Black girl here who was adopted in 1971 by white hippie family in the 70s. I've been listening to Mountain Mississippi queen, since I was a kid. I STILL LOVE THIS SONG! It runs on my playlist.
You know that we all can get together I'm a white person we all need to get there and get together and make this place a better place black white everybody
I love the idea of a black woman in her 50s watching a fan documentary about Leslie West. One of the greater tragedies of music is how blacks have almost entirely abandoned guitar oriented music and the forms of music that brought us rock and roll. It began 100 years ago with folk blues and gospel followed by jazz and R&B, then electricity entered the mix and Chuck Berry and Little Richard turned it into rock and roll. It's a legacy of music that black folks should be really proud of and celebrate but few today seem to care. Though I would bet that if you played Mississippi Queen for the average 15 year old black kid today, they'd probably admit that it rocks.
I was a chubby kid in the late 70's. I got made fun of every day. I started taking bass lessons in 81 I was 12. I wanted to play guitar but was told "you can be the bass player " I was just happy to play I guess. Well I walked in to the little room to take my lesson, and my teacher was putting up pictures of guitar players. Van Halen, Beck, Clapton, and a picture of a huge fat guy with a Jr. in his hand. I ask who he was. My teacher told me all about him. I did my homework. Learned theme to an imaginary western on bass and jammed with my teacher. He was very happy. And I was proud. It's taught me that looks have nothing to do with music. Talent is what counts.
I have been playing guitar for a long time.Any time I listened to Mountain I got the same sensation that I got from Hendrix,Clapton Beck ,Page, and many more.MR West has to be the most underrated Guitarist I have ever heard
I'm 48 years old, I'm Brazilian. I discovered Mountain when I was 15, I was amazed, it's one of the most exceptional bands I've ever heard, the sound of Leslie's guitar is exciting. My son is named Leslie in honor of this great guitarist. Thank you very much for the video.
Mountain reformed briefly in 1974 and toured because I was there in September salt lake City terrace ballroom and it was awesome. My friends and I all loved mountain and would get together and listen to the albums all the time a time I'll never forget.
Leslie is a criminally underrated musician and I don't understand why. Listen to those early albums...the tone he was searching for, he found, and he made the most of it.
I agree with ya. He was one of those guitar players who did it the best way to work for him and took it to the highest level. As I said in the video "I wore those first 4 albums out" lol Thanks for watching!
It was a cheap line of Les Paul guitar he played being a Single Pickup Junior. But I saw a video of him, Corky and Felix playing live. He had the same Sunn Tube Amp Felix was playing through. It gave him an extremely thick sound. If you listen to the Live Side of the FLOWERS OF EVIL Album you will get a full dose of that tone. It comes across very well in the Studio Recordings too.
In 1978, I was a session bass player in N.Y. I did a short tour with Leslie. He was indeed one of the greats. I still count him as probably the most underrated and overlooked player in Rock history. In my opinion, The Music Machine, with "Talk Talk" - in 1966- then Mountain in 1969- were the first true pioneers of heavy Metal music. Sadly, Leslie did not take care of himself well at all. The guitar in the Vagrants video- is a Danelectro Bellzouki- 12 string. Rest In Peace, Leslie.
The first true pioneers of heavy metal were THE YARDBIRDS. Check out HAPPENINGS TEN YEARS TIME AGO or AIN'T DONE WRONG, for instance. I still have the single of TALK TALK.
The records he made on Blues Bureau are great I always wonder if anyone knows Leslie has around 8 solo albums on that label with his steinberger rocket guitar and Buddha amps
Thank you for this...I lose my doggie mind every time I think of Talk Talk...(I'm singin' it now)... as for Leslie-his music always got me through and always will...
My best friend used to play poker with Leslie when John lived in Ny. He always said his poker buddy. Sadly we lost him to Covid. Now they playing poker on the other side. Leslie was an awesome player very underrated imho
My Great Uncle Played with Mountain. He played Rhythm Guitar on their Avalanche Album in 1974. David Perry from Nantucket Island. So I grew up religiously listening to Mountain. As a guitar player I look up to Leslie West. I put him up there with Hendrix and Vaughn, Santana, Terry Kath. He was an innovator and he had a unique sound.
Wow, that's cool! Is he still with us? If so, maybe he could shed some light on that era of the band. I'd always heard that his addition was a unilateral decision by either Felix or manager Bud Prager and that Leslie resented it. It probably didn't help that the album received some harsh reviews. I thought it had some pretty good cuts on it, especially "You Better Believe It," which featured some great interplay between the two guitarists.
Absolutely. His soulful movements from major to minor and uncluttered choices are a continual inspiration. 'Theme' solo up there with the greatest. Oh and his pinch harmonics and all round riffery. With just two fingers.
In 1972, at the age of 21, while serving in the military, a friend introduced me to the album "Nantucket Sleighride" one evening. I was immediately blown away by the band's powerful sound and Leslie West's guitar playing. They have remained one of my favorite bands ever since. I aspire to live a long life, but when the time comes, "Theme from an Imaginary Western" must be played at my funeral.
I saw West, Bruce & Laing and stood at the stage in front of Leslie. He came over and shook his head…the sweat flying off his face and hair was like being sprayed with a garden hose. Leslie is one of my Top 10 favorite guitar players, probably Top 5. The solos on Theme For An Imaginary Western are among the greatest of all time.
Saw th when they were called cream of mountain. They were all on heroin and it showed up live. Whatever turns you on is mainly a jack Bruce solo as Leslie was on the outs
Saw Mountain in summer of 1971. Outdoor event called Mississippi River festival. Edwardsville Illinois. A couple weeks later same Mississippi River festival I the Who. They had some good entertainment
Leslie could make the guitar talk and cry some of his solos are unforgettable. Agree completely, he was grossly and commercially under appreciated. In my mind he was one of the very best.
The Great Fatsby could pull notes as big as a building and as then work the volume to be soft as a violin and he was one of the best people I've ever had the joy of working with. Leslie has been and will always be a musical influence. 'Nuff said.
Saw Leslie quite a few times including twice while he was wheelchair bound! He was always great and always had crazy funny stories! A truly legendary guitar player
Peter Frampton did a tribute with Lesley West a few years back…it’s on RUclips, and you should check it out. Two guitar legends! Thanks for this video!
