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

On June 21, 1969, Eddie Harris & Les McCann performed his song "Compared To What" at the Montreux Jazz Festival and Casino Karsuul in Switzerland.
For more, follow EDDIE HARRIS on:
Facebook - / eddieharrisofficial
Instagram - / eddieharrisjazz
Twitter - / eddieharrisjazz
KZbin - / eddieharrisjazz
Follow Montreux Jazz Festival on:
Facebook - / montreuxjazzfestival
Instagram - / montreuxjazzfestival
Twitter - / montreuxjazz
KZbin - / @montreuxjazzfest
More than 5,000 concerts have been recorded LIVE both in audio and video since the creation of the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1967, by the visionary Claude Nobs.
In June 2013, UNESCO has inscribed the Montreux Jazz Festival audio and visual collection.
www.claudenobsfoundation.com
credits:
1969 © Montreux Sounds/Swiss TV

[@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?

[@EddieHarrisJazz]

Les McCann , rest in power

[@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

[@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😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@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.

[@blainesnow1476]

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.

[@karencanova3736]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mauricewalker8419]

Still smokin' after all of these years.

[@j.j.2491]

Smoking? Still on fire.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@jeffabernathy7053]

RIP, Les McCann. What a genius!

[@Babygirl61868]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@sueh3709]

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

[@krismartinez9038]

Rest in Power Mr. McCann.

[@user-fu5ln5it7o]

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

[@JamesFolkers]

Eddie Harris! Another master…

[@Lwyse96]

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

[@C0wboyzfan4life]

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

[@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

[@gregmcintyre9936]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@OttoPaert]

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

[@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.

[@erabawy]

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

[@raygist4583]

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

[@raiseeveryvoice]

Freakin eddie Harris! Lawd have mercy!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@frankpiotrowski1070]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@coottrammell3829]

One of the great live performances of anything, ever!

[@AngeloG07]

I agree totally . The real deal.

[@j.j.2491]

Maybe the greatest ever

[@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.

[@mariaborbon8421]

Twin Flames Tucson 1970's : packed house world class jazz Eddie Harris and Les McCann

[@jorymil]

I love how Les kicks it up, Donald Dean switches to the snare, and in comes the hum. And this is probably my #1 cowbell song.

[@LandieStrong-hx3iu]

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

[@alanmishael5013]

Take a number 😂❤

[@user-sb8hj3cb9i]

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

[@louiseelder6077]

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

[@kiefferz5556]

My all-time favorite soul jazz pianist

[@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.

[@820Radio]

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

[@wilsonbellman7164]

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

[@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

[@bradstephan7886]

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

[@douglasgray1648]

That was so cool watching Benny Bailey play the trumpet

[@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

[@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.

[@user-fu5ln5it7o]

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

[@cheojones4058]

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

[@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.

[@pederlong1784]

It doesn’t get any better than this

[@CarmenGonzalez0]

Rest in peace, Mr. McCann

[@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!!!

[@lovetthines2482]

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

[@peterb.3288]

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

[@EricLikness]

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?!

[@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!😢💔❤🖤💚

[@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.

[@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. 😎😄

[@ericrobinson1789]

Awesome music here. 🎶 Les playing the heck outta that piano. And Eddie was just himself on the sax. Some bad dudes here!

[@vlmcgee5017]

Rest in Paradise Baba Les McCann❤

[@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!!

[@nyronut]

rip.......Les McCann

[@isaacshaw416]

This has to be one of the greatest songs ever

[@cowbaby]

Fantastic Love Les McCann All Star RIP

[@raymondst.pierre4372]

I bought this album twice because I wore the first one out.

[@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.

[@Tubulous123]

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

[@Linda-zf8vs]

In early '70s I was fortunate to see them at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit. I got goosebumps then and get them now from the profound lyrics. Sorry to say I'm still angry about the same inhumanities.

[@ernestwoodson7010]

This is my wake up song now I’m ready for the world ..bring it!!!!

[@Walker-ld3dn]

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

[@ericparker1346]

Donald Dean!!! love his expression watching/listening to Eddie Harris They all the roof off this Montreux concert! Including Les's rhythmic amazing singing!! Was honored to play there with Joe Cocker 1987!

[@LeadersEatLast]

G*t-Dammit! - This Is Timeless! - Thank You Les!🙏🏽

[@georgebelocas3230]

The best, no contest.

[@billbernhard3582]

Honesty and joy, wrapped up in a really great tune ! We are humbled by the extent of it !

[@user-oo9sd7ql7s]

Best Jazz Performance ever!!!

[@johnkelly7217]

I heard it first on vinyl in 1972 and still love hearing it. Cold Duck Time.

[@tobor58]

Rest In Power Les!

[@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

[@BG-pd6os]

TIMELESS!

[@billmitch920]

(from Bolivia) great music like this is like a drug - you listen to it & want more and more !

[@starfed64]

I love this song I love this song I love this song I listen to it again and again and it keeps me alive thank you thank you thank you

[@copymark]

First heard this cut on the radio back in '79 and it still blows me away every time I listen to it again.

[@ronpatton9424]

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

[@SecurityFeeds]

Benny Bailey (trumpet), Leroy Vinegar (percussion) - you've got it in your soulness Les/Eddie

[@AllBobsAllTheTime]

One of those LPs that everyone seems to have ...

[@thedfferencetab1977]

rest in power legend 🫶🏽 les