UNIQUE and GREAT: This guitarist is often overlooked

[@TerryNails]

Nobody ever really got how sophisticated the band was in there simplicity. I was fortunate enough to be good friends with the guys and I knew both Pauls quite well with PR living with me at the Russian river for awhile at about the time that the highway song album was going to be released. I ended up traveling with the band for part of the US tour in support of that album and it never failed that the audience would always yell at them to turn up because they weren't a loud band at all. And of course they always refused to turn up. They knew their sound settings they knew the tones that they wanted to get and they stuck to them no matter what. I doubt if anyone realizes how sophisticated the baselines were or how musically secure they were unless you understand that Andy Fraser wrote all the music for the song 'all right now' and yet there is no bass whatsoever in the verses and it only comes in during the choruses. The Genius use of simplicity on the part of all the musicians, to my mind, makes them one of the most underrated bands of all time...

[@paulmorgan8254]

Agreed, in an interview with PR he said nearly all the songwriting was him and AF but they'd agreed to share songwriting credits as a band. Fantastic songwriting, a band that goes from Mr Big to My Brother Jake and everything in between. Everything is stripped down, as can be seen from the Isle of Wight video they are playing straight into the amps and Simon Kirk is using a stripped down basic drum kit. For me PR is the ultimate rock singer and songwriter and Bad Company just shows where he was going.

[@andrewbowen6875]

Great story. The Hunter has a great riff

[@bobrat]

Thanks for your input. I've been a fan since Tons of Sobs was released. I think Paul Rodgers was best on Stealer. Andy Frazer was the band and Kossof was the frosting. Much appreciated

[@suzi57james]

Couldn't put it any better so true such an awesome band perfect chemistry & still listening 2024 🎶🎸🎶

[@paulcooper-n2v]

What gauge strings did paul kossoff use.?

[@claumeister1]

Let’s not forget Simon Kirke’s SO in-the-pocket rhythm bed under Kossoff’s solo that allows him to play in that unhurried but tasty style. Kirke really carries your ear along as Kossoff develops each savory morsel.

[@attichatchsound-bobkowal5328]

Nice job! I also think Andy Fraser is a criminally under appreciated bass player. Got a great tone out of that EB3 and the influences of great RnB players is evident while still having his own style.

[@anthonywilliams6764]

In 1969 I attended an allnighter at Londons Colloseum, which featured the Keef Hartley Big band and the warm up band coming on at around 10 O Clock, was Free. I had never heard them before, but within seconds, I was mesmerised by the guitar player, and also by the bass player, being a bass player myself. Andy Kossof wore a baggy brown coloured suit, and his head was thrown back and he looked skywards for most of his solos, which brought shivers to my backbone. I had previously seen Hendrix at the Albert Hall, and the effect was similar, except that Kossof used really long notes, with superb vibrato to sustain them, no rush, no showing off, just plain and simple blues mastery. I left the concert at around four am, and although Keef Hartley had a great band, with Miller Anderson fronting the singing and guitar role, the man of the night was Paul Kossof. Never to be forgotten.

[@MsDormy]

I adore Koss… thank you for bringing him to a new audience. God bless him. 🙏

[@bassmaster1953]

As a non-musician, even I heard the genius in Free instrumentals. It couldn't be ignored. But, as with many great guitarists, he left us too soon.

[@kevinmorris7722]

Still can't believe we get to watch you play anything. Much less share technique and walk us through something. A true gift.

[@meltedmarshdaddy]

Paul Kossoff is my favorite guitarist of all time. Thank you for making this tribute.

[@ttrascal]

Saw Free a few times, always up close on Kossoff's side of the stage. Mindblowing!! You felt that vibrato in your chest.

[@cleanhit777]

You can hear kossoff was a massive influence for Angus Young in the lines but especially the vibrato

[@BellsCuriosityShop]

Young's vibrato reminds me of BB King too

[@chriscampbell9191]

Yeah, especially on AC/DC's older stuff, Angus sounds a lot like Kossoff. AC/DC were Free fans, and it shows, not only in Angus's playing, but some of their early tracks, like Stick Around.

