All Things Danny Gatton!! - Josh Smith

Talking about "The Humbler". One of my biggest heroes Danny Gatton.
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[@mikebiglane7764]

Man, I miss being able to go to one of the many places Danny used to show up. One snowy night in Annapolis Maryland Eddie Adcock (playing a telecaster) and Martha played acoustic at this little bar (can't remember the name). It was snowing pretty heavy. About halfway through their first set, the door opens, and here comes Danny with a guitar case in one hand and an amp in the other. He made a couple more trips in and out and was finally set up at the end of their first set. During the break, he continued to warm up and tweak his gear. Finally, the 2nd set started and after about 1 tune Danny was on it. The 2nd tune was an upbeat tune that featured a mind-blowing solo played by Eddie that left the crowd's jaw on the floor. We watched as Eddie finished the solo and Danny stepped over and said something in Eddie's ear. The tune came around and Eddie started the same solo except it sounded different. Danny was playing in twin note for note and the crowd just lost it. I was one of the lucky ones that were not only a fan but got to hang out with Danny a few times at a few of his gigs. He was always interested in what people had to say. One of his guitar heroes was Lenny Breau who had a sad ending. There will only ever be one Telemaster, Danny Gatton.

[@edge2sword186]

Danny had a style all his own but James Burton had his own greatness with the Tele.and Roy Buchanan was pretty good,too.

[@judwatkins9478]

Big thumbs up for this memory of Danny, Martha and Eddie. I too recall that little bar in MD, but I also can't name it, unless "Crossroads" rings a bell for you. Either way, it's nice to recall such good times with the gifted likes of these pickers.

[@benjackinoff5583]

Criminally underated along with Roy Buchanan.

[@siscoismyhomey]

If I remember correctly, Danny and Roy were briefly roommates. From the sounds of it, Danny even taught Roy a thing or two.

[@benjackinoff5583]

@@siscoismyhomey wow! I never had known that thanks. But saying that, Danny does sound similar somewhat to Roy visa versa.

[@briankeegan8089]

Properly rated by all who know. Not rated at all by the unfamiliar. That's the thing, he's not widely known.

[@tedangle8224]

I still can't hold a pick 'correctly' thanks to Ol' 'Roy Boy!'

[@Jamesharris-lo9nn]

I own Danny's entire album catalog but nothing floors me like The Humbler album. He plays the living hell out of the Rockabilly stuff. It puts a smile on my face every time I play it. Danny rules!!!

[@quintinpace2627]

Robert Gordon just put out a CD called the Real Humbler that has some other recordings from their time together. It's a real kick to hear what parts Danny had worked out for which songs, as you can compare the versions on the Real Humbler with the ones on The Humbler.

[@johnokeeffe5399]

That's a great line Josh, "no matter what he went for, it just added up and landed" The true greats have a way of making you think they're just about to run off a cliff, you're sure it's going to crash and burn, then out of nowhere they head down some scale or somewhere I'd never think of, and it just lands! Great video!

[@tomkiefaber4297]

I was 16 in '68 and at 68 I'm just now tuning into this extraordinary player I've heard of for years. In some ways it seems he was the original Nashville Cat, in terms of inspiring John Sebastian to pen his ode to the Nashville players and their mommas. As Sebastian recalls he and a fellow performer on tour had just sold out a packed show in town and back at the Holiday Inn bar some young kid plugged in, ho hum, whatever, and the kid proceeded to blow their minds. Destroyed the guitar world they knew only moments before. John wrote the song that night and the kid was Danny Gatton. Sounds like your experience as well Josh. OK, yet I digress. My intent initially with this comment was to comment on your comment Mr . O'Keeffe about Joshes comment about Gatton...."no matter what he went for, it just added up and landed". Change the name and it's a perfect description for yet another famed, inimitable Guitar Master legend who left us way too soon as well. Jerry Garcia. A left coast, top former banjo player!! who also evolved, switched to guitar and perfected that gripping style, that tumbling forward headlong downhill "High wire, Oh lord will he make it back down this time at all and in time???", effect . Then he too would proceed to somehow magically 'add it all up' in the nick o' time, and stick that landing all 10's once again like a ninja gymnast carrier pilot pro. It makes you want to stand and cheer, as I did many times. All in a hard day's night, no problemo. RIP Danny and Jer' You are both sorely missed pioneer legends that left lasting impressions on our culture beyond the music. They changed and advanced mastery of the guitar (and the groove), worldwide. ;-)

