdog2304]

Sounds better every time I hear it. (And now I can watch it too.) RIP Eddie, Les, Benny Bailey, Leroy Vinnegar. Hang in there Donald Dean…

[@corbin9501]

Was Bro Les from Lexington, Kentucky?

[@metroscenetv7194]

@@corbin9501 yes he was

[@bridgetlussier8272]

RIP Mr. Les McCann! This was our "closing song" (aka get out, pretty please!) at a restaurant where I worked in college, and ever since it's been my get up and get down to business song, love it so much!

[@j.j.2491]

Well said.

[@angelo2629]

So cool. I would be dancing on the way out

[@clydelagory7930]

I was in my very early 20's when a much older friend of mine set me hip to this song. I was listening to a little bit of everything and he said he saw in me a bit of himself then he played this for me. I was absolutely blown away and still am. Fast forward 20yrs and my 16yr old son is showing me some newer songs he likes and I knew he would love this. He's listened to it every day since then. Makes me proud!

[@laurentozzi3644]

Time less song. One of the best songs EVER!!! - Les McCann, one of THE greatest!!! His music and legacy of jazz music and lyrics will live on and one and on. Rest in powerful Peace sir. Sincerest condolences to your family.

[@pederlong1784]

It doesn’t get any better than this

[@donnymontoya8927]

This was my training record, ran the needle through it. Montreux lives forever through this song.

[@wilsonbellman7164]

An ageless classic. I bought it at a live concert in Toronto 1969.

[@C0wboyzfan4life]

After heard his passing I'm here to hear his hits

[@jeffabernathy7053]

RIP, Les McCann. What a genius!

[@LeaLove-xl3ky]

This song says it all! I met him(1972) one time when I used to go to Concerts by the Sea in Redondo Beach/Ca. His music memorized me to my core. Really Nice guy and full of great energy. I saw him a few times at CBTS and really got hooked on his vibe. I’ve listened to his music for over 50yrs. It Brings back some awesome memories. Was so sad when I saw he passed on Dec 29,2023. There will NEVER be another human being like him. Thank you Les for sharing your vibe. REST IN PARADISE❤️

[@michaellotson2098]

1969 just graduated high school Eddie Harris was the man I wore out the album in a couple of years love those guys

[@krismartinez9038]

Rest in Power Mr. McCann.

[@louiseelder6077]

So good… sad loss .. I’m now a fan.. 🙏❤️🎶

[@brendalane9221]

That song….powerful! Rest in power Les….I was a mere 11 year old tyke when I saw you in concert in Lambertville NJ.

[@LandieStrong-hx3iu]

I CAN LISTEN T O THIS CUT FOREVER AND A DAY THAT is.MY TESTIMONY

[@alanmishael5013]

Take a number 😂❤

[@raiseeveryvoice]

Freakin eddie Harris! Lawd have mercy!

[@bradstephan7886]

Happy to have first listened and loved this album in 1970. It doesn't get any better than this. Thanks, Vicki!

[@bradleybranch4544]

I had the privilege of sitting on his lap while he played a gig on Sunset Strip in Hollywood when I was around 7 years old! He was so cool!❤

[@mauricewalker8419]

Still smokin' after all of these years.

[@j.j.2491]

Smoking? Still on fire.

[@jplew138]

This ought to be the national anthem.

[@nealmont]

This was the national anthem in DC in the 70's. All the hippie stations played it regularly. I was so happy to find out it had been filmed. Didn't know 'til many decades later.

[@ReaA-nn2jx]

It always has been ♡

[@jg1828]

America the beautiful should be.

[@manuelpugh9355]

⁰000⁰⁰ppp p p😊ol look loo iijĺpp l p loop pll p p 00000p0⁰⁰⁰⁰⁰0ppppppp​@@nealmont

[@manuelpugh9355]

​@@nealmont0000😊😊⁰😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@gregmcintyre9936]

Still have the original Swiss Movement album!! Rest In Peace Les

[@OttoPaert]

Iconic. I get chills. R.I.P. L.M.

[@Tubulous123]

Yes!!! Thank you!!! 1Nation4Life (y)

[@peterb.3288]

Ganz Groß. Herrlich. Danke für die Musik. Rest in Peace Les McCann.

[@Lwyse96]

R.I.P. Les McCann (23 September 1935 - 29 December 2023). 👍

[@angelo2629]

The intro is smoking hot and the song just becomes a rhythm so tight it became an instant jazz classic. The composition is tight, funky, and relevant-everything you want in a great listening experience. Bravo

[@ronaldstokes4841]

I am a jazz and rock lover. It was so cool when this crossed over to the top 100 on AM radio.

