What Mark Knopfler Teaches Us About True Talent | Vocal Coach | Dire Straits - Sultans Of Swing

[@BethRoars]

📖 Get Your Signed Copy of My Album "Fable": www.bethroars.com/shop Grab a limited edition signed copy of my album "Fable" ☀ Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/1W0He1MTuQoG0Yt2ccmhyL?si=b5qm82DmSRip8L4abe2-nw Stream my music on Spotify and follow me for the latest releases. 🥁 Support My Work on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bethroars Join my Patreon community for exclusive content, early access, and more! 🎙 Check Out My Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/6qagi7psuVNhdIBYB302Rj?si=945f180e7c6c4ec7 Dive deep into music, vocal techniques, and interviews with top industry professionals in my podcast.

[@michaelxz1305]

Mark sounds really clear to me, I understand almost every word.. sure I've heard the song before but I never remember having problems understanding the words.. actually I thought it should be easier to understand because he's almost speaking.. actually I find Beth more difficult to understand due to her thick accent, I'm not sure what it is - maybe some kind of soft Irish accent or something?

[@davidwild66]

I'm aware enough to know that my only musical talent is listening.

[@theemaygoogleme151]

At their heart every Dire Straits song is a duet between Mark and his guitar. Just grateful to have lived contemporaneously with such a musical genius.

[@korkoo1]

I have not listened a ton to dire straits, this song singing is to me very Dylan, I don’t think this would have existed without Dylan’s popularity in the 60s.

[@mattiasjohansson7231]

@@korkoo1 Mark Knopfler is Bob Dylan but also a guitargod. 😅

[@bossdog1480]

Ditto.

[@stevencowdell5201]

And have to mention the one of the best drumming displays ever.

[@Triton_Secure]

Immediately after this song, the drum kit was taken to the ER. It didn't make it.

[@MrHws5mp]

Mark Knopfler's guitar superpower is TONE. His fingerstyle technique makes his playing incredibly expressive. People talk about guitars "talking" entirely too glibly, but in Mark's case it's a simple statement of fact: he can make it cry, sing, talk, whisper, shout, the whole nine yards. I've been listening to him for about 45 years now: it NEVER gets old, and it never will.

[@dongubelman3013]

Expressed perfectly.

[@N0stalgicLeaf]

Anyone can make it wail. A few can make it sing. Mark can make it speak. Legend.

[@SilverHolland]

Even more so, I think it's his melody. Even when someone else plays his notes, it sounds like Knopfler straight away. It's a like a poet who has a very specific style of phrasing. Can say anything he likes to express, but the phrasing on paper is immediately recognised while also totally making sense at all times. Knopfler has this to me. All notes are where they divinely fit. Same for his vocals, just a different and much more limited instrument, especially his. But it works so well with the guitar being centrally tuned up.

[@shena6656]

not sure who said it first, but they say "Mark Knopfler tells the story and he lets his guitar sing the song"

[@TheNotedHero]

💯

[@carlosandreblatt]

Perfectly said 😊

[@duane8829]

Yeah well George knows all the chords. But he’s strictly rhythm, doesn’t make it cry or sing

[@The_Stranger1986]

Very few people can make a guitar sing like Mark.

[@leonardlinden8527]

The great blues musician fred Mcdowell said this about 45 years ago

[@8044868]

This is one of the best live performances ever recorded. Mark Knopfler sings about and pays homage to jazz musicians. I found out that after I read the lyrics the words were easier to understand.

[@orangeandblackattack]

Terry Williams is killing it on the drums!

[@pauls478]

Story goes that Terry's father was in the crowd at that concert (first time Terry's father had come along to a concert he was playing at, reportedly). Mark found out, and gave Terry permission to "go nuts".

[@jrgdrumsandwatches]

I was gonna say that. He's so on point during this whole concert and it's a joy to watch him play.

[@TheGonzalus]

Terry Williams is a great inspiration to guys like El Estepario Siberiano.

[@mlong1958]

Terry Williams, the drummer, was on fire. He is now 76 and retired in Swansea Wales.

[@davidstevenson6817]

This was a brilliant performance from him … I heard his dad was in the crowd.