[@johnokeeffe5399]

@@tomkiefaber4297 It's truly magic when things like that happen Tom! I was at a Marty Stuart show a few years ago and he had one of those "oh no, that's never going to work" moments that he of course resolved into a perfect blend of notes that landed dead nuts. We were in the front row, when he looked up I was laughing because he made that work so well and I gave him a thumbs up. When the song ended he walked over to the edge of the stage and handed me the pick he was using and said "you saw that right", then he laughed and went on to the next song. That'll be a fine memory I take with me to the end, so many of my best memories revolve around music, playing it on my guitars, seeing the true greats do their thing, and the times I've spent with family and friends where music was the driving force.

[@trevorjamesbradley3010]

Saw Danny Gatton open up for the Kentucky Headhunters almost 30 years ago. Unbelievable, especially when he played slide with the full beer bottle that was splashing all over the strings and neck. Never got the success he deserved. A true guitar players guitar player.

[@Sargeslide]

Me too! I kinda knew Greg Martin and he introduced me to Danny, shook his hand and he handed me his Tele! Was a awesome night

[@cobragunship6569]

I used to take guitar lessons from danny when he lived near me in Acokeek. He showed me stuff I'm still working on from 40 years ago. You describe perfectly what Danny was in the moment live. You just never knew what was coming next. I was fortunate to know him but cherish the dozens of times I was lucky enough to see him tearing it up live way back when from the Fat Boys, Redneck Jazz, Funhouse, or just whomever was playing at the crab shack. It was great indeed.

[@DougPoynter-nt4no]

He was a friend...I saw him here in Richmond up close in small clubs every time he was here. I promoted him in a show at the old Flood Zone...he was the best..when you consider that he was improvising all his solos...it was like jazz at full bore and loud like rock and blues...there was nothing he couldn’t play...he’s on the GOAT Mount Everest...thanks for spreading the word! You’re a true bad-ass too!!!

[@mediumtalented9250]

If you've never heard Danny Gatton, you could listen to a player like Josh speak about him with such reverence and maybe be like, "Josh is an amazing player, one of the best today, Danny Gatton can't be all that good". Then you go watch Danny and are like "...Oh".

[@customerbloom181]

Danny Gatton- reminds you that there is so much to learn

[@tomminet]

Was lucky enough to see Danny at Tramps in NYC in July of 1990. As good as all his recordings are, seeing him do this stuff live was just jawdropping.

[@musicmann1967]

In the 80s and 90s I worked at Sterling Sound mastering studio. I think Danny was based in D.C. then, and Ted Jensen mastered his NRG albums. I looked at Danny's discography and I know we mastered more NRG albums than it shows. I guess a couple are out of print now. I always LOVED listening to him when Ted was mastering it. He mostly reminded me of Roy Buchanan at the time, but I knew there were other influences that I wasn't familiar. With. My jaw was constantly dropping to the floor when i was listening back then. It was astounding stuff, and I was happy when Elektra finally signed him. I finally saw him play live at the Lone Star Cafe, and he was indeed "The Humbler". I just smiled and laughed all night. He was so good I couldn't believe it, and just kept breaking out in laughter!

[@Guitaural.]

Great tribute Josh, to a great player! Danny loved guitars and cars - I can relate! When I hear of these great players that are sadly no longer with us, it’s always a reminder to me that no matter what degree of facility we achieve, or talent we have, we only jet out of here with our own spirit - no guitars, no fans, no acclaim. A reminder to be thankful to the God that blesses us all so richly. The older I get, that’s increasingly what’s most important. Thanks for the inspiration Josh!

[@josephcampbell2043]

Josh I became aware of Danny back in the early 90s. I picked up a Hot Licks video called Telemaster and like yourself I couldn't believe what I was hearing. After that I went out and bought everything I could find of his work including DVDs and CDs at the time and I treasure all of them. Danny was truly a guitar hero. After hearing you play here in this video I am grateful that guys like you are carrying on Danny's legacy. Thank you for posting.