Leslie West was and is my all time favorite guitar player. I’ve been playing music for about 60 years now. All venues, all types but mostly heavy and exotic rock. Leslie West still makes the hair on my neck stand straight up! I’ve lived my life with him!
When I was a Jr in high school the "Mountain Live" album was released. My friends and I wore the groves right off that lp ! It was great ! Probably about a 17 minute rendition of "Nantucket Sleighride". Sitting around a small room, bunch of close friends some jays, some electric win, and Leslie West's LP jr. screaming at us. Wow ! I miss the '70's
Theme for an imaginary western. One of the greatest songs of all time. I cried when I heard it the first time. LW's guitar tone is the best I have ever heard. Still cry when I hear it now 40 years later.
I saw him twice, in Boston opening for Procol Harum and at The 25th Anniversary of Woodstaock at Yasgurs farm. He amazed me with his virtuosity both times. Like Alvin Lee he was highly underrated. Thank You for reminding us.
I first saw him at Woodstock and he was awesome. I the '70s I worked at the Capitol Theater in Passaic, New Jersey at one of his concerts and I remember showing up in the afternoon for the sound check and it was the loudest music I ever heard. I think he had multiple stacks of Marshall amps. Last time I ran into him was at Manny's Music in Manhattan and he was in front on me at the cashier counter and he was buying guitar strings. I'll never forget he was wearing pink bell bottom pants. He was my favorite guitar player and I still play Les Pauls and a Marshal Plexis to get that his sound. He was awesome!!!
@@rupe53 You are right about him using Sunn equipment, but even Leslie says he played Les Paul Juniors, as well as Rolling Stone Magazine, and every guitar magazine I've ever read about him. Gibson, not Melody Maker.
@@We_All_Seek_Truth I recall hearing that about the about the Melody Maker over 50 years ago, so maybe it was a joke because he was a big guy and every guitar looked like a 3/4 size in his hands. On the amp, it was always 1 head with 2 stacks... sometimes 2 heads with 4 stacks. He liked a loud stage.
@@rupe53 In the early 70s and volume wars between guitars and bass. All stages were loud. They would have two Riggs because they were pushing their amps & speakers so hard they would often fail, so they had a backup ready to go.
Since seeing Mountain in 1971, I've been searching for the words to describe Leslie's sound and what I like about it so much. I still can't find the right words. An even bigger mystery to me is why do only a relatively small number of people hear Leslie West and love his sound as much as I do? What's not to love? Leslie is one of my all-time favorites. Thank you for giving my too-often-overlooked guitar idol his due. Well done, sir!
Mountain was one of the first albums I ever owned, and it never fails to impress, all these decades later. Yes, a ground breaking guitar player, but there was little mention of his song writing, which I think was as impressive.
Great show , great subject, I'm 70 and a guitar buddy of mine bought the first album in 1970,we flogged it to death,only Leslie could get a sound like a piledriver, witness "Never in my Life",that riff runs like honey,we have been blessed that Leslie lived to a reasonable age,the opening clip where he's playing to Felix make a grown man cry,thanks again.
As a Gen-X New York Rock fanatic and Metalhead, I remember Leslie West and Mountain so well in early 1985 with their wonderful comeback album *Go For Your Life* which was overtly Heavy Metal. The first 3 songs on it - "Hard Times," "Spark" and "She Loved Her Rock" - are unassailable 1985 Metal classics. The rest of the album, unfortunately, is fair to middling, but those first 3 songs are absolute gold. R.I.P. Leslie West 🌹, Felix Pappalardi 🌹 and Long Live Mountain. 🏔️
1970 2nd row right in front of Leslie. What a powerhouse. Of course I was deaf, literally for 2 days but got to see my idol. Thanks for making this story. His later music was really good and the covers he did were outstanding. Even after his amputation he kept going. He gave me the idea of putting my pedal board on a table for easier access as I got older. Your opening soundtrack of a live version of theme was hands down the best soloing I have ever heard from any of them. Loved that guy. Thanks again
Saw him at the Denver Coliseum in 1970 bought red Les Paul Jr that year - he had the greatest hands ever laid on a fretboard bar none. The tone was like a two ton Cello the beauty of the vibrato and the power - my favorite guitarist to this day none better - Mountain 1970 Isle of Wight is the best 20 min jam of all time Stormy Monday!
Leslie and Mountain were great and under appreciated. Rock and Roll at it's finest. I just listened to a few of their songs after watching your video and dang it I forgot how many great songs they have 💯 A standout for me is "Don't Look Around"...(Side note: I like what you do here and think Quicksilver Messenger Service is another great under appreciated band that maybe needs a look)
Thanks for watching Don. Appreciate it. I'll check em out. The biggest problem I have with some subjects is finding enough quality pictures to use and interviews/info.
@@RiverDocs Well, you do a great jobs with what you do manage to find! Quicksilver would be a great, great one to do as well. I don't know why they aren't talked about..pretty much EVER! They were excellent. Maybe being from San Francisco in the 1960s was damn near impossible having to compete with The Dead and Jefferson Airplane.
When I was 13 years old was the first time I heard the album climbing. From that point on I was a big fan. One of my all-time favorite songs from mountain was theme from an imaginary Western. The two solos in that song just made me wish that I could play guitar. Years before that I tried playing the guitar, I spent several years at it and never got any where with it. I just didn't have the dexterity. But to this day I can still appreciate great guitar playing.
Mississippi Queen hit number 21 on the billboard top 100. And anybody who knows anything about 70s music knows exactly who Mountain is and knows exactly what their best songs and albums were so I’d say they made it to the top of a certain mountain, yes….
I was in a Long Island band in 1969 our lead singer Jon Ventura lived in Rockaway. He became friends with Leslie so I got to hang out with both of them several times . Jon wrote several of the lyrics on the 1st Album one song Dreams of Milk and Honey ( originally titled Blue Room) was about our bass player and Blind Man is about me. Our group was I think really good but like many didn't make it we were Sanctuary for anyone who saw us at the Action House or other LI venues. Yes West was a mountain of a man with and without a guitar!!!
I saw Leslie around 2012 at a "Birthday Bash" a radio station in Pa., Rock 107, throws every year. I parked myself about 6 feet in front of a PA column and about 10 feet from Leslie and his amps. The volume level in the room was tremendous and his guitar tone was like a sonic light sabre that sliced right through your mind. I've been to a lot of concerts and that was one of the most incredible up close experiences I've had. Fantastic tone and expressive playing. One of my biggest influences as a player.
