Guitar legend Jim Hall auditions for Merv (Merv Griffin Show 1965)

Jazz guitar icon Jim Hall sits in with Mort Lindsey and the band but Merv insists on putting him through his paces in a mock audition from 1965. Merv shows off his own chops on the piano in this clip as well. Hall later became a regular member of the band. Merv Griffin had over 5000 guests appear on his show from 1963-1986. Footage from the Merv Griffin Show is available for licensing to all forms of media through Reelin' In The Years Productions. www.reelininthe....

[@davemurdy1]

The Bass player is Dr. Art Davis. Art passed away in 2007 and was a personal friend of mine. I taught with him at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa where he taught a Jazz history class. I also recorded a recorded a record with him titled "That Goes to Show Ya.

[@andybaldman]

Looks like nobody cared in 8 years. But here’s a comment.

[@dreamliver750]

That would be one of the coolest teachers to have

[@stevecotter9442]

Dave Murdy!

[@davemurdy1]

@@stevecotter9442 yo Steve!

[@michaelfoxbrass]

Dave - thanks for commenting! Musicians are blessed by the great friendships and experiences we’ve shared with the fine musicians we’ve known.

[@stefanobonoli8783]

Anything Jim Hall played in any situation is pure gold. ❤️

[@Daldie-mx1gn]

Jim Hall became James D'Aquisto's marketeer. Gotta be real good for that!

[@PedroBellora]

The absolutely marvelous amount of beauty of Jim's solo truly takes my breath away.... a short solo in such an uninspiring situation but, still, he just makes elevates the music to the highest of levels in a few bars.This is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@stringbender57]

So cool to see Jim Hall in the early days. A true master Jazz Guitarist! RIP Jim!

[@Daldie-mx1gn]

And Jim D'Aquisto who made guitars for the man. Died in 1995 on a tour with Fender. I knew Jim (D'Aquisto)

[@jlr022159]

Merv had a fantastic show… those were wonderful days and incredible talents

[@ericswolgaard1808]

Jim Hall - the Master of introspection, understated phrasing that sneaks up on the listener and a unique sense of swing and breathing. I got hooked back in the 70's when I discovered Alone Together and Undercurrent-----the MASTER!!!

[@lvvry1855]

This is awkward, but Merv was a great host, actually listened to his guests and had a real conversation with them. I really miss those old talk shows. Nothing today compares.

[@chaarh1]

Wow, Jim Hall "auditioning" for Merv Griffin!!! This really cracked me up. Of course its a mock audition. He does his best Freddie Green impersonation followed by a short solo on "They Can't Take That Away From Me." Jim's time on Merv Griffin is a little like his "lost years." I'm glad to finally see something from the time he spent on TV. I've read, however, that his biggest recollection from the time period was sitting around and waiting. Thanks again for posting this.

[@deweyneeditt7245]

I can't even look at a still picture of Merv Griffin without cringing. Couldn't stand him back in the day and the years haven't smoothed anything over.

[@kevindean1327]

Yeah Merv was a weird dude for sure. Mike Douglas was the best in that genre!!!

[@charleswinokoor6023]

Jesus, what a great find. Hall, of course, had a long, illustrative career as a jazz musician. He really was one of the classiest and most intelligent guitarists. And Merv was no slouch on that stride-style solo he takes on “They Can’t Take that Away from Me.”

[@belascialoja4812]

I dig this guy's playing the most!

[@davidmartinez4856]

No problem Jim, Merv loved himself so much he only had ears for him

[@flangeres1752]

GREAT!!!!! Thanks for supporting Jazz and Jim!!

[@DaveLincoln]

Wow, I'm a huge Jim Hall fan. This was amazing. I've never heard of this footage. Thanks for posting.

[@Alanoffer]

I imagine jim would like to have crowned merv griffin with his guitar upside the head

[@jbromusic9413]

i think i remember a quote by jim saying something like "i didn't play a note of music the entire time i was with merv griffin"! haha. RIP master!

[@bebopuser]

what does that mean fella?

[@vhollund]

It means that it's all forcibly pumped up and unnatural

[@golds04]

Many would have been grateful to have a steady paying gig. Many were broke because they wouldn’t do it- or for some strange reason… were not invited. Sad. Great guitarist. “ The Bridge”.

