Danny Gatton — Harlem Nocturne
Album: American MusicAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2773
Length: 4:01
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(Instrumental)
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Fabulous rendition of Harlem Nocturne. While digging around, I discovered Danny did a cover of "The Simpsons" theme song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiMeGGq0DX8 I'm not comparing these two songs -- I just thought this was interesting. ;-)
makes me think of Roy Buchanan
tripp1 wrote:
You lucky duck! I wish that I could have been there too!!
Danny Gatton was absolutely an amazing guitarist. I saw him live a few times around the D.C. area with his band. Then as a total surprise in 1989 I was going to brunch in a hotel in Va. by Tyson's Corner with family. We walked in to the restaurant and noticed 2 guys with acoustic guitars playing in the corner as our "musical entertainment" for our meal. They were very good. They played assorted instrumentals. Toward the end of the meal they introduced themselves. It was Danny Gatton and a friend. When we were leaving they were taking a break. I went over and thanked Danny for all his playing. He was very appreciative. Mad my Sunday!
You lucky duck! I wish that I could have been there too!!
Nice noodling on the organ :o)
Danny Gatton was absolutely an amazing guitarist. I saw him live a few times around the D.C. area with his band. Then as a total surprise in 1989 I was going to brunch in a hotel in Va. by Tyson's Corner with family. We walked in to the restaurant and noticed 2 guys with acoustic guitars playing in the corner as our "musical entertainment" for our meal. They were very good. They played assorted instrumentals. Toward the end of the meal they introduced themselves. It was Danny Gatton and a friend. When we were leaving they were taking a break. I went over and thanked Danny for all his playing. He was very appreciative. Mad my Sunday!
all_ears wrote:
That is why we all come here. Thanx RP!
THIS is why I come to RP. As much music as I have and I've listened to (like many here), I had not heard of Danny before. Damn, been missing out. Often, great regional acts couldn't tour the whole country (or internationally) due to the expense, and you might never get to see some real talent in your local market. Nice this interweb thing brings me stuff that never tours here in fly-over country.
That is why we all come here. Thanx RP!
We old folk here in the DC region thank you RP!
Wow that organ! Actually the guitar too. It’s all so stellar.
I love that RP plays Danny Gatton!! Our local guitar hero! I have lived around DC and used to go see him every chance I got. The guys who used to play with him are still keeping his legacy and talent alive in the area. Check out our film Anacostia Delta to get a taste of the living legacy of DG - and Roy Buchanan. www.anacostiadelta.com
A Jazz standard composed in 1939 by Earl Hagen & Dick Rogers for the Ray Noble Orchestra. They were members. According to Wiki. This is my favorite version!! Thanx RP!
Arrggg!
It's the blues.
Now I'm sad.
It's the blues.
Now I'm sad.
Love this. And never heard it before RP. Thx BillG
xrdstv wrote:
Good ear.
If my ears are correct, there is a very short clip of this song in the Black Books episode, "A little flutter'.
Good ear.
I had totally forgotten this guy, remembered Buchanan but not Gatton. My loss, thanks Bill for reminding me of this late great guitarist!
grandemarch wrote:
It's Dick Heintze. Holloman plays saxophone (but he doesn't play in this album, sax is played by Ralph McDuffie and Ted Efantis)
Thank You for the info. GREAT TUNE!!
It's Dick Heintze. Holloman plays saxophone (but he doesn't play in this album, sax is played by Ralph McDuffie and Ted Efantis)
Thank You for the info. GREAT TUNE!!
sunybuny wrote:
It's Dick Heintze. Holloman plays saxophone (but he doesn't play in this album, sax is played by Ralph McDuffie and Ted Efantis)
Hammond Organ by Bill Holloman.
It's Dick Heintze. Holloman plays saxophone (but he doesn't play in this album, sax is played by Ralph McDuffie and Ted Efantis)
henryisland wrote:
An 11 from me.
Same here!!
An 11 from me.
Same here!!
If my ears are correct, there is a very short clip of this song in the Black Books episode, "A little flutter'.
The sax is stellar.
Hammond Organ by Bill Holloman.
I'd only rated this an 8. What was I thinking - 10!
cc_rider wrote:
Good point, but since buying cds of DG and RB (Amazon should send you royalties or something, Bill), and listening a number of times, I can tell the differences pretty quickly. I can't explain how, though.
What's nice about this version is that DG does not dominate: some mighty impressive non-guitar solos in there too.
c.