[@carolmartin4413]

@davidstevenson6817 oh..I was wrong...thought it was withers?

[@francoistissandier8507]

​@@carolmartin4413no he replaced him. He even commented on another video on KZbin not too long ago.

[@Pomdownuder]

Bloody Nora, now I feel fekn old😢

[@chrisholland6052]

You need to note the drums, they are just incredible in this song.

[@johnbeans2000]

Vocals.

[@MikaTarkela]

I will never get bored of those guitar licks he throws in after every vocal line. It's always a different one! Such a cool "conversation" between the singing parts and the guitar licks.

[@denveradams4909]

This is one of the best live performances ever recorded. All of the musicians were in the groove and spot on. They just don't make music like this anymore. Thank you, Beth for reacting to this. I am a gospel music recording artist. I toured, regionally, with a Gospel group for many years; then released a solo album a couple of years ago. I can't say that I am the most talented singer out there, but I sing for the Lord. I'm a baritone and most people prefer a higher tone of voice as a soloist. I enjoy singing so much. And I am also a descent church drummer, which I started clear back when I was in high school. I'm 67 years old now and still going.

[@ajschroetlin2196]

A lot of good music like this is being made today. You just have to look in different places for it. No longer is it the record store and the radio. Now it's places like KZbin. Here's some names for you. -Tedeschi Trucks Band -Sturgill Simpson -My Morning Jacket -Widespread Panic -Billy Strings -Khruangbin -King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

[@oldman0995]

Singing is not always about hitting the right note. It is about sending the message in the song. Thx for singing and using your gift for the highest purpose.

[@Pomdownuder]

Don't forget this is a concert, for the fans, we already know the lyrics, it's perfectly clear when you know the music & his style. He is a great exponent of using the "crowd" instrument,a great performance will always utilise the fans to include them in the experience.

[@AWguitar2006]

Exactly

[@arthurjohnson3646]

You understand. Its a live experience. Live concert. The audience knows the lyrics. Every word. Half the audience were probably stoned..So they loved it...

[@igorsvacic217]

brother left humanity on that second solo as often in Marks songs, voice is just a narrator, the guitar is singing, crying, and expressing the whole range of emotions and moods, sorrow, suffer, pain, happiness, regret, literally everything. Also, this wasnt a concert, people that had luck to witness this, were on the mass, this was religious experience.

[@martinhale7357]

Mark's backward and forward conversations with his guitar is legendary

[@richardvitullo3990]

The way Mark tells a story with his guitar is one reason Rob Reiner hired him to write the soundtrack for The Princess Bride, one of the most beautiful soundtracks for a movie.

[@andrefmartin]

I loved this video. I was atonished realizing you said "I have no idea of the words of this song are", coming from a native English speaker that sounds a relief to me, as a foreigner speaker. Thank you for you very happy way to enjoy the music and song you are reacting. Doing so, you invite us to feel the same or similar feeling. And excellent technics teaching. Very much appreciated.

[@DavidTateVA]

Mark sings with feeling. His guitar sings with skill. Duets between the two of them are classic.

[@TollGateAB]

You’ll love Telegraph Road from the same concert (Alchemy Live). Dynamics, nuance, storytelling… there’s everything within this masterpiece.

[@aaronherbison7316]

100% agree

[@never2late_mtb349]

I was briefly working in the US about 10 years ago, and spent a week in Detroit. I took the time to pull off the highway that runs adjacent to drive along Telegraph Road to see what inspired the song. Literally just for that reason. You can see the song in the road and vice versa. Mark is a genius.

[@ChristopherStendeck]

It's pure heartland rock, genuine contender for the greatest song ever written, and that performance of it is the best version. Everyone on that stage was just extraordinary and once heard, the song will live in your head and your heart forever.

[@bradleyard4195]

@@never2late_mtb349 Having driven Telegraph Road in south Detroit numerous times, as well as quite a few other similar roads throughout the Midwest, this is too true. Fortunately, Detroit has been seeing a bit of a renaissance in the last few years.