[@seanfitzpatrick7878]

I started playing guitar at the age of 12 and I already had a very eclectic taste in music that was pretty much dominated by guitar music. My Father played when he was a teenager and as he only remembered how to play a handful of riffs, he did teach me a couple things about guitar. However, what he did the most for my development as a player, was to introduce me to some amazing musicians that I doubt I would ever have heard of from my friends at the time. One of those was Danny. I'll never take for granted how lucky I am to have seen him live. It blew my mind too. Through Danny's music I was turned onto and influenced by so many different genres that most of my friends weren't into at all. I met him as well and he was an incredibly nice guy. If you were to bring up music, guitar or classic car renovation, he'd talk to your ear off.

[@SidBonkers51]

I remember browsing through the CD's in a little music shop I used to go to regularly where the owner knew I was into blues guitar and he said have you heard this and he put on Danny's *88 Elmira St* album and I couldnt believe what I was hearing, I bought it there and then and been a huge fan ever since.

[@georgecole1534]

I saw Danny play many times in smoky DC bars back in the 80’s

[@seanmarr45]

Danny Gatton Live in 1977. Mind blowing. Plus his telemaster DVD, absolutely mesmerizing

[@soofitnsexy]

I FIRST SAW HIM ON A VIDEO CALLED STRICTLY RHYTHM greatest instructional I ever saw...and he didnt play any solos!!!!!!!!!! ridiculous

[@seanmarr45]

@@soofitnsexy i have that DVD. you're right. it is just down right sick. he makes it look so effortless.

[@mikeblue385]

danny's version of 'harlem nocturne' is tear worthy. absolutely beautiful.

[@guppybill]

Damn skippy! That was my introduction to Danny Gatton.

[@MarkAnderson-iv1zt]

Absolutely, however his version of straight no chaser brought there also.

[@JimmyJoeJames]

@@guppybill Mine, too - yeah!

[@tedc6694]

my intro to danny too. I'm searching for a transcription of his version and just not finding it

[@matthunting1162]

A master lesson in perfect articulation no matter what the tempo was

[@samstamos427]

I enjoyed yesterday's stream "Talking about tomorrow's Live Stream Concert." When you were asked "whom you'd like to have a lesson from" and you replied Danny Gatton, I thought to myself "who?". Thank you for turning me on to him. I just read his Wikipedia page and look forward to listening to his work in the coming days. It's tragic he never received enough of the help he needed. I'm pushing 62 and only now learned of him. Good luck with todays concert Josh. Peace. Sam.

[@JoshSmithGuitar]

Thanks for the kind words! Danny was and is incredible!

[@johnpandolfino8663]

I read about him in guitar player magazine.......was totally floored when I picked up one of his CDs.....have a couple of his tutorial dvds by Arlen Roth....... I jammed one night with his guitar tech in new jersey......it was just after he died......the guy started crying when I started to pick his brain about Danny.........nice to hear your story about how he influenced your playing....he sure influenced mine.....

[@justinguitarcia]

That connection Danny had between his hands and heart is really spot on. That's the stuff and it's why music can be so captivating, whether it's good songwriting, inspired melody or searing improvisations, if its honest and authentic its something to behold

[@stephanleo]

Thanks Josh! Danny shall not be forgotten! What a talent.

[@Guitargate]

Yes sir!!

[@JoshSmithGuitar]

Thanks!

[@rraiola123]

Michael, love your reaction videos, especially the Ariel Posen, the SRV Ain't Gone, and the Albert King. Nice job.

[@pcau]

Gatton was a MONSTER!!! Thank you so much for sharing this Sir! As usual, you are SO interesting and generous with insights and advice. Wow!!

[@stillbill1878]

...said the most underrated and GOAT worthy guitarist in the world today. You are truly a game changer as well. Nice job!

[@soofitnsexy]

THIS IS WHY YOU ARE THE BEST...HONORING DANNY AND STAYING HUMBLE....PLAYING THE HUMBLERS AWESOME LINES

[@alisterrae5822]

Sweet mother, so bloody fantastic.

[@paulgibby6932]

Excellent! Your chops are right up there too!

[@smoovegittar]

Really appreciate you sharing this, man. I turned on to DG when Guitar Player wrote him up in '89. You do him proud, Josh.

[@michaelpurcell7056]

I have a couple of VHS tapes loaded with stuff DG did on Maryland TV and other appearances'. Its never been published publicly, but what a collect! The man was simply beyond belief!

