Comments on: Albert Collins

By: Jack (John) Howley

Jack (John) Howley — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:45:20 +0000

I just happened across this blog. I too played with Albert as a sideman (rhythm guitar) when he was in Los Angeles. I can’t remember all the locations -Long Beach State College, Golden Bear in Huntington Beach and others. It must have been around 1971. He had a Drummer named Spider and Bass Player named John (I believe) and a horn section. He was one heck of a guit. player -full of energy. -very fond memories.

By: Taters

Taters — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 14:35:09 +0000

Michel – Johnny “Clyde” Copeland was a friend and yes, we worked together. I knew AC recorded w/ J Zorn. Haven’t heard it. AC also recorded with David Bowie too.

Jimbo – Curtis is a good pal. I love that guy.

TC – you’re welcome, friend. Larry has provided an oasis for many of us. He’s aces.

All – I put my email addie up a couple posts back upstream. Please feel free to use it. That goes for you too, Camera Guy.

In the meantime, check out Larry’s powerful piece – “It Ain’t the Pentagon, It Is Congress”
Happy Thanksgiving

By: TC

TC — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:32:37 +0000

Wow, as if I need another reason to read NQ. Thanks Larry and thanks for peoples’ contributions. I’m a big SRV, Al Collins, hell, blues fan in general. Anyway, thanks again Larry and Taters.

By: Jimbo

Jimbo — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:32:25 +0000

Great thread everyone. I used to see Robert Cray at the local bars in the Northwest back in the ’70′s. Back when he and Curtis Salgado inspired The Blues Brothers. Those were good days! This thread brings back a lot of great music memories.

By: camera guy

camera guy — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:57:30 +0000

Late in responding…

Another reason to respect Albert Colllins (and Muddy, and you, for that matter…)

I’m also a Tele kinda guy. Not in any of your leagues, of course, not remotely. Still, I’ve owned two SGs, one Guild Bluesbird (breaks my heart to have let that one go), one Guild X-50, and two Teles. Got one SG and one Tele now. Love the feel of it. Love the sound of it. My previous one – an old “Leo” Thinline, I hot-rodded to a scary degree. This one I’m leaving alone for the moment. Maybe I’ll find some project guitar over the winter, or something…

Enough. Time to stop, before I start boring people.

By: Michel

Michel — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:25:15 +0000

Taters, how about another great Texas axeman, a buddy of Albert if I’m not mistaken: Johnny Copeland, the Texas Twister? You ever played with him?
Also, did anybody ever hear one of Albert’s more “unusual” contribution: playing on a long cut on John Zorn’s album “Spillane” from the late 80s with Ronald Shannon Jackson on drums…??!
Playing Zorn would indicate a great deal of ‘versatility’ on Albert’s part…!!!! But we knew that….

By: Taters

Taters — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 13:22:51 +0000

Thinker, Smoky Joe, Michel, Hoosier Hoops and anybody I missed – thank you very much for your comments & responses.
Please feel free to contact me at
nagoyaDOTkidAThotmailDOTcom

And again, Larry, Susan – thank you for giving me the opportunity to share. And Leslie, thanks for your help.

By: Thinker

Thinker — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 06:05:53 +0000

Taters, I was expecting Iraq, Iran, President Bush, the Moonies to work their way into your humble piece, but then I realised this board needed a bit of celebration and you provided it.

There are many fine names mentioned who have done a fine job making a whole lot of people happy with their fine talent.

Thankyou for the restbite, Taters.

By: HoosierHoops

HoosierHoops — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:07:43 +0000

I nominate Taters to be the No Quarter music Correspondent.. Do I have a second?

By: Michel

Michel — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:24:13 +0000

Who woulda thought?? A music column on No Quarter!!
Great stuff!!
Not only that, but Blues!!
And personal insights about the Iceman!!!
Great job, Taters, thanks!!!

By: Taters

Taters — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 01:06:42 +0000

Happy Birthday Mr. M and many, many happy returns!
I meant to say that earlier,I beg your pardon.

By: PrchrLady

PrchrLady — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:48:18 +0000

what a great thread everyone… thanks for opening up- and reminding me of so many things that I had seemed to forget… a trip down memory lane… Thanks for the WONDERFUL stories of these men… I have also learned a LOT>>> would someone put together a playlist which has samples of some of each of these artists? I would like to watch and listen to more of the legends of our time. Thanks again, Taters. And great summation Mr. M….

By: Smoky Joe

Smoky Joe — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 23:55:22 +0000

After the fire in my car, “Gate” told me I should get it running right before I had it painted nice.
He did not suffer fools lightly.
After about 15 years and about a dozen shows he still never knew my name!
He called me his Indian friend. I am about 1/4.
Had many a long smoke wit the man, and he was “The Man”!
On par on his best nights with Muddy,Jimi,Robert J., B.B.,Albert, Etc:.
Eqipment missing that day was a Keyboard Road Case
and it was not snowing although we were in Buffalo, NY. Just to keep things factual!
Ask T-Boy about the day I was stage mgr. for Johnny Adams, Otis Rush, Anson Funderburg and Blind Sam Myers, Earl King was the man my band backed up that day, also there was Rockin Doopsie and the Zydeco Twisters, Mylo, and 7 local bands.
TBoy was a stage hand that day
Quite a show

By: hoosierhoops

hoosierhoops — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 23:33:29 +0000

Taters: Awesome post
Robert Cray is one of my fav’s.
He was the first blues player i ever heard that broke out of that 1-4-5 and 12 bar blues mold.
He really expanded peoples View of blues..

By: TBoy

TBoy — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 21:51:07 +0000

Speaking of “The Pipe”. Once when Gate was playing in Albuquerque some thugs broke into his van and stole a bunch of equipment. When the local ABQ police came to fill out a report Gate was huffing and puffing on that pipe. ABQs finest are not now and were not then known as a gentle police force. They were not given to looking the other way. Especially late at night downtown. Gatemouth had such a regal, dignified presence that they left him alone. We were all amazed.

BTW – most of my local Opelousas-Lafayette friends pronounce his name “Gate-mout” because the French language influence makes the TeeHaych sound difficult.

Gate was a mean old man. My harp playing friend Smokin’Joe Mancuso was transporting him to a show in a Buffalo snow storm when Joe’s car caught on fire. There’s a ton more to the story – I’ll ask Joe to comment on it because I’ll screw it up. The story is so funny you are at risk of peeing your pants.

Thank you so much for recognizing the meat and potatoes of US music. Albert Collins came from good stock.

TBoy