George Van Eps - I've Got a Crush on You

[@wintermoon1939]

he reharmonizes the song again and again. just the greatest, a true guitar player's guitar player.

[@lazur1]

The best. Usually, even top guys have to get into tricks, quotes, or references to other styles to keep up the flow of such a piece, but VanEps does it with the pure force of perfect voice leading. The 100s of internet heroes who jam on one mode for 20 minutes,(both the shredders & the meditative acoustic gurus), need to hear this, a lot.

[@merc0049]

This man is a pioneer. He is smooth, swings... It looks effortless to him.

[@lastofmykind2020]

We are mere mortals compared to the great George Van Eps....

[@houseofcharm]

What a treasure. Saw George at Tal's life celebration concert in 98 and was awed then as now. My recently passed teacher, Ray Gogarty, an old friend of George said he played guitar like a piano-now I'm getting a clue what he meant.

[@guitaress1]

I love his little turnaround---bweedop bweedop!....dop-adoodle-ee-bop! To heck with the tune, I just want to hear that!

[@musicmanxii]

Brought tears to my eyes, this is spectacular

[@TheTheurgist]

George was indeed the masters master! Recall that Ted Greene after writing Chord Chemistry sought George out and studied for some time with him. Every city has something analogous to George--here in Richmond Va we had Jerry Fields who my friend and teachers Pat Martino and Tal Farlow held in very high regard (Jerry out Djangoed Django). And after teaching teachers and Pros alike myself for more than twenty years I feel confident in saying George was stellar!

[@easguitar]

Has anyone out there "tried" to work through the Harmonic Mechanisms for Guitar by George Van Eps?Good God, you would need 10 lifetimes to just scratch the surface!!!

[@AndrewGorny]

This is the dude who set the unmatchable standard for solo guitar improvisation! Love it! But don't be discouraged... as jazz musicians you should be encouraged to take the baton and move the guitar places nobody expected! If you can even get halfway to this guy, you're great, but throw in more modern rhythmic patterns (one mere example) and you've REALLY got yourself a gig!

[@edcerc]

i love avant garde jazz but i can always appreciate the beauty in classic jazz when played by masters like this.

[@phaasch]

Right from the first time I ever heard GvE solo, on Ray Noble's 1935 recording of "Dinner for One please, James", I've been entranced by his playing. This is 5 minutes of heaven. Thank you.

[@harseybaber]

Incredible! Jazz chord soloing is the mother of all difficulties and Mr. Van Eps is a master. Also, his tone is superb and that 7 string is used beautifully! Good God!!!!!

[@jellyfishsquid]

Wow! What a treat! I didn't think anyone else even knew about George Van Epps. I am so pleased to find this video posted...I have regained the will to live. All the text comments reassure me that there are still people out there who appreciate this music and will keep the flame burning. Thanks a million for posting this. Brilliant!!!

[@zinnington]

One of the great real masters. He's the guy that everybody else goes to hear. He's the guy the scares the crap out of every body else.

[@LuisGarzonGuitarist]

I played his guitar when I met him. It's a seven string Gresch. I met him at Steamers in Fullerton CA when he played with Ron Eschete both on seven strings. It was incredible. Steamers has some greats all the time. Free most days except on Friday and Saturday. Van Eps is indisputably the master of harmony. He learned from George Gershwin who was his fathers accompanist. At the end here he tells how he knew Gershwin and how their lives entangled at different times in his life.

[@245webster]

I saw George Van Epps when I was a young rock and roller.. I'd say about 1969... I was in E.U. Wurlitzer..which was like the Sam Ash's of Boston.. anyway.. they were giving away tickets to hear George demonstrate his new 7 string Gretch.. so we went.. didn't appreciate it at the time.. all I really remember is that he made everyone laugh by making his guitar sound like the perculator in the Maxwell House commercial.. wish I knew then what I know now.. I would have enjoyed his whole performance.

[@timjmoran]

WOW!! ABsolutely InCREDible!! This is why I LOVE KZbin and have spent countless hours looking up different players. Mr.Van Eps is a real master.. and note how he looks like he is barely breakin' a sweat,playing this incredibly intricate stuff, with nary a wasted movement.. just amazing... one of the ALL-time greats. no doubt.If only there were more.

[@jsm355]

Master Guitarist / Musician's Musician Marvelous !! Saw him in early 1980's when I was just 23-24 years old.... Jaw dropping performance !!

[@GrandAbbot]

This is SOOOO smooth -- Oh my god, the notes are just velvety!

[@bogeyat3]

George is the MAN, and also the Dude! love this song, no slacker.

