My Top 5 - Albert Collins

My top 5 Albert Collins edition.
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[@daveedson32]

Josh- My Albert Story was seeing him play about a year before he died. And get this: He was doing his regular soloing while walking through the crowd with his 150 foot cord. He was wearing a three piece suit and strolled right past me. He was killing it...and then what seemed to be 15 minutes later WHILE STILL SOLOING, he was making his way back to the stage and and I noticed as he walked past me again that he had BROKEN THREE STRINGS! He was sweating through his suit and he never, ever stopped soloing. I have never seen anything like that before or since. He always sounded like himself and he always played like he was dying, but with such strength and life. I’ll never forget it. Thanks for keeping his memory alive.

[@kentkluge7721]

I saw him in ho tx before he passed he went threw the crowd then went out side blk off the street still playin with traffic stop by cops wow

[@teiltje]

I've seen Albert Collins triple times doing his act. What an entertainer. The walk through public I've seen also performed by the great Johnny Guitar Watson, he also was apparently fond of the audience. Albert was a great influence and still he is. I wonder if he did the chicken picking and conversation with notes first or his fellow musician Gatemouth Brown who had a fabulous technique. May they all jam together in heaven now.

[@rapidrhinoplumbing-monrovi3269]

Albert King always said "Albert Collins is my favorite guitar player".I was lucky enough to se Albert Collins many times at The Ashgrove on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. He always made a stellar performance. i also met Freddy King there. A real nice guy , we talked a bit and let me try out his Gibson ES 345 as a green 20 year old kid,,,I was floored that he would do that and I'll never forget it all my life.

[@DaveElke]

Good to see Mr Collins get some love.. “ I ain’t’ drunk, I’m just drinkin”

[@TheLochs]

Great story here: I went to GIT in 1986, the height of the shred era. Everybody was shredding like Paul Gilbert and Yngwie. So, once in awhile they would have guest appearances by great famous players. The year I went we got to see Albert Lee who blew my mind and made me want to quit and Albert Collins who was such a breath of fresh air when everybody was play a million notes. He came in and just blew the roof off the place with his feel, phrasing and attitude. I've been a fan ever since. What a gem of a player.

[@dotkennedy1615]

I went in '95. I met Albert Lee as well! Very nice guy.

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

Albert was a horn section, a B3 player, and a guitar player all in one. Thanks for spotlighting a true legend!

[@HighscoreCreative]

honestly that guitar looks better and better every time i see it. I love it.

[@john-zw9rw]

And it's all about the looks... I love the Huge decal.....Biggest label I've ever seen...Who needs a good sounding axe...when you can have cute guitar.... Japan making some Good Lookin crap.

[@joebubbit]

I've seen a lot of the great blues artists. BB King in the early and the mid '70's, Albert King, Muddy Waters, Son Seals, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, etc..., but whenever I'm asked who I enjoyed the most, it's the Ice Man. His band was always stellar (I played harmonica on stage with AC Reed and his band-great sax and wonderful man!), and Albert was unbelievable. His style, tone, and passion just engulfed all your emotions and energy. He was my favorite.

[@geofflee6295]

I met him around '88 and bored him with guitar talk but he was an absolute gentleman.

[@JerseyMiller]

The Ice Man is top notch! Josh is no slouch either.

[@juancpgo]

Albert Collins, totally unique player.. I love the humor in his playing too. He sounds like someone who truly enjoys life.

[@stickman55100]

I am constantly amazed not only by your chops and skills, but your musical knowledge of players and styles. Just inspiring and mind-boggling!!!

[@renschilerntschach652]

I am so glad that KZbin hast the option to slow the video down.

[@MarshallGTV]

The Guitar Legends concert in 91 was the first time I was introduced to Albert Collins. Playing with Robert Cray on “the dream”. It stuck with me since.

[@jayshepsounds2739]

This was amazing. Would love to see more of this stuff. Keep steering us in the right direction, killer!