[@pianojonathan]

@@bebopuserit is like having picasso paint your fucking house dude ;)

[@neilhaverstick1446]

If this wasn't planned in advance, I'd be mighty surprised.

[@ARawFueledLife]

RIP Jim Hall

[@ianrufus9659]

Amazing how this stuff is available

[@branmar]

As a kid growing up in the 1970's I always thought of Merv Griffin as a boring stuffed shirt. But in this early clip Merv performs the type of zany antics that Conan got so much mileage from so many years later. I'm not at all surprised to see that Merv could play the piano at a journeyman level. He belonged to a time when show biz pros were routinely able to competently sing, dance, play one or more instruments, do comedy, drama, etc. Nobody got away with being a one trick pony or a one hit wonder. And during that same era, those studio bands for the talk shows offered the security of steady employment to musicians who otherwise lived precariously from gig to gig.

[@written12]

A lot of excellent observations and points. For one thing, Merv did decline over the years, becoming, as you said, boring and, from what I recall, too in love with whoever was a celebrity at the time. Here, he’s playful and witty. Shows like this really took music seriously, starting with the fact that they all had their own bands.

[@VinceMGuitar]

Wow that was really entertaining! Merv yucking it up with Jim Hall. I had no idea Merv could play like that. They sounded great!

[@samkirby3775]

This is hilarious seeing Merv fucking with Jim. He should've said "You're no Bill Evans but you're doing good too"

[@apro109]

Wow--a master being auditioned by a hack. Hall had already done classic recordings with Paul Desmond and what humility guys like Jim Hall must have had to had to get through situations like that. Sure, Merv had some "chops" but he sounds like a loud drunk on the keys. RIP Jim.

[@PANDORAZTOYBOKZ]

*woooooosssshhh*

[@gtrrobster]

I am going to guess the whole thing was sort of a set up? To be funny.

[@michaelfoxbrass]

⁠@@gtrrobstermaybe, as Merv got his start as a semi-respectable pianist and singer. But his seeming unawareness of Jim Hall, when Hall had already achieved great notoriety was kind of grating. Talk show host and super-wealthy producer is how Griffin will be remembered, not as a musician.

[@gtrrobster]

@@michaelfoxbrass I had to go back and watch that video to remember what it was all about. I’m gonna stick with my original statement, the entire thing was a set up, meant to be humorous. For instance, Merv saying the key of E flat, but then playing in C and just a mess with him. And it is possible Merv Griffin was totally unaware and ignorant, but as a person in the entertainment business, and also a jazz pianist, I’m going to bet he had incredible admiration and respect for Jim Hall. The whole thing about, pretending that he did not know who he was, that was a part of the comedy. At least I hope so.

[@jobeLewOOH]

they can't take that away from me, by the Gershwins (1937)

[@CraigStCyrPlus]

What I would give for a jazz guitar mentorship with Jim.

[@jeffreymcglone4873]

yes, the great Jim Hall!

[@Cracklewalk]

I remember my grandparents watching his show when I was a kid. I had no idea what a character he was.

[@PaulBomar]

Fantastic!

[@harrymplatcow158]

What a wonderful treat!

[@SIRONEDRAGON]

Bravo Jim !!

[@professorhamamoto]

Why not release these segments on DVD? This show what a great entertainer Merv Griffin was.

[@TheFanusik]

Wow i love this rare gem !!

[@PezEspada07]

I love Jim Hall!

[@gtrjones]

Thank You for posting this ........Alt. spelling "Gem Hall" R.I.P.

[@eugenemoore1202]

Never knew Merv played, and well too.

[@WhispersOfRuins]

jim hall the best

[@romeredubost6971]

Merv was talented and funny

[@danielhanson6546]

Merv..for some odd reason...keeps repeating the intro section of the verses before heading into the tune....Jim Hall rescues this like the master musician that he was!

[@kaspafischer]

Merv was just pushing his unfunny gag too far... but the Master Jim Hall was too cool to fall for his tricks.... hahaha

[@59Junior34ths]

Yes he did.

[@kevdean9967]

Merv was a goof!!

[@darkoanton5]

Oh, c'mon man. He's kidding around. Have a sense of humour.

[@seanvine39]

It's a string dampner. They were all the rage for awhile back in the day.

[@Guitfiddlejase]

Sean Vine yep! It was called “The Van Eps Damper” !!

[@fonzisalgado512]

cool

[@4578a]

Screw Merv Jim Hall rules!

