Jason Ricci and Walter Trout Paradiso Amsterdam 2008

Jason Ricci's guestappearance at the Walter Trout concert Paradiso Amsterdam 21.11.2008. Great show guys!
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[@jasonricci]

Sometimes things just come together. Not every night can be pure magic. Sometimes when we feel like we're at our worst the world is seeing our very best. I'm definitely the worst judge of my own performance on and off stage. A great Jazz drummer named John Yarling once told me very wisely: "You're never as good as you think you are and you're never as bad either"... Usually we're somewhere in between. On this night here I was in a kind of tough spot. My hero, mentor and adopted Father Pat Ramsey had just died a few days before this show was captured. I had been with Pat at his bedside in hospice, almost up until my flight had to leave for this tour in Europe.The last few days of his life, Pat was in and out of consciousness and even when conscious he wasn't always very clear about what was happening. . He didn't know the teams playing football on TV and thought I was Clyde Ramsey a few times. He came to absolute clarity a few times and said some really beautiful things that I was afraid I would never hear him say again. I needed those words so desperately and they made his eventual passing, which was life changing a little less painful them it would of been. Pat hadn't been well for a while, even before the Hep C started to really kill him. In another moment of clarity Pat found out that I was leaving soon to go on tour with the great Walter Trout. Walter and I had done a record together and I had sat in with him a few times but we had never toured together before. Pat was super excited for me but pretty jealous too in a mostly cheerful and funny way, which was a typical behavior of Pat's and it made me feel good to know he was acting like his old self again. He teased me about stealing all his licks and all that before begrudgingly congratulating me on the gig. I called Walter Trout up from Pat's bedside and put Pat on the phone with him. A lot of people don't like "Blues Rock" but I do, I like most music, not every artist but most music. Johnny Winter was Blues Rock so was Pat Ramsey and Walter Trout is too. All of them are more than that as well. Pat told Walter how grateful he was for: "All he had done for this music". It was wonderful hearing those two old vets talk shop for a minute. I was in awe of both of them. I had to leave an hour or so later to make my way back to Nashville to catch the plane to Europe and meet Walter and the band. When I arrived in Amsterdam a day or so later I found out Pat had passed away. I was about 8 years sober at the time and it was a tough one. Out of my second story hotel window right by Dam Square in Amsterdam, on the first night of Pat's passing, I could see people copping crack and heroin, I made mental notes of the corners, the dealers and I definitely thought about getting loaded that evening. Somehow I stayed sober that night. I caught a train the next day and met up with the band somewhere in Holland and I did a few gigs with Walter and his incredible band: Rick Knapp was on bass at the time, Michael Leasure (drums) and Sammy Avila was on Keys. The whole band was as nice as Walter and just as supportive. It was a good start to the tour. I was feeling like I had found another older man that was wise, had seen some shit and was there for me. It was a powerful and visceral time in my life and I really needed him and he was there. Walter and I talked about addiction, sobriety the music business, guitar players and other things important to us in the van for a few days...He was funny, brilliant, confident and strong. I was very grateful to be there and treasure those conversations and memories. For the first few gigs We played 400-800 seat sold out rock rooms and around the fourth day or so we arrived back in Amsterdam to play the Paradiso. The Paradiso has a capacity of around 1,500 and it was sold out as usual for Walter trout. Walter described the room as "The Rolling Stones favorite gig". The room was beautiful, an old church, designed with perfect acoustics and sacred geometry. The sound was the best I have ever experienced to date. I could play acoustically from the stage and it sounded like that little harmonica, un-miced, was bellowing at 200 decibels of perfectly balanced tone all over the giant cathedral. I started to get nervous about the gig. For this tour I had flown over, as agreed upon, on my own dime... Walter's people took care of my all my food and hotel rooms but I wasn't getting paid for the individual gigs and didn't need to at all. I was receiving a TON of things more valuable then money. Besides finding what felt like a new mentor and older, wiser friend, Walter was doing me a huge favor by introducing me to thousands of new fans in Europe and letting me sell my CD's with his after the show. For a while after that tour, before I fucked things up, I did really well in Europe as the direct result of Walter Trout's generosity and exposure, just from this single tour. On these shows Walter would have me wait for a few songs or more than call me out and introduce me. I had to pay attention back stage to be ready because I never knew when he'd call me out. On this particular gig (The Paradiso) I was so nervous that I was throwing up and having major bowel issues right up until seconds before Walter called me out and this performance was captured. Pat Ramsey's death was fresh in my mind and I just felt awful all the way around. The performance you see and hear below is not in my memory at all. I have zero recollection of any of it at all. I was simply not there. You sometimes hear musicians talking about lofty shit like being a "conduit" or a tube for God or some Higher Power to come through and not being present during that time period and a lot of that talk seems pretty pretentious to me most the time but I truly was not involved at least mentally in this performance. Later when I saw this video I was quite surprised that it was one of my best performances (That I've seen) and remains to this day one of my very favorite moments ever captured on video. Walter gave me a lot of freedom on these gigs and brought the best out of me every night. Playing with a band THIS good didn't hurt at all either and being in one of the World's greatest music rooms certainly helped things along. Between the band, Walter, the room, the packed house of amazing listeners, great sound people and my own precarious position in life at the time I think we played the blues just right, even if it's too rocked up for some peoples selective pickings. "Rhythmic lamentation". It was an amazing night. I was blessed to be there with everyone in that room. I came too a little after this solo and had a lot of fun for the rest of the tour. In the wake of the enormity of importance Walter's mentorship had quickly become to me what now seems like a small semantic would at the time dismantle the whole relationship. A disagreement with Walter's management over who (them or me) would pay for hotel rooms on a later, would be tour resulted in me being told I would never record with, talk to or tour with Walter Trout again. They were right. I'm sure other people involved may remember it differently but that was the meat of it. This business is pretty messed up sometimes, it's hard to navigate, sometimes seemingly impossible and there's a tiny fine line between sticking up for what you think you need/deserve or just getting back in the van to play some music. Making the decision to ask for certain things or just do the gig has most professional musicians I know pretty divided. The politics, etiquette and dynamics of "professionalism" is complex in any business but the music business is a maze of melding emotions, principles and motives always confusing. When to ask for money, when to ask for more money, should we do this gig instead of that one? When should I turn down a gig because the money isn't right but the exposure may be priceless? Tough stuff... I'm still learning and redefining all that shit , imperfectly as usual but it's been a lot harder to do without people like Pat Ramsey and Walter Trout around. Relationships are our most valuable experiences in life. I have regrets indeed. Enjoy the blues here."