[@adrianobrandi81]

Josh, this video is really special, so exiting...tanx man!!👊

[@christian_a_uk]

Definitely one of my earliest inspirations and also why i started on a Telecaster and still have it over 30 yrs later

[@Nicko30able]

You have great tone in your hands Josh. Nailed these clean.

[@darrylking5543]

Thanks, Albert was the SHIT I was lucky to be able to see and meet before he died. What a showman and his band was amazing. PS I wish you would do a show on Johnny Guitar Watson, no one seems to talk about his guitar sound and what he did in the industry.

[@1963Tele]

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing!

[@bosse641]

The Ice Man was so good. Made me love the Telecaster.

[@user-mc8tx6nm8j]

Thank you so much Josh for your excellent advices ! Great!

[@massimos6863]

That's awesome Josh Smith ❤ 🔥 🔥 🔥 bless The Master of the Telecaster Albert Collins ❤ 🙏

[@stevegrover1439]

Incredible guitarist. Thanks Josh!

[@AlanAnnand]

Wow, great intro and great guitar chops. Your devotion shows, Josh!

[@hearpalhere]

Thanks for these awesome examples Josh! I remember him from the movie as well - he exuded cool. He had such a swagger to his playing and his singing was top notch! I loved his lyrics too - he had so much humor. Conversation With Collins, Too Many Dirty Dishes, Master Charge... so many classics. His instrumental prowess was out of this world.

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

Awesome lesson Mister Josh. That Flat-5 Guitar sounds and looks amazing.

[@andrewmorgan1640]

Love your passion for the man, you really show how you absorbed and live it not just play

[@sevadance]

thank you for the music history and the blues teachings; blessed to have seen Albert Collins 80s Chicago Blues Fest

[@nicolascuany7613]

i have discover his montreux concert 1year ago and i have to listen to it al least 1time a week. the intro of this concert is the most powerful thing i ever heard. i live in Montreux but too young to have seen him live, sad! Hope to see you @josh smith and Kirk Fletcher one day in Montreux Jazz Festival!

[@map466]

I love your enthusiasm Josh. When you talk about the greats like Albert it just flows out of you. And man you got the sound down I got to tell you that. Thanks for the music, all the history and the guitar tips. 😎

[@clgmafnas]

EXCELLENT lesson! Albert C. is my all time favourite blues player! Absolutely fantastic!

[@bodievaldezmusicworld8876]

Josh you are a Dangerous Man as well , thank you for this tribute to Albert . Im again reminded of how Blessed ive been to have had so many associations , been in the business for so long and still around. Your the next Generation and your keeping the Blues Alive ! Best regards, Bodie V.

[@hearpalhere]

You had me at Albert Collins!

[@Robil63]

Josh, you seem as crazy as AC looks! love your enthus, great player, and ambassador.

[@markmcmyn8967]

Keep reminding, and teaching us, what we must know on guitar. Blues,R&B,Jazz,Gospel,Funk. There is so much to learn,that we might have forgotten or never knew about.

[@druwk]

I was late to the Albert party...still digging in. Damn! Funny, Intense, and C O N F I D E N T! truly a Master! Those slide jump licks and those trills! He was IN CHARGE on stage. I see clips, and that’s how it’s done... I don’t know if he wrote them, but GREAT songs!

[@fvb08]

Fantastic video!!

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

Montreux from 1979, his opening number was Listen Here, a cover. The lick he blazed after his octave riffs is insane as shit. Apparently he just did like classical rest strokes, and it makes sense going upward on the strings. He could go as fast as he wanted.

