Makes all of us smile fellas! Seriously can’t wait for this album… I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched that jam session yall did on Papa’s channel… The chemistry between you guys is pretty magical! No egos, just a lifetime of exploring and prolly the most instant musical empathy I’ve ever seen between 2 musicians. I’ve shared it with so so so many people musicians and music enthusiasts alike…
Oh man, I made a mention! Very kind of you Tom. Thanks. I'm a happy guy. Blessed to be here. Was originally told I'd be lucky to live another three months. I'm on bonus time! I've seen my kids marry and have their own kids. It's a great ride. Also had 22 inches of cancer cut out of my face/head in the last decade. I have the trifecta of bad genes...but apparently...cannot be killed...there can be, only one! haha
The moment Uncle Larry earned my “Good Dude” seal of approval. I scoured RU-vid looking for clips of the Willie Nelson’s 90th B-Day celebration. I found a audience clip of the grand finale where all the musicians come out at the end for the final encore. As a sea of famous great musicians poured onto the stage, I see Uncle Larry just taking it all in with the biggest smile on his face, but ever ready to hold down his humble sideman responsibility on a moments notice. As Warren Haynes walked by Larry, Larry noticed something is not right with Warren. Larry signals to Warren and got his attention, and the two talked for a moment. Next thing I see is Larry taking off his Strat and placing it on Warren. Larry insisted that Warren take his guitar. Why, because Larry at that moment decided that Warren should be playing it instead of him at that grand gala. Larry humbly gave up that once in a lifetime opportunity to serve and pay respect to another. And that my friends was the moment Uncle Larry earned my “Good Dude” seal of approval.
You used to be basically an insiders great player a name on albums under the title Guitar: Which is phenomenal in itself Now youre world famous known by many being on the same list as all the greats. Wow. So well deserved. Youre loved by many. With these videos youve exploded to the top. Youve been outed. Mind blowing achievement Tom and I think I speak for all when I say it couldnt have happened to an obviously nicer guy. We love you brother. Youre an inspiration to music lovers and guitar players specifically everywhere. Good on you man. Good on you. The best to you
I love the "deal" analogy. Years ago at a gig, in the middle of a song, I looked down at my guitar, smiled, and it just popped into my head, "Wow, here we are, after all these years, all the shit we've been through, it's still you and me." My friend, my companion. My passion. I can't imagine what my life would have been like without the guitar.
If there’s a handful of players as good, or better than you, I’d like to know who they are. No slight to them, just saying, I’ve been watching for 3yrs since you began this page and the things you can do on guitar are other worldly and you make it look easy. I don’t think I’d agree with your, “no name session guy.” Comment. I’ve heard the name Tom Bukovac many times thru the years, but this page has opened many of us up to the man, player, and the personality that is uncle Larry. Thank you sir.
He is helping us in and out of the business by leaps and bounds. Getting others recognized that may have been forgotten or not known to many, to the guy that just wants to learn some exellent guitar techmique. Awesome!
I love it, Man. Ram is one of my all time favorite albums. It's the first album (LP) that I claimed as my own. Every time there was another format out, 8-track, cassette, CD... Ram was always the first album I bought to play on it. Great stuff, Admiral Tommy/Uncle Larry!
I spent the summers of 84 and 85 working in downtown Cleveland, right next to the Cuyahoga river. Got to know a few guys and played on a softball team and I know what you're talking about, the folks there are down to earth, tough and hard working. Big sports fans that love to drink beer! I really enjoyed my time there!
Uncle Larry as always, you offer the kind of wisdom we all need to hear. If most of us Home Skooler's are honest with ourselves, we know the deadpool comparing ourselves to guitar masters (like yourself) will lead to. True words you speak. Play this thing, make music that is all about the joy and pleasure of it. Besides, all our heros became heros because they make music for the love it and nothing else. I can't imagine life without this strange piece of wood and strings in my hands. THANK YOU for keeping us headed in the right direction.
Thank you Tom for that bit about competing with others. I remember an older video where you said that "I don't know if anyone ever told you this, but the guitar is fucking hard to play". It was just a simple thing, but i often think about you saying that and it makes me feel better. A while back, my buddy was playing May You Never by John Martyn on my acoustic and I thought to myself "man, it would be nice to be able to play guitar", even though I've played for most of my life. I guess it was a moment when I remembered how cool it is to make an inanimate object sing. God I love guitars. Anyway, thanks again!