[@londonblusion1001]

I always loved DG but I realised his true genius when I tried to learn to play Harlem Nocturne...man those inversions :) Great tribute Josh and a great job educating the young slingers about who DG was ! Thank you as always!

[@18echosf]

What a nice tribute to one of the very greatest guitar players ever. And, yes, Josh.........I definitely hear Danny whenever I hear you play. You couldn’t have chosen a better musical influence in your life. Thanks.

[@johndance1362]

Josh, I've been a fan of Danny since seeing him in clubs in the D.C. area back in the seventies. I last saw him in Rehobeth Beach at a little place called The Bottle & Cork. It was pouring rain and the crowed stretched out into the rain. I was about 3 feet from him and got to see his full bag of magic. Pure Heaven. I never got him down at least not to the level you have but it's a joy to see what he's done for your playing. You are special on your own and I thank you for showing my 65 year old hands that you have taken the special spot that I had for Danny and gone on to such greatness from youngsters like your self. If there's anyone that takes the mantle of being "The Humbler", I believe it is you! Stay well and keep up your fine playing. You are also one of a kind!😸

[@the-LeoKnightus]

Cool video. Some of the coolest techniques come when players start trying to emmulate another player, and even though they cannot duplicate it, they stumble onto a crazy sound and say "man, that sounds nice" and develop their own style.

[@sublyme2157]

Grew up in So MD, and still remember the day we heard Danny passed. Great, great, great playing by the way!

[@hearpalhere]

He was terrifyingly good! I was absolutely floored the first time I saw videos of him, it's like you think to yourself, this is impossible. I remember sitting around with my friends and watching his beer bottle stunt and just thinking this guy is from another planet. Watching his lesson videos, you really realize that he could play anything he thought of at all. Style/genre limitations just didn't exist for him.

[@peterthomas5922]

Great take on Gatton. I got to see him many times in tiny venues and you get his style spot on. He loved that Western swing but sometimes he would send half the band off stage and do jazz standards or fusion and kill it. He would play slide with a long neck overhand, beer sloshing out of it, perfectly. My opinion is his Unfinished Business is his best album. An aside: Some sources say Roy would call the venue where Danny was playing and ask just leave the phone off the hook so he could hear it. I was a big Roy fan but Danny could play rings around him. Danny used the Leslie so he could imitate keyboard sounds but he also spent time imitating pedal steel stuff which was fantastic. Anyway, thanks for talking about his music. He was a sweet guy in person and the DC area misses him.

[@JoshSmithGuitar]

RULING

[@lordmanshaft1112]

Gonna need a lot more than 15 minutes for All things danny

[@JoshSmithGuitar]

True, it would take years in real time!

[@markh7523]

Thanks Josh, yes he was fearless

[@danielcrook9504]

If one Is a guitarist it would be hard to beat Danny Gatton as a teacher or inspiration. You are quite the guitar player yourself and I love when you join others live. My father passed in 1982 but he would be proud of what I have learned..Always encouraging and loved Chet Atkins,Merle Travis,Carl Perkins,Elvis,Johnny Cash,etc.Very well done !

[@SteveRiddleGuitar]

Josh you do an excellent Danny Gatton! This was great. When people talk about who would I like to have seen live Danny is on my list for sure, I wish I could have caught one of those bar gigs where he burned for 4 hours straight wearing his Danny Gatton T shirt, he was incredible :)

[@paulreese3071]

@Steve Riddle I agree 100%, he nailed it! I was fortunate enough to grow up in the DC area and more fortunate to see Danny a handful of times in the bars around the area. He was a genuine guy and I was lucky enough to have had a couple of one on one interactions with him. We are lucky to have his music to still listen to and draw from!!! :-)

[@SteveRiddleGuitar]

@@paulreese3071 Very cool Paul! Yes he comes across to me as very down to earth in everything I have seen of him, I’m glad to know that was your experience in person.

[@jamarwright]

His cover of the Simpsons theme blew my mind as a kid.

[@JohnCarroll]

Same. I heard the 2 Electra records in '94 and it turned my world upside down. Huge influence. Danny was a complete encyclopedia of American music.

[@Jamestele1]

It's so awesome to hear that my favorite younger Telecaster players is a big fan of Danny Gatton. I wish I had met the man, but I was a tad too young by a couple years. He is a legend, and so are you mate!

