Unknown Musical Genius Only Has 24 Spotify Followers! Help!

This Unknown Musical Genius Only Has 24 Spotify Followers! Please Help!
Follow and Support Alan Mearns:
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--------------------------------------
My Links to Follow:
KZbin - / rickbeato
Follow my Instagram - / rickbeato1
------------------------------
Special Thanks to My Supporters:
Catherine Sundvall
Clark Griswold
Ryan Twigg
LAWRENCE WANG
Martin Small
Kevin Wu
Robert Zapolis
Jeremy Kreamer
Sean Munding
Nat Linville
Bobby Alcott
Peter Glen
Robert Marqusee
James Hurster
John Nieradka
Grey Tarkenton
Joe Armstrong
Brian Smith
Robert Hickerty
comboy
Peter DeVault
Phil Mingin
Tal Harber
Rick Taylor
Bill Miller
Gabriel Karaffa
Brett Bottomley
Frederick Humphrey
Nathan Hanna
Stephen Dahl
Scott McCroskey
Dave Ling
Rick Walker
Jason Lowman
Jake Stringer
steven crawford
Piush Dahal
Jim Sanger
Brian Lawson
Eddie Khoriaty
Vinny Piana
J.I. Abbot
Kyle Dandurand
Michael Krugman
Vinicius Almeida
Lars Nielsen
Kyle Duvall
Alex Zuzin
tom gilberts
Paul Noonan
Scott Thompson
Kaeordic Industries LLC
Duane Blake
Kai Ellis
Zack Kirkorian
Joe Ansaldi
Pzz
Marc Alan
Rob Kline
Calvin Wells
David Trapani
Will Elrics
Debbie Valle
JP Rosato
Orion Letizi
Mike Voloshen
Peter Pillitteri
Jeremy Hickerson
Travis Ahrenholtz

[@RickBeato]

Make sure you watch the whole video and not just comment after the first song. You need to hear Alan‘s incredible classical guitar guitar playing on the second half of the video. Thanks for supporting real music!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 also, don’t forget to subscribe to this channel as well as Alan‘s.

[@BackFromSpaceStudios]

Thank you for pointing us to Alan ! On a personal note I wish you could isolate the outro solo on Boz Skaggs Lowdown like you did on the super cool Christopher Cross video. ( I hear such cool things hidden in that mix)

[@jeremyalm9006]

Rick, how do we find Airspace's music?

[@mikeshweeng]

I have 12 followers.-Actually I'm quite famous, just nobody knows it.

[@DaveCorsello]

Yeah, his classical playing is absolutely outrageous. Among multiple outstanding aspects of his arranging and playing, one thing in particular stands out to me--all of his trills are done with the right hand. I learned that this is a thing in college, and I decided to go that route with the handful of Bach pieces I learned. Knowing what went into developing a rudimentary familiarity with the technique, I have a great appreciation for his command of it. Every trill is flawless. Each one is a very brief, beautiful, expressive development of its own in terms of dynamics and tempo. TREMENDOUS right hand technique. Wow.

[@delefo]

A crew of about 20 Stagehands will be listening to Alan's music tomorrow morning as we build scenery for Grand Opera. Thank you for sharing. In Rick I trust.

[@beardyman]

This is a fantastic use of your platform

[@ChrisRalph007]

Well said - couldn't agree more - unbelievable to discover these gems via Rick

[@tcm6756]

I SO agree with you here. It opens up a whole new avenue for Rick.

[@ReapDaProductions]

I want to discover more, and through Ricks channel! Hope he keeps it up!

[@valeskacanas9187]

Keep it up Rick! So glad you're highlighting musicians :)

[@billsybainbridge3362]

I agree, let's see more of this please, @Rick! See you on Endlesss jamming with us someday, @Beardyman?

[@robinsites9790]

My daughter took lessons from Alan years ago. In addition to his extraordinary musical gifts he is a genuinely nice guy.

[@carolynmcpherson2667]

Cool.

[@cpsedmonds]

Rick, you should definitely use your platform more often to elevate these underground artists. You're always going on about over-polished songs with multiple writers, awful pitch-perfect vocals that lack any humanity etc. This could be the turning point the music world needs! (PS, happy to volunteer my awful vocals for you)

[@ChrisWarTar]

This comment deserves a pin

[@roqueavellaneda]

There are places for underground musicians and artists, like Realtalkradio, Metal Head Hippie, Ron Ward's Home Grown Indie Live, Pete Johns Studio Live Today, to just name a few. Plenty of gifted musicians. Check it out!