[@RandyFricke]

Good call! Angus. I hear it.

[@jacko717]

Angus has never mentioned Kossoff in any interview I'm aware of, he does however name Chuck Berry as his favourite guitarist. There is perhaps some similarity in places.

[@RJD0314]

I never considered that before. Very similar indeed!

[@RidingwithStymie]

I always loved Paul Kossof's playing. He had an intuitive knack for creating simple, brilliant, almost understated guitar gems. Every note counted. Few guitarists have created so much using so little. What a shame he died so young. And what a loss to us all.

[@jimmyjames4372]

Classic trained on acoustic as a child, he took all these skills to a stratospheric level on a les paul.. he is so authentic in his overall technique and sound. So under rated left the earth far too young, and left us all with inspirational playing, wonderful tunes.

[@dylanmcfarling2033]

Free was absolutely one of my hidden gem bands growing up. I had a real connection with them over a lot of other classic rock groups for some reason. Absolutely killer guitar playing and vocals. I still freak out when I hear “Walk In My Shadow”

[@burrrrrrrrrrrrrrp]

So cool how happy Tim’s face is when he’s playing guitar. It reminds me of how i felt when I was a teenager and learning… only Tim still has it! I wish I was 1% of the guitarist Tim is, keep rockin Tim 😎

[@bobito8997]

I've always loved Paul Kossoff's playing. One of the most soulful guitar players I've ever heard.

[@Hickalum]

13:00 … Paul Kossoff solved the thin lead sound problem by playing through Marshall bass cabs.

[@stevenjones6780]

Great one Tim. Love the attention to detail and subtly, and how you never stop learning and how THE 70'S HAVE BECOME MORE RELEVANT in recent main stream times...

[@JeffMcErlain]

It's an honor to be your friend and I have learned so much from you.

[@2011littlejohn1]

I saw Free in Sunderland in the 70's. Kossof was so talented - still a teenager when they recorded this. I heard a story that Clapton once asked him how he got his vibrato.

[@russellsmith7399]

Back in the early seventies I just fell in love with the single "TUESDAY MORNING" from his solo album

[@EddieLeeFunn]

A nod to Andy's ShutUpandPlay... outstanding!

[@lassesuurmunne8340]

Paul Kossoff is my all time favorite guitar player, he just moves me in a way that nobody else does. I love so many great players, but for me Koss was just pure magic. He had the ability to make mediocre songs absolute gems 💎 if he played on them ( talking about when he featured as a guest star on albums). Not saying he’s better than someone else’s favorite player but to me, for me, in my world Koss was the greatest of all time 💙. Even with his tragic drug addiction he kept evolving right until the end. And he wrote absolutely genius tracks like Molten Gold, Oh I wept, Moonshine…. Koss’s inversions and his use of open strings, it was very unique. And of course he could make you cry with his lead playing, like wordless lyrics, a beautiful mystery, you could hear the pain the sheer beauty but you wouldn’t know what he was singing about… He was a genius and he should absolutely be mentioned amongst all the big names, had he lived I know the entire world would talk about Paul Kossoff like they do Hendrix. Koss loved Hendrix to death, later on you could hear some of that influence but Koss was always so unique.

[@silentrabbit247]

Agree 100%. Full of emotion, lovely phrasing, Plus he has something that many great players lack - RESTRAINT !

[@josea.fazano8829]

I agree 100%.

[@tago69mago]

Love Kossoff. Criminally underrated. Best vibrato of all time bar none. Tasteful, soulful, always underplayed to let the song breathe. Amazing how many guys from back in the day found their own voice. Think about that kids. No internet, no guitar mags, hardly any footage on tv. You had to do it yourself back in the day from listening to records and practicing along.

[@theirishhammer9451]

Underrated? Who gave Kossoff a underrated view? That's right no one.

[@tago69mago]

@@theirishhammer9451 well he never gets a mention when people talk about great guitarists. Its always Beck, Page, Hendrix, SRV, Clapton etc Dont try and be a clever prick. You know exactly what I meant.