[@nilsx3020]

Man, your hybrid picking is just off the charts. My favorite style of your playing is that Gatton style Tele hybrid picking.

[@tonyrapa-tonyrapa]

Danny Gatton - my favourite guitarist. I'm not a huge fan of his genre of music but there is no other guitarist that puts a huge smile on my face like DG. If you watch videos of DG playing live, it's clear to see that he's having as much fun (if not more) than the audience - and that comes through in his playing. And I totally agree with Josh Smith: it's like whatever he's thinking is instantly transferred to his fingers.... genius... I would have loved to see him play live. Sadly, my first exposure to him came shortly after his passing.

[@guppybill]

It's a good time of life to be an old dog learning new tricks. Thank you, Josh for being willing to multiply your gift by giving away. Howzabout a breakdown on Jonny Hiland or Redd Volkaert or even Jimmy Rodgers?

[@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial]

I think it’s safe to say u got that Danny thing down! RIP DG the GOAT

[@michaelnatoli5669]

Just discovered your channel today. I got dragged back into the game as my son is now obsessed with the guitar. Been knocking the dust off my old Tele recently. Gatton is still today my favorite.

[@rraiola123]

Another great tribute Josh! I started playing guitar under the spell of SRV, two Alberts, three Kings, and one Buddy...until one day I saw this CD at Tower Records called "Redneck Jazz Explosion Live at the Cellar Door" from 1978. That's when the shift happened, and your description of how is so similar to the way it happened for me. So glad to hear that other people had this same journey, and I'm glad I came across your playing man. Truly an inspiration.

[@word67]

It's so hard to put Danny Gatton's playing into words. But you got it sir. The humor! How many players could ( ever) play something hilarious on a moments notice in the middle of ten other emotions? Virtuosity alone can make you feel giddy, put sticking a punch line in there cracks me up. Great vid. I just subscribed.

[@daleschimpf]

A few weeks back I came across an old Danny Gatton instructional video here on YT that was dubbed from VHS where he was showing some of his techniques so I decided to give some a try. Pretty fun to try and do. Love his rockabilly picking stuff, single and double time, in case, as he says, your slapback echo happens to go on the fritz :-)

[@chet1952]

Danny Gatton is an encyclopedia of guitars licks all in one package, with him you don't need to go from guitar player to another one to find some great idea it is all in his playing, country, jazz, be-bop blues etc he his one of my top 5 also, thanks for sharing, I loved your story and your playing.

[@thegatorgar6730]

Saw “Josh Smith” and “Danny Gatton” felt like it was a pretty safe bet to hit that thumbs up button.

[@thomaswalton9354]

I can't give enough thumbs up to this I'm learning so much it's great, and so many guitarists to check out.

[@ryanreeves8931]

I'll never forget the day I first heard DG's playing in the late 80's/early 90's. It was quite easy to hear how special of a player he was. At the time, I could only dream about playing some of the music that came off of his guitar. Still wish I could at least fake it!!! Such an under appreciated player, definitely in my top 10 best. Thanks for the video Josh!

[@GuttlinGuitars]

Grrrreat video Josh! I saw him perform a whole show from the stage side on a festival where my band played aswell two weeks before he passed away. My jaw is probably still lying on that stage.

[@JoshSmithGuitar]

Awesome!

[@jusevibes3969]

Much to be learned from the great Danny Gatton no matter what genre you play! Crazy good⚡️🤟🏽

[@chandlertheorange]

Awesome, someone finally honours the King of the Tele. Danny is such a forgotten gem. Thx for giving him some cred. His playing just blows the mind. Thx

[@gregcat]

Thank You for sharing your feelings on the impact of Danny in your Life. He is the fuel for me right now as I must become a Southpaw --due to a tendon injury in my fretting hand. Leaning on his severely deep shine to inspire me to break through the walls of this makeover. His happiness & intensity are so healing. We so strongly to desire to imitate those we admire --this is how I will scale the hurdles ahead. Through the beautiful soul of Mr Danny Gatton --an inspiration to us all! God Bless You Danny!

[@siscoismyhomey]

I've always heard a lot of Danny in your playing, thanks for breaking that down for us!!

[@skeymoson]

I live in TX now but I’m from Maryland and used to see Danny in some small clubs in the area ... just the best ...I always sat in the back because he was so loud !! But man, me and my guitar playing friends surely had our collective minds blown ..