[@gabri3l367]

George Van Eps , un signore della chitarra. Grande gusto , raffinatezza e classe .

[@greatgooglymoogly]

What a pleasure to see George live.Thanks for posting this!

I so remember The Gretch Van Eps Model guitar, yet it would be years later that I understood this genius! Awesome player and so much of the tradition of my dad (a great accordionist)... who loved George, Took me a while, but I got it! :O)

[@hoodaman]

WOW. I've been waiting sooo long for footage of van eps. he is the greatest chordal player ever.

[@Stricknyne1]

Simply beautiful, the highest level of taste. What an inspiring artist. I have listened to his recordings and read his books, but would never have been able to see him play if you had not posted this. I wish I could have spent one hour with him. Thank you so much.

[@littlelulu1946]

Terrific Song, Van Epps was a great Master of chord melody making melodic tones making the guitar sing. Thank you for this post. One of my favorite songs too! God Bless!

[@jas026able]

+Lucille Petillo George Van Eps tells how Gershwin would drive out to New Jersey to play piano for George's father Fred Van Eps the great banjo player. Gershwin would dandle little George on his knee. Talk about growing up with greatness.

[@montikore]

True master of the 7s

[@bruced47]

What a craftsman he was. Love the way he voices his chords....very mellow.

[@DanRollin]

wow much respect to thi man. incredible playing

[@Pickinbuddy]

His technique is absolutely classical! He was always such a brilliant player and arranger.

[@Musikologist]

My Teacher Alan DeMause is a student of George and a fellow 7 String guitarist.Thanks for posting this video,Musikologist

[@DrJonesJazzMore]

0:28 that contrary motion is sooo cooool

[@davens99]

We are so lucky to hear and see this. Thank you so much for posting it. Van Eps was a genius.

[@billhatcher9303]

A master!

[@GrandAbbot]

Nile Rodgers put me on to him and I've just started the George Van Eps Guitar Methods for Harmonics on Guitar. One of my greatest mentors...

[@nitush1000]

GrandAbbot is that a book or what? I'd like to find it too..

[@GrandAbbot]

nitush1000 Here are links for the books: Vol 1: www.bookfinder4u.com/IsbnSearch.aspx?isbn=0871669064&mode=direct Vol 2: www.bookfinder4u.com/IsbnSearch.aspx?isbn=0786609249&mode=direct Vol 3: www.bookfinder4u.com/IsbnSearch.aspx?isbn=1562223666&mode=direct Here is a detailed article about George Van Eps & almost 3 hours of interview with him: www.tedgreene.com/audio/TedGreene_GeorgeVanEps.asp

[@nitush1000]

GrandAbbot WOW! that was unexpectedly quick! thanks a lot!! :-)

[@tuxguys]

GrandAbbot Nile Rodgers... really...

[@GrandAbbot]

tuxguys Yeah, check out this great interview with Nile Rodgers in Madrid 2011 - part 1: vimeo.com/32135545 - part 2: vimeo.com/32401638

[@claryscat]

Isn't this the Stuff? I'm a tenor player. '04 got in a car wreck and busted ribs. May friend gave me a Strat. Just started playing it & have been playing every day since. My natural feeling was to play with my thumb and fingers, pick feels unnatural. This clip is mind bending stuff for me! Sound, phrasing, voice leading and heart felt things to say... Beatiful!! Picks? Why?

[@salhervi]

Just a Genious of Harmony!

[@jazzeando7357]

Que belleza ! Que gran Maestro ! gracias por este magnifico video.

[@KoxxMobilhome]

Guys like these they don't make anymore.

[@RonaldCid]

A million thanks for a video of the Master !!!please, please if you have more...please upload!!! RC

[@cafdo]

Perfect. The chords are so well executed, it almost sounds like a piano. Superb

[@daviddunham2517]

he actually called his guitar a "lap piano"

[@soup2nuts1]

I find jazz usually boring - but here at last I'm hearing all those inner voices moving - very cool!

[@georgezeigler9826]

a true genius

[@MattAlexan]

Thank KZbin and the author for this! I've known this man's name for a very long time -but this is the first I have seen & heard him. -Worth the wait!

[@Lovethemusic385]

Thank you so much for posting

[@marknarayan1558]

Thanks so much for posting ! Greetings from Brazil !

[@picardoi8742]

I cant feel my face when im with you.. but i love it.. love it

[@deangelico]

hank you so much for this great clip from George.He was a true Master. if you have any more from this concert please please post

[@GlaucioFanara]

Fantastic

[@silversilver1975]

Beautiful!

[@BMWBikes-i7n]

Whooouuuww! Wonderfull!! Thank you very much!

