Eddie was an incredible musician who had an hilariously dry,understated wit.They'll never be another.And God Bless Les,who was one of the first real jazz musicians I ever heard!
Les McCann died on December 29, 2023 at a hospital in Los Angeles, at the age of 88. He was an American jazz pianist and vocalist who helped shape the “soul jazz” style of the 1960s with his earthy piano playing and singing and whose live recording of the antiwar anthem “Compared to What” became a musical touchstone of the era. His music has been widely sampled in hip hop. McCann gained his greatest acclaim in 1969 with his performance of “Compared to What,” a politically charged protest song written by Gene McDaniels that became a rhythm-and-blues hit at the height of the Vietnam War.
I was living in Chicago in 69 I worked nights and stayed at the Lawson YMCA Every morning after work I would play basketball Most times there was no one there at 7:30 am One morning two men were sitting on the bleachers watching as I play basketball by myself After a few minutes the larger man ask if he could join me while the other remained seated We played for a couple of hours, but we never introduced ourselves. They were there again the next morning so we played again At the end of the second day the larger man told me they were musicians A few days later I was in a record shop downtown on State St leafing through the Jazz albums when I looked at the cover of one album I realized it was Les McCann and Eddie Harris I had played basketball with and didn't even know who they were I've been a fan ever since I bought the album
Wow man, born in Harvey in '59 and almost lived at the Harvey "Y" in '69. Would get dropped off parents on friday and picked up on sunday. Good memories. Cant forget, WBEE, the jazzy wonder, 1570 on your a.m. dial. What a great jazz station.
I got to play a few times out here with Marvin Gaye out here in Inglewood. The YMCA was near the Forum and we had a lot of celeb musicians and athletes play ther.
This has got to be one of coolest songs of all time. I first heard this on the classic recording in the late 1970s. Still cooks. Great job Les and Eddie.
Wow. One of Eddies greatest moments. Short time later i enjoied these two funky cats in Berlin at Quasimodo. They did us a hell of funkyjazz, a real orgy in rhythm. These two beautiful guys could laugh about themselves. I miss them...
Wow. Still have my copy of the Swiss Movement album from high school. I come back to this every few years, and love it just as much 40+ years later. The whole band is great...but Les McCann's piano work on this is incredible. The intro alone lays down such a solid groove and is probably one of the best gradual builds to powerhouse of a song. Love it!
Yes..I was there at the concert in Montreux 1969... what a party! In the afternoon of that day it was not yet sure at all if they would play together that evening...Claude Nobs (director of the festival) told me they had to discuss some musical problems first... Me myself, I had my jazzphoto exibition at the Casino of Montreux Jazz and I was responsible for that famous black 'n white jazzfestival poster with the nude girl on it..... history!
that would make you Eric W, yes? Great poster. Must have been wonderful to have been there - feels like I'm chatting with a celebrity!. (scroll to page 3 here: www.montreuxjazz.com/official-posters).
met Les in Kansas City in 1971....when we met again in New York , 1992, at the Blue Note lounge...he remembered me!! Had a great time....great guy...as is Eddie...
Like truenorthcompass, I was also in my first year of college when the "Swiss Movement" album came out. We used to listen to it every day! Eddie Harris is gone now, but he left a lot of great music for us to listen to. For any saxophonists out there, you should check out his sax method book! Eddie also recorded a comedy record!! Of course, Les McCann is one of the all time greats!
Fantastic! thanks for posting this. Les is amazing doing Gene McDaniels anti-establishment song Compared to What! Nobody's heart shines through as strongly as Les McCann's !!!! Wow!
Man if you can sit and listen to this without your foot tappin' you are most likely dis"funk"tional. Been listening to this dude do this tune for years and it always great. Gotta love it.
First heard Les McCann during the summer of 1961 when my college roommate played “The Truth”. This was at the University of Vermont. When I got home to LA I bought the album and from then on bought nearly everything Les did. Had the opportunity to meet him several times and he was extremely personable.
I just went to heaven. We were teens and my buddy said I want you to hear a record of my dads. Of course Les Mcann and Eddie Harris.I fell in love with Les Mcann. I got three cds by him but my fav is Live At Montreux. This was fun. Peace!!!