[@ghoullyman]

I agree he could help but now the kids don’t care if your musical genius because they’re consumers not creators . We are in the age where image is higher than talent . If you got a simple catchy beat and where everybody favorite rapper wearing your wayy better than this musical genius . It’s sad because the music industry isn’t even about music anymore

[@silviopimentel7247]

Wow!! I been thinking that for quite some time but every time I commented not once got a reply 🤔 witch makes me think of the truth in a lot of hiprocracy in the real music. Witch some of us still search endlessly but with no reply 😔 but there out there. Small existence but alive 🙏

[@nitedreamer23]

@@ChrisWarTar no doubt!!

[@troyoswald5683]

What I LOVE about Rick is he can give us jazz, death metal, grunge , classical and its all revelation when he breaks it down. WE ARE SO LUCKY!!

[@culturedii6218]

A true musician loves all music!

[@lewisticknor]

Death Metal?

[@michaelbergin8807]

​@@jsullivan2112 On various occasions, I certainly recall Rick extolling the vitures of /being very fond of bands like Cannibal Corpse & Meshuggah (extreme metal). While its typically more anecdotal vs. a prolonged evaluation, still he's proven to be genre agnostic. What's intriguing is he never mentions a band like Iron Maiden, until just recently it so happens, and rarely mentions bands like Pantera (albeit one W.M.T.S.G. episode). He's a super busy person, so sheer bandwidth is probably a factor.

[@michaelbergin8807]

@@jsullivan2112 Oh, and Sepultura too, which I'm sorry is sacrosanct (the others I don't care about). Yeah, it's not going to too much gnarlier than that on this channel.

[@thegreatelfinko]

Well said

[@bluesslider76]

This is hands-down the most important video you have ever done. Humans need to be reminded of greatness. I’m seeking this man out to support.

[@Eduardo-sc7th]

100%

[@RD-jr8nv]

RICK, DONT STOP DOING THIS. This guy is amazing, now a follower!!! Please keep real music alive!

[@sbrazenor2]

He has some really good recommendations. He should recommend more unknown artists.

[@SeemoreDunkan]

Yeah Rick! Hopefully you'll discover more great musicians ;)

[@titanicsinclair]

Just followed Alan on Spotify. Incredible stuff. I would love a hidden gems segment like this more often. It's a great way to help break independent artists - it's tough out there without the big marketing push.

[@victorbotas5637]

Me too, it's awesome.

[@brianburke6291]

Same! We could do with more well known musical KZbinrs (for lack of a better term) at least letting us know what else is out there. There is only so much time in the day to find them yourself

[@johannystrom2444]

Couldn't agree more! The Digital De-Duster Segment

[@gbattle]

Agreed. So many hidden gems 💎 out there collecting dust. Alan’s taken and musicality are palpable. For another classical guitarist within a different genre, check out The Knells, featuring guitarist Andrew McKenna Lee, drum, bass and two opera singers.

[@kaimundo]

But how Poppy doing tho?

[@markshveima]

"Let's try to make a difference with real music." Great quote. One of the things I most admire about your channel is that you keep making videos about great artists that are way under the radar. Thank You.

[@michaelmacdonell4834]

^^^^^ This is truth^^^^^^

[@thinkman1234]

Who determines for the masses what "great music" is? It's far too subjective to be anything more than personal preference.

[@michaelmacdonell4834]

@@thinkman1234 Great music does not sound flat, or like it's been made by a machine, with no care or interest in its audience. Great music requires a measure of passion, reflected by the performance, or the investment in time for practice or development.

[@thinkman1234]

@@michaelmacdonell4834 I agree with you on most of what you say……personally, though once again music appreciation, in ALL of its forms, is in the EAR of the individual. The attributes of the music we choose to listen to most certainly will not be exactly or perhaps even close to what others feel is Great Music! It’s not categorical, IT’S SUBJECTIVE!

[@robdavenport6142]

@@thinkman1234 Absolutely, you are 100% correct. If I was to say, "yes, but some people don't know any different", that would sound patronising, but not everybody actively seeks things they never heard of before, so their preferences are based upon the very small subset of music that they have listened to. I guess it would be equivalent to someone talking about 'great food', when they've only ever eaten burgers and hotdogs. There are fantastic burgers and hotdogs out there, but we all know that that's not the only food. If you've tried lots of different foods from different cultures and still simply prefer burgers and hotdogs, then that's different of course. I suppose what I'm trying to say in a very rambling way, is any choice is fine, as long as it's an informed choice?