I was pondering in my brain what it is about Uncle Larry that has earned him a place in my heart not only as an all-time favorite guitarist but also my favorite musical hang on RU-vid. Is it his rugged good looks? His unapologetic approach to guitar face in the kitchen? Or perhaps it's his occasional musings that serve as a fount of wisdom for life, not just music? Maybe it's some of that, but mostly it's his playing that is, to me, uniquely interesting and stirs my OWN imaginations. Some folks like the thousand-notes-per minute approach of some modern guitar 'afficionados', but give me Larry with an emotionally connected story-telling approach to guitar every damn time. It's like listening to a street smart lay-person challenging you with insightful, relatable words and ideas that will get you thinking for yourself vs. a bone-dry high browed professor choosing five dollar words nobody uses to convey obscure concepts that few can relate to. I hope that comes across like the high compliment its meant to be. It makes sense in my brain, anyways.
Tom! I’ve listened to almost all of your videos. This might be my favorite. Your kind words to the viewer that suffered a stroke were beautiful and classic Tommy B. Opening your heart and soul to your viewers daily is amazing! Thank you. I appreciate you man!✌️❤️
I bought McCartney’s first solo album and Ram when they were released. Still listening to them today. To me, the best solo Beatles albums. Then there’s Plastic Ono Band, Band On The Run and All Things Must Pass. Die hard lifer
Dear Uncle Larry, The year is flying by so fast and I want to thank you for all the Guitar tutelage you have imparted upon us home schoolers so far this year , also I love Rush and have most of their albums, but I must admit that Geddy Lee's voice sounded like a Banshee from the Highlands of Scotland when I first heard the band. His voice grows on you! ( In Arnies voice "It's not a tumor!")
Camera Eye. Best song on MP. Love the drum fill he does before the main theme comes in…right before the tempo picks up. I learned to do that fill with muted “Chaka chakas” on my guitar.
Hi Tom, thanks for the great lessons, I always talk you up brah! I'm completely guitarded from a very young age as well.. You've taught me much, thank you! I shook hands with Alex Lifeson and Steve Howe, snuck backstage both times.. :)
Ram rules. The rumor is Paul called the song “Ram on” because he used to call himself Paul or sometimes Paulina Ramon. (Ram On). One of the best albums of all time. Where would the current crop of shoe gazing hipsters we all love be without it? Well done as always. Especially love the little feedback moment as you kick into it.
I saw SRV on his first European tour, in a decent size theatre. It was the loudest thing I have ever heard, Gary Moore in a close second place.Full crowd in front of the high stage, us guitarnerds in front of his amps. First song, "Scuttle Buttin´" and the space in front of his amps was cleared: No one could stand there. He had a Dumble, a Marshall PA-amp on 4 X 12"´s, 2 Vibroverbs and a Vibrotone. It was soo loud and so noisy and so bright you could´nt stand being in front of it, like standing in a hailstorm of glass shards... It was awful, painfull... I moved away and back, and through the P.A. it was OK, the only time I was close to the stage was when he sat on the edge of the stage playing "Lenny" right in front of me, his snakeskin boot a foot away.... Saw him twice, second time on a festival in Denmark, and on that stage the volume worked.
Comparison is the thief of joy. Its pretty natural to compare yourself to other people and get down about your playing, but you just have to remember why you started playing in the first place, for the love of music. Tom I love the super important topics you dive into in these videos. Thanks for all you do!
Jeff Beck was the LOUDEST, saw him many times, he peaked in the later 70's with his Marshall heads feeding into Sunn power amps, going thru three Univox six pack cabs. I weaseled my way up front and paid the price.....Jeff would stand to the side and look at all the guitar geeks in the front row getting pummeled.
You wouldn't guess by looking at her, but I had the honour of playing the same event as Kathleen Yearwood, and she was the loudest I've ever heard. I had the psychosomatic sensation of warm liquid running out my ears. I usually don't like it so loud, but it was a great experience. She looks really unassuming and gentle. There's a lot of angst and volume in her shows.
Beautiful Black Beauty there Uncle Larry. I got a '72 that I put in a new wiring harness and pots, speed knobs and Pearly Gates pups. Probably brought the value down but it plays great. Cheers!
I really love your tributes to the fab four, together or individually. They make me feel like we're on the same side and make me think that the important ratings, the musical culture, the years on the records... well those are things you can't buy. Thanks Prof
Hey Tom. I know exactly what you mean about "being in the mix". When my guitar is super loud, it freaks me out & messes with my playing, too. I've worked so hard at getting my sound to 'fit' in with everything else, both volume and frequency-wise, depending on the other instruments, etc. That's such a big part of my 'tone' - sitting in great with everything else. That's the point. Keep rocking!
Down on Main St., love it. Make a deal with your guitar, yessir, f**8 everything around you folks, you and your guiatr and do the best you can, make that deal today.
Amen Unc!! It’s not a competition!! Just enjoy the music. Thank you for saying that. Man growing up playing in this town I heard so many guys slam another player because they weren’t the best. What always got me off is seeing a band up there truly having fun, laughing at themselves when they did make a mistake. As long as the spirit of the song was there and everyone was on their feet I was all in!
