The Making of Lowdown | Boz Scaggs

Louie Shelton recalls recording the Boz Skaggs classic hit "Lowdown".

[@jstnxprsn]

Gotta love the internet. A master guitarist like Louie Shelton can deconstruct his brilliant tasteful solos for the rest of us to.learn from. And from one of my favorite albums too. Thanks so much for this. We're honored that you'd take the time to do this.

[@aorcloud3199]

Totally agree and what a nice man he is and look at all that fantastic vintage gear !

[@moosetruck66]

You're Absolutely correct 👍

[@GaryFox11000]

Top 10 Greatest songs of the 70's. Jeff Porcaro ( groove on the drums is legendary) - David Pach , David Hungate incredible bass ! 💯👏❤

[@magnus9165]

I agree. Silk Degrees was a hugely great album in my opinion.

[@jstnxprsn]

@@magnus9165 It's on my short list of greatest albums of all time.

[@ianman15]

“Silk Degrees” is a classic album and it was Boz Scaggs’ masterpiece.

[@sebastianwatson1558]

Yes

[@tbechtx]

This record is timeless. I still treasure it to this day. ❤️

[@facetime4me]

Yacht Rock classic on SiriusXM and for good reason.

[@laladeville8984]

I love "Lowdown," that was a hell of a song. When he said they recorded it 45 years ago, I felt sooooo old. lol

[@phishphan5732]

Same here...did a "damn" headshake

[@williammegow8780]

Yes …I had the 8 track

[@charlie-obrien]

Hah, yes. But when it plays, I feel like I'm back in school again. Every time.

[@truthboomertruthbomber5125]

I’ve been married for 45 yrs last month. Part of winning my wife’s hand was disco !! Danced to this song many Friday nights ! I

[@jackvanderwerf1294]

It was the 3rd or 4th week of September, 1976, Rich Stadium, Orchard Park (Buffalo) NY. We were there for Elton John. And there was this Boz Scaggs opening for him. I didn't know who that was. When Boz started playing, the stadium quieted right down. We hadn't heard anything like this before. And when they started playing Harbor Lights, the beginning was a whisper of a sound, coming out of the speakers, it was like the entire stadium took a breath, it got so quiet. It was 58 degrees, overcast, no wind, and one of the best concerts I've ever been to. Once Elton (and Kiki Dee) came on stage, drizzle started, turning it into one of the coldest concerts I was ever at. One of my fondest memories. I'm turning 64 this year.

[@Acein3055]

How interesting to see this guitar work for the first time after hearing the song so many times years ago.

[@saiyuni2]

The Silk Degrees album is one of the best of all time. I remember its release very well 👍

[@bretkindell6887]

as smooth as smooth can get

[@KBorham]

Since you started producing these videos on KZbin, I’ve discovered that my favorite guitar parts in all these songs, for decades, has been played by YOU! My playing style has been so deeply influenced by you. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with us on KZbin.

[@markjohnson9485]

Lol, i know just what you mean about Louie's musical contributions to the sound track of my life..

[@richmacer2108]

Ditto.

[@tomglase5333]

Me too. Going back to the Monkees. I am a Boz fan and am ashamed I didn't pick up on Louie.

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Omg me too this guy is my main influence and l didnt know it😂

[@leokimvideo]

So much nicer seeing a classic deconstructed by the master behind it Vs someone who is just doing it without any connection to the songs recording

[@fensterirl]

One the greatest pieces of White Boy Funk ever created, a masterpiece, Bravo to all involved

[@ralex3697]

Whatever, White boy funk really ?

[@FirstnameLastname-gl1hh]

The entire album is brilliant, till this day 2023 by far my most played album while driving long distance through the night

[@notwaiting]

That tone was great! One of the best tunes ever!

[@jeffbeckfreak54]

Man what great tasteful player and so humble.

[@kellyc2425]

His fuzz pedal is what really makes the song snap! Louie is truly a legend, and baker of the soundtrack of my youth!

[@blueeyedsoulman]

Which fuzz model was it?

