Larry was here Wednesday night 5/16 at Yoshi's in Oakland. Couldn't go. Only 5 weeks after my complex spinal surgery and just made the decision to stay home rather than commute in rush hour for 90 minutes, at least an hour for the show, then another hour home.
Really sorry I couldn't do it because the last time I caught Larry was 12 years ago at the same club. He really, REALLY blew me away. And last night I was offered two free tickets from a friend at a local radio station. Larry is such a rhythmic and soulful player who never tries to blow you away with his speed. You know what I'm sayin'.............dude just has the TOUCH. That night in 2005 was the 3rd or 4th time I've seen him and he's always really good.
Anyway, I've just never got around to exploring Larry Carlton on disc. The only thing I have is "Friends" but that is well over 25 years old. Good record but it doesn't knock me out, either.
So.........for Carlton fans........where do I go next? I'd like to get some stuff released within the last 15 years or so but have NO clue as to where to start. THX..............
Oh, because I know that SOMEONE will bring it up........YES, I have Steely Dan's "Aja" record, and yes, I know that Larry is ALL over it. WHAT a record. Walter Becker in a recent AXS documentary on the Aja record: "We went through all kinds of guitar players but we couldn't find the sound we wanted. Then Larry walked in."
[Edited on 5/19/2018 by robslob]
Hey Rob let me recommend Renegade Gentlemen this record is different than any other of Larry’s solo stuff, but it’s a jamming rock record which definitely shows Larry can stand toe to toe with any rock guitarist. It is very Southern Rock (ABB?) influenced record. All tracks are good and Larry shares the spotlight with a harmonica player who’s name escapes me who I believe sings as well. Also I highly recommend Larry Carlton and Robben Ford Live In Japan. Smoking guitar record! Both of these guitarists solo records can be hit or miss especially Robben’s recent efforts IMO. However, this record it a guitar tour de force. I know you’ll enjoy these two suggestions. Peace Bro.
The only one of his albums I've ever owned was his eponymous one from 40 years ago, which doesn't help you much.
Personally, I like his work with The Crusaders and Joni Mitchell more than any of his solo stuff that I've heard.
The Crusaders--Those Southern Knights is the one that really made me a Larry Carlton fan. Was fortunate enough to catch the supporting tour of this albums release.
Here's the first track> Spiral>
The Crusaders-Those Southern Knights
1. Spiral
2. Keep That Same Old Feeling
3. My Mama Told Me
4. Til The Sun Shines
5. And Then There Was The Blues
6. Serenity
7. Feeling Funky
Bass – Robert "Pops" Popwell*
Drums, Percussion – "Stix" Hooper
Guitar – Arthur Adams, Larry Carlton
Keyboards – Joe Sample
Tenor Saxophone – Wilton Felder
Trombone – Wayne Henderson
[Edited on 5/19/2018 by IF]
always a big fan of Larrry Carlton, from the 70 s.............Lots of great stuff, Crusaders, Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell.........JUST GIVEE YOU A FEW EARLIER STUFF FROM MY CD RACK....
1... Larry Carlton... self titled
2...Sleepwalk
3. Discoverry
4...Kid Gloves
5...Larry and Lee.............
Lots of great suggestions here and much appreciated. Got Renegade Gentlemen and Carlton with Ford on my list. I remember when that Carlton/Ford record came out but I had completely forgotten about it! So thanks Charles.
For yankweed: Any chance you can pick your favorite two of those? Also, a question about "Larry Carlton": Isn't that his first solo record? I know it's really old but regardless, I've heard Larry was really accomplished at a young age so I'm assuming it's really good, eh?
Larry and lee"....sleepwalker,... If I'm pickin two, he had a live album like 80 s was very good too.nenjoy,, also Fourplay stuff is good, if u so inclined
Hey Rob, glad you're doing well.
I've been enjoying this Christmas cd for many years. It's wonderful!
You can a cd copy for a buck at Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-at-House-Larry-Carlton/dp/B000002O6F
Larry Carlton---Larry Carlton
[Edited on 5/25/2018 by IF]
Rob......If ur in the Fort Wayne area Larry is one of the featured guests at Sweetwater Gear Fest next month......big fun !!
I've always thought those Crusaders albums with Carlton were fantastic. I'll definitely have to see if I can find Southern Knights somewhere.
For all those Crusaders fans...
The Crusaders
So Far Away>
Scratch-The Crusaders
Recorded Live @ The Roxy
1. Scratch
2. Eleanor Rigby
3. Hard Times
4. So Far Away
5. Way Back Home
Bass – Max Bennett
Drums – Stix Hooper
Guitar – Larry Carlton
Keyboards – Joe Sample
Tenor Saxophone – Wilton Felder
Trombone – Wayne Henderson
The early 2000s album 'Sapphire Blue' is a good album as well; he played some of the tunes from it at the '04 Crossroads Fest in Dallas. Shortly after he released 'Fire Wire', which is also an underrated album.