[@ObjectiveDynamics]

@@theirishhammer9451 I think he's nodding his head in the direction of the video title. I'm not sure Kossoff is "often overlooked" at all

[@Frip36]

@@theirishhammer9451 "Underrated" is just the quick & easy way of saying a musician isn't as well known as he should be. Get over yourself and your petty gripes.

[@tago69mago]

@@Frip36 What is it with you sad sacks. I write a comment praising him to the skies and the only comment you pick up on is the under rated one. If you've got nothing positive to say, keep your stupid trap shut. There are enough f###wits on the internet as it is. Don't be another one. If you don't think he's overlooked or over rated, fair enough, but its not that important enough to make a comment. Have a look on youtube and see how many vids there are about him and his guitar technique. Surprisingly few. So he's either not a great guitarist or he's under rated.

[@russl9029]

Jim McCarty from Cactus is another extremely underrated guitarist. I love that first Cactus album!

[@arc1nano]

I saw Free at Pirates World in Dania, Florida, I think it was late in 1970 or early 71. They only had enough material to play an hour gig. The crowd was so great at yelling for more that the band did 3 encores. Paul Rogers came out and said, We don't know any more songs. So they played "Alright Now" each encore. They were great.

[@RonaldBuro-oc2sl]

Thank you!!! Lots of people play the guitar but very few are guitarist. What you have shown is the what makes the difference between the two. Paul was truly overlooked but just beautiful.

[@Blaydrnnnr]

Paul was the reason, I picked up an electric guitar. My friends older brother showed us some video of Isle of Wight 1970. That was it. I wanted a Les Paul. His vibrato I have never been able to master, but his passion was addictive. I owe 44 years of playing to this young guy. STILL inspires me today. SOOOO many stories of him with other artists, Clapton, Pete Townshend, etc... I'm ALWAYS so glad when Paul gets praise as he should. Watching Joe Bonamassa play Paul's guitar a few times was magical.

[@williamsporing1500]

One of the greatest rock tunes ever! I too used to play that wrong decades ago. If there’s one thing I learned in the 70’s was this. It’s hard to unlearn things you learned to play wrong lol Great video Tim!

[@dnews9519]

I had the same issue it comes from playing guitar wrong for four decades.

[@strivingx67]

Almost every time I watch one of your videos, I feel like I am getting a glimpse into a live show right at the peak of a great solo. Tim, love your playing brother. And love to see the joy you have playing it. Thanks.

[@napesdrk1174]

I got the backing tracks of this tune about a year ago. I spent a good 4 days learning and playing along, all the parts. The tune came out awsome and I have this at the top of my favorites- thanks for Shinning the light on these guys!

[@jimcargill8492]

Have you checked out the solo/guitar sound on Heavy Load? 3:41 onwards. Sublime.

[@Guitar387]

It’s a great solo one of my favourite solos of all time. It’s not technically demanding speed wise (like say an Eric Johnson solo) , the technically demanding bit that is so hard to master is getting authenticity and nuances , incredible feel, vibrato and tone and timing. It’s one of the hardest solos to recreate authentically

[@snogglemonkey]

Kossoff was one of my early heroes. His vibrato blew me away. I remember many years ago his dad went around the universities of Britain talking about how drugs killed his son. I was young and stupid, but his dad 's message made a whole lot of sense. Paul Kossoff and Paul Rodgers, what a guitarist and what a singer. Rodgers is one of the best rock vocalists ever to step up to a mic.

[@leetf]

Great subject Tim, I love watching old videos of Kossoff, he just blows me away, the music just seemed to flow through him and he never felt the need to overplay to get his message across...for me the Album Fire & Water has some awesome tracks.

[@mattcarnevali]

Always thought Paul Kossoff was so incredibly underrated. Thanks so much for covering his work!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

One of my absolute favorite songs to play when I crank up my AC30 with my 335. It's total tonal bliss. Easily one of the most fun songs ever. Paul was absolute beast.