[@thegoodlightllc4093]

In The School of Music at Appalachian State in 98, I sat in our regular Friday Music Performance sessions where 3-4 musicians would perform before the school. I remember Alan performing and shocked the students with his musicality, stage performance, and just genuine remarkable talent. If I remember correctly he went to school on a full ride for guitar. I have known him 25 years, not only is he talented but he is an amazing person, dad and husband. He is incredibly enjoyable to hang out with as well. I wish him all the best success. Any serious musician or band looking for a guitar player would be crazy to not see if he would be a good fit. He is top notch.

[@paigedaniels7718]

This brought tears ... so gorgeously evocative and powerful. First Owen Beverly and now Alan Mearns, I feel the deep sense of conviction and respect that you have for musical artistry and sonic beauty. Please continue sharing your library of lesser-known genius, Rick. Thank you so much!

[@pablodiner]

For Mia has been stuck in my head for weeks

[@kowki]

@@pablodiner me too!!! And now another GREAT musician uncovered by Rick, i'm so happy!

[@shakespearouac]

This is personal, sir: thank you in this moment for this coat-pull towards what my 82 year old lifetime schooled musician ears (jazz, classical, blues, world) have been noodging me to. Retired & with endless enthusiasm for your videos - so many of which i've seen multiple times - this particular vid may be the most impactful of all for me. ps: i've been a subscriber since your start, and bought your books to be supportive. Now i have the nudge to read them - arrogant of me i now think rather than "been there done that. "

[@tunefinite]

Wholesome 👍🏻 This video is awesome indeed!

[@stixnfeet7818]

You are an inspiration, Sir 💪

[@PuppetXeno]

I am always skeptical when anyone calls anyone a (musical) genius, but it caught my ear immediately indeed. It is genius - wonderful captivating music, brilliantly recorded and mixed. The Bach piece sent chills down my spine. Well I too have few followers on Spotify, is there hope yet? (Lol - never hurts to dream! But it sucks for those who are truly ambitious)

[@timhodson368]

Stunning!

[@indiecalms]

Incredible music. Thx for sharing!

[@jasonremy1627]

I love that you're using your platform to promote great music to your audience!

[@ReapDaProductions]

KEEP DOING THIS. There are tonnes of brilliant musicians out there with very underground followings. Danny Malone comes to mind, he’s an Emitt Rhodes type producer-singer-songwriter.

[@nadenolam8368]

My name backwards 😯

[@Vivi_9]

@@nadenolam8368 Illuminati confirmed

[@jazzerson7087]

Stunning. It often feels like the most talented/technically accomplished musicians, particularly in jazz, which have the least views and followers. Some of the best music I've ever heard has been made in the last five years but virtually nobody has heard of them. 59 views since 2016 etc. Sweden and Norway have some amazing jazz guitarists which only have a few followers!

[@amin4993]

Being compared to Emmit Rhodes is the highest compliment.

[@guitaro5000]

Well, they got at least 25 followers now!

[@Cris_Borgnine]

Add Another!

[@PinheiroJaime]

27th here

[@edpetrikk2027]

28 and counting 👍

[@patrickwayne9074]

Oh, it’s gonna go up I believe…

[@carstenaltena]

@@patrickwayne9074 And another!

[@lapicker1010]

The first of my two music degrees is performing arts in classical guitar, and I’ll have to say that is some very impressive playing. He has a new fan here!

[@teuvokanerva9868]

I received my Masters Degree of Fine Arts in 1988, my main instrument is Classical guitar. Over the years I have stumbled over and come across so many talented guitarists. But this is something so beautiful beyond comprehension. Alan is one of the most soulful and scilled musicians I’ve heard! He moves so fluently in the realm of music. Astonishing! Thank you Mr Beato for this eye (and ear) opener! Isn’t music just a true miracle in life!?

[@JonathanBrasell]

I am one of those 24 monthly listeners! Love is Covered In Dust is one of my favorite records. It comes as a fun surprise to find out he recorded that with you! I discovered Yes The Raven several years back on New Years Day as I was searching KZbin looking for good acoustic covers of U2 New Years Day. I ran across his version of it and was immediately a fan. I later got Alyn’s permission to use Breathe on a yoyo 🪀 video I made. He was way cool about it. Keep doing your thing, Rick. We love you.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

OG!