DG is not so piercing...What's nice about this version is that DG does not dominate: some mighty impressive non-guitar solos in there too.
c.
willjay wrote:
It is interesting for me to note that he was born about three months after my father (6/12/45) and died almost exactly two years after my Dad (10/7/92). I did not need an additional reason to love this song, but that might add another point to my rating.
I was lucky enough to see Danny Gatton and his band on several occasions in the 80s and early 90s. He played "Harlem Nocturne" at several of those shows, all in barrooms. It remains some of the best music I ever heard, and I've been listening to live music for literally 50 years. For another equally great side of Danny (with Delbert McClinton) check out "Sun Medley" on Cruisin' Deuces. His premature death was a terrible loss.
It is interesting for me to note that he was born about three months after my father (6/12/45) and died almost exactly two years after my Dad (10/7/92). I did not need an additional reason to love this song, but that might add another point to my rating.
SteveInVa wrote:
You Bet!! I agree totally!!
Gawdamighty this tune… axe, organ, sax. Stellar.
You Bet!! I agree totally!!
Gawdamighty this tune… axe, organ, sax. Stellar.
zenhead wrote:
Good point, but since buying cds of DG and RB (Amazon should send you royalties or something, Bill), and listening a number of times, I can tell the differences pretty quickly. I can't explain how, though.
What's nice about this version is that DG does not dominate: some mighty impressive non-guitar solos in there too.
c.
Are we sure Danny Gatton and Roy Buchanan are not the same person?
What's nice about this version is that DG does not dominate: some mighty impressive non-guitar solos in there too.
c.
Are we sure Danny Gatton and Roy Buchanan are not the same person?
unclehud wrote:
An 11 from me.
Nice with the Hammond B3 (and Leslie) wailing on the solo!
An 11 from me.
Danny Gratton is among the greatest electric guitarists in history.
Remarkable to see (again) what was considered a ‘fat’ boy in 1975?! Would barely qualify as big-boned in 2022, at least in USA!
GREAT!!! This is Danny Gatton's BEST version of this tune!!! Thanx RP! ...May he rest in peace!
The Humbler.
joejennings wrote:
You bet!! I think this tune is based on music from the 50s-60s TV show "naked City".
The more I hear this, the more I like it!! Thank You RP!
You bet!! I think this tune is based on music from the 50s-60s TV show "naked City".
The more I hear this, the more I like it!! Thank You RP!
handyrae wrote:Did I just walk into a dark and seedy bar?
thewiseking wrote:
No such luck. The dark and seedy bar of today is filled with Bud Light Signs, giant screen TVs with "the game on" and an iPhone plugged in playing Journey
@thewiseking They are still out there ... You just need to try a little harder to find them.
Oxen1morale wrote:
You bet!! I think this tune is based on music from the 50s-60s TV show "naked City".
Holy cow is that some good guitar!
You bet!! I think this tune is based on music from the 50s-60s TV show "naked City".
Execellent!!! Danny was the "God of the" Telecaster guitar"! RIP!
sfoster66 wrote:
“...Your Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether Or Not They Could, They Didn’t Stop To Think If They Should.”
What's wrong with " a one celled Hammond Organism"?
“...Your Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether Or Not They Could, They Didn’t Stop To Think If They Should.”
What's wrong with " a one celled Hammond Organism"?
Edweirdo wrote:
“...Your Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether Or Not They Could, They Didn’t Stop To Think If They Should.”
(oh, a down thumb for this? Really, lighten up man...it's funny...Ian Malcolm, Hammond...try laughing at life a bit...the world is already a pretty gloomy place ffs...)
Great Hammond work.
“...Your Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether Or Not They Could, They Didn’t Stop To Think If They Should.”
(oh, a down thumb for this? Really, lighten up man...it's funny...Ian Malcolm, Hammond...try laughing at life a bit...the world is already a pretty gloomy place ffs...)
who is on Sax?!!
I have this on vinyl. Great record and amazing guitar player.
Holy cow is that some good guitar!
handyrae wrote:Did I just walk into a dark and seedy bar?
thewiseking wrote:
No such luck. The dark and seedy bar of today is filled with Bud Light Signs, giant screen TVs with "the game on" and an iPhone plugged in playing Journey
No such Luck, I wish a sports bar was open but all the bars are closed! Lock-down due to COVID-19 :-(
thewiseking wrote:
No such luck. The dark and seedy bar of today is filled with Bud Light Signs, giant screen TVs with "the game on" and an iPhone plugged in playing Journey
No such luck as walking into a bar at all!, they are all closed due to COVID-19 and the lock-down that goes with it.