[@philodonoghue3062]

The ULTIMATE singalong pub rock song

[@brianmiller2075]

I have loved that song all my life

[@samwilson5033]

I met Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke of Bad Co. I gave Paul a copy of my own lyrics, with my autograph. Kossof was also a primary influence on another guitarist, Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[@batterytestchannel-v4v]

Great to see Koss getting some love. I especially liked the Backstreet Crawler albums where he really got to explore a beautifully sinuous sound and style.

[@philzellmer6073]

Overlooked???......well yeah, maybe now-a-days.....all I remember is wanting to sound just like him.....I absolutely have to thank you for cluing in those who may not know....and as always, thanks much another great video!!!

[@Aerimaxe]

I know i am coming to this late but it is great to have a video discussing the merits of my favorite guitarist of all time. The live version of trouble on double time is genuinely mind blowing.

[@yvoheaton6402]

Count myself as very, very fortunate that growing up in London in the 1960's and early '70's I was able to see Free many times. As the vocalist in a band at school I tried to model myself on Paul Rodgers but failed miserably given what a great voice and presence he had. Our guitar player played this the right way and that gave us a real edge when we played live. Free are, and always will be, my band of preference for British Blues at its very best. They were stunning live and sadly we lost Koss well before he should have gone.

[@markmarsh27]

Saw Paul Rodgers open for Jeff Beck in Toronto a few summers ago, BLEW my mind completely. ... He is not to be missed!

[@richmartin9907]

Oh how I love the juicy tones you get Tim. I could listen to you play all day!

[@miguelrichartmellado2834]

Super great song! Loved.

[@michaelbutler2312]

i saw free and later saw back street crawler with paul. both very small places and i got to get very close to see him. that vibrato of his was truly unique and very hard to achieve. thanks,

[@RandyJoeDuke]

"Fire and Water" has been one of my favorite albums since I was 13 years old. An amazing band and Kossoff is still a major inspiration in the music I appreciate.

[@jeffburgess6258]

Thanks Tim. I’ve been playing it wrong for the best part of 50 years! Always loved Paul Kossof’s playing. He was my benchmark vibrato when I was learning guitar.

[@olisaush6552]

Great playing and instructing! Another often overlooked Les Paul player is Mick Ronson. Also great mix of rhithm and lead guitar at the same time. Actually I don't want to buy a Les Paul but after this video I think I should think about it again and get one.... Tim made me do it 😉

[@patrickduffin6418]

Kossoff, Ronson and Zal Cleminson from The Sensational Alex Harvey Band were all KILLER, yet underrated LP players.

[@brianmiller5947]

Yes Mick edgy

[@jasfan8247]

@@patrickduffin6418 and Les Harvey.... maybe even Jimmy McCullough?! &&&& and &Slash😎

[@wildcolonialman]

And real bad news for someone who labored to buy a Gibson, then sold it-and still unable to replace. Me...

[@melodygrim471]

Excellent Lesson! Once again, Tim makes it look SO EASY! In fact, Tim's instruction makes it easy! Thanks again, Tim! We love you!

[@mikeacklin6921]

Re to do n or Yep I was

[@joeurbanowski321]

TIM..!!! This is one of the best videos you’ve done..!! FREE was awesome in the day.. and still are..! Thanks ❤️👍🏼

[@ScilentDeath]

Kossoff is a soul bomb of blues wizzardy in a rocking band with a swing to him that sways the way forward.... its like what my dad told me, he thought music had died after 69 then he heared all right now and though to himself nah it's gunna be alright.

[@DonTheGuitarGuy]

Such a great player, tones and songs. The way Paul doubled this track with a slight variation on second guitar is brilliant.

[@tmgasia]

I grew up to free in the late 80's, yup... it was an interesting childhood.... my fave 60's rock band... very underrated guitarist, RIP Paul Kossoff

[@logan_e]

As skillfully as you play it surprised me at first that you were having any issue with Paul Kossoff's vibrato, but of course we're individuals and if we're honest, always willing to keep learning something. I think that's what I appreciate most about you, your honest and real, thank you for all the work!

[@fearnpol4938]

I’ve yet to hear anyone mail Kossoffs vibrato, Bonamassa claims it but he’s way off and always far too distorted.

