Les Paul Review Part 2
August 13 2009
During every performance, Les is joined on stage by someone who just happens to drop in. In an interview after the show, I asked Les who the most famous person was ever to ‘drop-in’? Without hesitation he said, “Paul McCartney”. Asked if he could choose anybody in the world -dead or alive - to join him on stage he replied “Franklin D. Roosevelt”, explaining his reason as “I’ve played for him, I knew him and he was a terribly interesting man. I loved to play him his favourite song, ‘Home On The Range’. It also pleased me to know that Eisenhower’s wife Mamie’s favourite song was ‘Vaya Con Dios’”.
Other famous names who have joined him on stage in recent times are: Keith Richards, Steve Miller, George Benson and Tony Bennett. On this particular night, he was joined by a new Nashville singer, Muriel Anderson. During her wonderful performance of ‘Vincent’ you could have heard a pin drop, it was mesmerising. Marty Alexander gave a rousing and somewhat frenzied piano recital. Then out of the blue up stepped ex-Rolling Stone Mick Taylor. Unfortunately Les didn’t really know who he was. In fact his appearance had changed so much in recent years, even a devoted Stones fan may not have instantly recognised him. Nonetheless, his performance was equally spellbinding.
If you ever find yourself in New York on a Monday evening, it’s well worth a visit. At a minimum cost of $40, it’s an inexpensive night out considering you are witnessing a legend at work.
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August 13 2009
During every performance, Les is joined on stage by someone who just happens to drop in. In an interview after the show, I asked Les who the most famous person was ever to ‘drop-in’? Without hesitation he said, “Paul McCartney”. Asked if he could choose anybody in the world -dead or alive - to join him on stage he replied “Franklin D. Roosevelt”, explaining his reason as “I’ve played for him, I knew him and he was a terribly interesting man. I loved to play him his favourite song, ‘Home On The Range’. It also pleased me to know that Eisenhower’s wife Mamie’s favourite song was ‘Vaya Con Dios’”.
Other famous names who have joined him on stage in recent times are: Keith Richards, Steve Miller, George Benson and Tony Bennett. On this particular night, he was joined by a new Nashville singer, Muriel Anderson. During her wonderful performance of ‘Vincent’ you could have heard a pin drop, it was mesmerising. Marty Alexander gave a rousing and somewhat frenzied piano recital. Then out of the blue up stepped ex-Rolling Stone Mick Taylor. Unfortunately Les didn’t really know who he was. In fact his appearance had changed so much in recent years, even a devoted Stones fan may not have instantly recognised him. Nonetheless, his performance was equally spellbinding.
If you ever find yourself in New York on a Monday evening, it’s well worth a visit. At a minimum cost of $40, it’s an inexpensive night out considering you are witnessing a legend at work.
<<back to news