[@017stevo]

Wise words

[@harpslide]

Nice to read your ‘review’ about this night/period. Thanks for this look behind the scenes, Grtz Ed

[@jasonricci]

@@harpslide Thank YOU for capturing this moment Sir!

[@harpslide]

@@jasonricci It was a pleasure

[@neilbillington8684]

The emotion that you were experiencing at that time comes through with every note you played. The fire, intensity and depth of that performance is a perfect counterpoint to Walter's transcendent guitar. You made it part of our experience. The unparalleled beauty of the blues. Unforgettable.

[@paulmartin39]

Wow, just incredible playing. I'm blown away..

[@Uggybow]

Jason published a video here...is sort of a tribute to Blind Owl. And as he listens to the song(boogie chillen) he tries to repeat after Alan. And at the most difficult parts of the solos he fails-and he even stated in the sequel video that he will try again because he was so pathetic in the previous one. Don't get me wrong Jason is still great as is this video, a joy to watch!

[@garryinmaine]

Awesome Jason!

[@solidcitizens]

Sorry Walter, I can't resist rewinding at the end of JC's solo to hear it again and again and again. This has to be one of the best live harp solo's of all time!

[@pamking464]

Love ya both!!!!

[@strawwoodclaw]

we all enjoy hell & jason ricci - thanks bnwbaldy

[@harpslide]

And the crowd in Amsterdam loved it, as you can see!!

[@NicolletIslandSlim]

Is there a more amazing player on earth?? I've heard 'em all, this is it. Hard to imagine any better playing.

[@carythompson1147]

no there is NOT, and he's all ours now

[@APaclin]

Jason Ricci is a god of harmonica blues!

[@Steed-Savon]

the best !

[@Modernbluesharmonica]

Truly stupendous playing, melodic and energetic, and on an F harp, no less. I really don't think that amped-up harp in this sort of context gets any better than that. Six stars.

[@pianoscantalk]

gave me chills up and down my spine!!!!!!!!!!!! never TRULY felt music like this before!

[@caseydc78]

Awesome video! Walter Trout and Jason Ricci are two of the best. Jason comes through my area in Colorado quite often, so I've had the honor of seeing him several times. His guitar player with New Blood, Sean Starski, is also amazing. I've seen Walter once, but I'm going to see him again this summer. I can't wait.

[@Drazi10]

Holy Shit.

[@rickiji1]

One word Dude! -AWESOME! Thanks to the poster of this vedio!

[@Zigblues]

Oh, oh, Oooooooh: Jason's on fire here, and when Walter is standing there just smiling and shaking his head in disbelief at what he's hearing that says it all! Nuff said.

[@freddiejacks1627]

I fell in love with Jason when I saw this video. This dude can play, wow....just wow

[@harponius]

Jason Ricci is the best!!!!!!!!!!!! amazing i,m playing the bluesharp for about 40 years but i wish i was half as good as he is!

[@angrykoopa]

FUCK YESSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@rshappy123]

that my friend was some of the sickest fuckin soloing I ever heard.