[@Lot49er]

Thanks for this tribute. I got to see Gatton play once or twice in Washington, DC in a basement bar when I was in high school. I've never heard someone improvise in such complex, surprising, lightning-fast, seemingly effortless ways.

[@philipptress6024]

Thanks for this one!

[@mikekottwitz5136]

My 1st & only exposure of Danny for years, was his cover of "Apricot Brandy" by Rhinoceros. Until the internet turned up clips of him after he was gone. I can't do anything with my right hand except hold a pick. Maybe pluck 2 strings. But not what he does. I'm not into banjo. But respect what they do. I cannnot read music music & have brain trauma. But I try to play guitar.

[@buddylobos5277]

'The Humbler'. I have that CD. Recorded prior to big label releases. We were set to be his warm-up act in Minneapolis. He was booked to play '1st Ave' (where Prince filmed Purple Rain). We got the gig because nobody knew him, but I did. I had lived in D.C. for a few years, his hometown. Saw him at Earl Dixon's Steak house #5. He was a comedian & a mechanic. Traded his '53 Tele for 1936-or 39 FORD Model A Junker. He passed 2 weeks before the gig. I made and passed out cassettes to friends. They're still fans. Felt good when I did got some local radio stations to play his stuff from Crusin' Deuces. I knew the station mgmt. I'm in Santa Fe now & every once in awhile you'll catch him on solar powered, TAOS radio 101.9. You could play there. They have a great outdoor amphitheater and they're big Danny fans. They get a bunch of touring acts there all summer. You'd be a hit.

[@coreymihailiuk5189]

Seeing Danny live was a revelation. I had a chance to hang with him once and he was so generous with his time. He let me play the guitar that was once owned by Scotty Moore. A great artist and a true gentleman.

[@JoshSmithGuitar]

That's so awesome

[@coreymihailiuk5189]

@@JoshSmithGuitar I should tell the whole story of getting to play Scotty Moores Gibson ( I think it was a 295 if memory serves me well) I went to see Danny at the Horseshoe Tavern here in Toronto and managed to get back stage to chat with him before the sound check. I was there super early! We talked for about an hour about everything guitar related and I really got the sense that he still was quite excited and fascinated by it all. He was obviously still really passionate about playing and gear, etc. We got chatting about vintage guitars and suddenly his eyes lit up and he said "wait a minute I am going to grab a guitar that will blow your mind". He trotted off and fetched an old case and put it in front of me and said "open that." I did and I pulled out a gold Gibson. He said, I bet you'll never guess who used to own that and I said I had no clue. He smiled and said, "Scotty Moore". He told me the story of how he tracked down that guitar which was so cool to hear. A few minutes later someone called him to go up to do the sound check and he left me in the dressing room with that guitar for at least 30 minutes. I couldn't believe he'd do that. Anyways, he came back and asked me what I thought. I was kind of speechless as I had sat there thinking about Scotty playing with Elvis in the early days and recording songs like Mystery Train on that very guitar. Years later I photographed Danny at a club called the Phoenix and that shot ended up in Guitar Player, who I worked for during the 90's. I was devastated when I heard about his death. He was one of a kind. Glad to hear you sharing your own story of what an indelible print he has left on your own playing. I know he certainly tweaked mine!

[@dong1872]

Thank you! So insightful!

[@kungfubill4436]

Thanks Josh ...remember you are great too ! Thanks for sharing about Danny!

[@druwk]

Happy accidents, and trying to sounds like our heroes gives us elements that are unique to us. Great breakdown! YOU Sir, are a master! I have to get me some Gatton!

[@Stratsafact]

New York Stories 1992 Blue Note - sublime.

[@twangbarfly]

Hi Josh - I clearly remember seeing you for the first time on KZbin. You were playing in a small bar in Germany and I remember being totally floored. You sounded like Danny Gatton meets Robben Ford head on, with tons of other blues greats thrown in. GREAT singing too. But I never seriously heard anyone like you who had totally studied the Gatton style and managed to thrown hallmark Danny quotes into his own music with exactly the kind of panache that Danny had. I couldn't help feeling that Danny would have absolutely loved your one-off playing. As with Danny, when I listen to you I can hear how much dedication has gone into your craft and comes sparkling through when you play, although it's all YOUR music, nobody else's. I hope I have a chance to see you in concert one day.