I saw West, Bruce and Laing in 72 at Winterland in S.F. I was 15, it was one of the most memorable concerts I've ever attended. First, they were LOUD! I recall reading they were using the Who's, amps and p.a. system, The amps were Hiwatt. They opened with "Why dontcha", and it got better and better. 2 great solo's by Jack and Leslie were a highlight. Corky had a big crash cymbal and he'd throw a stick at it and it would fly into the audience. He did that a bunch of times. Jack sang "takes from an imaginary western ", which was a song he wrote and gave to Felix Papalardi for Mountain . For the encore they did, Purple haze, with Leslie singing, Sunshine of your Love and White room , sang by Jack. Nantucket sleigh ride and Never in my life filled out the set. The 0:02 song "Love aint worth the blues" was done with pure adrenaline on overdrive, just an amazing 5 minutes of stellar musicianship, That song felt as if the whole arena could go airborne. Oh, and the ticket cost me a whopping $4.00. Thanks for the post. Leslie, he has been one of my rock heroes and I'll close by saying RIP to Leslie and Jack, you made my life richer and more meaningful thank you both! And Corky, what an amazing drummer! I hope you're still rocking, and Thank you as well for you're inspired performce, you were on fire that night. 🙏 🤲 🎉
I about wore out my copy of Climbing! I was one of the only ones in my circle who not only knew who Leslie West was but also appreciated his virtuosity and talent. A truly great artist in my book!.
I saw him twice with Mountain and after one time with his group he was amazing,,the wall of Sunn Amps and such a lovely tone,,and his violon effect with volume was above great...Mountain sounded amazing for the time..!❤❤❤❤
The "strange" guitar Leslie West was playing in that Vagrants video was indeed a Danelectro 🙂 it was a "Bellzouki" model built between 1963 and 1969... It was designed to emulate and combine the sounds of a bouzouki, which is a traditional Greek instrument, and an electric guitar... Great documentary about Leslie West 👍👍👍 He's always been one of my favorite guitar players of all times and his career should have been much greater than that... I finally got to see him on stage in Paris back in 2009 and he blew my mind... I was expecting a 1-hour show and I thought he'd mostly play blues and it would be really laid-back but NO I got 2 hours of furious hard rock in my face with the amps cranked to the max and perfect playing and singing, his tone was loud, aggressive and ferocious, just like his voice...And the drummer and bass player did an amazing job too... It was even more amazing considering he must have been in pain constantly because he spent the entire show sitting on a chair... But nevertheless one of the best concerts in my life...
He was sitting in a chair because he had circulation issues from being a diabetic. The doctors would soon remove one of his legs and he still toured using one of those motorized scooters for several years.
I've never grown tired of leslie west's playing. Such great and tasty stuff. If I could wear the digital grooves off my cds they would have been gone a long time ago. He is one of the finest musicians out there. I'll be a die hard fan of his forever.
When I started playing guitar seriously, the guy that I wanted to sound like was Leslie West. Listen to the solo on Theme for An Imaginary Western on the Climbing album. It was one of the best solos ever recorded. His feel and vibrato are unique and so emotional. I put it up there with the solo on Comfortably Numb. Leslie has influenced too many guitarists that came after him to mention. Mountain belongs in the R&R HOF because without Felix, Cream would have never been as huge as they were. Without Leslie, many of the well know guitarists in the 70's and 80's wouls have not been what they were. It's criminal that they are not there. Leslie would have said that I guess we didn't kiss the right asses.
Leslie was the king of that sweet tone! Mountain were groundbreakers for the future of metal and hard rock. The volume, Sustain and tone he played with especially live were captivating. He has always been one of my favorites. since 1969!!
One of the greatest guitarists ever, with an unmatchable tone. Wish Leslie was still here, making records and playing live. Somebody once asked him why he didn't fill in the front pickup hole on his Flying V and Leslie said "oh I use it as an ashtray"! 👍
I have always loved Leslie West's playing. I can tell you most of the guys on Ben's channel know who he was! I saw a clip here on YT a couple of years ago of West playing live with Pater Frampton. He was in a wheelchair due to having his leg amputated because of diabetes complications. He could still wail on that LP Jr! RIP Mr West, your fans miss you!
Same here Ferd. Most guitar players know of him. I saw him and Johnny Winter man they were fantastic. Leslie could really wail the blues! Thanks for watching!
Never saw him play, but he influenced me as a kid when I was learning. He was big on 3 and 4 fret bends, which I did a lot, thanks to him. He was a "tasty" player. Still listen to him 50+ years later.
After watching this video I had to dig out all of my Mountain records and go back about 50 years. I met Leslie at a show in Asheville, N.C. and he was one of the most gracious people that I'd ever met. When we got to the venue we found out that the show had sold out. I saw a big guy standing out on the loading dock smoking a cigarette. I went up to him and asked him if there were any overflow tickets available. He said that he didn't know because he never paid to see this group. We were getting ready to leave when a roadie came out with four tickets. He said "Mr. West hopes that you enjoy the show" and did we ever! I just listened to "Travelin' In The Dark" three times in a row. The way that he plays the solo on that song is nothing short of amazing. It sounds like two different guitarists trading off with each one of them having their own unique sound. Damn I miss that group!
Went to see mountain at filmore east in early 70’s and couldn’t get in. Show was sold out, but could here show out side at back stage door. Very loud and good..Saw West and Lang at wingfest in Lakewood, nj in the 2000’s. Very good, but Leslie was tired.Had to sit out a few songs. I loved mountain and still listen to all their songs.
Just an iconic guitarist, who was seriously underated, ... l grew up listening to mountain in the early seventies.. Just a great rock and roll band. l haven,t thought about Leslie west in a long time. Too long. Thanx for remindng me. ✌️❤️😊
Great phrasing, and great tone! A real virtuoso also with the help of Felix Pappalardi legend The road goes ever on is a great great live album the band at its best !
Mountain is always a go-to band. Just love the energy from West. I've dropped listening to many bands from the day, but still hold Mountain in high esteem.
My all-time !;! Favorite guitarist and mountain my favorite band. I saw mountain twice at the Masonic Temple in Detroit in the early 70 ;; 71 years. I played bass in a few ! Rock / roll bands early and late 70;;s. In the Detroit area. From his early sunn amps to hi watt amps. It was all him !;! Thanks ! So much ! For this video. I cried ! When I heard he passed. Wish I could have met him. Again ! Thanks. Real good work.
