Guitar legend Jim Hall auditions for Merv (Merv Griffin Show 1965)

Jazz guitar icon Jim Hall sits in with Mort Lindsey and the band but Merv insists on putting him through his paces in a mock audition from 1965. Merv shows off his own chops on the piano in this clip as well. Hall later became a regular member of the band. Merv Griffin had over 5000 guests appear on his show from 1963-1986. Footage from the Merv Griffin Show is available for licensing to all forms of media through Reelin' In The Years Productions. www.reelinintheyears.com.

[@stefanobonoli8783]

Anything Jim Hall played in any situation is pure gold. ❤️

[@davemurdy1]

The Bass player is Dr. Art Davis. Art passed away in 2007 and was a personal friend of mine. I taught with him at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa where he taught a Jazz history class. I also recorded a recorded a record with him titled "That Goes to Show Ya.

[@PedroBellora]

The absolutely marvelous amount of beauty of Jim's solo truly takes my breath away.... a short solo in such an uninspiring situation but, still, he just makes elevates the music to the highest of levels in a few bars.This is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@stringbender57]

So cool to see Jim Hall in the early days. A true master Jazz Guitarist! RIP Jim!

[@jlr022159]

Merv had a fantastic show… those were wonderful days and incredible talents

[@ericswolgaard1808]

Jim Hall - the Master of introspection, understated phrasing that sneaks up on the listener and a unique sense of swing and breathing. I got hooked back in the 70's when I discovered Alone Together and Undercurrent-----the MASTER!!!

[@charleswinokoor6023]

Jesus, what a great find.

[@deweyneeditt7245]

I can't even look at a still picture of Merv Griffin without cringing. Couldn't stand him back in the day and the years haven't smoothed anything over.

[@lvvry1855]

This is awkward, but Merv was a great host, actually listened to his guests and had a real conversation with them. I really miss those old talk shows. Nothing today compares.

[@chaarh1]

Wow, Jim Hall "auditioning" for Merv Griffin!!! This really cracked me up. Of course its a mock audition. He does his best Freddie Green impersonation followed by a short solo on "They Can't Take That Away From Me." Jim's time on Merv Griffin is a little like his "lost years." I'm glad to finally see something from the time he spent on TV. I've read, however, that his biggest recollection from the time period was sitting around and waiting. Thanks again for posting this.

[@belascialoja4812]

I dig this guy's playing the most!

[@davidmartinez4856]

No problem Jim, Merv loved himself so much he only had ears for him

[@flangeres1752]

GREAT!!!!! Thanks for supporting Jazz and Jim!!

[@samkirby3775]

This is hilarious seeing Merv fucking with Jim. He should've said "You're no Bill Evans but you're doing good too"

[@DaveLincoln]

Wow, I'm a huge Jim Hall fan. This was amazing. I've never heard of this footage. Thanks for posting.

[@Alanoffer]

I imagine jim would like to have crowned merv griffin with his guitar upside the head

[@ianrufus9659]

Amazing how this stuff is available

[@ARawFueledLife]

RIP Jim Hall

[@VinceMGuitar]

Wow that was really entertaining! Merv yucking it up with Jim Hall. I had no idea Merv could play like that. They sounded great!

[@jbromusic9413]

i think i remember a quote by jim saying something like "i didn't play a note of music the entire time i was with merv griffin"! haha. RIP master!