[@j.j.2491]

Great summary review

[@BruceEdwards-q8l]

loved this song for yrs, first heard it back when radio stns played much better music, and much greater variety - overjoyed to discover this live video only recently - every solo is just achingly beautiful

[@cultfan5227]

Heard this first time in my brother's car AROUND 1970. Still listening in .2024, message is still relevant

[@sueh3709]

A gem I’ve been listening to for over 50 years. It never gets old.

[@frederickbullard9402]

The Soulful Jazz Soundtrack of My Life ❤

[@williamgreenfield9991]

Believe or not this was a hit on Top 40 radio when it came out. Never knew before tonight that it was on video. This turned on a lot of rock and roll kids to jazz. This is one of the best examples of tension/release in the history of music. The pairing of Harris and McCann was an impromptu jam session I think. They were appearing as separate acts and got together for this magic session. You should identify the other musicians: Benny Bailey killing it on trumpet, Leroy Vinnegar on bass, and Donald Dean on drums. Eddie slides so (seemingly) effortlessly between octaves. Saw him once live late in his career. One of my favorites of his many LPs I have is "I'm Tired of Driving". It's a masterpiece if you can find it.

[@JustinBraham-p5e]

The horn player dude has the most genuine smile he knows it’s a hit

[@JamesFolkers]

Eddie Harris! Another master…

[@davidespinosa1910]

@@JamesFolkers Benny Bailey on trumpet. He's watching Les, and he knew this performance was special.

[@timothyhaney6705]

I probably listen to this song at least once a day. Had the CD for many years. Song never gets old and is still relevant today. Awesome Song!

[@MegaSmitty51]

The relevance today is remarkable. He mentions a couple of political points in his lyrics that are in today's news.

[@nadezhdaz9040]

i listen to it every day too ❤

[@angelo2629]

You have excellent taste in music. Been listening to Brian augers version but original is just so cool.

[@ronaldstokes4841]

um... we're old now. TURN IT DOWN! LOL

[@laurence8209]

Never too old to listen and learn!

[@erabawy]

Dear Les McCann R.I.P. Thank you for fantastic music and singing! ❤❤❤

[@cheojones4058]

R.I.P Les!! Goddammitt!! Gotta make it real compared to what!!!

[@vwdiver512]

I'm not a huge jazz guy, but this is easily my #1 favorite Jazz tune out there. SO GOOD!! The groove and the pocket... I can listen to this forever.

[@DorriOlds]

one of the best songs ever written and performed. The lyrics are so perfect!!!!

[@gordondills2773]

I have listened to this video hundreds of times I think, and I just keep loven it! These guys are just burnin down the house!

[@cleogus816]

On December 4, 1971 this house did burn down from a firework launched within the hall during Frank Zappa's set. It's all in Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" cut. There is a taped record of the event and you can hear Frank directing people to safety. All of his equipment was consumed in the fire and he had to get amps and speakers immediately to continue with his European tour. Look to the Zappateers for the concert recording.

[@cleogus816]

And as an aside, did you catch Les conducting the band with his keys and his eyes? Super!

[@jamestain7989]

@@cleogus816 h

[@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out]

yes, but when he said "come on Bailey now 3:29" Eddie wouldn't give up his chorus. funny stuff. "you got to wait til the next one Bailey. I think this might be a hit I need to get mine in... for the "record....."@@cleogus816

[@bf4643]

Every time I hear this I feel so lucky to be alive and have a chance to taste the real and creative sound made by these chefs just brilliant and original one rare piece of music art that when your ears taste it it can't get înaf of it the improvised craft these talented individuals make and you have to come back to it again and again just to remind yourself what the humans as re capable of just brilliant.

[@judithsilver7852]

A great for all times. A gift to our world! Rest in Power - and know you have made such a superb contribution with your talent and your message. One Love

[@coottrammell3829]

One of the great live performances of anything, ever!

[@AngeloG07]

I agree totally . The real deal.

[@j.j.2491]

Maybe the greatest ever

[@bgebbq314]

Thank Goodness this video was preserved!

[@fretfix1]

RIP Les McCann! Got to see these 2 play in Tallahassee in the early 80's. Still one of my all-time favorite shows!!

[@lovetthines2482]

Les was a soulful genius who could touch our hearts instrumentally or vocally. His musical gifts to us will live on forever.

[@frankpiotrowski1070]

I was born in Chicago in 1955. 4 older brothers schooled me with intoxicating Music of the era.

[@postatility9703]

The first jazz album I can recall was "The Truth" by Les McCann ltd..This opened the doors for me to an incredible world of great music.Thank you and RIP,Les McCann.

[@JustinBraham-p5e]

I have lost count of how many times I’ve watched this love it Ty for sharing this treasure

[@Blondejam]

Hope brought me here and hope I got , music for the soul and my soul has now been filled and I will continue to relish in this genius...