Leslie West created a sound like no other. I remember the first time I heard Mississippi Queen and it just blew my mind. Truth be told, I still get a rush when I hear it and thats incredible. Leslie certainly deserved more acclaim than he received in his lifetime, but those who know, know.
@@lynnm6608 Keep dancing! You are so lucky to have seen Mountain in their prime! I never got that experience which is regrettable. But I can still turn Mississippi Queen up to 11 when it hits the airwaves!
My first concert was Mountain at The Warehouse in New Orleans (6.26.70). I'll never forget the feeling I got from Felix Pappalardi and Corky Laing's thunderous sound rumbling through the old red bricks and wooden rafters of this 100+ year old cotton warehouse. And Leslie West's rock solid guitar and big, powerful voice rising above what at times sounded like canons on the battlefield. Leslie West may not have received the attention afforded to players like Clapton, Page, Beck and Hendrix, but he easily stood up to a couple of those guys and his music was as important as anybody's.
Leslie was great ! Loved Mountain ! Saw him on late night music show in late 60’s . He was so underrated for some reason . Leslie will always be one of the Greats !!!!!
Im a die hard Leslie fan..I love all of his later albums....West Bruce and Laing...solo and Mountain....my favorite 70's Mountain album is Avalanche hands down....that tour was great as well....his later shows in the 80's and 90's were phenomenal.... he absolutely wailed....and his in-between banter was hilarious....
Good documentary. I'm an old hippy and guitarist who literally has worn out Nantucket Sleighride's studio and live albums. Leslie was a truly talented and underappreciated guitarist. His 2013 Album, "Still Climbing" was the zenith of a stellar career. RIP Leslie
The song " Never in my Life " rocked my mind when I was young in the 90's My step dad played guitar and when he put on the album Climbing. I knew I was hooked to Leslie's style and sound. I'd love to know what that guitar is in that old video. You did a great job and great justice to the times and memory of this band and man.
A lot of bad Management back in those days, I'm 71 and experienced all these great musicians in real time and Bands were changing and reshaping overnight. Great Review about a very Under rated Guitarist..
I was in a band called Blackjack a had the honor of opening for Leslie West at a club named The Electric Ballroom in Milwaukee in I think it was 1977. He put on a great show. I'm not sure who was with him on bass and drums, but they were great guys. It was an experience I'll never forget.
Very underrated. Mountain were, along with Cream, the Experience and Taste one of the great power trios. Their performance at Woodstock is one of the best sets and it's a great shame that it never made the movie.
Saw him at Harpo’s (now defunct) in Detroit. Great show and it was his birthday. They brought him out a big cake (probably the last thing he needed) and everybody sang Happy Birthday. Big dude, the guitar sure looked small.
Black girl here who was adopted in 1971 by white hippie family in the 70s. I've been listening to Mountain Mississippi queen, since I was a kid. I STILL LOVE THIS SONG! It runs on my playlist.
Nice ! ...👍
I've loved this song since I first listened to it sung by Creedence Clearwater Revival. This is a fantastic song. RIP Leslie 🙏🏽
That's right it's a great song we all rock together
You know that we all can get together I'm a white person we all need to get there and get together and make this place a better place black white everybody
I love the idea of a black woman in her 50s watching a fan documentary about Leslie West. One of the greater tragedies of music is how blacks have almost entirely abandoned guitar oriented music and the forms of music that brought us rock and roll. It began 100 years ago with folk blues and gospel followed by jazz and R&B, then electricity entered the mix and Chuck Berry and Little Richard turned it into rock and roll. It's a legacy of music that black folks should be really proud of and celebrate but few today seem to care. Though I would bet that if you played Mississippi Queen for the average 15 year old black kid today, they'd probably admit that it rocks.
I was a chubby kid in the late 70's. I got made fun of every day. I started taking bass lessons in 81 I was 12. I wanted to play guitar but was told "you can be the bass player " I was just happy to play I guess. Well I walked in to the little room to take my lesson, and my teacher was putting up pictures of guitar players. Van Halen, Beck, Clapton, and a picture of a huge fat guy with a Jr. in his hand. I ask who he was. My teacher told me all about him. I did my homework. Learned theme to an imaginary western on bass and jammed with my teacher. He was very happy. And I was proud. It's taught me that looks have nothing to do with music. Talent is what counts.
I have been playing guitar for a long time.Any time I listened to Mountain I got the same sensation that I got from Hendrix,Clapton Beck ,Page, and many more.MR West has to be the most underrated Guitarist I have ever heard
If you got talent you don’t need looks,, e.g., Jellyroll.
For the win. Rip it up!!!!
I'm 48 years old, I'm Brazilian. I discovered Mountain when I was 15, I was amazed, it's one of the most exceptional bands I've ever heard, the sound of Leslie's guitar is exciting. My son is named Leslie in honor of this great guitarist. Thank you very much for the video.
Mountain reformed briefly in 1974 and toured because I was there in September salt lake City terrace ballroom and it was awesome. My friends and I all loved mountain and would get together and listen to the albums all the time a time I'll never forget.
He made it to the top of the mountain and beyond in my book! R.I.P. Leslie and Felix.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Leslie is a criminally underrated musician and I don't understand why. Listen to those early albums...the tone he was searching for, he found, and he made the most of it.
I agree with ya. He was one of those guitar players who did it the best way to work for him and took it to the highest level. As I said in the video "I wore those first 4 albums out" lol Thanks for watching!
Yes he was, the guy was ahead of his time
I so wish I could give this more than one "thumbs up".....
YES ,LESLIE WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST GUITARIST EVER.ONLY LOVERS OF GUITAR GODS , CAN TRULY KNOW HOW GOOD HE WAS🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶✌️😎BOB
It was a cheap line of Les Paul guitar he played being a Single Pickup Junior. But I saw a video of him, Corky and Felix playing live. He had the same Sunn Tube Amp Felix was playing through. It gave him an extremely thick sound. If you listen to the Live Side of the FLOWERS OF EVIL Album you will get a full dose of that tone. It comes across very well in the Studio Recordings too.
I ALWAYS loved Mountain. Leslie West could really play that guitar!! It’s a shame they never got the recognition they deserved.