SO glad that Doonesbury linked to this - what a killer pair of greats - a real treat to hear this again. Makes me want to go dig thru my many shelves of vinyl to relive some Eddie Harris and the like.
Jill G. turned me on to these guys in the early 1980's. Saw Les in 1985 in KCMO. They do not make them like they use to. GOD BLESS and Thank You for the great vibe. A FAN!!!!!!!!!!!
"Compared to What" was written by the late Eugene McDaniels in 1965. It was most recently recorded by John Legend with the Roots on "Wake Up", released in 2010.
Open up your mind...let the music in...swirling throughout your body down thru the pit of your stomach and on it's way back up to your brain let it unleash the serotonin. Now you're good!
This song - the studio version, was in a surf movie soundtrack I watched back in the 70's! I picked up the album the next WEEK! Don't even remeber the name of the movie but this song? Oh yeah baby - it's like too much! Thanks for the posting!
Have an LP with Ellington, Sweets Edison, Johnny Hodges and Les McCann on guitar! An LP of blues. One of my top 5 recording of all time. Anybody know of another McCann recording playing guitar ?
Hi Friend.. I was just listening to Millie Jacksons "The Lies That We Live" and I thought I would checkour your channel. I love this video. Thanks for posting. Hope all is well. "The Juke Joint"
Rip ❤ Mr Les McCann
One of the Best jazz pianist ever
Met him in Chicago Chicago many years ago
He was 88
I was a freshman in college in 1970 when I first heard this....Awesome song and vocal
Eddie was an incredible musician who had an hilariously dry,understated wit.They'll never be another.And God Bless Les,who was one of the first real jazz musicians I ever heard!
Les McCann died on December 29, 2023 at a hospital in Los Angeles, at the age of 88. He was an American jazz pianist and vocalist who helped shape the “soul jazz” style of the 1960s with his earthy piano playing and singing and whose live recording of the antiwar anthem “Compared to What” became a musical touchstone of the era. His music has been widely sampled in hip hop.
McCann gained his greatest acclaim in 1969 with his performance of “Compared to What,” a politically charged protest song written by Gene McDaniels that became a rhythm-and-blues hit at the height of the Vietnam War.
Cool!😊
I had the opportunity to sit with Les and Company in North Hollywood... I was and still am awe'd by such talent... A gracious gentleman..
My Dad, R.I.P., brought this LP home to me when I was in high school. I always thought it was one of THE baddest jazz songs ever!! Incredible!!
I was living in Chicago in 69 I worked nights and stayed at the Lawson YMCA Every morning after work I would play basketball Most times there was no one there at 7:30 am One morning two men were sitting on the bleachers watching as I play basketball by myself After a few minutes the larger man ask if he could join me while the other remained seated We played for a couple of hours, but we never introduced ourselves. They were there again the next morning so we played again At the end of the second day the larger man told me they were musicians A few days later I was in a record shop downtown on State St leafing through the Jazz albums when I looked at the cover of one album I realized it was Les McCann and Eddie Harris I had played basketball with and didn't even know who they were I've been a fan ever since I bought the album
Wow man, born in Harvey in '59 and almost lived at the Harvey "Y" in '69. Would get dropped off parents on friday and picked up on sunday. Good memories. Cant forget, WBEE, the jazzy wonder, 1570 on your a.m. dial. What a great jazz station.
Wow! Very cool!
Eddie Harris was one bad dude....a monster...
I got to play a few times out here with Marvin Gaye out here in Inglewood. The YMCA was near the Forum and we had a lot of celeb musicians and athletes play ther.
GREAT story, Allan.
This has got to be one of coolest songs of all time. I first heard this on the classic recording in the late 1970s. Still cooks. Great job Les and Eddie.
The session in Montreux was one of this genius times in Jazz Music ! Its one of my absolutely favorits Albums !
Haven't heard this song in years and the radio decided to play it last Saturday.... What a great classic this is......
Just two of my favorites jazz musicians, so creative, so powerfulllllllllll!!!!!!+
Les and I were neighbors for over 12 years and played basketball together many times.
The man is a legend!
I've been listening to this song since I was a baby. My parents and I love Eddie (and his lovely family, as well). A hero of heroes.
I love Les McCann and Eddie Harris
Wow. One of Eddies greatest moments.
