"Intro" - Allan Holdsworth Memorial Video - 1 of 5

[@22fret]

His death absolutely shattered me. Holdsworth was my guru and he inspired my guitar playing a lot. I have met him several times and we had very nice conversations about music, guitars and cycling. We were discussing string action and signing other peoples instruments, which he didn't like doing for the simple reason that he thought it would ruin the guitar. He examined my Godin Exit 22 in detail and seemed surprised how good it was (I had it with me for a workshop at the Cologne Music School which he hosted together with Husband and Johnson). Allan Holdsworth held my Godin in his hands! I'll never ever sell this guitar, that's for sure. BTW, his hands weren't THAT huge. Needless to say that Jimmy Johnson (b) and Gary Husband (d, p) were enormously friendly ond open, too. Especially Husband is what I'd call a complete musician. I remember seeking shelter from heavy rain after one of his gigs in Verviers, Belgium. Suddenly he stepped out of the club's entrance and stood next to me, lighting a cigarette and starting a conversation with me. We were talking about this and that for quite some time. When I asked him why he always played at such small venues he said that he hated big festivals. He didn't like playin for an hour or so and then being obliged to get his stuff off the stage. That year he performed at the Leverkusener Jazztage in Germany, so he probably knew what he was talking about. I think it was in 2010. He was extremely open, humble and very self-critical. I knew he wasn't too well from Gary Husband with whom I talked about him during the Leverkusener Jazztage in Germany in 2012. So his passing didn't really surprise me but it was devastating news to me... :-( Listening to his tunes gives me an awkward feeling these days. But he'll always be there through his sublime music. RIP, Allan, wherever you are...

[@MPfrance]

Jamie Glaser's comments were so heartfelt they made me cry. And they mirror the way SO many of us that knew Allan feel about him.

[@Greendragon7765]

Yes Mike , at the 7m50sec mark I cried too .

[@JamieGlaserpage]

Thank you very much Mike, Fabio and Peter

[@oriomenoni7651]

Fabio Serrano ditto

[@martymandrell5961]

@@JamieGlaserpage Hi Jamie, you are awesome!! I had a chance to see Allan and band with Chad after a show in Phoenix when all the cars had left. We walked back in and saw Allan, band and bartenders........ I started trembling as I walked closer because he has been my guitar main guy since I was thirteen!! I WAS like a deer in the headlights and I know what you mean..... I couldn't hardly talk and they kind of laughed at me until I finally settled down a little........ haha! I brought in the "Uncommon Chord" book for him to sign and he did, but also gave me a free signed Yoshi's video because I didn't have the money. When he thumbed through the book I brought he said........ "The most important thing about this book is drinking beer"!!! We all laughed!! I first saw Allan during the IOU years and then on......... probably ten times! Everyone brings up the word "humble" and it is just that, but being extremely funny and brilliant were a big part of his traits also. How can you listen to a guy play a solo that is Godly out of this Universe and then say....... "Oh........ Sorry"! I am very interested in what you are doing now? I was into Ponty awhile ago..... I don't know what happened? Love his music and albums with your name on it.......... love Enigmatic Ocean, Cosmic Messenger, many others I had on vinyl? I think I will start a new Ponty cd collection to get back into it.......... loved your comments on this video, I could tell you were heartbroken as we all are...... the only other time for me was when Frank Zappa died. I didn't go to work for a week........ I am 52 now and fusion/ prog/ classic/rock are the only thing that catches my interest. I wish I could have been you and hang around with Allan? I want to hear more "You" and more "Ponty"? See.......... you were never "in the way"....... you always have friends that want to "hear you"............ Peace Out......... Which Ponty album do you suggest I start with? Already know the seventies ones that I will re-buy on cd......

[@keithpasculli7465]

Me too man, such a touching tribute.

[@biorythmicshifter]

After my father passed away, my mother found some food he cooked in the freezer shortly after. It was a heart wrenching, all encompassing experience to touch, smell and eat that food knowing it was a product of my fathers being. It was almost as if he was right there when we ate that meal. I get a similar feeling when I listen to Allan’s music. It’s so all encompassing to my senses that I can feel his presence...quite painful yet pleasurable at the same time...that is special to me. Allan is my musical father...

[@Draxtor]

I interviewed Allan once for a German magazine. Back in '99. We were at his house, drank beer, chatted about everything. Most amazing day of my life ....

[@Truthinshredding1]

Please, someone make a documentary for Allan. Just to hear people talking about Allan gives me so much pleasure.

[@TheUnrealAllanHoldsworth]

Plans are in place.

[@MrPyroguru]

Was Allan Holdsworth a religious person? His music is like the doors of Heaven opened slightly!

