When I was in grammar school I knew Ricky Nelson who was an "older boy" (ie: teenagers) and I remember how excited he was when he told me he'd found "this really neat guitar player"...James Burton. Burton was from what seemed like then "far off Louisiana" and he lived with the Nelson family for several years.

The neighborhood kids knew Ricky as an excellent tennis player and we were somewhat dumbfounded that he gave up tennis for music.


Anybody here ever see Burton live and in person?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014-02-02 21:16 by stonesrule.

Yep.



May 2007 in Belfast, when he played here with Billy Swann.

A real gent. His memory wasnt quite what it used to be (I gave him a copy of the 'return to sin city - Tribute to Gram Parsons' DVD to sign and he didnt seem to realise that he had played on it) but he sure as hell hadnt forgotten how to play the guitar.

He was still playing it behind his head like he used to do when he toured with Elvis.

One of my very favorite guitar players.

........................................................... circa 1955-56



ROCKMAN

His playing on the Gram albums is absolutely stellar.

Unfortunately, I haven't seen him in concert.

............................................................................................................... Circa 1965



ROCKMAN

ROCKMAN

Saw him a couple of times in the last few years playing with the Elvis show. Still very impressive.

James is great circa 1969/1970 with Elvis Presley. His guitar work on Mystery Train/Tiger Man is amazing. You'll find it on the In Person Live @ The International. I also like his work on Reconsider Baby from Prince from Another Planet, Madison Square Garden, cd.

Additionally, James really makes the Jerry Lee Lewis album from 1979, Jerry Lee's first for Elektra, something else. He also made King of America by the other Elvis, Costello, and Kojak Variety, too, great albums with his guitar work.

Tommy Cassel - Go Ahead On - Cassel Records 1958 --- James Burton guitar



ROCKMAN

Dale Hawkins -- Susie-Q Checker Records 1957 -- James Burton guitar



ROCKMAN

Thanks for all this Rockee.

Have never seen him but certainly have enjoyed his work on records. Hugely influential obviously.

I saw him play with Dale Hawkins about 5-6 years ago at the Ponderosa Stomp in New Orleans. He's one of the rockabilly guitar templates.

James Burton talks about his days with Elvis Presley.

a true southern gent...he and Jerry Scheff with the animal Ron Tutt made great sounds...you had to with a powerhouse vocalist...Polk Salad Annie from Red Hot in Richmond, phew...

Superb guitarist. I enjoy his playing Ricky Nelson's Believe What You Say.

Quote
tomcasagranda
James is great circa 1969/1970 with Elvis Presley. His guitar work on Mystery Train/Tiger Man is amazing. You'll find it on the In Person Live @ The International. I also like his work on Reconsider Baby from Prince from Another Planet, Madison Square Garden, cd.

Yes, indeed. I remember when I first heard this live version of Mystery Train/Tiger Man, and his guitar playing did really impressed me.

And here's James again (this time with Rick Nelson) playing a song that many Deep Purple fans will recognize.

Sat next to him in Copenhagen airport in 2007. We talked for over an hour. Really nice, easy going guy. Asked him a bunch of questions about Keith and he only had wonderful things to say. When waiting for our luggage in Atlanta, he came over and talked a bit more. He was going home to Louisiana or Arkansas. He gave me one of his flaming guitar picks with his name. What a guy!

any guy who can make this song sound good... yeah he rocks!

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Keef1966




any guy who can make this song sound good... yeah he rocks!

I've never seen Peter Noone in a bob...quite effeminate.

Patty Duke was the hippest chick... here's a great version of her doing England Swings. Check out the Rolling Stones line she adds to the song.
Sorry if I got off the subject a little.

One of the all-time greats ! lucky to see him playing in Jerry Lee Lewis's band about 15 years ago in a little club on Martha's Vineyard-- the guy was awesome !

Hello,

Best thread on IORR in ages! Some terrific shares...excepting the below from the New Brighton Guitar Festival in Nov 2009...









Listen, I know sod-all about guitars and guitarists but I love this guy's playing!

Cheers,

Simon.

Love his commitment and love of Elvis...very dedicated.

Rick Nelson - Don't Leave Me This Way --- James Burton acoustic/solo



ROCKMAN

Always nice if someone not that famous (at least not for me) getting some attention on IORR

__________________________

He was using the paisley Telecaster before anybody else did...fashion baby! Fashion...

Keith about James (2004)...





Keith and James together...





have fun with them!