[@klyvemurray]

@@blueeyedsoulman When David Paich did the Boz Scaggs album Silk Degrees, I thought, ‘That’ll be fun.’” For his iconic solo on Scaggs’ “Lowdown,” Shelton wielded a Gibson L-5S solidbody. “I had one pedal,” he says. “It might have been the Distortion+. I had a clean sound for rhythm, and for the solo I clicked on the pedal. I was going through the little Princeton amp on that one.”

[@josephsaroce4991]

The fuzz pedal...YESSS!!

[@scottcampbell1377xanadu]

Just terrific !

[@charlie-obrien]

Louie, I was a high School Junior in 1976 and I lived for the "Silk Degrees" album. As a player I worked especially hard to get down the chords and strum patterns of "Lido Shuffle" and the groove of "Lowdown". I have always loved the pureness of the music and the leads on "Lowdown" being played with such restraint, that it gives it even more impact than some thunderous amp blasting track, which were the norm in those days. In the history of Rock and Roll, I bet there are only about 50 "perfect" albums and you, my friend have contributed to at least one here, if not many more. Stay healthy and continue to teach us and guide us.

[@gavinspencer399]

How fabulous is it to listen to Mr. Shelton talk about this stuff? Priceless.

[@dave_gillan]

Thanks Louie

[@eddiehouser5174]

How humble you are, you played on the song track of my life. All of your work is woven in the entire lives of the baby boomer generation . To say thank you fall unbelievable short of the target ,but you are the absolute GREATEST SIR !

[@Angelhorselady]

Yes, Sir, I totally agree❣️

[@richardshultis9626]

Thanks, Louie for your contribution to an amazing song and album. Yep, 45 years ago already. Time flies and class never goes out of style.

[@murrayslee911]

Saw Boz in Adelaide Australia many decades ago. Great concert. Thanks Boz.

[@funklover24]

What a dreamteam: Jeff Porcaro, David Hungate, David Paich, Loui Shelton. Absolutely love this! 🥰

[@2puffs770]

That makes me a Scaggs fan for 49 years now. Wow! How time flies. I've had impeccable taste, musically, for all my life!!

[@bethvirginiaphillips4583]

I saw Boz tonight in Albany, NY in concert. He was great....hasn't lost his luster.

[@johnpatmos1722]

Love these videos. Shelton is so understated in his presentation. Short, to the point, and modest.

[@garychambers5850]

Yes! "Silk Degree's" one of my favorite albums from 1976! Everyone owned a copy in my neighborhood! All the locals bands were playing songs from this album... Now I know whos playing those sweet and soulful Guitar parts! The great "Louie Shelton" Thankyou Sir! For of your musical Contributions on other songs from the 60's & 70's.🎸

[@wizrom3046]

How wonderful! To watch history explaining itself. What an amazing time we live in. Thsnk you for sharing! 👍🙂

[@3340steve]

Definitely grooving music, I am so glad people know who you are , Mr. SHELTON.

[@johnlane9743]

Luv ya Louie - You've made quite a contribution and we (the broad audience) are Most Grateful !!!

[@BarefootBill]

How casual and laid back can you be when you are an Actual Living Legend?! Well, Louie shows us!!! Thank you so much for your videos!!

[@caroliamurri3872]

Never ever tire of Silk Degrees. Brilliant classic!!! Thank you for this! 💖

[@quailshootr6389]

Lowdown and Lido shuffle were constantly on the radio back then. Great music and a great time to be alive.

[@andyfletcher5412]

This guys is so humble and underrated. Cheers to him

[@jimmyrants4342]

Just GREAT!!! You're unreal Louie!!! WOW!

[@videoconcierge]

The guitar outdo is one of the nastiest bit of guitar playing, ever. Absolutely incredible. One of my favorites !!

[@rigormortis414]

Quite possibly my favourite track from my favourite studio album of all time. Thanks for your tuneful and highly polished contribution to it, Mr. Shelton.

[@steveswell1]

I will go that extra inch and say it "IS" my favorite track. :)

[@RjBenjamin353]

45 years ago??!!!! Good lord where’d the time go?

[@luisvillar8320]

This is a jewel of a video, short in length but packed with brilliance and magic.

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

At the end of this, I caught myself here, grinning ear to ear! This is musicianship, connection to the song, its soul and emotion!

