Father's Day, June 19^th was a perfect day in New York City for Les Paul's 90^th birthday bash which celebrated the undisputed father of rock. In the foyer of Carnegie Hall, anticipation was high for the all-star concert, which was part of the annual JVC Jazz Festival. The stage was decorated for the occasion. On the left side was a big screen with eight Les Paul guitars on display and on the right side was a gigantic guitar. The show started promptly at eight p.m. with a film that briefly reviewed Les' life as an artist, inventor and mentor. Paul recalls crafting his first "loud" guitar and being laughed at. It would be another ten years before he perfected the Les Paul guitar. Clips also included quotes from Santana, Lenny Kravitz and other musicians who were influenced by the jazz great whose creativity help father rock and roll.

Steve Miller was the first of the impressive roster to take the stage to begin the evening that was a guitar lover's fantasy. Steve said that at a young age he learned his primary guitar chords from Les Paul. He advised the audience to be ready for a diverse show. Miller played an extended version of 'Fly Like An Eagle' complete with soaring guitar licks. Blues protegee Kenny Wayne Shepherd followed, performing the smoking 'Shame On Me' – a heavy blues number executed with passion.

Steve Lukather, armed with a Les Paul Sunburst, performed Hendrix's 'Little Wing' giving the classic new life with emotions power. Stanley Jordan's unique, melodic guitar style was one of many crowning moments of the evening. Mr. Jordan uses a technique called tapping to create a keyboard effect combined with guitar sounds. Stanley was incredible crafting magical, multi-layered effects from one instrument. His performance was mesmerizing.

Edgar Winter sat at a grand piano to sing 'Dying To Live' which featured wild vocal inflections towards the end of the song. 'Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo' was animated with the addition of Shepherd and Steve Lukather. The guitars were blistering as Winter seized his sax to exchange notes with Kenny Wayne. Before leaving the stage, Edgar said "God bless you all and keep on rocking."

Guitar wizard Joe Satriani, himself equipped with a Sunburst version of the Gibson classic, stated that "it is such an honor to be here to celebrate Les Paul. All his great stuff inspired me to play the crazy stuff I do. I will never be as great as him but I am having fun trying."

A look at the impressive line-up of players
who helped celebrate Les Paul's 90th!

The compelling and innovative Satriani was on fire as he blazed through the song bearing his own name – 'Satch Boogie'.

Neal Schon, well known for his chart topping work in Journey, demonstrated that he is an apt blues player, too. He accompanied the vibrant Lillis White, a soul singer who was clad in a wild, purple dress. Lillis sang with emotion and might and the pair's duet was commanding and soulful. They were followed by Tommy Emmanuel from Australia who noted that "its great to spend Father's Day with Les Paul, he is a great man."

Oddly, Tommy was outfitted with a beat up acoustic but it was soon apparent that he was an innovator just like the father of rock and roll. Emmanuel was able to get full rich sounds from his instrument. Tommy started banging on the guitar to create rhythms, which explained why it looked so worn but sounded so good. The varied textures and tones he crafted were incredible. Tommy rightly received a standing ovation for his ingenious performance.

Peter Frampton reminisced about hearing the Les Paul and Mary Ford show as a kid and reflected that today he can call Les a friend. Peter kicked it into high year for a smoking version of 'So Into You'. After a brief intermission, Pat Martino played a fast, jazz-infused version of 'Sonny' with lots of up-tempo rhythms and nice work from the bassist.

Henry Jusciewicz, the CEO of Gibson guitars, introduced Les Paul as he presented Les with a spectacular, customized guitar. Mr. Paul was moved but opted to play the instrument he came on stage with. The crowd sang 'Happy Birthday' and erupted into cheers.

Les and his band played a cluster of songs showcasing various techniques and rich textures. Mr. Paul is still an incredible innovator coaxing vibrant chords and emotions from his guitar. The songs ranged from slow and sweet to snappy and whimsical. Paul is still sharp, sharing jokes and memories. Les' band, which includes John Colianni, Lou Pallo and the attractive Nicki Parrott are amazing and well tuned into Paul's groove. Les performed a beautiful version of 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' before other artists joined him on stage.

Derek Trucks came out for 'Good Night Irene' in C. Les was playing long, soulful chords with treble effects . At first, Trucks was holding back notes respectfully until Paul encouraged him "to go for it", which Derek did! Jose Feliciano, armed with an acoustic, played a Latin influenced song with flavorful accents. The piano then kicked the jam into high gear. Nicki was given an opportunity to lead on her stand up bass as Jose crafted innovative sound effects as the rest of the band seasoned the mix. 'Bilbao' is a musical interpretation of a battle between Spanish and English soldiers. The song is dramatic with sounds effects like bugles and marching. Feliciano used a variety of tunings throughout the clash.