In 1978, I was a session bass player in N.Y. I did a short tour with Leslie. He was indeed one of the greats. I still count him as probably the most underrated and overlooked player in Rock history. In my opinion, The Music Machine, with "Talk Talk" - in 1966- then Mountain in 1969- were the first true pioneers of heavy Metal music. Sadly, Leslie did not take care of himself well at all. The guitar in the Vagrants video- is a Danelectro Bellzouki- 12 string. Rest In Peace, Leslie.
The first true pioneers of heavy metal were THE YARDBIRDS. Check out HAPPENINGS TEN YEARS TIME AGO or AIN'T DONE WRONG, for instance. I still have the single of TALK TALK.
The records he made on Blues Bureau are great I always wonder if anyone knows Leslie has around 8 solo albums on that label with his steinberger rocket guitar and Buddha amps
I saw Leslie play around 78 or 79, what an amazing band, Leslie's tone was to die for.
Thank you for this...I lose my doggie mind every time I think of Talk Talk...(I'm singin' it now)... as for Leslie-his music always got me through and always will...
My best friend used to play poker with Leslie when John lived in Ny. He always said his poker buddy. Sadly we lost him to Covid. Now they playing poker on the other side. Leslie was an awesome player very underrated imho
My Great Uncle Played with Mountain. He played Rhythm Guitar on their Avalanche Album in 1974. David Perry from Nantucket Island. So I grew up religiously listening to Mountain. As a guitar player I look up to Leslie West. I put him up there with Hendrix and Vaughn, Santana, Terry Kath. He was an innovator and he had a unique sound.
Terry Kath, another forgotten guitar master
Wow, that's cool! Is he still with us? If so, maybe he could shed some light on that era of the band. I'd always heard that his addition was a unilateral decision by either Felix or manager Bud Prager and that Leslie resented it. It probably didn't help that the album received some harsh reviews. I thought it had some pretty good cuts on it, especially "You Better Believe It," which featured some great interplay between the two guitarists.
That's a great album!
Leslie was a monstrous guitar player. I was a big fan from the beginning. With just a few notes he nailed it. Unforgetable... ❤
no doubt...one of the best
Leslie was a fantastic player...his solo in Theme for an Imaginary Western, my favorite Mountain song, is simply majestic !
No No South Bound Train! Check that
Majestic is an apt description.
My favorite song to do acid on.
Very much a Jack Bruce song. Written by Jack Bruce & Peter green.
Agree. "Theme For..." is so good, it melts my soul every time. I mean the one from Woodstock...
He made it to the top of the mountain and beyond imo.R.I.P. Leslie.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🎸
Well said . thank you
Leslie West was great ❤
I always loved his phrasing and vibrato!
Absolutely. His soulful movements from major to minor and uncluttered choices are a continual inspiration. 'Theme' solo up there with the greatest. Oh and his pinch harmonics and all round riffery. With just two fingers.
@@timwestcott361 Indeed!!!
Again!;! The Best!;! Really! Meaningful Leads.Really
RIP Leslie West🙏 One of the greatest
From the 1st note of any Mountain song you knew exactly who it was. RIP, Leslie you remain one of a kind.
Seen them a couple times & Was always awesome & Never seen anyone hit those drums harder than Corky!!
joyful sounds, no filters, grounded and honest playing..great guitar player.
Couldn't agree more!
A coiled cord straight into a SUNN Tube Bass Head with a SUNN 4 X 15 cabinet.
I still love Mountain and their music 🎶. RIP Leslie West and Felix Pappalardi.
R.I.P. Steve Knight also!
Leslie West may not have been as famous as some of the top ranked players, but he was a unique and outstanding guitarist and musician.
Leslie West is warts and all pure soul. He is without a doubt an American treasure.
In 1972, at the age of 21, while serving in the military, a friend introduced me to the album "Nantucket Sleighride" one evening. I was immediately blown away by the band's powerful sound and Leslie West's guitar playing. They have remained one of my favorite bands ever since. I aspire to live a long life, but when the time comes, "Theme from an Imaginary Western" must be played at my funeral.
I saw West, Bruce & Laing and stood at the stage in front of Leslie. He came over and shook his head…the sweat flying off his face and hair was like being sprayed with a garden hose.
Leslie is one of my Top 10 favorite guitar players, probably Top 5. The solos on Theme For An Imaginary Western are among the greatest of all time.
Saw th when they were called cream of mountain. They were all on heroin and it showed up live. Whatever turns you on is mainly a jack Bruce solo as Leslie was on the outs
Saw Mountain in summer of 1971. Outdoor event called Mississippi River festival. Edwardsville Illinois. A couple weeks later same Mississippi River festival I the Who. They had some good entertainment
Leslie could make the guitar talk and cry some of his solos are unforgettable. Agree completely, he was grossly and commercially under appreciated. In my mind he was one of the very best.
The Great Fatsby could pull notes as big as a building and as then work the volume to be soft as a violin and he was one of the best people I've ever had the joy of working with.
Leslie has been and will always be a musical influence. 'Nuff said.
Saw Leslie quite a few times including twice while he was wheelchair bound! He was always great and always had crazy funny stories! A truly legendary guitar player
Leslie always made you laugh in between ripping it up on guitar 🎸
It goes to show how often the best musicians are also the most humble. He didn’t see himself as one of the greatest players, he just was.
I'm 70 so I lived to see and hear all the best in rock.
Leslie will always be my favorite and thanks for the comprehensive run down, so inspired
You're welcome. Thanks for watching!
Yes, the late 60's/early 70's was the best in rock. Thought "Climbing" was Mountain's best work.
Saw him in Cactus with Carmine Appice and Tim Bogert in London.
Peter Frampton did a tribute with Lesley West a few years back…it’s on RUclips, and you should check it out. Two guitar legends! Thanks for this video!
Leslie West was and is my all time favorite guitar player. I’ve been playing music for about 60 years now. All venues, all types but mostly heavy and exotic rock. Leslie West still makes the hair on my neck stand straight up!
I’ve lived my life with him!
When I was a Jr in high school the "Mountain Live" album was released. My friends and I wore the groves right off that lp ! It was great ! Probably about a 17 minute rendition of "Nantucket Sleighride". Sitting around a small room, bunch of close friends some jays, some electric win, and Leslie West's LP jr. screaming at us. Wow ! I miss the '70's
No Shit !#!
Ditto.