[@kimedge7493]

Thank you so much for your music...this album is my favorite and it's brought me such pleasure for over 40 years now. I hear Lowdown almost every night...my Pandora station is "Boz Scaggs" and I turn it on when I go to bed! If I could hear "Lowdown" on my death bed I'd be happy,

[@fredzietal7042]

This album puts a smile on my face every time I hear it. Thanks Louie.

[@jeffjones229]

Man I saw Boz about 10 years ago touring with Michael McDonald. Boz gave one of the BEST shows I've seen.

[@massimos6863]

Louie Shelton You are the best ❤🎸

[@robster7316]

Timeless tune, incredibly well put together from Jeff's opening drum piece and your tasteful guitarwork throughout. Love ya, Louie!

[@i-tiyahman6519]

A nice Tele Road Worn first batch I own one is a real work horse

[@slaphead8835]

I've watched every video I could find on him and I'm pretty sure Louie Shelton is the coolest human being on the planet.

[@7litrerob]

Louie Shelton; National Treasure!

[@glennsmith8390]

Brilliant and Genius-Thank you for taking time for showing all of us who know that the Album was one of the greatest ever made.

[@WestShoreMan]

I remember as a kid this was always on the radio in LA. Great memories for sure!

[@RocketRod63]

Ahhh “Silk Degrees” the first album I ever bought…..great songs…..great memories Thanks Boz….thanks Louie

[@joannebeauchamp1169]

Louie…Loved your lead playing on, “Lowdown,” but your rhythm chops really shine, too! 👍👍👍👍

[@grahamsenini8024]

Australia's greatest musical import! Hello from Cairns, Louie.

[@JohnnyWilson-WhiteBoy]

Little Rock, Arkansas' greatest musician! Thank you for all the years of great music Louie👍🏼

[@NoelKerns]

Great, iconic guitar licks. Thank you sir for sharing these with us, along with you memories of the experience in the studio.

[@markwheeler9072]

Humility is a wonderful human trait, and none more personified by Louie Shelton . . a grand master of all he does musically, he has enriched my life and my wife's life since Diamond Girl . . thank you sir for gifts to music lovers like us . . knowing that you chose to reside just down the highway from where we live, is a most fortunate coincidence. May the fish bite for you , and may you continue to produce. m. and r.

[@shable1436]

Louie, seriously your the first guitar player in my life besides George that I heard as a born 1973 little boy can remember, and I love your style, and now as a adult you will be my All time favorite

[@jeffcook3277]

Met him in 72, hanging out with Lorrie Paich, ya THE LORRIE PAICH! Got to chase her lil brother David around the various recording sessions he was involved in for a couple of years and that's how I met Louie, taggin along with the Paich kids, I think at the Glen Campbell show. Didn't have a clue the kind of greatness I was witnessing until I went up to the Paich Quarter Horse Ranch in San Inez, the one with all of those Remington museum bronze western sculptures. Then the staggering realization of the immense wealth and power of the Paich family finally sunk in. In about a dozen years they took Grammy for best album in 84 with Toto IV.

[@drumsnbass]

45 years ago. Wow. 😮 I remember it like yesterday. This was great!

[@donindri]

Music that speaks to the heart and soul. Thanks for posting

[@larryherbert252]

I love the Silk Degrees cd, great songs, music, thank you so much for your demonstation, thanks again for Lowdown!!!!

[@lauracardinal5990]

That is a rock and roll masterpiece. It still rocks. They'll listen to it on Mars.

[@tonyenglish5153]

Some of the best music in history! Thanks for sharing!

[@mitchellwhite7914]

Louie was to the 70's what HR, Glen Campbell, TommyTedesco were to the 60's. I love his solos.

[@edyarb]

Damn!!! I wanted to be you when I was in high school! What an inspiration. Thank you for great clean solos!

[@dasteelerfan1]

Louie you are a gem great player

[@alan30189]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing the background to this song. Well Skaggs was one of my favorite bands in the 80s. Still is. Hope you’re still active with the band.

[@bucketofbarnacles]

Such a delight. Thank you, Louie.