[@TheCatfishcheese]

well shit the bed son, I spoke to early about Danny on that other video. jus found this video. and here you are keeping The Great Danny Gatton alive. Thank you Josh

[@HowardErrey]

Wonderful. It would great so see a slow breakdown of something of Danny's

[@DanAshby]

Whilst I'll never reach even close to the heights of your or Danny's playing, I still use a ton of the things I learnt from his telemaster VHS that I was lucky enough to have chosen in the guitar shop back in '96. Thank you for such a great video.

[@jimheckert5383]

Josh you are fantastic. Thanks 🇺🇸

[@andresmarino2788]

Thank you for this . Aside from all the amazing things you mentioned, the beer slide schtick; his version of sleepwalk ... there’s a clip of him playing something kinda funky and at some point he roles his knobs and moves way back to bridge position and some form of artificial / pinched harmonics is able to achieve a Stevie wonder ‘superstitious’ type keyboard tone . Mesmerizing

[@teleuser]

Very nice playing and great tone !

[@NielsIvarNicolaysen]

Thanks Josh!

[@donnrutherford7059]

really glad theres no thumbs down .Right on Mr Smith

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Lovely story and the examples you give are fantastic. Definitely going to buy a couple of CDs and start absorbing his amazing artistry. Thanks for sharing.

[@user-bi5pv5lu1r]

Redneck jazz album is amazing

[@blacklabelnic]

man, my head is still blown by Danny some 20 years after first hearing him. thanks josh you're amazing

[@ganazby]

Lovely tribute to a true great. Thanks Josh.

[@pavelkallonen]

Danny Gatton best ever! Beeing that homble and playing like a God, firts time I hearted him my mind flu off!!! nOne of my biggest influens among Django Reinheard

[@organjoe]

no such thing as the "greatest of all time" for me, but if someone told me that they think Gatton was, I would not argue at all - He was super human and I wish he was still around.

[@RobertKeeleyTV]

What an awesome episode Josh. I just can't get over all of the magic in Quiet Village off of 88 Elmira St. I listen to it often and it inspires every time. Danny speaks to me so much through that tune. As you said, he blends and mixes so many styles and influences into his emotive yet technically brilliant playing!

[@stickman55100]

Watching this video for the second time and you are just so great! You may not think that you play as fast or as well as Danny did, but your playing is incredible; your melodic ideas are Ruling, and your breadth of music amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@claudioma7081]

Super Josh and super Danny

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

Danny had something like Tommy Emmanuel, amazing innovatior, tremendous rhythm/groove and ferocious speed and technique. Glad I spent my teens getting into him.

[@DiegoStoneDiego]

Josh THANKS so much for this video! Just trying to transcribe Telemaster's intro is a super challenging thing to do.

[@chrisdecubber]

Thanks a lot Josh, for making me (and I suppose many others) discover Danny Gatton. Thanks for your music and storytelling too.

[@JoshSmithGuitar]

My pleasure!

[@BillAltman]

Man, I was on a show w Govt Mule, call came in to the afterparty, so sad. He was the best!

[@paulbuxton1326]

Danny was the man 🎼👌

[@arts1203]

Superb! Great content

[@thomasmoore1003]

Danny was truly amazing. I have one of his albums that you didn't mention, unfinished business with a hand written receipt from NRG records . Kick ass cover of sleepwalk!

[@coryman4245]

People try to play like DG but it never sounds right. He learned from Les Paul Chet and George Benson and all the other old time guitar greats and you can hear it in his playing. Redneck Jazz Explosion is one of the greatest jazz fusion albums of all time in my opinion. That was a stellar band that should have went out on the road.

[@rudemooddudehamburg]

The intro was killer!

[@DogCatchersBand]

Great video, great playing. I feel lucky to have met Danny in 1993 when he played on a ferry boat in Vermont. I brought up the one topic, I have since learned was of of Danny's least favorite: Roy Buchanan. Danny recognized I was a Roy fan, and minced no words about his feelings on the subject. Although Roy was a huge influence on Danny, Roy was not someone that he openly discussed as being an influence on him because of their rivalry.

[@mononoaware1960]

Danny has always been one of my favorites but just got into Roy Lanham! Wow he is very unsung to say the least, I just downloaded Most Exciting Guitar! Thanks for introducing him to me Josh.