[@melomelo8732]

IMMENSO J

[@Rockblueser]

This really is excellent, cross generational brilliance showing that rock blues can touch everyone; Walter is simply awesome with his fire and tone and Jasson is from outer space!!!! Bring him to the UK!! Pete a corss geneqrtion

[@anthonyswampdogclark]

Jason Ricci is the palyingest son of a gun on the planet. Pure raw power and emotion. All I can say is DAMN!!!!!

[@rshappy123]

damm!!!! That simply was the best play ing ever, and I have been playing 50 years

[@bluesdog88]

WOW that's some of the most intense harp I have heard in ages, thanks Jason!

[@solidcitizens]

Such technique with incredible feel!!! Wonderful and unique player.. in awe of his prowess .. smashing it all over the park

[@harpinholley]

OH MY GOD,NOW THATS WHAT I,M TALKING ABOUT! Sreaming blues with heart and soul.

[@caseydc78]

He plays all over Colorado, but I've seen him at The Outlook Hotel in Boulder a couple times, in Fort Collins at Hodi's Half Note, and I've seen him at blues festivals in Loveland, Greeley and Winter Park. He's going to be at the Outlook again on March 5th and 6th. I'll definitely be there.

[@bankebrum]

GREAT post, though i MISS animal on drums !! THX from Sweden !!

[@johnnycardy]

Thanks for putting this up - I was hoping someone would!

[@LudoBeckers]

goosebumps on the harp solo...

[@musicman405040]

Unbelievable, really, it's so hard to do on a harmonica and that great bluesfeeling, this is BIG!

[@maid3260]

Wow. I think im in love.

[@joch230]

Just look at the eyes of the keyboard...he knows he's watching something magical....

[@jwentzien]

Jason has taken it to the next level. John Wentzien (Pat Ramsey's old bass player)

[@jasonricci]

Thanks John!!!! Means a lot coming from you and I would be nowehere without Pat. I was feeling Pat pretty heavy this night. He had died four days before this gig. Thank you again!

[@FAHRENHEIT451JL]

When the band members are listening thing. "shit he's gone into god mode" whiooooooooo

[@zerbaelchee8212]

Good God!!! Great Tone

[@bluesdog88]

Bloody Hell, Jason blows the socks off that thing!!!

[@curleyteeth]

I love players like Jason, and Jason too as a man but I will say again, and always will, that had he lived longer than his poultry few years,Al Wilson would have became the greatest harp player.He was only ever going to get better if that was possible.Its all in the timing and tone.Butterfield too.Oh God and all the rest of my hero`s.Jim.Liverpool.

[@marothhel]

Awesome :-))

[@bobodetroit8127]

totally bad ass!!!!!!

[@BBHRalle]

go on man , go on, go go go on.

[@MrDidjcripey]

@duanentammy we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, but I think Jason's talent eclipses all the greats. They would be amazed to hear what he does.

[@BBHRalle]

so coooool....there are only harpplaying divas giving bad feedback to this,... this is just amazing....

[@joch230]

Jason likes to start out with his B.B. King lick (that's what I"ve heard him call it anyhow). It's like a 8blow to a 6 overblow....I love the lick but suck at the 6 overblow. Nice to hear a solo using an F harp as well. Thanks.

[@Modernbluesharmonica]

Jason is a fine, innovative player. What do you do? I mean heck, I like Alison Kraus and Martina McBride, too. I really do. You've got good taste there. But if those are the only two videos you've favorited in the seven months since you've signed on to KZbin, you're a very picky guy. I'm not sure I want you deciding what my Hell should be.

[@davechae5890]

Omg❤

[@harpslide]

Nice conversation ;=) What's the prob? Why don't you just look for a vid you like. There are plenty of others on the tube. Cheers!

[@dannyfirestone7270]

wow

[@vahekatros]

what! my harp playing days ended after high school a long time ago but in those days Little Walter and Magic Dick were my benchmarks for great - especially since they did it with the much harder to bend chromatic (from my lame POV) but this was so amazing - who are you and what deal did you make with the devil?

[@sjziro]

Nice work Jason! Although I can hardly call it work when you perform like this. Am I wrong or are you totally in the zone here? It sure looks like it! Those types of "zones" don't come too often for me. But when they do, it's got to be the best feeling ever! Great playing J...

[@harpslide]

???????????

[@happytempo]

but where will he get those musical note !!

[@Modernbluesharmonica]

This comment is a reply to Mr (or Ms.) bnwbaly.

[@StellarChi]

Wowww Sweet Licks

[@bnwbaly]

I thought Walter got rid of him in the states. Now he shows up in Europe.

[@falco1ar3025]

Tu devrais faire un concert avec Gary Moore! Qu'en pense tu ?????

[@bnwbaly]

Is there big market in France for harmonica and kazoo artists?

[@florentvauxion3664]

Poor reeds...

[@Uggybow]

Jason's great. But no-one comes even close to "Blind owl" Wilson.

[@bnwbaly]

Mistake, check them now and see what problem you have.