[@davidcook1057]

Rick - your are a musical treasure and one of the main reasons I cancelled cable. You inspire, teach, share, with an authenticity that is rare these days. Thank you. I will be diving into Alan’s music, as soon as I finish typing this.

[@BenCotten]

Alan is not only a musical virtuoso but a great human being. I love that he's getting some recognition.

[@djbrady]

I’ve watched many of your videos, I’m a big fan, but this is the best I’ve seen. What an incredibly generous use of your platform to spread the word like this. And thank you for introducing me and countless others to Alan’s stunning music. In the first two bars I recalled Nick Drake, and it’s worth remembering that in the 1970s, despite several incredible albums, practically no one knew him (with tragic consequences for Nick). It’s also worth considering that Jimi Hendrix was kept off number one in the U.K. by Englebert Humperdink. Marketing has always been a necessary evil, but it’s now elevated to a new level; we truly live in the age of the digital marketer. I’m off to subscribe to Alan’s music. Those Bach interpretations gave me chills, too.

[@Choral-Tenor]

You did a good thing, Rick - for your friend and for the thousands his music has now touched. Bless you both 🙏

[@michaelfoxbrass]

As of my follow, he’s now up to 1,859 followers on Spotify - but he should be at 10-20x this number! Using your platform for the good of music and musicians as always, Rick. Thank you for introducing Alan’s impeccable playing and musical conception to me and, (if I may say so), to us all!

[@DustyLightning]

I'm just imagining this guy waking up to see his spotify blew up overnight. That's gotta be absolutely insane to have happen to you.

[@emisun]

11k now!

[@RavenJack23]

I like this Rick - I hope you will continue to use your megaphone to promote deserving artists! You can't help every single one but you can help some of them!

[@andyroze]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful artist with us and for helping him

[@essengeebee]

Really nice of Rick to send his audience over to Alan. Anyone who can play Bach so well deserves to be listened to!

[@mat0920]

Done. Followed Alan and Yes the Raven. Rick, this is one of the coolest things you've done. Thank you sir and God bless

[@fartissimo]

I came for your recommendations but stayed for the Bach. I share your (and Joshua Bell's) reverence for the Bach Chaconne- I think it is the greatest achievement not only Bach's amazing career but in all of classical music. The Bach-Busoni piano transcription is something I use as a frame of reference when evaluating different classical pianists. Alan Mearns' performance raising hairs on the back of my neck and bringing me close to tears is an involuntary response that shortcuts any rational response and speaks directly to my soul. Thank you Rick for bringing these amazing artists to prominence and bringing so much joy to your audience. In this dark and turbulent world, you are like a lighthouse.

[@davidgraves8949]

“This Will Only End In Tears” had just 9 likes on the Yes The Raven KZbin channel. It has 10 now. I find this unbelievable. This is one of the most beautiful recordings I’ve ever heard. Thank you for this introduction. He is now a heart on my Tidal account

[@altareggo]

25 or 26 now. This person's voice is insanely great for someone who seems to be almost unknown!!

[@tuelassen7049]

161 likes 3 hours after you made this comment :D

[@Arkibus108]

You're not wrong.

[@davidbusby2550]

Rick !!! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE continue unearthing unknown artists such as this! Owen Beverly and now THIS!!! In tears! So gorgeous!

[@shadownet_nft]

It's scary how little value is placed on musicianship in the modern era, but just like the tide you really can't hide it when it turns up. Beautiful music and wonderful artistry.

[@steffyweffy777]

True. But then I guess it’s about if a song has an emotional impact on people which counts most and so songwriting is most important. Also exposure. You can be Mozart but if you don’t play gigs all over the country and get invited to play big music festivals, you’ll be playing to your four walls at home. I know geniuses and they’ve either got autism, OCD, or some addiction problem or are just incapable of sorting their lives out so they do nothing now and let their lives pass them by wasted. ALAN is fantastic but sadly doesn’t probably care about getting himself out there and his happiness doesn’t lie with fame and popularity but just playing his music and writing songs for his personal pleasure.