[@Pickinbuddy]

A GRAND MASTER on guitar.... His Father was a master on gut stringed 5 string banjo!

[@MikeNeer]

Best video I've seen yet on KZbin. I can't thank you enough.

[@marcomariacolombo]

Fantastic on the baritone guitar. Without words :|

[@MagnumCalibre75]

Nice one Uncle Jun' !

[@DrJonesJazzMore]

he is awesome

[@jas026able]

Jo Stafford sent me here, "The Gentleman is a Dope" 1960 youtube recording. GVE on session.

[@jas026able]

George Van Eps had a very personal relationship with George Gershwin. The composer would visit the family home in Plainfield, NJ to accompany George's father, Fred Van Eps the renowned banjo virtuoso. George talked about how he was dandled on the knee of Gershwin. Such a beginning foreshadowed greatness for George Van Eps.

[@Drewster58]

I just read his biography, great lap piano player.

[@edudzzaj]

amazing player

[@BuckshotLaFunke1]

Wow, Van Eps on KZbin!

[@BertrandLaurenceMusic]

what a beautiful feel ! he sings and dance through the guitar. I dont feel that heavy intellectual , brainy chess game vibe I get from Joe Pass. sometimes.This is just breezy , seemingly effortless pure musicality. So elegant.

[@anitadavideduo]

amazing!!

[@tonyguitarned]

arrrsome amazing guitarist wot a loss

[@DWinegarden2]

That low note, wow!

[@shnewsman]

I know Bucky plays a Benedetto now. And he has for quite some time. But years ago, he played a Gretsch George Van Eps single-pickup model; dark green and black. Most Van Eps Gretschs out there now are single-pickup, hence my comment that Van Eps' guitars were one-offs.

[@ButchBolesGuitar]

@nickv6241 Hi nickv6241 - Anyone who is a serious student of Jazz guitar has heard of your uncle! And, been influenced by him. I used to work at Huntington Music in 1977-78. I saw him peek through our store window a couple of times. I was just starting my jazz journey then, but my friend and I knew who he was...it made our day. I remember walking several miles to buy one of his books when I had started playing professionally! He should be remembered.

[@music_works]

There was a music store in Huntington Beach?!

[@wisesatyr72]

Ive seen him in a guitar catalogue article playing a Gretsch 7 string guitar that he made w/the company in the early 1930's He taught Bucky, father of John Pizzarelli, Frank Vignola, Howard Alden..check them out on youtube..hehe

[@AndrewGorny]

that's a pretty good way to put it!

[@djziggurat]

Wow, I never knew that. In his face, and I like vai

[@MartinPorto]

Master Van Eps

[@sanddancer01]

@shnewsman All the Gretsch Van Eps production models had two pickups, I've got one myself. If Bucky's only had one then that was a modification he made. The early Van Eps models came with the appalling floating sound unit which almost everyone removed and replaced with a decent bridge. Van Eps' guitar was fitted with a bridge he made himself. Other than that it was no different to the production model

[@reverseengine]

genius.

[@fiddlercrab3]

Quite possibly the funniest story I've heard on KZbin all year! (Admittedly, the year is rather short thus far, but hey, who's counting?) ;-)

[@lexo30]

@simguit Not sure about underestimated: any intelligent player who's listened to Van Eps is aware that he operated on a level of technique far beyond most of us. I've never heard of a guitar player aware of Van Eps who didn't basically acknowledge that he was a master.

[@bobhess5986]

George Van Epps You have entered the "No Bullshit Zone".

[@shnewsman]

Bucky Pizzarelli's 7-string Gretsch is a single-pickup; the most common models to survive that era. The guitar Van Eps plays here is extremely rare and if you can find one...buy it and insure it.

[@snuffy39]

I feel vindicated by all the favorable comments as I know nothing about music except to my ears he was a fine guitarist. He played in Bemmy Goodman's band for quite awhile which means if he was good enough for Benny he was very good

[@jazzguitarfreaky]

In a line with all time great guitarrists. Lenny Breau Ted Greene Johnny Smith Howard Roberts Danny Gatton But the greatest of them all is Lenny.

[@elimakowski1469]

+jazzguitarfreaky Amen

[@tuxguys]

You omitted Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel... A mere oversight, I have no doubt.

[@BernieHolland-w4l]

That you have ALL overlooked Talmadge Holt Farlow, speaks volumes

[@VinniePaah]

Kirk Hammett beat them all!

[@pereztube2]

what about kurt cobain?

[@StephenAntKneeBk5]

Great video. I wonder whatever happened to the original master?