[@mcampbell5158]

When I started watching this I was like, what and Ibanez for Albert Collins and Josh who is also a Tele guy, WTF? But, damn if that Ibanez doesn't sound a whole lot like Albert. I discovered Albert Collins probably around 1990 at the Chicago Blues fest, he was the headliner one night. I had recently began worshipping SRV so when Albert came out and start doing what he did, I was like, who the hell is this guy?? This is the closest think to SRV that I I have ever heard. Ice Pickin" is one of the greatest blues albums ever recorded. I was around 20 years old then and I would put that album on and jam along to it, I learned so much from Albert. Thankfully I got to see him live many times, and there are many great shows on KZbin.

[@garylaskin9493]

Saw Albert Collins at First Avenue in Minneapolis on my 21st birthday, 1989. Lonnie Brooks opened for him. They did an encore together. Unforgettable performances!

[@dmac-333]

Awesome Josh. I was lucky enough to see Albert live. Just incredible, he had like a 200ft cable, walked all around the crowd. If you can find it, watch Gary Moore - An Evening Of The Blues, live with Albert Collins and King, had it on VHS, can't find it now.

[@teleandtwin65]

Great video. Albert is the man. Would love to see your top 5 or 10 Ronnie Earls. Killer shirt too!

[@biljettertjugotolv104]

Great vid! These licks also illustrates that SRV, like you, knew his Albert Collins.

[@denisecohen9061]

You are a Talent On Your Own; I’m not a musician but I am a Lover Of Exceptional 🎵 You are an excellent & articulate instructor too ✌🏻👌🏻👍🏻🔥🔥🔥

[@stevensrp2music985]

I can’t believe how much I’ve unknowingly ripped off these licks from seeing others like yourself play them. Thanks for the history lesson brother!

[@davetube2ful]

Albert has always been my favorite blues player when i play some of he's lick it always grabs peoples attention.

[@anitadavideduo]

BOOM! I'm glad I had a chance to see him live many years ago in Milano. What a night!

[@thedearjohns]

So good I watched it twice so far.

[@edwardjons8684]

Man, I totally forgot about Adventures in Babysitting! Love Albert C - his biting stacatto playing and all those cool jazz/jump blues tones still sound like nothing else.

[@musicplaylists59]

Albert Collins had this amazing lead guitar sound, one of my all time favourite blues guitarists.

[@robertmorin6495]

I love your video and Albert Collins. Couldn't agree more. I have three of his albums Cold Snap, Ice Picking, Frostbite. Don't play guitar myself but can't stop playing Cold Snap. Listen to the way he ends the song "Lights Are On But Nobody 's Home" (Cold Snap) Incredible.

[@rickb9999]

Yes, Thank you!

[@ArtLogins]

Great stuff... thanks ✌

[@Bob-Sacamano314]

Dudeee josh or Greg Koch have the best Albert Collins chops out there… and Albert Collins is neverrr mentioned in the regular conversation for greatest blues men… grossly underrated

[@henrycoopermusic5094]

Thanks for giving The Iceman some love! I used to see him back in the ‘70’s when he’d come to my hometown, Eugene OR. He’d play at the King Cole Room in The Eugene Hotel backed by the Robert Cray Band who were still a local bar band at that time. He was intense on stage and very kind off stage. When I shook his hand they seemed huge and he did this kind of finger popping hand shake, sort of a “Soul Shake” combined with a snap of the fingers. His tone and power were just killer, I guess that’s why they called him “The Blade”. He was a huge influence for me.

[@keithgoldberg2298]

Used to see Albert at Antone’s in the late 80’s early 90’s. He used a super long cable and would walk out into the crowd and even out of the door! What an awesome entertainer and unique guitar player. Washin’ those dirty dishes!!

[@jimheckert5383]

Give it up for josh smith. !!!

[@mycapstone]

Nice job on Big Ale. Yes he was the master. Developed all his on stuff. He will be missed but forever remembered.

[@gizzhead7941]

U know I been listening to Live at the Spud on them long runs, its those repeating licks, they keep ya going

[@Sldumas1983]

A true master and blues great from the state of Texas 🤘

[@thomasneily8267]

Killer josh thanks for best riffs ever

[@StratOnFire]

The guitar looks beautiful!