No such luck. The dark and seedy bar of today is filled with Bud Light Signs, giant screen TVs with "the game on" and an iPhone plugged in playing Journey
No such luck as walking into a bar at all!, they are all closed due to COVID-19 and the lock-down that goes with it.
Mike Hammer lives! Loving that ultra-greasy cover of "Harlem Nocturne" from his first solo LP. He played a lot of styles. Killed himself at 50. Rolling Stone's top 100 guitarists.
Something I like about Danny Gatton is how he would have plenty of room for the other band members to shine. It wasn't all about him.
unclehud wrote:
I think anyone who's never heard a great B3 player "wail it" is missing out on something very special.
Nice with the Hammond B3 (and Leslie) wailing on the solo!
I think anyone who's never heard a great B3 player "wail it" is missing out on something very special.
Genius tortured soul of the Telecaster.
RIP Danny, you inspired everyone who heard you.
RIP Danny, you inspired everyone who heard you.
unclehud wrote:
You've been to ten bars tonight? Very impressive! ; )
Ten bars in, and I am really digging this!
You've been to ten bars tonight? Very impressive! ; )
Roy Buchanan relaxing?
Great Hammond work.
I was lucky enough to see Danny Gatton and his band on several occasions in the 80s and early 90s. He played "Harlem Nocturne" at several of those shows, all in barrooms. It remains some of the best music I ever heard, and I've been listening to live music for literally 50 years. For another equally great side of Danny (with Delbert McClinton) check out "Sun Medley" on Cruisin' Deuces. His premature death was a terrible loss.
I love Danny and this version. Fortunate to have seen it live at the Psychedelly in Bethesda Md. For the inspiration I recommend that you check out the original by the Ray Noble Orchestra. It was written by Earle Hagen (music) and Dick Rogers (lyrics) in 1939.
Swankie
BebePassiflora wrote:
Check out Funhouse off Cruisin' Dueces. Whoa.
It's on Youtube
I have to look his music up. I love this.
Check out Funhouse off Cruisin' Dueces. Whoa.
It's on Youtube
I have to look his music up. I love this.
Oohhh! I like it!
incredible and nice follow up to E. Costello. Am cleaning floor and it's not the fumes talking...
all_ears wrote:
Danny was a legend in the DC area...
THIS is why I come to RP. As much music as I have and I've listened to (like many here), I had not heard of Danny before. Damn, been missing out. Often, great regional acts couldn't tour the whole country (or internationally) due to the expense, and you might never get to see some real talent in your local market. Nice this interweb thing brings me stuff that never tours here in fly-over country.
Danny was a legend in the DC area...
tsundeen wrote:
It's a Hammond.
Lowrey organ at its finest moment!
It's a Hammond.
Lowrey organ at its finest moment!
Loved Mike Hammer, have to see if there's any online SpencerAR wrote:
Am I the only one who has flashbacks to watching "Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer" when I was younger?
Oh Yes, classic guitar piece from the 70's.....sweet 
Am I the only one who has flashbacks to watching "Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer" when I was younger?
dpvest wrote:
YES! And such a clear, crisp production.
that guitar! that b3! that sax! how awesome is that!?
YES! And such a clear, crisp production.
Comparisons to Roy Buchanan - they both played Teles and committed suicide. Awful
Nice with the Hammond B3 (and Leslie) wailing on the solo!
Well crafted gentle tune with natural flow and definitely few unpredictable moves, lovely piece of music
GeorgeMWoods wrote:
I'm not sure he owed Buchanan much more than Buchanan owed him in terms of style. They were friends and contemporaries, playing Telecasters in the same area at the same time. They were apparently even room-mates for a while.
I never noticed it before but he owes more than a little to Roy Buchanan. Too bad the both of them couldn't have stayed arouNed a bit longer.
I'm not sure he owed Buchanan much more than Buchanan owed him in terms of style. They were friends and contemporaries, playing Telecasters in the same area at the same time. They were apparently even room-mates for a while.
Again! You are playing amazing stuff!
Who u callin fat
user4176 wrote:
Just a couple of them.
Isn't that the sound track of like every detective movie ever made, anywhere?