[@menamgamg]

​@@steffyweffy777 I think you're spot on. Being sucessful in the music industry is about a lot more than being a good musician and i've realized that the hard way because i've all my life had a lot of difficulties stepping away from just playing to myself in my room and never gotten anywhere in terms of career. I'm now 30 and it turns out i've had undiagnosed ADHD... I think it makes sense that a lot of people with personal problems like this are drawn to creative work because they don't fit into society and it's something that feels fulfilling to do even on your own - which also means many artists might be stuck playing to themselves.

[@yomikosburger]

Another unbelievable discovery. Thank you, seriously.

[@keithbutler2222]

That was really sweet of you Rick, and having listened to him the increase in followers is more reflective now :-)

[@dwightshruteduh6829]

One of my best friends has 8 monthly listeners, and his music is incredible. He's called "The Human Calculator." So I appreciate you finding someone unknown and showing off their talent. Dont stop doing it.

[@GlennErikMathisen]

We need more of this. This guy is truly talented, and deserves more attention. Great singer, and those bach pieces pieces where beautiful. Perfectly executed.

[@alberthilt]

Immediately went his KZbin and subscribed! Awesome! Thank you Rick for bringing light into these dark days...

[@garrettbright6586]

Wow, unbelievable talent! I immediately went and explored both his classical and folk recordings and am just stunned. I was surprised to find a U2 tribute album no less! His version of With or Without You is pure genius. Not to disparage U2, but I imagine Alan finishing that recording Beato style with “like that”.

[@DanielHeikalo]

Thank you for making us discover this astounding musician, and helping his career by doing so. Well done!

[@TravisWhiteTribe]

Will follow him on Spotify 🤘🎸🤘Rock On 🤘

[@plumbawl5977]

Always a champion for the under represented, talented artists is Rick Beato!

[@RosencrantzxGuildenstern]

Holy damn, when Beato says a musician's incredible he's not messing around! I love the musical tension and slight, tasteful dissonance coming from Mearns harmonizing a lot of melodies one would usually play as single note lines. Reminds me of the best aspects of Jim Croce or Simon and Garfunkel, but on a whole other level. I always feel guilty about not discovering such musical genius sooner on my own, so I can't be grateful enough for such a wonderful recommendation.

[@kmcsounds25]

Thank you for this Rick. Your community cares about these musicians and we hope that you keep elevating others like Alan! You could help provide the public exposure these artists deserve.

[@imlistening1137]

Just beautiful… thank you for sharing!

[@nolanneal]

Great video!! I’ll go follow him now. One suggestion would be to plaster his name in the lower third for the entire video. You know how some peoples attention spans can be. 🙏🏼

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

Maybe this says more about Spotify than it does Alan's music. I know many artists, including myself who have published music only to have it buried by the various algorithms in favor of big label artists or kids with 30 second viral videos. I love when you bring unknown artists to your followers like this. I always add them to my playlists and give 'em a whirl.

[@austinedeclan10]

Island bois?

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

@@austinedeclan10 ??

[@austinedeclan10]

@@lo-firobotboy7112 Island boys are two (wannabe rapper) kids who become big because of a 30 second viral tik tok. They represent in my opinion everything wrong with today's music industry. They've got no talent and are more concerned with the rapper lifestyle than with making good music. I thought you were referring to them in your comment.

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

@@austinedeclan10 OK, gotcha. Aside from KZbin I've turned-off all social media a couple years ago. I don't see what goes on on Instagram, TikTok, BookFace etc. I support local artists whenever possible and listen for music that catches my ear out in the world, on soundtracks, or community radio. I also-belong to a couple local groups that talk synthesizers and share music with each other.

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

@@Mike-rw2nh A few years ago even crappy, indie music like mine would see a constant daily trickle of streams from random "foot traffic" and people searching specific tags. Almost overnight that traffic stopped as the algorithm was modified to focus on and promote the content with highest ad revenue. The problem is that it's self perpetuating. The Billie Eilishes and Justin Beibers of the world are immediately pushed to the top and new, indie, or quirky artists sink to the bottom. On a free platform like Google/KZbin I understand the business model. However, on a platform like Spotify or Apple where there are fees involved, it really sucks.

[@agrecords1851]

It's great to discover great musicians like Alan in this "fast-food" music pool today. Thank you Rick for promoting him and other who deserve to be seen. I remember i had a same feeling when randomly discovered band Ajimal. It was like finding a peace of gold in a mud...

[@PatrickRAllen-nx2eu]

M

[@carrieberry1978]

Thank you, Rick! Alan deserves the love and I can’t thank you enough for your unwavering support.