[@DamagedButManaging]

Knopfler is definitely one of the most formidable singer/songwriters of all time. He is absolute magic

[@brucesmith7672]

I'm an Air Force brat. We were stationed in Germany 76'-79'. I went with some buddies in 78' (I was 17) to Amsterdam and lucked out and saw these guys in a small bar. Memory sticks with to this day.

[@pauloamw]

Mark Knopfler is one of the most talented musicians/songwriters to grace rock and roll.

[@TheGonzalus]

Beth, this is the BEST live performace in rock of all time. Period.

[@broadsword6650]

It's up there... but I don't think it's even the best from this gig!

[@Triton_Secure]

except for Comfortably Numb, from Pulse, of course!!

[@grubengeist]

Yes

[@domingocarbonperal5712]

Creo que no, se te olvidan los 25 minutos de Queen en el Live Aid del 85, catalogados como la mejor performance de un grupo en la historia se la música, y si miras todo el plantel de artistas y grupos que había allí y vés cómo Freddie y los suyos se "comieron" a todos los demás lo entenderás

[@modernretrorenaissance2520]

This and Chicago 25 or 6 to 4 (Tanglewood) are my 1a and 1b favorite live performances.

[@emarsk77]

Add me to the choir of praise for the drummer Terry Williams. His performance is epic!

[@viliko4308]

Mark was the coolest guy in 80's ❤ His talent, charisma and personality is one of a kind ❤

[@lesleywright8880]

@@viliko4308 still cool to me even at 75...

[@rientsdijkstra4266]

If have always thought that a mark of the really talented musician is effortless timing. Mark Knopfler (and the rest of this band) is one of the best examples of that...

[@rebeccarose7405]

I adore Dire Straights, and Mark Knopfler. I’ve heard many a songs opening guitar and known instantly it was Mark! ❤️🎶. His guitar playing is as distinctive as his voice.

[@darkpitcher5242]

Mark Knopfler is a storyteller his guitar does the singing. His voice is perfect for telling a tale

[@primalengland]

The drummer is the great Terry Williams. People may talk about why his performance was epic. Over the years I’ve heard so many contrasting views. He played in Man, my favourite band of my distant youth.

[@ommadawn8434]

Mark's guitar is his true voice.

[@tankosaurus]

Thanks for reacting to this. I heard this years ago, back when I was just learning guitar and I've forgotten just how good an arrangement this is. I have a few of his/their concerts on DVD... I now need to go track them down and rewatch them

[@SashanMusArt]

Please don’t discount Mark’s prolific songwriting/lyrics/and arrangements from his list of ‘talents’. (on all 6 Dire Straits Albums, and 10 Solo Albums plus 9 x movie soundtracks) His gorgeous deep vocal tones are the icing on the cake. He is a consummate, charismatic magical all round musical magician. I❤❤MK

[@gregleblanc9357]

That's the Best live performance EVER recorded. I was fortunate enough to catch that tour back in 85. Just amazing and beyond imagination.

[@mathewlucs6898]

It was 1983

[@lawwdogg1digr]

Master class guitarist!

[@davepayne164]

This is a band at the height of their power. They are so talented and so rehearsed that they can play things at 70% that most of us can’t do at 100%. Making incredibly difficult stuff look easy

[@torfinnfuglestad2003]

So true. Playing Sultans of Swing like he does in the studio is not an easy song by anymeans. What he does live here is just otherwordly. The entire band show a masterclass in their respective instruments. Good times compared to these days when most music is programmed on a computer and 45 people need credits for writing the song...

[@FredrikHaugan]

Thank you Beth. You have a good ear and and some great understanding of music. Unfortunately, way too many people doesn’t understand that this song is a duet, with Knopfler and his guitar 💯

[@orangeandblackattack]

So glad you did this one! You don't see this in today's music because there are only a few bands and too many cheat with autotune and AI. You actually had to have mad talent to pull it off.

[@Mind-your-own-beeswax]

Of course you see it in today’s music but you need to venture outside of the pop charts. Dozens of very talented bands and singers out there.

[@bellies1000]

These guys and Mark Knopfler have made some of the best magic in music. Their Love over Gold album is one of the albums i played until it broke! Just sheer brilliance!