Just a couple of them.
westslope wrote:
Despite that initial reaction, I found myself enjoying the piece on this listen.
Lots of technical prowess and not enough 'music'.
Despite that initial reaction, I found myself enjoying the piece on this listen.
Sunman wrote:
Fun fact - they used to live together in DC.
Thought this was Roy Buchanan.
Fun fact - they used to live together in DC.
THIS is why I come to RP. As much music as I have and I've listened to (like many here), I had not heard of Danny before. Damn, been missing out. Often, great regional acts couldn't tour the whole country (or internationally) due to the expense, and you might never get to see some real talent in your local market. Nice this interweb thing brings me stuff that never tours here in fly-over country.
Isn't that the sound track of like every detective movie ever made, anywhere?
Thought this was Roy Buchanan.
oldman wrote:
I was lucky enough to see Danny Gatton during my U of Md. days. Only because one of my guitar playing friends (who had just bought his own Strat) insisted that we see him. Left to my own choices, I probably would have missed out. That man could play it all.
Regrets of a misbegotten youth.
Spent many a Friday and Saturday night in Georgetown.
Seemed like there was always another band, Danny and whatever he was calling his band that year, were locals and will be around forever, we can see them anytime, we thought.
Would love a do-over for that time span, might catch at least one show, if I had that time back.
Spent many a Friday and Saturday night in Georgetown.
Seemed like there was always another band, Danny and whatever he was calling his band that year, were locals and will be around forever, we can see them anytime, we thought.
Would love a do-over for that time span, might catch at least one show, if I had that time back.
I was lucky enough to see Danny Gatton during my U of Md. days. Only because one of my guitar playing friends (who had just bought his own Strat) insisted that we see him. Left to my own choices, I probably would have missed out. That man could play it all.
Ten bars in, and I am really digging this!
seems like a lot of Danny Gatton being played lately
cool,
thanks Bill
cool,
thanks Bill
That is some serious harmonics action there.
bitbanger wrote:
i think he had lessons lol very nice
That Hammond is getting a serious workout.
i think he had lessons lol very nice
That Hammond is getting a serious workout.
If you like this, try Funhouse. Wow, what a ride it is!
Years back, he played at our little summer concert series in Leesburg, VA. Glad I caught him then as I think it was the next year he was gone.
Dang.
Years back, he played at our little summer concert series in Leesburg, VA. Glad I caught him then as I think it was the next year he was gone.
Dang.
Gave it an 8 initially, but upped to a 9 before it ended.
oldman wrote:
Regret is a waste of time.
Regrets of a misbegotten youth.
Spent many a Friday and Saturday night in Georgetown.
Seemed like there was always another band, Danny and whatever he was calling his band that year, were locals and will be around forever, we can see them anytime, we thought.
Would love a do-over for that time span, might catch at least one show, if I had that time back.
Spent many a Friday and Saturday night in Georgetown.
Seemed like there was always another band, Danny and whatever he was calling his band that year, were locals and will be around forever, we can see them anytime, we thought.
Would love a do-over for that time span, might catch at least one show, if I had that time back.
Regret is a waste of time.
Regrets of a misbegotten youth.
Spent many a Friday and Saturday night in Georgetown.
Seemed like there was always another band, Danny and whatever he was calling his band that year, were locals and will be around forever, we can see them anytime, we thought.
Would love a do-over for that time span, might catch at least one show, if I had that time back.
Spent many a Friday and Saturday night in Georgetown.
Seemed like there was always another band, Danny and whatever he was calling his band that year, were locals and will be around forever, we can see them anytime, we thought.
Would love a do-over for that time span, might catch at least one show, if I had that time back.
I never noticed it before but he owes more than a little to Roy Buchanan. Too bad the both of them couldn't have stayed arouNed a bit longer.
Not bad for a group of white guys.
I need to be sitting in a smoky bar, with a glass of fine whiskey.
handyrae wrote:
No such luck. The dark and seedy bar of today is filled with Bud Light Signs, giant screen TVs with "the game on" and an iPhone plugged in playing Journey
Did I just walk into a dark and seedy bar?
No such luck. The dark and seedy bar of today is filled with Bud Light Signs, giant screen TVs with "the game on" and an iPhone plugged in playing Journey
The Master on his Telecaster!
that guitar! that b3! that sax! how awesome is that!?
Roy Buchanan. Stevie Ray. Someone emulated somebody.