[@jimmcgroddy3655]

Thank for sharing this Rick! I have followed Alan on Spotify and also listening to the Yes the Raven stuff -

[@godspeedfx]

Rick! Alan released "The Airspace Record" on spotify! Ever since I saw this video 8 months ago, I wished so badly to hear that unreleased record because I looovveed "this will only end in tears". I saw he put out a new song on KZbin and I went to see if it was on Spotify, and I found the airspace record instead!

[@cosmicmauve]

Your passion for music is *contagious*. Brings me back to the days when I was in my twenties, listening to my favourite Brit bands (and Joni Mitchell) and scrutinizing everything they did in a song and _reading_ the album cover for _any_ info. A lot of us didn't have much money but that was okay if you had your favourite musicians, you could share that with your friends! It was the best! It's great that you're putting forgotten talent back on the map, it's a wonderful gesture.

[@MrDrewseph]

Well said 💛

[@oliverbaier4415]

I definitely agree Mr. Beato… We definitely need to make a difference in recognizing real music/ real talented artists in the world.

[@ErnestoSchnack]

Those Bach arrangements are amazing! Playlisted and followed.

[@sath_b]

I love your work man

[@valeskacanas9187]

Yes indeed 🤯👏🏽

[@futurenoww9899]

You are an amazing player

[@xoanesq.]

Truly amazing stuff. Big thank you Rick for exposing us to Alan . People like you and your chanel give me hope that there are still some folks that care about music. Funny like your video totally changed my perspective about 16 monthly listeners of mine. All the best!

[@Bass-dude]

Very important video. What a musician. Thank you using your channel for this!

[@annep9256]

I have played the Bach cello G a million times and I’m astonished and in love with this and have never heard such creativity in a variation that is so seamless with the original version. Thank you for this.

[@MusicisWin]

This is great stuff! A band I always tell people to listen to even though I'm pretty sure they don't exist is anymore is a band called The Rescues. They have an amazing EP called Let Loose the Horses and it is absolutely incredible.

[@juniorg296]

Yooo that's an amazing record - just brought me back man! - Also hey I just moved to Nashville, looking to meet other musicians would love to link up sometime. I'll actually be down at Gibson Garage most of the week for their anniversary, come up and check it out...Matt Heafy tonight?

[@bigman9854]

@@juniorg296 respect the hustle

[@alanbaum3228]

The guitarist for The Rescues did an album with Andy Summers back in 2015. They called themselves Circa Zero. I'm a Police fan and never heard of Rob Giles before that project. Great record. Shame it was only a one off

[@killboybands1]

I always recommend Cardiacs - Sing to God. It's genius.

[@Artcore103]

best band no one listens to: Lovedrug

[@ActuallyKG]

So refreshing! Kudos to you for giving such a talented musician this spotlight. He’s got a new follower in me! Great video, as always, Rick.

[@cantemirash]

You make a great service. by highlighting talents like this. Thank you!

[@gabebcn]

I've been in love with the classical guitar since I was 14 and I've listened to tons of amazing classical guitarists. I discovered Alan a few weeks ago. I am absolutely bewitched by his talent and musicallity. I am confident he will get the success he deserves!

[@kyounotemawa]

As soon as you said he plays the Chaconne and started playing it, I was already purchasing the entire album. Thank you for sharing these artists. It's disturbing to me how artists like this aren't more well known.

[@roccorodriguez6653]

You’re right Rick. Great use of your platform, Alan deserves the recognition. I am looking forward to listening to the records.

[@ThomasWendt1969]

This is such a hidden gem. I love it when you put people who really deserve it in the spotlight. Thank you Rick!

[@ultramanj]

Very nice of you to turn us on to this, brilliant. Thank you.

[@vince3586]

What beauty, Rick. Thank you for sharing. Going to his site now!

[@protoolsfanatic7276]

Hopefully this episode will help boost Alan's channel and following. What a brilliant musician. He should be getting radio play instead of the garbage I've heard lately.

[@bob_an]

The guitar takes on Bach pieces are amazing. Instead of the boring "transcriptions" (they never work; something is always missing in a note to note transcription) this man reinvents the piece in a way it makes you think that it was originally written for guitar.

[@davecole2561]

Spot on. I could listen to that Bach guitar music all evening long. In fact, I think I will right now!!