Short time later i enjoied these two funky cats in Berlin at Quasimodo. They did us a hell of funkyjazz, a real orgy in rhythm.
These two beautiful guys could laugh about themselves. I miss them...
So very true
Wow. Still have my copy of the Swiss Movement album from high school. I come back to this every few years, and love it just as much 40+ years later. The whole band is great...but Les McCann's piano work on this is incredible. The intro alone lays down such a solid groove and is probably one of the best gradual builds to powerhouse of a song. Love it!
Yes..I was there at the concert in Montreux 1969... what a party! In the afternoon of that day it was not yet sure at all if they would play together that evening...Claude Nobs (director of the festival) told me they had to discuss some musical problems first... Me myself, I had my jazzphoto exibition at the Casino of Montreux Jazz and I was responsible for that famous black 'n white jazzfestival poster with the nude girl on it..... history!
that would make you Eric W, yes? Great poster. Must have been wonderful to have been there - feels like I'm chatting with a celebrity!. (scroll to page 3 here: www.montreuxjazz.com/official-posters).
I agree Les’ intro is phenomenal. I love his block chords....
met Les in Kansas City in 1971....when we met again in New York , 1992, at the Blue Note lounge...he remembered me!! Had a great time....great guy...as is Eddie...
Still a classic 2021.
One of the greatest songs - still appropriate now!!!
still doing it right after all these years!!!!!
Like truenorthcompass, I was also in my first year of college when the "Swiss Movement" album came out. We used to listen to it every day! Eddie Harris is gone now, but he left a lot of great music for us to listen to. For any saxophonists out there, you should check out his sax method book! Eddie also recorded a comedy record!! Of course, Les McCann is one of the all time greats!
I won a photo contest taken with a photo of Les in a caftan playing basketball...I love the daylights out of Les. What an all around wonderful man!
Rest in Peace - Les McCann, mastersinger and pianist!
Fantastic! thanks for posting this. Les is amazing doing Gene McDaniels anti-establishment song Compared to What! Nobody's heart shines through as strongly as Les McCann's !!!! Wow!
Man if you can sit and listen to this without your foot tappin' you are most likely dis"funk"tional. Been listening to this dude do this tune for years and it always great.
Gotta love it.
Wow great performance, peace & love
Powerful and inspiring!!
I met Les at the European Jazz Festival, had a few beers with him.
Keith.
This was my gateway to jazz, on the "Swiss Movement" album. Goddamnit!
Me as well!
First heard Les McCann during the summer of 1961 when my college roommate played “The Truth”. This was at the University of Vermont. When I got home to LA I bought the album and from then on bought nearly everything Les did.
Had the opportunity to meet him several times and he was extremely personable.
"If you want me to smile, I will now smile." So beautiful!
Eddie’s tenor is very melodic for a rock type up tempo tune; excellent work!
Also kinda King Curtis.
this great , hope this piece of history is never lost
Love you Les! You said it best!
I just went to heaven. We were teens and my buddy said I want you to hear a record of my dads. Of course Les Mcann and Eddie Harris.I fell in love with Les Mcann. I got three cds by him but my fav is Live At Montreux. This was fun. Peace!!!
SO glad that Doonesbury linked to this - what a killer pair of greats - a real treat to hear this again. Makes me want to go dig thru my many shelves of vinyl to relive some Eddie Harris and the like.
These guys!
'69 in Montreux : the monsters. In terms of jazz-blues-rock. And outstanding performance. Compared to ...no one else. This song is theirs.
Fantastic performance.
Ah yeah ...... this brings back really cool memories, thanks for posting!
I've never heard of these guys ever before! What the heck..... have I been missing out on life?
obviously. :)
These CATS were no joke! They could play their azz off! A forgotten breed!
WONDERFUL!!!!....First view of Mr Harris on screen......Thanks Bobjazz.
Jill G. turned me on to these guys in the early 1980's.
Saw Les in 1985 in KCMO. They do not make them like they use to. GOD BLESS and Thank You for the great vibe.
A FAN!!!!!!!!!!!
Unfortunately I wasn't in Montreux 1969, but in Berlin that night, it was great in many ways!!!
I could never get tired of this song!
Been listening to this since the '70's. Still bad as hell.
