Spankys playhouse part one. If you would like to order this DVD send $24.00 to paypal address aztec37a@aol.com. This includes shipping in the USA. Call for more info: 843-409-6500
Spanky always took time out from the session to jam with other studio musicians and trade licks. He was very humble. Spank's religious beliefs were the back bone of his talents. We always took time to Pray before and after all sessions. One Prayer with the Stylistics when on for over 30 mins.
I'm going to tell one more Spanky story then I'm done. We were recording a big band record for the Gatlin Brothers and Spanky came in just after we had cut the rhythm track and without even hearing the track he grabbed the Bass guitar and nailed the Bass part in one take. This song took me about 5 takes on drums while reading a chart. He was just so amazing in the studio. We miss Spanky every day. God Bless him, Fred Shaw
I met Spanky in Oakland while he was touring with Roy Hardgrove and RH Factor. He was very charming and completely willing to talk shop with me after the show. I hadn't known until then that his sound was a huge part of what I loved about the recordings he played on. He even co-wrote my favorite song on the Hard Groove album, "How I Know." Just found out today that he passed. May he rest in peace.
Heard of Spanky many many years ago, talked to many guitarist who played with him or knew him. All spoke very highly of his playing skills. Never met him and was very surprised to have learned of his passing. Talent off the charts, he was well respected in his craft.
I came here from Michael Angelo Batio jazz video. One of the comment is from a guitar store owner who knew Spanky and on one guitar clinic MAB and Spanky jammed and MAB liked him a lot. He ended up helping Spanky to get a guitar.
I'm gonna have to admit that this is the 1st time i've heard of Spanky, and, hands down he is the best. 0:09 to 0:12 trip me out, and that was just the begining of this clip...hands straight down, my allll time fav.
Sitting here listening and learning. And I'm reminded of just how rich & fat sounding a Gibson L-5 sounds with only a touch of reverb, and a highly skilled musician to play it. Chalmers 'Spanky' Alford was truly an underappreciated musical gift to the world. Respect and RIP.
This man was outstanding ! Watch RH Factor live @ Montreal in 2003 with Spanky, it's heaven ! He's a constant inspiration to me ! thnaks for posting this great vid !
If you would like an MPEG-4 video of Sparky Alford PayPal me $24 to aztec37a@aol.com. Feel free to call me with any questions at 843-409-6500. Best regards, Fred Shaw
Spanky's death was due to complications with diabetes. He had lost both legs just below his knees. when I met Spanky in 1998 he was complaining of pain in his feet. In this video he had already lost his left leg and seemed to be doing well with his prosthetic leg.
Let me tell you why he had to count frets. This guy was so knowledgeable about the guitar and theory that anything he played he could play in several positions on the guitar. The frets were almost inconsequential because he could shape almost any chord from any position. I played with Spanky for two years and this guys was limitless on the guitar (and bass).
Can someone please tell me the model of guitar Spanky's playing in this video? R.I.P. to a true master of his instrument and possessor of a uniquely beautiful and sophisticated sound.
Where can you purchase this video? Spanky was the best. Watching and Listening to this remarkable gentlemen though the years has had a profound affect on my playing style.
@bradleyhousemusic Hello, Fred, Is there any way we can get the DVD shipped to Buenos Aires, Argentina? Thank you for all the great videos you shared, they are absolutely amazing and we would love to get the full DVD here. So inspirational. Spanky is one of the best guitar players ive ever seen but not so popular around here unfortunately. Thank you so much!
Honestly.....practice. He practiced all the time. Being playing professionally since he was 14. According to his wife, he would call out chord combinations in his sleep.