[@Manlopsan2]

The fretboard is getting darker and darker, Really cool licks!

[@JoshSmithGuitar]

It's actually another guitar. An earlier proto.

[@TheJuggernautv2]

Sure, but also love that Freddie King, Live at the Electric Ballroom shirt!

[@tomasjones3755]

Albert is the Man! He was great, live. On stage, it reminded me of seeing James Brown or Screamin' Jay Hawkins; complete with cape.. His MC would be booming out”AAAAAAL BERT COLLINS - Master of the Telecaster”. Was in my 1st blues band, in college, early 1980’s. Our guitarist was a big AC fan. He had also studied with Ronnie Earl [Horvath]. AC’s song ‘Frosty’ always reminds me of my musical roots.

[@JimmyDel]

nailed it! I think everyone has a few Albert Collins licks in their toolbox.

[@tonyguitarro]

Albert came to play in Ottawa at The Rainbow and had blown his Quad Reverb, so I lent him my Super. He had it pinned. I thought for sure it would blast the speakers right out , (being Celestions, they held up surprisingly well). He thanked me for the use and told me he liked the sound but it wasn't loud enough. Loved every note he played.

[@grantkelly7634]

The only way I could get even vaguely close to his high octave that he would hammer on, was to have the guitar strap over my right shoulder like he does. Eventually I just gave up and left the strap on that shoulder (I now insist to my musician buddies that is the "correct" way wear a guitar). As you know, you change the position of your guitar, ya gotta change your playing. So in deference to having that one octave note within grasping distance at all times, that's what I did..... There were so many unexpected advantages to having the strap over the right (ie: right=correct, does it not...?..:) shoulder, it was more than worth it.... Albert remains one of my favorites of all time. I've heard great players get close-ish to Albert, but nobody can sound just like the Iceman...

[@Jonathan-L]

Albert Collins always engaged with the audience ... and never, he never looked at his guitar, let alone the fretboard. The guitar was an entension of his voice, often playing 'horn licks'.

[@SteveHubbardGuitar]

If subscription count was based on talent, you'd have about 100x what you have right now. Loving these vids Josh!

[@jerryvahnknight218]

Albert, The Iceman was ferocious!

[@CrazyHenkie777]

In stead of thinkin NO not that lick again, you think: YES PLEASE PLAY THAT LICK ONE MORE TIME! That's the general feeling I get when listening to Albert C. You know you've done something right when you can play the same licks over and over again and everybodys lkeeps loving it!

[@Metalltool]

You really nailed his style I must say. I got into Albert Collins through Gary Moore when I was younger. Not many guys sound so unique as him.

[@RichardMcLamore]

EXCEPT: ain't got the piercing bite that only a Super or Twin can give ya

[@thebigbaiter]

I also first saw Albert on Gary Moore live DVD. That was a love from 1st note... and sight actually, as he was the true artist and performer. Many years passed since then, but Albert's blues is something I want to return to again and again.

[@thedearjohns]

Oh yeah!!

[@enjoyCarlos]

I have seen Albert Collins live!

[@HarpinJScott]

The way he could mimic a truck trying to start in the bitter cold Chicago winters?! Dude.

[@bluesdog3621]

I got to see him play close up, he knocked me out!

[@christophervincent8420]

Great blues licks. That guy is defending a legend.

[@michaelmunday6808]

Always loved the “cussing” on Conversation With Collins off of the album Ice Pickin’. He mimics that “fuck you motha fucka” so awesome.

[@superflea7219]

technique #1 there I stole from Albert after watching a live version of 'Iceman' on video somewhere many years ago...he instantly became my favourite blues player from that one lick alone! still love his stinging sound to this day. :)

[@adrianmiller1971]

Love me that Albert Collins!