[@MsClaret2010]

While I'm in no way a singer at all, I still attempt all the cool tips and tricks you speak about Beth, just to see if i can actually do them, I find it so much fun! Thank you for such interesting and educational content, not too mention great music! Mark Knofler is wayy underrated, great musician! 💜

[@marcociampi3462]

Wooo, such an epic moment!! 👏👏👏👏 i could nor imagine so many details could 'explain' Mark Knopler. Thank you Beth!

[@lwrncschmchr]

I love that you heard the keyboards add that little theme early on. It becomes so much more important as the song goes on and makes this live version so much more important, musically, than the recorded version.

[@QuicknStraight]

The great thing about Knopfler is that he always duets with his guitar. While he sings, he's just playing 'ordinary' riffs, then he stops singing and replies with his exceptional guitar work. And, personally, I like his hybrid singing-talking vocal style. And, as others noted, Terry Williams was superhuman on drums in this live version.

[@KNOPFLERSGOD]

This is simply one of the greatest performances ever from anyone, unique singing, great writing, stunning guitar playing and a tight band. All round perfection. Interestingly Beth, Mark's singing voice gets better with age, a lot of his solo songs has him singing beautifully, for example check out Wherever I Go, a duet he did with Ruth Moody, who also has a beautiful voice.

[@TheAyeAye1]

Really one of the best and most versatile musicians to ever live.

[@ScotsmanDougal]

One of the greatest songs of all time, by one of the greatest bands of all time.

[@mst3ktemple421]

I remember when this first came out in 1978. I was in high school and most of my friends and I were musicians so we were always looking for someone with a new sound. We loved this album and played it over and over, BUT it hardly got any air play on the radio when it came out. We started calling in and requesting it just to hear it once in a while. It was almost a year later in 1979 that it finally started to take off.

[@terryloveuk]

Have you listened to Dire Straits, Mark Knopfer "Telegraph Road" - it's a wonderful example of music and song and story telling. They did it at the same Alchemy Live gig.

[@ricktreat]

I remember when this song came out. Loved it so much that I went right out and bought the album, which was very unusual for me. I liked every song on it. His enunciation is better on his albums than live, by the way, so I had no trouble making out the words. I was impressed with his lyrics, and my god, that guitar was just great. Very different from what I was hearing at the time, even from other guys who were finger pickers. One of my all time favorites both as a songwriter and a guitarist.

[@ChrisDidGood]

Mark is a pure genius, I really love his newer work as well. The songs "Baloney again" and "Why aye man" are just too good!

[@deportedsouls3165]

I'm a Swede and hear the words he's singing, strange that a native doesn't!😊

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

Depends on how many times you've heard it. I've been hearing it since it came out. Think I've got most the words now. Lol.

[@martinzissou11]

I’m a Turnip and I also can hear him well.

[@9.5.9.5]

Agreed, she just didn't bother listening

[@christian-van-e]

The guitar work of Knopfler on the Alchemy album is on his heights. So so so good and tasteful!

[@davidpyorkshire]

Interesting that Charlie Gillett was involved with identifying the band's talent. Charlie is no longer with us but along with John Peel they had a lot of influence on the development of music back then. Love your reaction❤

[@LinusHuttner]

Hi Beth, if you like this, listen to "Telegraph Road" from the same concert. I can imagine, that Mark's voice is not the "premium choice" for a great singer and vocalist as you are, but: All of Mark's music is full of emotion. He can tell a story second to none. It touched my heart all life long. You described his ability to transport emotion very well in this reaction. And you are a beautiful person expressing yourself. Thank you for that honest reaction to a great musician, a great man. Linus from Switzerland

[@andersonaraujoluz8978]

Uma das bandas mais amadas do povo que aprecia boa música 🎶 no Brasil.

[@utilityaccount1954]

TYVM. Most fans really only focus on the unique guitar, compistion, stories and lyrics of Knoplfer's work.