[@drujohnson2519]

Great point! 👍👍🖖

[@dennisnilsson4159]

Thank you so much for sharing this incredible artist with us, i was just feeling like i need something other than Opeth and Porcupine Tree to listen to and this is it. Much love from Sweden.

[@carriek1271]

Wow! So beautiful and so much talent! Thank you for this.

[@brandonford3439]

This was my favorite video from your channel! Loved everything about it!

[@robertstakenburg2740]

Rick, thank you so much again. I've listened to everything from Alan Mearns since your episode and it's fantastic. What a discovery and richness this is. Thank you so much, you make my day and many days after :-) The song 'This will only end in tears' is of unparalleled beauty and for me personally it is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Keep on going, you're the best.

[@mrz80]

Ok, you've totally sold me on the guy. I haven't really gotten into a classical guitarist since I saw Christopher Parkening in concert 30 years ago. I'm hooked on Mearns' playing. Alas but he uses **iTunes** of all the benighted services to distribute his music. Apple makes it an angst-ridden nightmare to do anything in their world from a linux platform, so I guess I'll be forced to order the CD and rip it to WAV files so I can listen on my computer and in my car. :)

[@chadyou812]

His playing brought me to the edge of tears, absolutely stunning. And I will say Rick that highlighting great Artists you find in order to give them a bump is a fantastic idea and as a player and lover of all music to be given this introduction makes me 10 times the fan compared to if I had simply come across him. I will share his music far and wide.

[@RikkRollinsMusic]

Awesome that you did that! It can be so hard to break through the social media noise

[@maxim_6]

The fact that such talented musicians have almost no recognition is really depressing actually. Really makes you think about quitting music because of that

[@garailac]

And just think about how many greats like this are out there in the same situation... tens of thousands literally

[@Augfordpdoggie]

i pretty much did

[@Arthagnou]

It is the case with most artists thought all time. a lack of appreciation. I stopped writing, not that im great, but certainly better than most of the crap you see.

[@mynameisben5133]

Then quit

[@mynameisben5133]

@@garailac then are they so great

[@fredflea4038]

Yes, let’s break some algorithms and give good artists some recognition. Keep doing this Rick.

[@Megadoculous]

My god Rick, you are an absolute treasure. You are spot on and good on you for highlighting things like this on your channel. Alan's playing absolutely blew my mind. He has a new fan here. 👍

[@gigirodriguez3794]

Wow! His classical playing is just stunning! That first Prelude gave me chills!

[@mariosogno]

That's awesome Rick, thank you for making these amazing videos. "Let's try and make a difference with real music" somebody had to say this! Unfortunately most (young)people nowadays care more about quantity instead of quality and that's really sad because there is really great music(and in general art) out there but it doesn't get promoted enough.

[@frankmattaiii3469]

Alan is a genuine diamond! I met Alan when he was a teen. He and his family moved to the US from Ireland. They were connected to a church fellowship that we were a part of. Even as teen he was an amazing musician. He was a true inspiration to me. His desire to learn and grow as a musician was always visible. He taught me many things which today are a part of my musical journey. Alan helped us reach out to inner city teens. He was always a joy to be around. When he moved to North Carolina from Houston....I thought it was the end of the orld. I am so proud of Alan and excited to see his music reach others. Thank you Rick for highlighting his journey.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Hey Frank! ❤️🙏 How’s the leg?

[@frankmattaiii3469]

@@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven I'm at home now. They put a rod in my right femur bone so it's baby steps everywhere. Thankfully I'm off for the summer so it will give me time to recover. How are you guys?

[@john2000l]

With so many great musicians out there, it is so hard for them to even get a single shot at airplay just to see where they may go and the audience appeal. This is some great material, but this was going to need a special channel for people who love great easy listening tunes. To find a channel like this, this band would have had to find something like Mark Knopflers exclusive, a channel which plays this music type and is very popular on XM. I don't exclude Spotify as a basis, but way too many channels, and hard to find a lot of music like this. Alan Mearns is a great guitarist with a great sound and talent.

[@ASTROMEGA]

In that case, you are all welcome to try my channel.

[@CrowClouds]

East listening? Lol

[@9897431]

id listen to rick beato's alt rock radio. with, like, weekly spotlight or feature bands

[@bobthabuilda1525]

​@@CrowClouds Considering the fact that "easy listening" is a very well known term, and the fact that the "t" and "y" keys are right next to each other, if you couldn't figure out what he meant then you have absolutely no right to laugh at anyone else.

