Isaac Guillory - The Old Grey Whistle Test 1st May 1974

[@pippin375]

This is great. I wrote him an email once not expecting a reply and to my amazement he wrote back to me with a wonderful letter talking about his guitar playing. I'm from South Shields and Isaac would regularly play at the amphitheatre we have nestled next to our beautiful shoreline. He ended the email "see you on the beach", I'll never forget that line or the incredible Summer evenings listening to his incredible guitar playing. I only wish I had gotten the chance to talk with him. The world is a little smaller without him but the music he has left behind will live on finding new listeners in every corner of the world.

[@alexmacinnes8321]

Isaac was the complete musician. When he stood on the stage and played and sang, every fibre of him, from head to toe, contributed to the music. We were fortunate enough to see him when he played Aberdeen. I bought him a beer and we discussed guitars. As a Martin player, (HD28), I was interested in Isaac's D35S, which he played that evening. Isaac was kind enough to tell me the history of his Martin D35S, where and when and why he bought it. Best of all, I asked, tentatively, if I could play it. Of course, Isaac handed his guitar to me. A cherished memory. It is good to know that this instrument is now played by his son, Easton J Guillory.

[@oaklangrove846]

He is truly one of my top most guitar heroes. When he played he cast such a delicious spell on the audience you could hear a pin drop. He was such a lovely chap too. Met him a few times after some small venue gigs in the UK back in the 90s (?). So down to earth. I really miss seeing him play live. His death was such a huge musical loss.

[@ianstuart5689]

Around 1990 Baz Warne now of The Stranglers asked me if I would drive him to Washington Art Center (North East of England, not the US) to see a 'band' as he didn't have a car at the time. So off we went and I was slightly shocked to see a guitar and pair of Bose speakers on the stage, "where is the band?" I said, "it's a guy with a guitar, if I said that you would not have driven me here, sorry". 40-45 mins later after the first set I had not even touched my drink, just sat their mouth open. Thanks for that Baz, listen to him regularly since, amazing player and songwriter.

[@electricragtime]

The best acoustic album ever recorded without a doubt .... I have fond memories of Mr Guillory showing me how to play Steamboat from this album ..... a lovely fellah and very sadly missed

[@MrJasonroy]

i had that album with steambaot brussels etc. i remember that sidewalks of america. was fantastic on that studio album. the recording & the mixing was great

[@alicem2353]

It’s great to see and hear this. I used to take any and every chance to hear Isaac play in the 1970s. Unbelievable player and truly a top man. The loveliest guy. Anywhere and any time, his shows were always magic.

[@willrobb3064]

That clip is fantastic. Issac is STILL the man. what a player and what a voice. Also a great presence on stage and you cannot buy quality like that, youve either got it or not and he really had it. Saw him up close many times, such a great guy. He'll be remembered fondly by many people as long as the acoustic guitar is played.

[@nealo814]

I was lucky to open for Isaac in Sunderland in 98. Incredible musician. It was a real privilege and I couldn't believe it at the time as he was such a big name. Spoke with him a bit at the gig nice guy, humble as others have said. Like so many folkies. Living in a camper with his bed in the back. Helped carry his gear out after. I miss those days. That's scene is long gone now.

[@wilyjetset]

What a joy to see and hear this. Amazing how his spoken and singing voice changed over the years. Like many commenting I saw him back in the 80s and 90s, and treasure my memory of the chat we once had over an interval pint, about nothing much at all. Remarkable talent and lovely guy.

[@billallen1594]

My first listen to him playing and singing. Impressive. Natural and very talented. Thank you for sharing this - can’t believe I hadn’t heard of him before

[@written12]

Me, too. I’d never even heard of him before.

[@andyhislop8524]

He was a remarkable being..Humble and a good laugh...no point mentioning his ability because guitar players already know....God Bless man.

[@starshipgraffiti]

Im listening to this great picker at my home in cdale!

[@keironjones4503]

Hi Victoria Isaac still oversees every concert at Hitchin Folk Club. The backdrop has stood the test of time.

[@ianstubbs1175]

I was lucky enough to see Isaac Guillory at my college bar - Bretton Hall - circa 1986. Went into Wakefield the next day and bought his album 'Solo' and later upgraded to a treasured CD copy

[@johnrenshaw9688]

Hi from Spain. I saw Isaac play twice at "The Lamb" a pub in Preston, North West England, from memory in 1994 and 1996. I will never forget his performances and his interpretation of "A Whiter Shade Of Pale". I bought (which he signed) two CD's he was selling. At the time I was having classical guitar lessons, and asked my tutor to listen to Isaac because his style was so unique. My guitar tutor was going blind and when he listened to Isaac he knew exactly how I wanted to change direction to acoustic guitar rather than classical. Isaac for me was the greatest acoustic guitarist I have ever seen, Keep safe, John.(P.S. My guitar tutor never returned one of Isaac's CD's, he liked it so much and in his circumstances I did not want to ask him to return it!)

[@written12]

Wonderful anecdote. And a kind thing you did leaving that cd in your tutor’s hands.