[@earlellison7533]

If your hearing isn't perfect, like mine isn't, you have to get the lyrics to Mark's stuff and then you discover another level of joy!🤪

[@SuperKevin57]

Best exponent of finger style on a strat.😊

[@robertbartelmes7623]

Beth: I LOVE this video of Yours Sooo Much!! ,,, Your Unvarnished Enthusiasm ... Your Sheer Honest Joy in listening to, AND analyzing, Mark Knopfler's Epic Performance of "Sultan's of Swing" was both Infectious & Exhilarating ... you had me 'Chair' Dancing & Bouncing along with You - Bart

[@dougmphilly]

The piano synth bridge between guitar solos is so sublime

[@bikerwisdom805]

For a real taste masterful interplay of percussive sounds combined, Roy Bittans piano and Knopfler guitar on Tunnel of Love and Romeo and Juliet

[@MrJdsenior]

He has the weirdest style, almost conversational, and so recognizable. They did some great music, too, this song being one of them.

[@simonbarnard1861]

7:32 - never pause a MK solo!!!

[@michaelsmith2723]

He is also an incredible songwriter. Read the lyrics to his songs. Romeo and Juliet. Telegragh Road, Brothers in Arms, Tunnel of Love, etc.

[@martinezq1]

Telegraph road from this live has great dynamic and story

[@TravelinLite]

Loved seeing your smile and your smile/stank-face combo. Expressive of pure JOY!! 🤩

[@jbuggy21]

Mark is an incredible storyteller, and his guitar does most of the singing.

[@57too]

I've played guitar for years and what Knoffler is doing, takes more than a few years on guitar. One has to practice a lot and understand the scales then after you can play them good, it takes a lot more years to really make them 'feel' like he does. Some are faster learners than others but everyone does the entire process differently....that's what is amazing about playing instruments. Miles Davies played the trumpet differently than Bix Beiderbecke but they both were amazing and made the trumpet sound like totally different than each other. (I'm sure I'm not saying anything knew)

[@_eclipz_]

One of the best live performances i've ever witnessed :)

[@TheNotedHero]

wow, you really need to read the lyrics! And definitely have them up when you react to "Telegraph Road" from the same concert. It's beautiful, the balance between guitar and piano and with all the dynamics they use.

[@markdeloria20]

This song is perfection.

[@jonBrown-k4p]

you as a dancer are very clever, you momentarily put on a quisitive expression, touch your chin, think , and then abandon your thought to continue moving to the grooves. even your eyes smile....its good to meet someone who really knows how to enter in because that's where its really at...

[@bikerwisdom805]

A good example of the connection to the principal instrument and how it effects the vocals Is Van Morrison. his instrument is Saxophone. His singing is also a sax line.

[@zapagog]

Terry Williams going apeshit on the drums it what makes this performance top notch.

[@matthewneufeld8854]

Great song wonderful reaction love to see you jamming to it. Thank you

[@ronaldjackson6333]

My thought on the playing with fast consonants: It;s easy to hear the guitar as a responding voice, but in the fast vocal riffs, the voice is speaking back to the guitar in it own language.

[@johnwoolard4599]

This is probably the best duet between singer and guitar.

[@mmmvendico]

One of the most chilling performances ever reocrded. Thank you Beth for the reaction.

[@smithpauld1501]

The record was a part of the soundtrack of my life. Everybody in that theater could have sung Sultans off without a pause. In this performance, he got to play with it.

[@theoryfish3491]

I've rarely enjoyed such a musical analysis. Don't get me wrong...I've listened to at least 20 reviews of this particular live track. But this is my favourite. You made my day girl. Well done.

[@BethRoars]

Thank you!

[@pauls478]

It's been said that Mark is the narrator; his guitar does the singing. Urban Legend has it that when Mark refers to a "crowd of young boys foolin' around in the corner", he's referring to the lads that will eventually become Dire Straits.

[@neilburgess9652]

Interesting you consider guitar to be a difficult thing, while as a self taught fingerstyle guitarist I consider singing to be much harder since I can't really do it. I can control the pitch and tone even on an acoustic guitar so much easier than I can with my voice and wish I had more control vocally. Knopfler is amazing and his vocals although unusual just work with his style of playing and considering he once said 'there is no bigger amplifier than a pick' it just shows how good he really is at fingerstyle to do this live at a large venue. Love his call and response from his guitar to the keys in this song too, so cool :)

[@jonBrown-k4p]

Well Beth, your bounce and smile to this classic really made it extra special. Any boy on the dance floor would love to cut in on you and bop along.....