[@zoeherriot]

I have a lot of trouble with Mike Oldfield's vibrato style... I think it's one of the most difficult out there. But I have seen so many try and fail to get Kossoff's vibrato too.

[@perrymann6807]

Koss was one of my early influences. In revisiting my guitar journey I ‘rediscovered’ another gem that possesses similar simplicity and complexity as All Right Now that has a much greater impact on me after all these years-The Stealer. Killer tone!!

[@holmes44k44]

Fantastic lesson, Tim. 👍 Never before realized how great this song really is. Your analysis of the solo is VERY helpful as well. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@secularZoo]

I've always loved the holes in this song. So much space for Paul Rodgers and Paul Kossof to work with

[@russl9029]

Paul was a beast of a guitarist! Cool video on a truly underrated guitarist!!!

[@clowncarqingdao]

Paul Rogers was also with Queen for a time. Great voice. Quite interesting to hear him play his own songs with Queen as well.

[@gravyblue]

I recorded a Paul Rodgers album, and was lucky enough to get to play one of Kossoff's les pauls. It was outrageous. Rang like a bell.

[@googoogjoobgoogoogjoob]

I see Paul Kossoff in the title and I'm hooked.

[@robertjohnson3855]

Tim Pierce is a great cover guitar player also. He has so much fun and packs a lot in his teaching. Their are so many great teachers on this site. Take advantage and learn from some of these great teachers while they are here. Many don't even realize how good they are.

[@mike42441]

So that's how you play that song! Interesting strumming, vibrato, and solo techniques. Totally a classic song! Thanks for this discussion, Tim !!

[@stephenmiller5023]

Even today all these long years later this still sounds as epic as it did when it first hit the airwaves. Thanks for breaking this one down 👍. Always enjoy your videos man.😊

[@kevindunlap5525]

I checked a couple of recent vids out. I hadn't listened to Paul even through the whole Queen thing. I bought his cassettes when they were released. His voice might actually be better than ever. It's astonishing. Thank you so much for the recommendation.

[@haint7709]

Loved the video of "Mr Big" from 1970, Manchester. All 4 members were banging.

[@CarlKennedyMusic]

All great and timely points! A far cry from the typewriter players. These were such memorable parts. The songs from the 60s and 70s tended to have guitar hooks rather than scales. Your comments on Paul’s cool vibrato makes me think of other great vibrato masters like Robin Trower.

[@Alice-the-seal]

Kossof is one of the greatest. That tone! My brother and I often have our little guitar jam days, usually in the summer, hanging out and noodling, and talking about the legendary guitarists. We've always both agreed that PK's tone was the sweetest.

[@robertjohnson3855]

I had an opportunity to see Free in the late 60's. It was one of the best opportunities and I'll never forget them.

[@kengoodman7719]

Thanks Tim! Awesome as ALWAYS!!! I hope everything is alright with you and your family! God Bless!

[@philthejet]

Andy from shut up n play is such a perfectionist when it comes to playing songs the right way, I love his channel and such gifted player too. Thanks for the, as usual, great and interesting vid.

[@blackrainbowfiresword177]

Fantastic breakdown, Tim, SUCH an iconic classic, really enjoyed this one Mate, Cheers!

[@chrismiddleton9088]

My favorite Free song and certainly up there as one of the best rock songs ever from one of the most under-rated rock bands. Such a pity that Kossof died so young.

[@bethjustice1509]

That was great, this came on and it looked like you were playing my Les Paul. Flames are almost identical, I still have both my pick guard and truss rod cover on, but after seeing yours, I may take my pic guard off. Great lesson on a true Rock and Roll Classic.Thanks Tim.

[@bloozswami]

Kossoff was very influential. Never forgotten by me. Try Kossoff's album after Free. Back Street Crawler "All the girl's are crazy". Great tune

[@jeremyt_mendoingwell]

Tim, when you mention your Masterclass or your sale you look down. It's like you're embarrassed to talk about it. Don't be! You consistently give FANTASTIC value with these videos. And I've bought one of your programs. It's awesome! When you talk about what you offer, look up, look into the camera and have confidence that what you are offering us is SO WORTH IT. We love what you put out here on KZbin. Just know that you deserve success and to be paid accordingly. No need to feel apologetic about it. Keep up the good work, my friend!