[@Gregorypeckory]

I hope not, he was far too brilliant to waste his time on nonsense.

[@MrPyroguru]

Fuck You!

[@RobotChampionSC]

@@TheUnrealAllanHoldsworth my last post was intended for you guys...thanks again. Allan was incredible. So gifted, and sorely missed.

[@gregoryberdon6587]

"He didn't need to think outside of a box. He didn't [even] know where the box was." Best quote on Allan, ever. This guy really gets it.

[@patrickmoore3538]

I was just about to write what you wrote. Dittos, totally.

[@manningbartlett522]

Byron is a really lovely guy, and he was a good friend of Allan, after meeting him at the famous 1982 "Roxy" gig in LA with Allan and Eddie Van Halen. He wrote an amazing blog about that entire experience. byronfry.com/2017/02/22/allan/

[@wj3438]

He was a kind soul. I enjoyed visiting with him.

[@robbyrob0723]

The opening line is exactly what happened for me. The first note from the solo on hells bells. Gave me goose bumps hearing him telling my experience

[@obedefranklin2464]

Absolutelly amazing! Congratulations to all involved in the memorial! Wish I were there!

[@KenJencks]

That was really cool.

[@Herehear49]

00:50 Great statement and so true! Just like Coltrane, Allan kept following his musical muse and left a legacy for us all to be inspired by. A major message to ALL musicians: "YOU SHOULD FIND YOUR OWN SOUND!".

[@oriomenoni7651]

"Enigmatic Ocean"... I got attracted by this title, until I realized why it resonated to me... Isn't "enigmatic ocean" a PERFECT description of Allan Holdsworth's musical universe?

[@drummerjeroensimons]

What a great respect for Allan in this way...We all miss Allan, a true genius...

[@joshuahenry7482]

Thank you so much for uploading this.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

What an indearing video about HIS friend Allan.Allan gave him inspiration. What a genius, a true gentleman, gracious human being and yes an true innovator, he broke down his own musical barriers. RIP ALLAN HOLDSWORH. You are truly missed and loved to this day.

[@chrissquire8542]

... I was fortunate enough to see & hear Jean Luc Ponty 4 times in the 70s & 80s in L A. I only hope that Alan Holdsworth was there at least once. Don't recall, but I've always known about him. Frank Zappa was once asked in an interview if there was anyone in todays music (90s) that he had time to listen to - Alan Holdsworth is what he said. FarOut man. Jean luc Ponty with Jon Anderson; St. Louis, 2016, #5

[@pthombeaux]

I particularly identified with what Jamie was saying because it was Allan's playing on this album, "Enigmatic Ocean," that completely changed my life and made me want to find every single recording Allan had ever done and see him play, too, if that was possible. I knew right then Allan had achieved the most profound level of mastery I believed was possible in not only guitar, but musicianship. I've been a devoted follower ever since.

[@gcrauwels941]

'Tokyo Dream' was the first Holdsworth song I listened to and have been in awe of his style and sound ever since.

[@sammyrothrock6981]

Your amazing my kind friend, a really nice to acknowledgement to Alan

[@skidmarkjohnson8452]

"He inspired me to find out who I was." The sincerity of Allan's encouragement inspires me to want to be a better person as well as a guitar player.

[@ConspireToConspire]

I missed seeing Allan at the NAMM show. I wandered around trying to find his booth and was so frustrated and I broke down being so upset about it. Then later I found out that he passed away. I still have so much regret over that. Even meeting some of my other favorite guitarists didn’t really help.

[@keithmore4784]

I was lucky enough to hang with Allan alot during his stint with Level 24 at the Hammersmith Apollo, we got on really well and I brought my Marshall JCM 800 along for him to try ... and guess what ... it didn't make any difference to his sound. It was all in his fingers and soul. He was one of my biggest inspirations and will live in my heart forever ... but so are you Jamie ... you also changed my life forever with your amazing playing and soul. RIP Allan and thank you Jamie.

[@TheJazzcritic]

nice comment Keith (Ken S) ! I hope you are keeping well.

[@alonzovillarreal4666]

That’s why Jamie is such an amazing guy!

[@ntesslafan]

Wonderfully said by Jamie and the other folks on this clip. Thank you so much for sharing it.

[@Greendragon7765]

Good on you Jamie Glaser . A great tribute to the best musician I've ever seen and heard ( Melbourne 1994 ).

[@kgee8814]

Jamie my Friend I’d of told you to stick around as well. Allan the great Man he was knew he was talking to another genius. I’d share my Fish and Chips with you always.