Theme for an imaginary western. One of the greatest songs of all time. I cried when I heard it the first time. LW's guitar tone is the best I have ever heard. Still cry when I hear it now 40 years later.
miss him greatly rip
For sure , just listen to the lyrics and phrasing of the song ...Fantastic....One of my favorites..
I remember and revere his talent.
Thank you for sharing this
🏆⭐🙏🇺🇲
My pleasure
I saw him twice, in Boston opening for Procol Harum and at The 25th Anniversary of Woodstaock at Yasgurs farm. He amazed me with his virtuosity both times. Like Alvin Lee he was highly underrated. Thank You for reminding us.
I first saw him at Woodstock and he was awesome. I the '70s I worked at the Capitol Theater in Passaic, New Jersey at one of his concerts and I remember showing up in the afternoon for the sound check and it was the loudest music I ever heard. I think he had multiple stacks of Marshall amps. Last time I ran into him was at Manny's Music in Manhattan and he was in front on me at the cashier counter and he was buying guitar strings. I'll never forget he was wearing pink bell bottom pants. He was my favorite guitar player and I still play Les Pauls and a Marshal Plexis to get that his sound. He was awesome!!!
He originally used Sunn equipment on tours.... along with Melody Maker guitar.... although some say it was a Less Paul Jr.
@@rupe53 You are right about him using Sunn equipment, but even Leslie says he played Les Paul Juniors, as well as Rolling Stone Magazine, and every guitar magazine I've ever read about him.
Gibson, not Melody Maker.
@@We_All_Seek_Truth I recall hearing that about the about the Melody Maker over 50 years ago, so maybe it was a joke because he was a big guy and every guitar looked like a 3/4 size in his hands. On the amp, it was always 1 head with 2 stacks... sometimes 2 heads with 4 stacks. He liked a loud stage.
I’ll remember him as one of the greatest until the day I die. RIP, Leslie West❤️
@@rupe53 In the early 70s and volume wars between guitars and bass. All stages were loud. They would have two Riggs because they were pushing their amps & speakers so hard they would often fail, so they had a backup ready to go.
Love "Silver Paper". especially the live version. Their cover of "Stormy Monday" at the Isle of Wight festival in 1970 is fantastic.
Mississippi Queen…she taught me everything.
Since seeing Mountain in 1971, I've been searching for the words to describe Leslie's sound and what I like about it so much. I still can't find the right words. An even bigger mystery to me is why do only a relatively small number of people hear Leslie West and love his sound as much as I do? What's not to love? Leslie is one of my all-time favorites. Thank you for giving my too-often-overlooked guitar idol his due. Well done, sir!
Thank you. Appreciate you watching!!
Mississippi Queen is an all-time classic. Must be one of the top songs ever.
Mountain was one of the first albums I ever owned, and it never fails to impress, all these decades later. Yes, a ground breaking guitar player, but there was little mention of his song writing, which I think was as impressive.
Great show , great subject, I'm 70 and a guitar buddy of mine bought the first album in 1970,we flogged it to death,only Leslie could get a sound like a piledriver, witness "Never in my Life",that riff runs like honey,we have been blessed that Leslie lived to a reasonable age,the opening clip where he's playing to Felix make a grown man cry,thanks again.
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!!
Probably my greatest guitar hero - RIP Leslie.
As a Gen-X New York Rock fanatic and Metalhead, I remember Leslie West and Mountain so well in early 1985 with their wonderful comeback album *Go For Your Life* which was overtly Heavy Metal. The first 3 songs on it - "Hard Times," "Spark" and "She Loved Her Rock" - are unassailable 1985 Metal classics. The rest of the album, unfortunately, is fair to middling, but those first 3 songs are absolute gold. R.I.P. Leslie West 🌹, Felix Pappalardi 🌹 and Long Live Mountain. 🏔️
He taught guitar to the former guitarist (who died in the late 80’s) for the bands, Leeway and Agnostic Front..
I like Bardot Damage from the same album.👍
And Waddy! Who knew? That guy deserves a medal, the contributions he has made to so much great music. What an amazing guitarist!
Agreed. Linda Ronstadt and Warren Zevon owe a lot to Waddy Wachtel.
1970 2nd row right in front of Leslie. What a powerhouse. Of course I was deaf, literally for 2 days but got to see my idol. Thanks for making this story. His later music was really good and the covers he did were outstanding. Even after his amputation he kept going. He gave me the idea of putting my pedal board on a table for easier access as I got older. Your opening soundtrack of a live version of theme was hands down the best soloing I have ever heard from any of them. Loved that guy. Thanks again
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it,
Saw him at the Denver Coliseum in 1970 bought red Les Paul Jr that year - he had the greatest hands ever laid on a fretboard bar none. The tone was like a two ton Cello the beauty of the vibrato and the power - my favorite guitarist to this day none better - Mountain 1970 Isle of Wight is the best 20 min jam of all time Stormy Monday!
Massive influence on a young Michael Schenker. Thank you Leslie!!
Michael is my favorite guitar player.
Best vibrato ever. Seen him many times at the Fillmore East . At that time was always in the mix with the best players.
Leslie and Mountain were great and under appreciated. Rock and Roll at it's finest. I just listened to a few of their songs after watching your video and dang it I forgot how many great songs they have 💯 A standout for me is "Don't Look Around"...(Side note: I like what you do here and think Quicksilver Messenger Service is another great under appreciated band that maybe needs a look)
Thanks for watching Don. Appreciate it. I'll check em out. The biggest problem I have with some subjects is finding enough quality pictures to use and interviews/info.
@@RiverDocs Well, you do a great jobs with what you do manage to find! Quicksilver would be a great, great one to do as well. I don't know why they aren't talked about..pretty much EVER! They were excellent. Maybe being from San Francisco in the 1960s was damn near impossible having to compete with The Dead and Jefferson Airplane.
Leslie West was a big part of my "Rock" music listening in late 69' and into the 70's..... good documentary clip.... RIP , Leslie , ❤ .
When I was 13 years old was the first time I heard the album climbing. From that point on I was a big fan. One of my all-time favorite songs from mountain was theme from an imaginary Western. The two solos in that song just made me wish that I could play guitar. Years before that I tried playing the guitar, I spent several years at it and never got any where with it. I just didn't have the dexterity. But to this day I can still appreciate great guitar playing.