[@douglasgray1648]

That was so cool watching Benny Bailey play the trumpet

[@romanrandolph]

Les McCann. Ahead of his time 40 years . Beautiful Lyrics, relevant to today. And Eddie Harris 🎷

[@japarlneniomuhammad6152]

Amen

[@jazzwarrior7206]

Lyrics & music by the great songwriter Eugene McDaniels, written especially for Les to perform.

[@tinapremec5923]

@@jazzwarrior7206 It was recorded by Roberta Flack in February 1969 for her debut album First Take, but became better known following a performance by Les McCann (piano and vocals) and Eddie Harris (tenor saxophone) at the Montreux Jazz Festival in June of that year.

[@EddieHarrisJazz]

you are correct! @@tinapremec5923

[@angelo2629]

You said it all brother. Dudes were bad to the bone.

[@incarnacionradio4483]

I've listened to this so many times... Crazy to see it actually happening!

[@angelo2629]

Talk about a vibe

[@MickyTubbs1985]

This gem by the dual was relevant and consequential in 1969 and remains so today, as it is apropos and applicable to virtually the same damn situations in this here country as it was back then.

[@LanceHouston-x7x]

Les McCann’s intro was eloquent and the Aquarius theme woven in was a nice touch. Then Les got down to business on his disappointment on politicians and the wrong direction he felt the nation was heading. It’s funny how 55 years later the more things change the more they stay the same! Nice archive video of early Montrose jazz festival.

[@EllaCouthen]

My favorite group in the 1950❤. I love John Bailey ❤❤😂

[@QueenOfHadesPersephone]

#1 on my playlist. Always will be. Courtesy of my dear old dad, rip. Eddie rips it up on sax, rite?!!

[@cowbaby]

Fantastic Love Les McCann All Star RIP

[@isaacshaw416]

This has to be one of the greatest songs ever

[@dugoodsspotlights428]

The tone in that time was do anything we could to come together and fight racism, injustice, segregation, if it was through music, movie, through theater, we was all on it and everybody was in their own little sector you know, doing what they did to make a statement... the song was killing it.

[@youallium9]

Amen to that & PLEASE, we need this NOW

[@kevind7422]

Old enough to remember that we still a not quite perfect union yet. Gloves off. Sting like a bee. Prevail or fail. Same fight whole life. Still got breath in 2024. Bring it, baby. Dare all y'all.

[@danieldd89]

This was my Dad favorite song, I heard and love this at the age of 9. My Dad them song Compared to What Yeah!

[@vlmcgee5017]

Rest in Paradise Baba Les McCann❤

[@820Radio]

I wonder if audience members knew, at the time, how special this performance would become for decades.

[@CarmenGonzalez0]

Rest in peace, Mr. McCann

[@user-ik1bk3go1e]

Les McCann was brilliant and left a magnificent legacy. Compared to What, a favorite. My deepest condolences, respect and appreciation. Rest well in peace and power Les McCann!😢💔❤🖤💚

[@kmccjoe1]

A friend of mine and I saw Eddie and Les live at the Stables in East Lansing, MI in 1974. What a fantastic concert!

[@ericparker1346]

I love the Aquarius quote as intro with cowbell. So cool from the edge to the end!

[@kiefferz5556]

My all-time favorite soul jazz pianist

[@mrelectraglide8155]

Love this song.

[@earlsimpson3393]

Owned this album for decades and just recently found out that the recording was taped live! Maaaaaan……. SEEING these guys perform as well as hearing them perform adds a complete new dimension to the experience!!!

[@postatility9703]

A landmark in the history of jazz.

[@janicechapman7580]

I love this song. Gives me goosebumps. So beautiful.

[@angelo2629]

I would say this isn't just great jazz it's a beautiful, joyous feeling that defies description. Incredible!

[@khadijaboyd6200]

In these trying times, in a house in disarray, check out Randy Newman 's Rednecks. 😎😄

[@USIU-3USIU]

My father's favorite road song since it came out on 8 Track. My introduction to Les and Eddie circa 1969. From home to the road, Love It

[@carpetbomberz]

I want to to thank Spotify Discover Weekly list for leading me here to these wonderful joyous sounds. And those smokin' lyrics,.... Compared to What?!

[@ronpatton9424]

This was one of my favorite jazz jams when it first came out! R.I.P Sir. 😢

[@Deadvent7]

Thanks for College radio and Dangerious Dan getting down up @ 89.7FM KFJC ! Socket it to me ... stuck in a rut .. I must be some kinda of nut

[@Walker-ld3dn]

One of my all time favorites in any - and all - genres. Genius is an understatement.