[@MaXaNoMaLoUs]

“No, you are my friend” got me crying my eyes out. I listened to Allan’s music and solos for soo long before finding out what type of person he was and it dosent surprise me anymore on his humble nature. It IS why he sounded the way he did, it’s all intertwined. No overblown ego or entitlement. I feel bad that the few times I met him, all I could do was praise him and tell him how amazing he was, and he’d say no you’re amazing, I’m nothing special, I just like to play. It took me years to mature and realize he was saying, we’re all just beautiful people, that we all have our own voice. I miss him soo much but I’m soo glad his music will last forever, continuously blowing peoples minds. Thank you Allan R.I.P.

[@MarvinSheats]

WOW....What an AWESOME tribute. Thank you so much Jamie.

[@Jazzrok2228]

Thank you so very much for this, this is appreciated more than you know...

[@rockstarjazzcat]

🙏🏼

[@FreepowerUG]

Thanks so much for uploading these, I'm looking forward to watching them all and remembering Allan.

[@augustusbetucius1572]

Three downvotes!? For other videos, sure, it's a matter of taste. That's understandable. But for a memorial of Allan Holdsworths life? A guy who by all accounting was really kind and generous with others, what kind of assh*le downvotes this?

[@dkelley9661]

I hear you! Just seems mean spirited. Allan was kind and humble, worked very hard all his life. If you don’t get the music, that’s cool, your loss. But what’s the point in attacking a man who attacked no one? Who only tried to be a great guy? Ultimately taste, or the lack thereof, is a personal consideration.

[@LisaBellaDonnaMusic]

Each of these are so beautiful. Jamie is a beautiful musician and human.

[@JamieGlaserpage]

thank you Lisa

[@gavinhadley7672]

Lisa Bella Donna ..I sat front row center at Clowes Hall at a JLP concert here in Indy when Jamie was on guitar. I knew he was something special as was the entire band. A few years ago I communicated with Jamie several times via email. Jamie is a very talented musician but more importantly a sweet soul. I’m very pleased to hear that he’s touring again with Jean Luc...much deserved!

[@RonaldoAguiar]

Anyone knows the name of the song at 0:55??

[@omundointerno]

Allan's playing: a beautiful miracle.

[@imaniman101]

Harmonic chord from outer space for sure

[@RobotChampionSC]

Thanks so much for keeping Allans memory alive

[@gordiannot77]

Allan❤

[@Rog5446]

George Gershwin asked Maurice Ravel to teach him about composition. Ravel said, don't try to be a second rate Ravel, just be a first rate Gershwin.

[@stevevitale4490]

It’s almost futile to justly describe Allan’s contribution to art and humanity. After thinking about it for a day, I realized, in his field, Allan’s equivalent to Michelangelo and Leonardo Di Vinci in theirs. He achieved what no other human could’ve hoped to. He changed the scale of 10. Listening to his peers on hours of interviews, I’m sure they’d agree, now, there are no 10’s. And Allan was a 12. Just beyond. I love Bill Bruford’s description, “his talent was astronomical.” I had the privilege of meeting Allan, shaking his huge hand, and thanking him for all his music (I was going to say ‘incredible music,’ but that futilely doesn’t really do him justice). Thank you, Allan. RIP.

[@jodesloo2280]

Jamie, thank you so much.

[@eliotmccann2589]

Jamie Glaser's story is just beautiful.

[@mattdowie92]

Wow I love this. Thanks for sharing on KZbin!

[@petercricket]

These memorial videos have been a blessing... I know I crossed Alan's path a couple of times back in the 60's...Him being 3 years older than myself, nevertheless, don't know where neither remember when ..... I was born just around the corner from him..He being a "Drummond Road " neighbour, I lived up Toller lane, born in Daisy Hill and lived the rest of my life in Bolton /Eccleshill..also spent many hours playing in "Lister Park"..My Grandparents Clara Wilson and Sam Wilson, lived virtualy next door to Alan's house... and Sam Wilson was a boiler engineer at "Drummond's Mill". He played the Harmonica well and would not be surprised if he ever jammed together with Alan's Dad. Alan, Born and bred a Bradfordian...a humble and down to earth Yorkshire man., Loved his beer, a good joke, no airs, straight talk, and one of the greatest misicians this world has ever seen.. I thank you for these videos which have been such a pleasure to watch and remember memories that have taken me back to such fond and treasured times. Neil Geoffrey Clough. l

[@douglasrutherford5406]

Just found this tribute to Allan today, Jamie your words speak volumes. You've said it all...

[@westrokker]

Jamie glaser wow, saw him with JLP , excellent

[@DROWXXI]

"He didn't know where the "box" was"...🤣damnn

[@philippem4400]

a man who can play with U.K and Level42 too...... is a MASTER.