I predict (or pray) Rivera Paradise plays next....
Incredible song, amazing sound... Truly capturing The Soul of The Blues on this one!
Tasty. Made me reach for the volume knob and edge it up a tad.
BigIslandBlues wrote:
Precisely! Mahalo dude : )
What a great song. From the opening notes of stinging wailing guitar, stretching out into the fretboard craziness that is Danny Gatton, then the swirling soothing sounds of the B3, blending into the saxaphone solo and back to that amazing guitar work. Not to mention the solid ever present bass work. What a gem. No where but on RP. Thanks Bill.
Precisely! Mahalo dude : )
james_of_tucson wrote:
Jeff Beck, to name a few :-)
It's not him on this?
Jeff Beck, to name a few :-)
It's not him on this?
Bozo wrote:
Kudos to that!~!!!!!
THIS is why I listen to RP: nowhere else in the world, no universe, no galaxy would you hear this song!!! Kudos!!
Kudos to that!~!!!!!
Lots of technical prowess and not enough 'music'.
Joe Bonamassa was his student.
so sweet
james_of_tucson wrote:
Jeff Beck, to name a few :-)
....and the other JB, Joe Bonamassa.
Jeff Beck, to name a few :-)
....and the other JB, Joe Bonamassa.
Objection!
kcar wrote:
Tippster wrote:
They used to live together in DC.
Wow, I had no idea. I hear similar styles, but I haven't heard enough of Roy to intelligently comment further. Danny's still well-known and remembered in the DC area. Eerie that Roy apparently also took his life, although it seems that some family members dispute that finding.
It was said of Roy Buchanan that "he could make rafters sweat". The musicologists out there will have to tell me how much these two friends (Gatton & Buchanan) influenced each other.
Bokey's comment on Telecaster players is spot on.
Tippster wrote:
They used to live together in DC.
Wow, I had no idea. I hear similar styles, but I haven't heard enough of Roy to intelligently comment further. Danny's still well-known and remembered in the DC area. Eerie that Roy apparently also took his life, although it seems that some family members dispute that finding.
Bokey's comment on Telecaster players is spot on.
Very nice tune. Solid 7
jessfine wrote:
I actually thought it was Roy Buchanan when I heard the first few guitar notes. They certainly seem to be cut from the same cloth.
bokey wrote:
They knew each other well.
Telecaster guys are like a(semi- dysfunctional) brotherhood.
Tippster wrote:
They used to live together in DC.
Wow, I had no idea. I hear similar styles, but I haven't heard enough of Roy to intelligently comment further. Danny's still well-known and remembered in the DC area. Eerie that Roy apparently also took his life, although it seems that some family members dispute that finding.
I actually thought it was Roy Buchanan when I heard the first few guitar notes. They certainly seem to be cut from the same cloth.
bokey wrote:
They knew each other well.
Telecaster guys are like a(semi- dysfunctional) brotherhood.
Tippster wrote:
They used to live together in DC.
Wow, I had no idea. I hear similar styles, but I haven't heard enough of Roy to intelligently comment further. Danny's still well-known and remembered in the DC area. Eerie that Roy apparently also took his life, although it seems that some family members dispute that finding.
Reminiscent of Focus.
I have a hard time hearing this beloved melody messed with so it harms my appreciation for what is obviously very talented playing.
If you don't know I don't know how to tell you.
Everybody at my stripclub loves this song
Great. I'm a Gatton fan.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Now that is some sweet guitar! Incredible playing that is completely engaging.
Thanks y'all. That is one of the truly GREAT guitar instrumentals of all time. Such a loss of such great talent.
Danny is my favorite unheard-of guitar player. Not to many people know about this guy and his tragic end, but those who know a good guitar when they hear one can't forget about Danny.
Gave it a 10 before it was even done. Just about anything with a Hammond B3 makes my day!
A great lazy Monday afternoon relax.
It's killing me that my sweetie is working tonight. This is such a turn-the-lights-down-low-and-slowdance kind of song... 
What a great song. From the opening notes of stinging wailing guitar, stretching out into the fretboard craziness that is Danny Gatton, then the swirling soothing sounds of the B3, blending into the saxaphone solo and back to that amazing guitar work. Not to mention the solid ever present bass work. What a gem. No where but on RP. Thanks Bill.
Excellent! A proper atmospheric tune with some fine playing to boot. My Dad told me to look out for this chap years ago - I will pay more attention to him next time...