[@Avim111]

Great

[@brunodouaud]

One of my favourites. Ruling

[@stevenjones6780]

I dunno, for some reason your AC takes me to Wes Montgomery (octaves maybe?). Any analysis there in a 'Jazz-Blues' sense? Thanks JS!

[@dust2star]

Albert Collins a dynamite blues guitar player

[@equinn2434]

Truckin' is one of the best albums I've ever heard

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Josh Smith: If that was you at the start of the video, that was some darned fine playing! I can sure tell you listened to some A.C. along the way! To add to what other folks are saying below, I was fortunate-enough to live near a major city - Chicago - when the blues scene was still poppin' back in the day, and I saw/heard maybe 12-15 Albert Collins shows, concerts, and performances of various kinds live, during the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s before he died. He and his band, the Icebreakers, always delivered the goods, whether in the studio or on-stage. Just tremendous performers and players, all of them. Albert was one of a kind; there was no one else like him. He just had to play or sing a few notes, and you knew right away who it was. He was such a cool cat, too, about as down to earth and friendly as you could imagine. As they say back in the country where Albert came from, "Don't get above your raising"... meaning don't be putting on airs and acting like you are better than other folks. And Albert never did. He never failed to thank his loyal fans and it was plainly evident he enjoyed performing for them. His live shows were legendary. Albert at Fitzgerald's pub/night-club in Berwyn, IL. Albert would hook up his Telecaster with the capo on it, tuned to a minor chord, and plugged into his Fender Showman, starting wailing away and pretty soon, he'd be trailing his 100' long guitar cable behind him as he went outside and played to passing cars, or like one time when he went into a phone booth and ordered a pizza (which was delivered and the band got to eat!). He had such a good sense of humor, too, and kind of dry and subtle sometimes. He'd just crack that smile and laugh. I shook hands with him, and met him and some of the guys in the band, and they were all just as nice as could be. Now that I am an old guy, I treasure those memories of that time, and the fact that I got to see the "Iceman" himself in person! And when I learned to play blues guitar myself, just about the first instrumental I ever tried to learn was "Frosty," and some of his other early stuff from the Houston Hall-Ways label days. I sure do miss you, Albert, wherever you are!

[@JoshSmithGuitar]

Thanks for the stories! Albert was one of a kind.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@JoshSmithGuitar - Yes, he most-certainly was!

[@crowhaven200]

Amen

[@Bob-Sacamano314]

Lemme get an Albert Collins master class

[@xaviertayo6208]

I love Al collns😊

[@jonathanrossmusic2509]

The iceman!!

[@roddiculousguitar]

❤

[@fabbro9999]

The Iceman was the baddest 🥶☃️✊🏼

[@bluesnitoper]

AC's licks are all burnin'! So hot I forgot that he's the Iceman. Ruling!

[@guitar78ish]

@Josh Smith, I see you changed out your volume knob for a smaller one, can I ask why? thanks

[@JoshSmithGuitar]

This is actually another guitar. An earlier proto. I had broken a string on my main one right when I started so just grabbed another guitar!

[@guitar78ish]

@@JoshSmithGuitar thanks for the quick response Josh. In you review you were very particular on every aspect, right down to the knob size and knurl, and it just threw me a bit when I saw the different volume knob. Pretty cool you have the earlier prototype(s). I ordered my flatv1, a couple weeks back, won't be here until October though, really looking forward to getting my hands on it!

[@AdrianDMarti]

@joshsmith Talk about the Albert Collins vibe, why not wear your guitar strap over your right shoulder? :)

[@JoshSmithGuitar]

Yep!

[@billyclub56]

We play him Every day at the Tattoo Shop.

[@telecasteroil]

This Rules...

[@Beatedelic_Records]

Super! A+++++++++++++++++++

[@mr.e1220]

The person that got the closest to that sound in my opinion, Coco Montoya and early Guy King.

[@rolandpouilloux7153]

try a german guy called Kay Strauss