[@ericthoroman4429]

Looks like a Gibson ES-175, a relatively modest guitar for a jazz great -- but, boy, could he play it!

[@sinrob1]

Hall once called the show's music dreadful. However the show's music library was top-heavy with jazz charts with lots of improv room. Mort Lindsey also slotted feature numbers on every show for a soloist in a quartet setting letting the soloist choose their own material-something Hall would never have found on any other talk show. Merv's who's Jim Hall routine was staged. Despite Hall's dismissive and malcontent attitude, he stayed with the show for 5 years until it moved West.

[@blueguitar1952]

What did Jim have under the strings at the first fret? It looks like an alternate nut.

[@zu0832]

String dampener.

[@jassW]

Right. A George Van Eps contraption. Might’ve been useful in studio recording, but I never saw Hall use it.

[@jassW]

One of them has the “touch of a blacksmith.” For a time, Hall played in Griffin’s band. I gather it was not something he enjoyed, a low point. Bob Brookmeyer was in the band, may have recruited his friend and colleague. Brookmeyer, less reserved, called being in the band “the worst thing I ever did in my life.” www.jazzwax.com/2009/06/interview-bob-brookmeyer-part-4.html. You can see why.

[@GRedface]

Who are those guys around Jim Hall? 🙂

[@jaw350]

Didn't Herb Ellis occupy that chair for awhile?

[@RickStoneMusic]

Does anybody know who the rest of the band (bass & drums) is on this video?

[@sinrob1]

Saxes: Dick Hafer, Roger Pemberton, Richie Kamuca, Shelly Gold Trumpets: Danny Stiles, Bill Berry Trombone: Bob Brookmeyer (replaced by Bill Watrous early 1967) Guitar: Mundell Lowe...replaced by Jim Hall by the end of 1965 Bass: Art Davis Drums: Jake Hanna Piano/Leader: Mort Lindsey

[@RickStoneMusic]

Thanks!

[@TheeColdpleeWeezer]

Anybody know what tune this was?

[@_H_2023]

Well good old Jim put Merv in his place.Trying to show up Jim Hall. lousy piano player just hacked at the keys. 'Les Dawson' does a good take on his technique as he would see this often in clubs during the 50s 60s the difference was Les. Dawson [a comedian] could actually play the piano and developed the awful technique of playing two keys at one time on the piano. Have a look! it reminds me Merv's playing.

[@user-sh9du2nv5y]

+Goo Gle Merv was a great entertainer and can play piano pretty well too. I am sure he was just having fun with the moment knowing that jim hall was a very good musican and just down playing the moment when he was really featuring him.

[@vhollund]

+pat s It seems like the freakshow to me too He impatiently smashed the end of Jims solo hacking away on the piano like a bad saloonplayer

[@user-sh9du2nv5y]

+vhollund I don't understand I thought merv played well and they had a good time.

[@_H_2023]

No,Merv was trying to show Jim H up as Jim was the guest for that nights show. By placing it in the wrong key and messing around with the time signature he was trying to put Jim off his playing on live tv. Because Jim was such a good jazz player he was able to follow Merv with his dreadful piano playing and actually produce a good bit of improvisation.As for Merl's playing ,technique is just like Les Dawson use to play on stage in his shows as a comedian skitting at all the lousy piano players he had met over the years playing in night clubs during the 60s.

[@jamesfitzgerald6636]

It was a set up, Merv just playing for laughs and introducing Jim hall to the show

[@mastropower]

Snoop Dogg on upright bass

[@chicagoblueslegend]

+mastropower Phahahaha

[@lorenzosarli2310]

DYING!!!!!!

[@batouttahell454]

Snoop Dogg exemplifies the Era we are in, truly SOOOOO SAD!!!!!!

[@spareroomdemos2006]

Merv was a weird host

[@tuxguys]

"The little theater off of Times Square..." (...which was right next door to Sardi's...) For three years in the late '60's, this show, with Merv, Mort, and Arthur Treacher, was my daily dose of life and culture outside of my own hometown growing up (which I loved, and still do), Wheeling, WV. Griffin was not a funnier host than Carson, nor a more intellectual host than Cavett... ...but the breadth of his talents may have exceeded either of theirs... ...and aren't those of us, of a certain age, fortunate to have experienced the embarrassment-of-riches, the dilemma of who to watch, for a few years, between those three?