[@wintermoon1939]

Van Eps makes solo greats like Joe Pass seem almost human...he's that good this is a study on harmony to the nth degree, he rephrases/reharmonizes the tune over and over

[@mmmgjl]

Post more please!

[@bobsaturday4273]

George August 7, 1913 - November 29, 1998 , was 66 here

[@chrismondak]

this mans triads are mad

[@fa2302]

I've tried to respond a couple of times several days ago, but the replies haven't shown up yet. =:( The guitar is a Gretsch 6079 or 6080 George van Eps model manufactured from 1968 thru the early 70s. I originally thought it was semi-hollow like the original Chet Atkins Country Gentleman but the published specs say it's a hollow body. ~frank

[@RodPaulette1]

Sometimes I read the comments about jazz and jazz guitarist and I get sad or angry. Dudes say stuff that is just amazingly stupid. And is usually about their inabilities. To say anything negative about Mr. Van Epps is just not called for. To say anything about knowing harmony doesn't mean somebody can play only works if the guy saying that knows anything himself. Ken Rowan might be a jazz guitarists but I doubt it. That isn't the way a jazz player would say it. A jazz player wouldn't mention the education part in a comment negatively. So I know he isn't a educated musician. Cause only the uneducated speak about being able to play harmony at all. There are great guitar player who know nothing about harmony and some who do, but real jazz cats never say anything about harmony or school or any of that stuff when we watch other players clips. Real jazz player rarely mention technique. Real jazz players are just trying to make really great music in context. And when the thing works it works

[@rayjr62]

Because many guitarists are hung up on this macho rock trip. Many were raised listening to Eddie Van Halen, or George Lynch, or Yngwie Malmsteen, and this is the crossbar by which they judge everyone who picks up the instrument. These rock dolts think if you aren't playing 300 mph, running your hands up and down the fretboard at the speed of light, you aren't a great guitarist.

[@raumatifenton630]

Those rock dummies have no sense of style man lol! Mr Van Epps is all class IMO Still love Van Halen and those cats but I can listen to Mr Van Epps all day! Joe Pass was pretty swish also

[@merc0049]

George was masterful, but there are guys out there like him. Nobody knows about them because they don't rap about hoes, rims, busting caps and poppin' bottles in the club. When I went to Berklee, Larry Baione was my teacher. He was the best. Al Defino taught there too. These guys could play anything.

[@jiyujizai]

😃🌱💚🌼

[@CAGED1702]

@fracarciofo Just for info: it is a Gretsch George Van Eps 7-string guitar - otherwise I agree with you: without words..!

[@fiddlercrab3]

Truth. In fact, the two are complementary. Case in point: search "Bireli Lagrene and Sylvain Luc."

[@jas026able]

GVE would talk about Gershwin dandling him on his knee when Gershwin would drive to Jersey to play with George's father the banjo virtuoso. Calling that lineage just doesn't do justice to it,

[@wisesatyr72]

this guy came up w/the 7 strings idea?

[@jodyguilbeaux8225]

he is playing that jazz guitar with a classical guitar right hand technique.

[@bluenotesoul]

Exactly. 25.5” scale length tuned down a whole-step to help facilitate the classical technique

[@resourceyourself]

Hello, I am trying to track down some possibly unpublished Van Epps music for a small college on Long Island where they might want to make him famous among their students. Do you have a way I might be able to contact his daughter? or his agent? I'd appreciate hearing from you about this. Thanks for any help you'd care to give. Jan

[@edcerc]

what kind of guitar is that. it looks more semi hollow then hollow am i wrong?

[@number1saxophone]

In that case, you'll love my band. We recently decided to start playing JAZZ. It wasn't hard. Most folks say we've got the best band on youtube and they are probably right.

[@jessejackson]

7th is tuned to A.

[@BernieHolland-w4l]

Thank you for that - I've just bought a 7-string and I wasn't sure what note the 7th was tuned - at the moment it's B but now I will drop it a tone and hear what happens - you have to revise your chord fingerings (and voicings) somewhat, but if you know what you're doing then you shouldn't upset too many people !

[@dreadnought45]

Another 7-string finger-style guitarist. Just kidding-don't get angry. Just reading the comments below. Knowing music theory and knowing how to build chords and progressions does not make for a good player, jazz or otherwise. Just enjoy the music of a genius. May God bless him. Kewn, Toronto

[@betterdogbehaviornow581]

@TheTheurgist I took lessons from Jerry…and also Bruce!

[@Burnwash]

What's that big black stripe on his head?

[@TheJofrica]

Al Dentay Is he wearing headphones?

[@kevinmccluskey8899]

+TheJofrica Yes, sir - those be head phones...either that or the brother has a serious comb-over!