[@alejandronetri4554]

allan holwsworth is not this is planet Alla is visitsnt of Pluton

[@jeddak]

Raise your hand if you ever bought a piece of equipment in the hopes it might make you sound like AH.....I did....many times!!!

[@jakemf1]

Very powerful

[@westrokker]

Wow, Jamie glaser, the ability to just “pick up” enigmatic ocean and go on tour? Btw, I saw this tour live , Jamie was amazing.

[@DaveDurango]

Can someone tell me what song Glaser is playing at 2:10

[@TheUnrealAllanHoldsworth]

Metal Fatigue

[@westrokker]

I love Jamie Glaser even more now

[@AndyMcIntire]

Here's a link to a 3-part series of interviews with notable musicians who knew and were inspired by Allan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4HNln-QjsaSicU

[@jeddak]

I love this: "I don't think he ever saw the inside of a box....he didn't have to think outside of a box - _he didn't know where the box was_!"

[@d_d88888]

Brings me to tears every time I watch this. Thank you, Mr.Holdsworth!

[@danielsgrunge]

Absolute master!

[@westrokker]

I could kick myself that I didn’t see this tour , I was a little late to join JLP bandwagon

[@willemniehorster9836]

mooi zeg

[@westrokker]

Jamie so humble, an amazing guitarist in his own right...

[@АндрейПанасенко-с7р]

Genius, forever!

[@choppedkicks4129]

What’s the song at like 1:30?

[@Zzz-iz6jk]

He was technically brilliant, but a little "out there" musically. He played the kind of stuff that only musicians drowning in music theory or technical experimentation could appreciate. Peons like myself tend to want stuff with a memorable "hook". I really WANT to appreciate his music, but it doesn't speak to me at all (and I'm not referring to his chops or his tone, which of course are superb).

[@papatomany]

Well, I'm not a "musician drowning in music theory or technical experimentation", but the first time I heard Allan I wept, and dozens of other times when I heard Allan I wept. It wasn't theory that caused that.

[@lex.cordis]

I have barely any knowledge of music theory, and Allan's music has brought me to tears on numerous occasions. I'm talking tears streaming down my face. One potent example is "low levels, high stakes". Allan was not some overly intellectual music theory nerd. He was pure heart, soul, intuition and emotion. You should hear his responses to music theory nerds who ask him theory related questions in interviews and clinics. His response is always something along the lines of "oh, I don't know. I don't really think about it. I'm just trying to make melodies...", etc. He couldn't stand talking about theory. Of course, he learned an extraordinary amount of theory over the course of his lifetime studying and practicing music, but he had more of a "learn it and then forget about it" ethos and was truly an emotional player.

[@lex.cordis]

Honestly, if you really do want to get into his music like you say (although, if it isn't your thing it just isn't your thing and I won't denigrate you for it like some folks will), I would suggest starting out with his records "metal fatigue" and "road games". Those two are both fairly accessible, in my opinion, and a good starting place. Some very catchy tunes on both of those records. I could even imagine a few of them getting radio play.

[@TheFissionchips]

Brian May? Dave Gilmour? I've forgotten their ham fisted BS already. Alan is infinity.

[@augustusbetucius1572]

People used to make these sorts of comments on the Allan Holdsworth forum, and they really upset him. Someone really tore into Andy Summers viciously, and Allan (who counted Andy as a friend) shutdown the forum, because he couldn't take it anymore. Allan never had an unkind word for other players. There's another way we could all be influenced by Allan Holdsworth.

[@raulperez2308]

both great guitarists on their own right. so is andy timmons. holdsworth was a genius, but that doesn't mean one should downplay any others.

[@lex.cordis]

Not sure what the issue is. I quite enjoy Pink Floyd with David Gilmour's playing. You can uplift someone without having to denigrate others.

[@fukhue8226]

Jamie's explanation of trying to get Allan's tone by adjusting the knobs on Allan's amp was true. Due to our different pick attacks and fingering alone will change our individual tone. But since the Electric Guitar was invented something magical and unseen is also happening to create our individual tone (our voice). The electric guitar is an "inductive instrument" The pickups send magnetic disturbances to the amp in a signal form to create the sounds we hear. Just our presence around the guitar will change the tone by our body mass changing the inductive reactance of the pickups. I also like to think part of our soul is also in the sounds we produce since we are all electrical beings with a field of unseen energy around us. Allan had a very unique tone that was like no other and it was not all produced by the electronics he played through. They just allowed the tones in his head to be heard by us. Put any one else on his equipment and guitar and the best you will get is something similar. Without Allan himself playing it changes everything. He was the Luciano Pavarotti of the guitar!