[@dreadnought45]

+tuxguys Not to mention WWVA and the Wheeling Jamboree! Ken, Toronto

[@tuxguys]

Ken Rowan I was in a staff vocal group called the Randells, on that weekly broadcast, for a year around 1970... ...why do I suspect that you already know this?

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

Jim was being a good sport at first but you can see the blood drawing out of his face as the skit went on.

[@Kreln1221]

*Now we know where Marty Friedman got his distinctive picking technique...*

[@pacz8114]

There's nothing worse anyone can do than tell a jazz artist to "do it". Improvisation is felt and nurtured not demanded on the spot. Merv needed to just SHUT UP.

[@AdrianWhyte]

Can anyone tell me what this standard is? If it's a standard? It's beautiful!

[@mrguitartown]

"Our love is here to stay"-Gershwins

[@onefootinthegroove39]

Adrian Whyte "They Can't Take That Away from Me"

[@AdrianWhyte]

KE7SFR thank you!

[@AdrianWhyte]

Mr Guitartown thanks mate!

[@jobeLewOOH]

they can't take that away from me, by the Gershwins (1937)

[@djrychlak4443]

Who knew the accountant could play?

[@bme7491]

Robert Conti kicks his ass.

[@AdrianWhyte]

Maybe so, but I'd rather listen to Jim Hall! Robert Conti is incredible though!

[@CraigStCyrPlus]

2:05 to skip the BS.

[@Kreln1221]

Snoop Dogg's dad on bass...

[@Ken-pi7qk]

Great to see Jim Hall but that was cringeworthy. I felt sorry for Jim

[@jsamc]

I miss Merv he was just having some fun with Jim . Merv was world class. Jim Hall even though I admire his musicianship puts me to sleep. Love pat metheny but maybe Jim was just off my radar.May he rest in peace. I guess Jim played that cuddle up lounge kinda of stuff.

[@MrJazzohjazz]

I actually saw a Pat Metheny/Jim Hall concert in the early 80's at Lehman college in the Bronx. Jim was one of Pat's influences. Pat is great and Jim is know for his understated style ...but make no mistake ...he is one of the great guitarists of his time. He played with every major Jazz great. Listen to early Chico Hamilton quintet with Jim and Fred Katz on cello ... the music was way ahead of its time.

[@ergoguitar]

If you think Jim was about "cuddling up"...you haven't listened to him. Ridiculous to judge him from this 2 minute appearance sitting in with the band. Jim influenced every single guitarist that came after him, including the folks you think were the main jazz guitar influences in the last 30 years like Scofield, Abercrombie, Mick Goodrick, Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. For all that have ears, let them hear. For all the rest...go listen to some "shredding"

[@douglynch8954]

Sam I am Yeah, the comment just shows pure ignorance. Jim Hall is the antithesis of cuddle up lounge music. Listen to him with Sonny Rollins, Bill Evans, etc. etc. Take your pick. Of course, when you have to play some ridiculous comedy sketch with Merv on piano, it's not gonna show your best.

[@076657]

jsamc well you need tons of notes per decond to feel entretained. You clearly dont value his musixianship if he puts you to sleep. Also, you're a moron.

[@bebopuser]

or maybe you should be looking up for his treasures around the web. jim has such a incredible tone that can NOT be boring as simply as that.

[@scowell]

... I smell *revenue stream* !!!

[@srfgrn]

Merv Griffin is so condescending, patronizing and annoying in this "audition" !

[@TonyDeCaprio]

Merv, a disgrace.

[@Arkelk2010]

It was good of Mr. Hall to play along. Awful lot of talent for a talk/variety show, but I guess it helped fir when there was singing. (And Mr. Griffin is no slouch on the piano either.)

[@jazzman1954]

Something a bit nauseating about this. Asking if he can play in Eb then starting in C in front of a tv camera and audience was not funny. Media presenters often were and sometimes still are talentless ass holes. Jim Hall was one of the absolute best jazz players IMO.

[@inyokutse]

That was literally the best part of the video. The point was to be funny for TV. Jazz doesn't always have to be serious and boring

[@jazzman1954]

@@inyokutse Jazz absolutely doesn’t have to be serious and preferably not boring. However humiliating Jim Hall was a cheap shot at being funny.

[@denisediaz3224]

merv was gay so maybe that explains it

[@anouman9883]

Fuck off with the homophobic garbage.