Steve Miller returned for a solo sans guitar before the amazing all star jam lead by singer John Paris. 'Let The Good Times Roll' was rocking with each guitarist having an opportunity to play a quick lead. It ended the Birthday celebration on a very high note. The concert was a tremendous success and Les Paul is still going strong!

Les' legendary with and humor were also on display often on this night. When he had some technical troubling with his guitar at the beginning of his set, he remarked, "I knew I should have gotten a Fender" to the delight of the crowd.

"When I look at her," Les said of stand-up bassist Nicki Parrott in introducing the humorous comment that would reveal that he still has more then just music on his mind, "I feel like a condemned building with a new flagpole on it."

Scenes from Les Paul 90th Birthday Celebration at Carnegie Hall with (clockwise)
Les Paul, Steve Miller, Joe Satriani, Edgar Winter, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd
"All For Paul" Photos: ©A.J. Alfaro – more at "show review"

Many of the performers at the "All For Paul" concert have also teamed up with "Red" on the New CD release Les Paul & Friends: American Made World Played which features the legendary Les Paul & an assortment of musical friends. The production and recording of this disc served as an occasion for Les to work with a diversity of younger artists and explore new musical ground, demonstrating that the masterful Mr. Paul is still growing as a player. The fifteen track CD is a tribute to Les Paul the father of the electric guitar. Although Les is well respected as an accomplished jazz guitarist, he can rock with the best. Mr. Paul plays on every song, collaborating with rock legends and up and coming artists.

The CD opens with a 1949 radio clip announcing "it's the Les Paul Show" before leading into 'Love Sneakin' Up On You' which is sung by Sting and the emerging Joss Stone. The talented band includes Les and Kenny Wayne Shepherd on slide guitar. 'Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo' also features Paul, Shepherd and the lead vocals are aptly handled by Edgar Winter and Noah Hunt. 'Somebody Ease My Troublin' Mind' is beautifully sung by the soulful Sam Cooke and accompanied by the classic Eric Clapton and his signature leads. Sam returns later on the CD with a stunning collaboration with guitar wizard Jeff Beck. Peter Frampton performs a guitar duo with Mr. Paul on a sultry version of 'So Into You'.

'How High The Moon' blends excerpts from The Les Paul & Mary Ford Show with a contemporary flair of electronic beats and Alsou's funky vocals. 'Bad Case of Loving You' is led by Billy Gibbons with Les, two other guitarists and a full band for a abundant sound. 'I Wanna Know You' features Neal Schon and Beth Hart who is a passionate, powerful vocalist. Richie Sambora reinterprets McCartney's 'Let Me Roll It' in a new and innovative way. 'Caravan' is an imaginative, improvisational instrumental with Mr.Paul the lone guitar leading the exploration. '69 Freedom Special' is another colorful instrumental lead by Les blending jazz and rock tones.

Besides Les, 'Good Morning Little Schoolgirl' showcases guitar greats Buddy Guy, Keith Richards and Rick Derringer for a potent cover of this well known song. 'All I Want Is You' is sung with emotion by Johnny Rzeznik who also plays guitar along with Les and Peter Frampton. 'Fly Like An Eagle (2005)' includes a clip of Les Paul talking with a five year old Steve Miller. The CD closes on a high note with slow but sizzling 'I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know'.

Now there's a new book published by author Russ Cochran that will help you celebrate Les' 90^th birthday yourself. Have some cake and coffee and enjoy the new coffee-table book that takes and in-depth look into the life of musician and inventor Les Paul. Maybe you want to celebrate someone else's birthday? This book would make a great gift for the avid guitar freak.

Les Paul – In His Own Words is a special signed and limited-edition book about the legendary American, inventor and musician authored by Russ Cochran. There will only be 1500 numbered copies of this coffee table sized book available. The publication includes many personal accounts and pictures from various times in Mr. Paul's extraordinary life from the early years through today with photos with the Iridium Band. Each copy is signed by Les Paul and includes phenomenal photography, quality binding and of course the incredible story of Les Paul.

Les Paul has had an extraordinary year starting with his 90^th Birthday Celebration/Concert, the release of the tribute CD and the special, signed limited edition book. Les Paul is truly an American legend that is still a vital force that entertains and inspires many!

The new book "Les Paul in His Own Words" is a limited edition release!

Related Links: For more information on Les Paul and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Les Paul & Friends CD | "All For Paul" Review | Iridium Jazz Club | In His Own Words – Book

Originally Published: 09/15/2005 on Kweevak.com