[@CrowClouds]

@@bobthabuilda1525 🤣

[@actionoriented]

Just followed Alan - great call out Rick! What an amazing player, gorgeous playing and interpretations. Really kind of you to use your platform to spotlight excellent, under recognized players.

[@paulstarnes3112]

What a King maker! Thank you Rick!

[@atimeofshadows]

Wow, just wow, Rick. This is music and so beautifully played. Love to hear a REAL musician play there is nothing quite so moving emotionally as genuine music being played from the heart. Now following on Spotify and KZbin. Knocks spots off of most of the current "musicians!!"

[@davidzoot]

This is great! I like how Rick deconstructs the horror that has become the current music industry, but the best way to combat it is to promote the current artists who are truly doing something meaningful, like Alan Mearns!

[@samuelwilson3653]

Got to see him play at a guitar festival and competition in Boone, NC where he studied and it was one of the best performances I've ever seen. So happy to see you cover Classical Guitar

[@emo_galaxy9413]

I would like it if you did this weekly. Picked someone that you know of that is outstanding that does not have the presence that they should! I really like your style and agree with your music tastes. So anything that you like I can pretty much bet that I would feel the same. I am glad that you have done this. What an artist wow!

[@seanmcmonagle4012]

Just subscribed to him on you tube music. His J.S. Bach guitar playing floating in my house like a soft cool breeze. Thank you!

[@dkelley9661]

More of this type of thing! Really great music! Crazy sensitive, great writing, great vocals, lyrics, and performance. Love that you’re spotlighting musical unknowns!

[@raymafarlow7573]

Thank you! I have just followed Mr. Mearns on Spotify. Absolutely beautiful. His playing brought tears to my eyes.

[@madeinsydl]

Rick, you need to release this record! 'The Importance of Eye Contact' sounds amazing

[@vibin247]

Rick, keep doing what you're doing! There are so many fantastic musicians out there who don't get the kind of attention and success that they want and deserve because of the factory machine of Big Music. They need a spokesperson and platform such as yours to really gain that loyal fanbase that drives a musician's career.

[@rafaelrosado8725]

👍🏼Definitely worth listening, dude is amazing🙏🏽

[@nrgchannel4484]

He is amazing, Following both now. Thank you for sharing 🤠✌🏼

[@NundeeGuitar]

His skills are OUTSTANDING ! The song at 6:55 is incredibly technically accurate. Very nice of rick to give him the recognition he deserves ! Thank you for sharing

[@MongerOfStrings8222]

I did not expect to love this guy as much as I did, his guitar playing is so unique and he has a great voice, I'm not a huge classical fan, but this guy just makes those pieces seem so fresh

[@birchflash]

The sort of understanding of fingerstyle music of the period (lute pieces and such) it takes to be able to make those arrangements says that Alan Mearns is the real thing. Listening to the album with JS Bach arrangements now.

[@stanphillips7277]

I trust your judgement Rick, anyone else talking about some rare musician who deserves more attention I'd have approached it skeptically . The click bait has made me skeptical (and rightly so I think). I've been a subscriber of yours for a few years and, you've earned my trust. Your final comparitive example (15 seconds of grandma) after listening to this amazing guitarist, I felt that really brought it home. This man's 10,000 hrs x 4? 7? has gone unnoticed. You'd think that out of 2 seperate genre's he'd have some word of mouth advertising. I've never uploaded anything and, I have 5 subscriber's for some reason. Such a great talent, I'm glad you're promoting him. Even if you're the only one. You've always used your platform for the betterment of the musician community and, this has been no exception. Nice goin' Rick. This man truly deserves out attention. How can you love music and not have been just blown away by his talents? I'm about to go over to his channel and, follow him. That's 28 right? Doesn't seem right to have become as good as that and, play and sing, cover multiple genres and have next to no one interested. Doesn't add up does it...✌️🎸🎶

[@gjtube37]

Thank you for this video. Artists and truly exceptional artists like Maestro Mearns deserve to be heard and seen and your help is a blessing to the cause! Thank you!

[@frankmerendino1855]

As a classical guitarist who also song writes I can only say bravo! Thank you, Rick, for spotlighting such a beautiful and singular talent as Alan! The world needs more of this and less of the empty ear and eye candy that clutters online platforms and the airwaves.