[@JurgenStrauss-ow2ge]

First time I saw them was in a 1000-person-hall near Würzburg in May 1979 !

[@kellyk5946]

1977 Music Machine Camden Town London.

[@albineriksson1641]

You have to react to "romeo and juliet " by dire straits! in my opinion it's one of the most beautiful songs ever made

[@colin_actually]

Mark provides backing vocals for his guitar.

[@AWguitar2006]

Truee

[@AlesMcGregor]

Mark Knopfler !! Just feel that vibration !!

[@kevinL5425]

The studio version is easier to understand. The lyrics are amazing, describing the life of members in a fictional pub / wedding band called “Sultans of Swing”. As someone who put himself through college in a similar “weekend warrior” band I completely identify.

[@Triton_Secure]

'Guitar George' is George Young and 'Harry' is Harry Vanda - recently ex of the Easybeats. They were kicking around London playing all manner of styles. Probably their biggest hit in that period was "Hey St Peter" under the moniker 'Flash and the Pan"

[@briancornish2427]

You are probably the best reaction channel to music with your critique of vocals and music. It’s a joy to watch and BTW YOUR HAIR IS BEAUTIFUL AND YES, I’M A BIG DEBBIE HARRY FAN ❤xx

[@mywaveinwoodswoodperfumes]

Beth, you are the first you-tuber i come across in my suggested videos, reacting to music i love , thank you for the educating and entertaining content.

[@Cashcrop54]

Singer and dancing. Love watching your energy during your videos. You don't just think it. You experience it fully!

[@fatimaemiko7073]

Para mim não existe e nunca mais vai existir outro músico e outra banda, que consiga tocar tanto nos meus sentimentos quanto ele (s)... Impossível ficar triste uma música como esta, impossível não ficar tocado com Brother in Arms etc...sou uma fã incondicional dele (s)...❤❤❤❤

[@MarkBtvd]

I Really enjoyed your commentary on the entire song, as long as it was. Interesting info on Mark and the band in the popups. This was one of the songs that prompted me to get several of their early albums, which I listened to a lot.

[@davewilson4493]

Thank you - hearing people with deep knowledge talk about a song I love adds so much to the experience.

[@neilshayler3119]

epic simple as that Up their as one of the greatest live concerts ever

[@jmcr7f]

Yeah! Nice version🥳

[@lloyderc]

So much talent it’s like kids playing in the sand. It’s effortless for them.

[@davidberesford7009]

Hi! Beth. The song, Sultans Of Swing, is about the Music, and Musicians. (write about what you know?) It is not the only such song they created. See also: Money For Nothing & Walk Of Life. Of course DS are not the only people to write songs about the biz. Great to see you bopping away when the guys were jamming at the end. Keep Reacting!

[@jamiemacdonald436]

Beth, it's very interesting what you said about instrumentalists singing through their instruments. I just recently connected the dots thanks to a reaction of Blues Traveler, and if you listen to how John Popper plays his harmonica solos and compare it to his singing you can hear a lot of the same inflections, phrasings, and cadences between his voice and the instrument. I've been listening to the song for 20 years and never picked up on that.

[@benfoxworth9826]

She also showed a picture of Tori Amos when she said that. Appropriately so. I hope Beth will analyze Tori's great song, Winter. I don't think she has, from my searches. I know she has done other songs of hers. I'd also love to see some coverage of Gerry Rafferty.

[@timmygun795]

Haha! Great to watch this one back. Outrageous talent, sensational performance. Interesting observations from yourself as well.

[@rubroken]

Mark does a very emotional version of "Knocking on Heaven's Door" where he changed some of Dylans lyrics(with permission)to honor the victims of a mass school shooting in Scotland. The choir in the song is a group of kids that survived the shooting. It's worth a listen

[@bobfoale3000]

Incidentally, the tennis player, Andy Murray, was a pupil at Dunblane School at the time of the shooting

[@nashistica77]

The Best interpretación for me was at the Rockpalast 1979 D.S. was a tina band but they were gratis. Mark said once Thatcher the way he sinos was inspired from Bob Dylan..