[@bernardwildmann2574]

Hi Victoria, One rainy winter evening some Brussels German School classmates introduced me to Isaac who had just arrived in town and was looking for some gigs as he had no more money to buy gas for his Bedford motorcamper he had bought second hand in Spain from some contacts he was given before leaving Chicago. This was late 1960's , the time he wrote "Brussels" in the Bedford, was playing the D-35 and had the angelic look of this clip. After Brussels he moved to Amsterdam where he met George Maat. Having indelible memories among others a D-35/12 bought from him and still with me. Last time we met was during a tour of Francis Cabrel where he was playing the acoustic bits. That must have been early 80's. Guitar players, of all levels, recognize Isaac's phenomenal skills and talent. His non-compromise music is well alive and will survive the generations. Such a joy for ears and brain.

[@simondelarue4849]

Glorious. I had the pleasure of seeing him play at a pub (I think it was the Spread Eagle) in Brighton in the late ‘90s. I remember I got pins and needles because if I stretched my legs out on the floor, I’d be in his way. It was pretty intimate. He encouraged us all to harmonise with him. Such a gent and such a delightful performer.

[@davekelly4372]

Thank you for posting this Victoria, l had the honour of supporting Isaac at the Running Horse in Nottingham. I learned so much from this wonderful generous man, x

[@petemoss1372]

Thankyou so much. Very moving, to see new footage this far down the line. I would of been delighted with anything, I wasn't aware he did whistle test. I will watch it repeatedly. Isaac Guillory never got the status he deserved in my eyes. Yet oddly, he had a status I would desire over all others, maybe something to do with him hanging out in the North East of England. Though he came from elsewhere and wandered far and wide, he was one of us.

[@scottstrand1874]

There are guitar players and then there is Isaac. While with the Cryan' Shames Isaac played guitar, bass and keyboards. In addition he wrote one of the most intelligent, complex and inspiring songs titled "The Masters Fool". Absolutely beautiful and absolutely brilliant.

[@daveg1683]

... you're so, so missed Isaac! 😢

[@nickyG7515]

That Martin guitar is owned now by Isaac's son Easton Jake Guillory. It was named junior!

[@SillyMoustache]

Delightful! Thanks for this Victoria. Lovely to see Isaac looking so young (made me think of Tim Buckley) Great to see him playing "Junior" -that D35-S that he lent me and which changed my guitar playing life. Stay safe!

[@mcmanustony]

I love that guitar! Heard it in the hands of The Man many many times and I played Desert Dance on it at a festival in London 2015. Glad you had some time with it! I knew Isaac from 1987 till his passing and this is the first time I've seen him play other than standard or dropped D. Tuning is CGDGBD.

[@mcmanustony]

Ahhh Vicky, this is brilliant...and fresh. You see from the comments the effect Isaac had on so many people! The flame is burning strong still!

[@nickyG7515]

Amen. Isaac stayed with me twice in the early 90's. He taught me the chords to Surrendel. I still play it in open MIC's, along with many other's Ike used to play! R.I.P

[@jdcunny]

Thanks so much for posting this. Absolutely loved Isaac back in the day and saw him many times around the North of England in the late 80s. All the very best, John C

[@theheadlessaxeman]

Amazing talent, and a great guy to boot. (Not that that's what you should do to great guys lol) Sadly missed , fondly remembered. Still have a pic of me playing his Takemine nylon after a gig up on my wall! Many thanks for posting this

[@bungalowbluesman]

Thank you Victoria, I only saw Issac maybe in his 30's & 40's so to see this is an absolute treat. Thank you.

[@kevmak3796]

To Ianstubbs1175 . . I also saw Isaac at Bretton in Oct 86, probably the same gig . . Blew my socks off ! I was fortunate to see him 6 more times before he so sadly left us . . STILL arguably my favourite acoustic player . . I'll love him till the day I die ! 🙏❤️

[@Urban-Spaceman]

Brilliant. Seen Isaac perform many times. Great upload. Thanks.

[@jontalbot1]

Great talent. I confess l had never heard of him until a friend introduced me a few years ago. I wonder how future generations will find him?

[@geoffthompson1215]

Who gets arm cancer? Life can be so cruel. So many happy memories of this wonderful human. His name lives on with my son. ❤

[@spring74light]

Thank you so much for posting this one, Victoria! What a pleasant surprise. Instant transport back to kinder times. Happy New Year to You, and Yours. Geoff R.

[@robertnewell5057]

Thank you Victoria

[@juliepolk4778]

Wonderful.

[@JIMCRISP4927]

Brilliant I’ve recently seen Issac’s son perform , Easton Guillory . He’s equally as good as his dad , if not better

[@awol2602]

Loved listening to Isaac in tandem with John Renbourn in the 90's

[@jimsmith4966]

Hi Vicky. Happy new year. Thank you for this. Great memories. Love from Jim & Rhona in Blackpool

[@juliepolk9796]

Brilliant

[@paulbrown9187]

I had the pleasure of seeing Isaac a number of times. Once for the sum of 50p (or some ridiculous amount) in the Student's Union bar at Teesside University. What a fabulous night, a wonderfully talented guy.

[@richarddinnen2108]

Lovely

[@Happyheart146]

I remember him from Knaresborough and the festivals arranged there by DVZ and his son Robbie. A shout out to Tatters and anyone around K'boro back in the early 90's.

[@rodsreel]

That is some guitar sound -

[@stephaniemariemcdonald9096]

Is there a Michael Guillory that is good with music ,from Texas and Los Angeles California USA 🩰

[@jabodl1]

Hi Victoria. Do you have the correct lyrics for somewhere in your heart? Parts of the song are hard t make out and I have been guessing for years. Many thanks j