[@plantpotpeople]

Thanks for this and all the wonderful music.

[@johnwestcott5606]

Great album! Such a terrific song! Louie Shelton’s guitar piece really made the instrumental part of the song. So slick and tasteful.

[@faithbassed49]

This is too cool! I could listen to this guy all day!

[@frankenzerillo8723]

What a great guitarist and appears to be an equally humble human being, always good to see. Thanks for the post.

[@greatercolumbiabahaichannel]

Sir, you're right about the outro! The last 45 seconds or so, when you're playing and David is bringing in his Moog...still gives me goosebumps!

[@josephprolizo701]

Yes! I always hated , back in the day , when a lot of the radio stations would cut that part short.

[@deehouse7400]

CLASSIC.... I remember learning this on my cassette player.

[@user-es7bf4xl4z]

Mr. Shelton, what a beautiful solo and I'm not sure what you say. " b section " means, but, hands down sir, I was a 70's kid and I remember this being played on the radio back then. It is just a GREAT solo! Nothin could sound finer than what you put in their. Impressive! 🙂

[@tjrox]

Tasty playing Louie. Thank You

[@jimhoffmann]

Without a doubt, one of the best songs in my lifetime.

[@divineprinciplesofrelaxtio4441]

That was some awesome guitar playing. I could hear the feelings you were putting into your solo’s. Thanks for sharing . 🎸🎶

[@brettstrachan9800]

Bring's back so many memories

[@vudhichaiswintara2874]

Louie Shelton always be the one of my great studio guitarists

[@joea9608]

Thank you for sharing Louie!

[@dennislarson4499]

So much love 😂for this cat,respect, soundtrack of my life,hall of famer 🎉

[@Jr-qo4ls]

Wow! This is one of my favorite all time albums. So many memories were made with this playing. Thank you for sharing this incredible music with us.

[@andyinoregon]

Louie Shelton's guitar prowess helped make Boz Scaggs a 10-year overnight success with the release of his 7th album, "Silk Degrees," in early 1976. A lot of music fans like me suddenly discovered that Boz had been making albums as far back as 1965. His 1971 album "Moments" has my favorite Boz recording, "Downright Women," a gorgeous song that he doomed by giving it that odd, unrelatable title.

[@weeverob]

One of my all time favorites from the 70’s. Such a great album.

[@patrickcrotty9162]

I just love this song, loved it back in the day and love it now!!

[@dallasreese8416]

Louie! Thank so much. Your insight on your parts & career are fantastic and much appreciated! You’re the best!!

[@pooleywooley]

I got this album when I was 17 years old, way back in 1977 and still love it!

[@jml-rj5re]

Legendary. One of my favorite singles of the rock era. Deep groove, and Louie respected and set off the rocket.

[@lifeandtext]

Thanks for sharing your talent and memories!

[@tbluesboye]

More brilliance Mr Shelton! Thanks for the share!

[@stebstebanesier6205]

Silk Degrees was released 47 years ago and still holds up, truly a classic album.

[@richb4099]

Great music and Lowdown is such an awesome song. Jeff on drums sounding fantastic and your guitar work was real nice.....thankyou sir !

[@dougpeters1625]

Peak human achievement by all who crafted this masterpiece.

[@Kevin-zz9nc]

Can't even count the no of times i heard this on Kiss FM back in the 90s. It was perfect for easy listening...

[@robertjackson3819]

Thank you, sir. This is a most precious gift.

[@ShaneIrwin7]

Love this! What a great little video to take bus back into the making of this classic. Yall killed it as usual on this track. ❤ Thank you.

[@richardwhite5991]

WOW...Oh ..WOW...many many THANKS...Richard White Australia

[@sboy1955]

Have danced to this song more times than I can count since the 70s, gets the body moving on beat one! Very cool song.

[@jonnythegreek1]

I wasn't hip to the end jam of "Lowdown" and what a treat to hear it here! Great chops, tone and feeling!

[@Anand_KL]

Just stumbled on this. Wow. I loved the album and is still one of my favorites albums. So I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thank you so much for making it.

[@Pushyhog]

Thanks again. Born in 53', listen most of my life to all the music and now l get to hear the stories.