Mississippi Queen hit number 21 on the billboard top 100. And anybody who knows anything about 70s music knows exactly who Mountain is and knows exactly what their best songs and albums were so I’d say they made it to the top of a certain mountain, yes….
One of the three loudest players that affected my hearing and musical appreciation. RIP Mr. West
I was in a Long Island band in 1969 our lead singer Jon Ventura lived in Rockaway. He became friends with Leslie so I got to hang out with both of them several times . Jon wrote several of the lyrics on the 1st Album one song Dreams of Milk and Honey ( originally titled Blue Room) was about our bass player and Blind Man is about me. Our group was I think really good but like many didn't make it we were Sanctuary for anyone who saw us at the Action House or other LI venues. Yes West was a mountain of a man with and without a guitar!!!
I saw Leslie around 2012 at a "Birthday Bash" a radio station in Pa., Rock 107, throws every year. I parked myself about 6 feet in front of a PA column and about 10 feet from Leslie and his amps. The volume level in the room was tremendous and his guitar tone was like a sonic light sabre that sliced right through your mind. I've been to a lot of concerts and that was one of the most incredible up close experiences I've had. Fantastic tone and expressive playing. One of my biggest influences as a player.
I saw West, Bruce and Laing in 72 at Winterland in S.F. I was 15, it was one of the most memorable concerts I've ever attended.
First, they were LOUD! I recall reading they were using the Who's, amps and p.a. system, The amps were Hiwatt.
They opened with "Why dontcha", and it got better and better. 2 great solo's by Jack and Leslie were a highlight.
Corky had a big crash cymbal and he'd throw a stick at it and it would fly into the audience. He did that a bunch of times.
Jack sang "takes from an imaginary western ", which was a song he wrote and gave to Felix Papalardi for Mountain . For the encore they did, Purple haze, with Leslie singing, Sunshine of your Love and White room , sang by Jack. Nantucket sleigh ride and Never in my life filled out the set. The 0:02 song "Love aint worth the blues" was done with pure adrenaline on overdrive, just an amazing 5 minutes of stellar musicianship, That song felt as if the whole arena could go airborne.
Oh, and the ticket cost me a whopping $4.00. Thanks for the post. Leslie, he has been one of my rock heroes and I'll close by saying RIP to Leslie and Jack, you made my life richer and more meaningful thank you both! And Corky, what an amazing drummer! I hope you're still rocking, and Thank you as well for you're inspired performce, you were on fire that night. 🙏 🤲 🎉
Oh, they also did Mississippi Queen 👸 which kicked ass of course!
I about wore out my copy of Climbing! I was one of the only ones in my circle who not only knew who Leslie West was but also appreciated his virtuosity and talent. A truly great artist in my book!.
I saw him twice with Mountain and after one time with his group he was amazing,,the wall of Sunn Amps and such a lovely tone,,and his violon effect with volume was above great...Mountain sounded amazing for the time..!❤❤❤❤
Some of the best rock tone ever!!!
Leslie played with feeling...emotion. He was fantastic and a huge influence on my playing.
Thanks for giving Leslie the respect he deserves. One of my biggest influences, and a tone I'll never forget.
Leslie is always in my playlist from Mountain to His last solo. Thank You for honoring Him
The "strange" guitar Leslie West was playing in that Vagrants video was indeed a Danelectro 🙂 it was a "Bellzouki" model built between 1963 and 1969... It was designed to emulate and combine the sounds of a bouzouki, which is a traditional Greek instrument, and an electric guitar...
Great documentary about Leslie West 👍👍👍
He's always been one of my favorite guitar players of all times and his career should have been much greater than that...
I finally got to see him on stage in Paris back in 2009 and he blew my mind...
I was expecting a 1-hour show and I thought he'd mostly play blues and it would be really laid-back but NO I got 2 hours of furious hard rock in my face with the amps cranked to the max and perfect playing and singing, his tone was loud, aggressive and ferocious, just like his voice...And the drummer and bass player did an amazing job too...
It was even more amazing considering he must have been in pain constantly because he spent the entire show sitting on a chair...
But nevertheless one of the best concerts in my life...
He was sitting in a chair because he had circulation issues from being a diabetic. The doctors would soon remove one of his legs and he still toured using one of those motorized scooters for several years.
Yeah, I found that same "batwings" pattern on the bellzouki model. But you beat me to it! Nothing, however, with the same body as West's.
I've never grown tired of leslie west's playing. Such great and tasty stuff. If I could wear the digital grooves off my cds they would have been gone a long time ago. He is one of the finest musicians out there. I'll be a die hard fan of his forever.
When I started playing guitar seriously, the guy that I wanted to sound like was Leslie West. Listen to the solo on Theme for An Imaginary Western on the Climbing album. It was one of the best solos ever recorded. His feel and vibrato are unique and so emotional. I put it up there with the solo on Comfortably Numb. Leslie has influenced too many guitarists that came after him to mention. Mountain belongs in the R&R HOF because without Felix, Cream would have never been as huge as they were. Without Leslie, many of the well know guitarists in the 70's and 80's wouls have not been what they were. It's criminal that they are not there. Leslie would have said that I guess we didn't kiss the right asses.
He also had a unique syncopation to his playing that ehanced his note choices- Theme is one of the great rock guitar solos
Leslie was the king of that sweet tone! Mountain were groundbreakers for the future of metal and hard rock. The volume, Sustain and tone he played with especially live were captivating. He has always been one of my favorites. since 1969!!
One of the greatest guitarists ever, with an unmatchable tone. Wish Leslie was still here, making records and playing live. Somebody once asked him why he didn't fill in the front pickup hole on his Flying V and Leslie said "oh I use it as an ashtray"! 👍
One of the very best
I have always loved Leslie West's playing. I can tell you most of the guys on Ben's channel know who he was! I saw a clip here on YT a couple of years ago of West playing live with Pater Frampton. He was in a wheelchair due to having his leg amputated because of diabetes complications. He could still wail on that LP Jr! RIP Mr West, your fans miss you!
Same here Ferd. Most guitar players know of him. I saw him and Johnny Winter man they were fantastic. Leslie could really wail the blues! Thanks for watching!
Saw West, Bruce,and Laing in Chicago in the early 70’s ….. My ears are still ringing….😊
Much respect to Leslie he really didn’t fly high like some did but could he sing and play. Still have his first 4
Never saw him play, but he influenced me as a kid when I was learning. He was big on 3 and 4 fret bends, which I did a lot, thanks to him. He was a "tasty" player. Still listen to him 50+ years later.