[@pwrees]

25 seconds in and it’s a thumbs up. Bravo Tim.

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

he is a legend!

[@gary8411]

Love this Video Tim. That song has always baffled me to play. THANK YOU FOR the research into getting it right. SOUNDS GREAT...and RIGHT! CHEERS!

[@leonardodic3po607]

It's wonderfully humble when a great player like you takes the time to point out less celebrated players who are worthy of recognition. My takeaway? Talent was the currency of the realm back in 70's and 80's, before ProTools.

[@onesdrones3000]

I think if you look close Paul Kossoff holds his little finger on the fat E string, hold the A note; now you have two powerful A notes ringing together on both the fat E string, 5th fret and open A string unison!

[@timpierceguitar]

I Saw That... You're absolutely right

[@jipes]

LOve the way you decipher those old time classics Wonderful !

[@cato451]

I’ve listened to that album in total probably 1000 times in my life. Love it.

[@tomp538]

All Right NOW! Takes me back to 1970 driving to the races, down the 101 listening on the AM radio. Also saw Bad Co at the Forum before they were "BAD"... They were opening for Edgar Winter.

[@Pwecko]

Paul Kossoff's solos on Come Together In The Morning makes cry. Utterly brilliant.

[@kodykindhart5644]

Man All I can say is thanks Tim You are such a class act

[@apgwilym]

I saw them at the Isle of Wight in 1970 they were so solid. Thanks for for reminding us about Free.

[@jameslaird1213]

Tim, you were on point about Paul Rodgers’ voice improving with age. I was at the Joe Bonamassa (did I say that right?) show that became Live at the Beacon, and what I still remember most are the two numbers with Paul as the guest. Fantastic, effortless control, dynamics, and range.

[@grene1955]

One of the all time great rock songs, one of the all time great rock singers! I think it's very cool that we can listen to a tune done all those years ago and still learn from it!

[@jlsage4059]

Another note about the simple and “unadorned” playing you mentioned…It’s also much more percussive. Reaches the ears so effectively. It’s not heard at all today, that I know of.

[@Furtheronmusic]

One of if not my favourite song of all times. I learnt it years ago the way you show it here in the main lick.

[@anthonyparker3482]

I clearly remember riding the school bus home in La Canada, California in the fall of 1970, and having this song just come over those little speakers in the bus like gangbusters. Our driver, a very hip elderly man from the next town over (and obviously a music lover) would crank the stereo up on KLOS FM and I would wonder... "HOW did the guitar player get that SOUND??". Years later, as I was learning guitar, I would marvel at this guitar part and constantly obsess over how it was performed. Thank you, thank you thank you Tim and for figuring out this years old puzzle!

[@mikeydal8460]

Tim, all I want to say is thank you for all this! I really appreciate this channel and enjoy hearing you talk about things and seeing you play.

[@SierraMike78]

I have worked on this for while over the years and could never seem to get it right. Thanks for drilling down on the intricacies and sharing.

[@JohnMaag-f3t]

I'm playing a 2023 PRS SE Singlecut McCarty 594 while watching this video. I turned my tone to 3 and that made a big difference.

[@barrycw1]

Paul Kossoff was a truly original player and the feeling and emotions he drew from his pickups were so intense it overtook his facial and his body movements. (Just watch one of the old Free live performances here at YT) A true anti-shredder guitarist .. even had he survived to today I doubt he would ever shred

[@louissmith5298]

I'm a complete newb so my opinion can be taken for granted but I've always admired guys who can really play slow more than shredders. Keith said it best when he said the new guys don't know what notes to play so they just play all of them.

[@rwsfwifi]

Just awesome, the way talk about each note n phrase. The Marshall and vibrato going on forever. Always Just great stuff from you.

[@lightanddreamsphotography7140]

Brilliant, I love your ear for detail, and then the ability to recreate genius, thank-you so much :)

[@leftymike5625]

Don't forget about Rogers days in The Firm. Great band.