"Compared to What" was written by the late Eugene McDaniels in 1965. It was most recently recorded by John Legend with the Roots on "Wake Up", released in 2010.
+Karen Thompson McDaniels -Good to know. I love John Legend. Look forward to hearing his treatment of this timeless classic.
Randall Pinkston good
Yes, I have that recording and it’s great ... but this swings so much harder 🙂👍🏼
thanks so much...great live version
Open up your mind...let the music in...swirling throughout your body down thru the pit of your stomach and on it's way back up to your brain let it unleash the serotonin. Now you're good!
well spoken! this music is so deep, i love it :)
Absolutely! ALL the swells in there!!
Doesn't get better than this.
I live in Botswana my father luv the music so much and we still listen to music
McDaniels was keeping it real, for real.
Thank you so much for uploading.
Bom balanço, não dá para ficar parado!!!!!
jamming to greatness in Texas 2023 🇺🇸 happy thanksgiving 🦃 yall
Happy Birthday Les McCann!!
Eddie Harris also!
This song - the studio version, was in a surf movie soundtrack I watched back in the 70's! I picked up the album the next WEEK! Don't even remeber the name of the movie but this song? Oh yeah baby - it's like too much! Thanks for the posting!
Fantastic. Thank you.
Compared to What + Cold Duck time, just great.
J-u-s-t fantastic... Thank you!
superb McCann classic
What about Eddie Harris on sax!
How could anyone click "dont like" This world is full of weirdos amazing music and people!!!!
A real classic, I can dig it. Keep sweating.
Written by Eugene (Gene) McDaniels who also wrote Feel Like Makin' Love which was sung by Roberta Flack and countless others.
Amazing art
I totally dig this....greetings from Amsterdam, Helena Mooi facebook
Don't get no better than this!
I love this video. That conga player is off the chain.
Great talents !! ♪♪♪
I saw Les in 1965 at The Mannehole in Hollywood. He was yelling, "Kiss my ass" and "Motherfucker" during this song. Hysterical.
So that makes you old and cool!
Are you sure! I was informed that this song, compared to what was composed by E. McDaniels in 1969.
ONe Of my all time heroes. The greatest man. Funky, soulful, honest...bad.
@JazzmanBerlin Les is still around.. lived in my apt. in Sherman Oaks, Calif.
Had this vinyl in 75, just the best. Love when they explode at 1: 45. Classic stuff.
This is my favorite song.
love!
Eddie is so beautiful with Les McCann! Les, beware of young sax players who think they are above you!
Two hip gentlemen right there...
Great song and video
he can listen, play, and smile; all at the same time!!
WOW & LOL
56 people don't like this! Makes me wonder in what kind of era were these people born?
There's nothing like the original version,
but Roberta Flack's vocals on "Quiet Fire"
her 1971 LP were superb.
Ms. Flack’s version is on First Take from 1969. She actually recorded and released it before Mr. McCann.
Still love this!!!!
Hi. Just subbed.
My Granddad’s name was the same as yours and he LOVED jazz as I see you do. 💜💫✨🤌🏾🤗
I heard him at Montreux 72 do this tune. He had Eddie Harris with him! K was in a high school Jazz ensemble from the U.S!
Saw him do this! Love that tune!
i bought the saxophone when i saw first time joe henderson, i loved it when i heard eddie harris.
Am still love the music he was my big fan
Love this, if you do a search you can find the original from 1969.
Compared to Nothin else, these 2 (and this band) bring it. LOve
With these hands by les McCann to Harold Cooper. .wherever you are
Excellent share!
Thank you ;-)
Timeless smoker of a tune!
Awesome video. I have show envy. Where was i when this was playin' ? We lost a real treasure when Eddie passed.
Wow! Fantastic!
Love Cold Duck solopart! Greatest Song!
Have an LP with Ellington, Sweets Edison, Johnny Hodges and Les McCann on guitar! An LP of blues. One of my top 5 recording of all time. Anybody know of another McCann recording playing guitar ?
soulful funk...
Hi Friend.. I was just listening to Millie Jacksons "The Lies That We Live" and I thought I would checkour your channel. I love this video. Thanks for posting. Hope all is well. "The Juke Joint"
loved this since the 70s
What a wicked groove :-)
One of a half dozen songs that are on my life's soundtrack.... Trying to make it real (compared to what}?