Mississippi Queen, legendary. The whole album was a gem.
After watching this video I had to dig out all of my Mountain records and go back about 50 years. I met Leslie at a show in Asheville, N.C. and he was one of the most gracious people that I'd ever met. When we got to the venue we found out that the show had sold out. I saw a big guy standing out on the loading dock smoking a cigarette. I went up to him and asked him if there were any overflow tickets available. He said that he didn't know because he never paid to see this group. We were getting ready to leave when a roadie came out with four tickets. He said "Mr. West hopes that you enjoy the show" and did we ever! I just listened to "Travelin' In The Dark" three times in a row. The way that he plays the solo on that song is nothing short of amazing. It sounds like two different guitarists trading off with each one of them having their own unique sound. Damn I miss that group!
I think the real measure of his greatness is who chose to play with him.
Went to see mountain at filmore east in early 70’s and couldn’t get in. Show was sold out, but could here show out side at back stage door. Very loud and good..Saw West and Lang at wingfest in Lakewood, nj in the 2000’s. Very good, but Leslie was tired.Had to sit out a few songs. I loved mountain and still listen to all their songs.
Leslie's tone was to die for! He was very influential.
Indeed, the King of Tone!
I was 13 when I heard " Mississippi Queen" blew me away and instantly a fan!
Just an iconic guitarist, who was seriously underated, ... l grew up listening to mountain in the early seventies.. Just a great rock and roll band.
l haven,t thought about Leslie west in a long time. Too long.
Thanx for remindng me.
✌️❤️😊
You're welcome! Appreciate you watching!
Great phrasing, and great tone! A real virtuoso also with the help of Felix Pappalardi legend
The road goes ever on is a great great live album the band at its best !
Mountain is always a go-to band. Just love the energy from West. I've dropped listening to many bands from the day, but still hold Mountain in high esteem.
My all-time !;! Favorite guitarist and mountain my favorite band. I saw mountain twice at the Masonic Temple in Detroit in the early 70 ;; 71 years. I played bass in a few ! Rock / roll bands early and late 70;;s. In the Detroit area. From his early sunn amps to hi watt amps. It was all him !;! Thanks ! So much ! For this video. I cried ! When I heard he passed. Wish I could have met him. Again ! Thanks. Real good work.
You're welcome. Appreciate you watching and your encouraging words.
Keep Doing What You Do.Salut.
Leslie West created a sound like no other. I remember the first time I heard Mississippi Queen and it just blew my mind. Truth be told, I still get a rush when I hear it and thats incredible. Leslie certainly deserved more acclaim than he received in his lifetime, but those who know, know.
I saw Mountain at Alfred tech circa 1970, my mind was blown! I still gotta dance when I hear Mississippi Queen, 54 years later!
@@lynnm6608 Keep dancing! You are so lucky to have seen Mountain in their prime! I never got that experience which is regrettable. But I can still turn Mississippi Queen up to 11 when it hits the airwaves!
My first concert was Mountain at The Warehouse in New Orleans (6.26.70). I'll never forget the feeling I got from Felix Pappalardi and Corky Laing's thunderous sound rumbling through the old red bricks and wooden rafters of this 100+ year old cotton warehouse. And Leslie West's rock solid guitar and big, powerful voice rising above what at times sounded like canons on the battlefield. Leslie West may not have received the attention afforded to players like Clapton, Page, Beck and Hendrix, but he easily stood up to a couple of those guys and his music was as important as anybody's.
Leslie was great ! Loved Mountain ! Saw him on late night music show in late 60’s . He was so underrated for some reason .
Leslie will always be one of the Greats !!!!!
Leslie West was the meanest and tastiest guitarist ever!! Simple but killer!! I miss him man!!
Leslie was exceptional , period !
I saw Mountain on a triple-bill in the ATL in late 1974 with Souther, Hillman, Furay, The Strawbs, and Mountain. Talk about eclectic!
Leslie was very underated i still cant get enough of his playing even after playing guitar myself for 50 odd years.
Always the badest
Thanks for the video… just like Carlos Santana Leslie West had his own style and tone. And I wore out many of his vinyl albums. Gone but not forgotten
You're welcome. Thanks for watching!
Im a die hard Leslie fan..I love all of his later albums....West Bruce and Laing...solo and Mountain....my favorite 70's Mountain album is Avalanche hands down....that tour was great as well....his later shows in the 80's and 90's were phenomenal.... he absolutely wailed....and his in-between banter was hilarious....
Good documentary. I'm an old hippy and guitarist who literally has worn out Nantucket Sleighride's studio and live albums. Leslie was a truly talented and underappreciated guitarist. His 2013 Album, "Still Climbing" was the zenith of a stellar career. RIP Leslie
The song " Never in my Life " rocked my mind when I was young in the 90's
My step dad played guitar and when he put on the album Climbing. I knew I was hooked to Leslie's style and sound.
I'd love to know what that guitar is in that old video.
You did a great job and great justice to the times and memory of this band and man.
A lot of bad Management back in those days, I'm 71 and experienced all these great musicians in real time and Bands were changing and reshaping overnight. Great Review about a very Under rated Guitarist..
Thank you.
I was in a band called Blackjack a had the honor of opening for Leslie West at a club named The Electric Ballroom in Milwaukee in I think it was 1977. He put on a great show. I'm not sure who was with him on bass and drums, but they were great guys. It was an experience I'll never forget.
I'm 71 and still jam to their live version of Get out my Life Woman. Solid rock at its best. I'm a drummer and their drummer makes me smile !
Very underrated. Mountain were, along with Cream, the Experience and Taste one of the great power trios. Their performance at Woodstock is one of the best sets and it's a great shame that it never made the movie.
Saw him at Harpo’s (now defunct) in Detroit. Great show and it was his birthday. They brought him out a big cake (probably the last thing he needed) and everybody sang Happy Birthday. Big dude, the guitar sure looked small.
Great tone and feeling. One of the greats. A legend in my opinion.
I loved Leslie West and Mountain - Mississipi Queen so much energy. Nantucket Sleighride such an emotive song.
Leslie was a brilliant guitarist, a raconteur and great character. Loved him.
Nantucket Sleigh ride will be played as long as people breathe. It's also my ringtone :) Bloody amazing song