I saw SRV in Columbus probably a year or so before he passed. I'll never forget this moment, near the end of Voodoo Child, when he turned, walked back to the amps and in the most casual way you can imagine, turned the volume of every single one of his amps (there must have been five or six) wide open. It was just ridiculously unhinged.
Same. If I’m too loud I play poorly. I feel like being “in the mix” is the best way to compliment any song. And after all, that’s what we really there to do. Compliment.
Playing for enjoyment! Right on, Uncle Larry! I'm currently laughing my ass off as I try to play the Bosa Nova on a 12-string acoustic. Who knows where it will lead? Learning about guitars and music is pure enjoyment!
At this point in time and in my life the guitar is probably the most important inanimate object to me. Of course the people in my life are most important but that stringed instrument keeps me grounded. I'll never play out and nobody wants to hear me play but to me, it's a game changer. The guitar takes me places I could never have imagined. I love the tone I get from my modest gear and I love how much of a challenge the instrument presents to me. I am only in competition with myself to get better and learn new things. Without the guitar I'd be lost. I sympathize with that guy who lost use of his arm for a decade. I don't know how I would have handled that.
i always learn something and enjoy getting a good chuckle.I head to your channel after lessons or if i have a cancellation. I'm a guitar teacher. you always inspire! you're chord melodies are awesome. can you share with us schoolers how important the use of the pinky is? the possible most powerful finger in the arsenal. thanks for your continued sharing . also, i have returned to a love of a particular Pennsylvania beer
I heard you playing that song at the beginning of the video and I said to myself. That's one of my favorite tunes of all time , the whole album is a treat. When it first came out I played it over and over again. Really nice rendition.
When you talk about loudest - in a club, Eric Johnson at the Stone in SF, people would get to the stage, and then retreat, because you would just melt if you got close. My buddy and I had our backs to the wall and even then with plugs it was crushing. At a bigger venue, Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush made Winterland breathe it was so loud, but also awesome.
Possibly the loudest band ever, Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs early 1970's Australia. Legendary stories. At one gig they damaged the foundations of the Melbourne Town Hall. Part of the concert is on youtube. Their TV performance of 'Mama' live on GTK is phenomenal (1971). Of course during the sound check they blew up the studio sound system. Their gear was custom made.Thats the same Billy Thorpe that did Children of the Sun with Leland Sklar in 1979.
Tom, I come here for the playing AND conversation. Thanks for both! Great to hear the snippet of "Main Street". I love that tune - from fellow Michigander Bob Seger. Props to fellow viewer Rick and best wishes for his health - he's like loads of us out here who have the same love for the guitar as you do Tom, and we realize that we aren't pros. We just love playing.
Your wise commentary never ceases to amaze - so much to digest with this one. "Red Barchetta" has the most awesome song lyrics. After almost 3 years of watching these wonderful videos I still can't get over how you get that great sound on RU-vid from your kitchen (or wherever in this or the prior house) recording with an iPhone. Granted, the primo amps, guitars and pedals you use don't hurt, but still... I think it's mostly your brain and fingers. Why am I not surprised that Uncle Larry does not own any leather pants?
As you were playing the intro, I was thinking "thats one hell of a classic sounding guitar" , so I was delighted to heart your thoughts on that guitar. Really quite a sound , there.
Hey Tommy! Absolutely Love Love ❤ Your channel and your Outlook regarding life in general. You are one hilarious dude my friend 🤣 It is the best part of my day watching these videos! Pure gold! I've learned so much about my own approach to playing in the past 6 months of watching you and listening to you, Then I have possibly in my 46 years of playing. Anyways, I wanted to just briefly talk about Danny Gatton since you brought him up, and just let you know that although his Tone has been characterized from some as piercing, I can say with complete confidence that you would have thoroughly enjoyed any and every Show comfortably! If anything, Danny always played with the group in mind! My father, Billy Windsor, was Danny's best friend, rhythm guitar player, and singer, in Danny's band, in the later years. I spent my whole life around Danny, and his playing was Life changing to me! I can honestly say that you are the only guitar player that has moved me in that way as well! Thank you again for providing us and the other class members with such priceless knowledge and insight into your approach to guitar and making MUSIC 🎶
Hey Larry, thanks for the string mfr and gauge comment. I always wondered about that. You may possibly have the most musical mind in the history of mankind. Even when you are just messing around, it sounds like a masterpiece!
It’s cool watching these videos and seeing the different guitars. I remember when before you was uncle Larry and I had to do detective work to see you and I would instantly notice you by the black beauty but now the Burst is your standard. Seeing this video was a cool flash back of the modern day struggle when I had to figure who the player was making all the sounds I liked on all these records. Modern day reading the linear notes!
