Brad Paisley/John Mayer on CMT Crossroads

[Shnook]

Just about every single truly gifted musician I've ever seen makes some kind of weird facial movements when they are 'in the zone.' They close their eyes and go 'someplace.' That to me is emotion, depth, and feeling. Therefore, I'll take John Mayer making faces anyday over most of what you'll currently find lurking in the top of the rock and pop charts.

 

[Flaco]

It's funny how 2 people can watch the exact same show and come up with nearly opposite opinions. I've seen the show 3 times now (I recorded it) and I really feel like John was holding back on the guitar. I love both performers and I thought they were both excellent. I've seen both performers live and I felt like they were being very true to the way that they normally perform, except John seemed to let Brad have almost all the leads. As far as people dissing on John's voice, I agree with JohnK24 that he is really doing a good job with a pretty limited voice. But go back and listen to him singing Clapton's "Old Love." To me I can't imagine that being sung any better, his emotion and his voice fit the song perfect. A lot of y'all seem to be getting hung up on some competition thing, when there really isn't one there, with comments like "Brad was holding back so he wouldn't make John look bad." Overall, both these guys are sickeningly talented singers, songwriters, and guitar players. They really are class acts and it makes me feel good to know that musicians like this can still succeed.

 

[burak]

I hate to disagree with you, Flaco, but I thought his version of "old love" was terrible. I can't comment for for his voice on the songs he 's written, but I think, that "old love" was butchered.

 

[BobbyC]

It's only show business...

Hey, let's all remember that this is still 'show business'. If you are young, good looking and have some talent, a promoter will spend the money and you WILL be seen and heard.

Re:'wuss music' - a young audience (girls?) buy most of the CDs (not most of us).

Will they survive the test of time? - the Clapton, Hendrix, SRV of their era? Only time will tell.

BC

 

[swooda]

I enjoyed the show. Excellent guitar playing from both gentlemen. I must say that the show was geared more for John Mayers style of music. I would have liked to have seen one hot flat pickin, banjo rollin, double stoppin country style burn fest that would of featured Mr. Paisley.

 

[showard44]

Well,

I will say that even though I felt that John was trying to "prove" himself in this show by some of the comments he made, I have to disagree with much of what is beings said.

I feel that most of us guitar players hate everything about pop. I mean, we all have a few favorites (I'm a huge Huey Lewis fan), but for the most part I can't stand that stuff. All over produced and all about image. But I see a guy like John and I feel he stands out from the crowd. Some people like his vocals, some people hate them, but at least he is different. And at least he can play an instrument. That in its self is more than 90% of the pop world can do (SAD, SAD, SAD).

I like some of his stuff, some doesn't do it for me. But at least he is original. Well, I do here some definate Dave Mathews in him, but I think there is aspects to John's abilities that far surpass Dave's.

I can't take anything away from him as an artist. But as far as the 1 hour crossroads show, I do feel he was acting a little too big for his britches being an artist with only two albums. "Make it whisper to me". I don't like that crap when you aren't a legend yet and you are telling that to someone while he soloing outside his genre. If Brad would have told John, "Now play me some Honky Tonk" I don't think it would have been too nice of him to put John on the spot with something outside of his genre.

And lastly, I do feel like in that situation, both artists playing ability is going to be held back because of the format. You have limited rehearsel time and you are better off underplaying things, than trying to let it rip and stepping all over each others toes.

 

[Kelsey]

Jeesh, it was just an hour of music...
You guys kill me. You got an hour of good music and guitar playing for a change, and a bunch of you are making it into some juvenile battle of the bands. I thought both Paisley and Mayer played some exceptional stuff during the course of the show and seemed to have some genuine respect for each other. I found some of the comments in between the performances a bit silly, but a lot of musicians say silly things. I mean, talkin' ain't what they're known for, right?

 

[JohnK24]

Jeesh, it was just an hour of music...
You guys kill me. You got an hour of good music and guitar playing for a change, and a bunch of you are making it into some juvenile battle of the bands. I thought both Paisley and Mayer played some exceptional stuff during the course of the show and seemed to have some genuine respect for each other. I found some of the comments in between the performances a bit silly, but a lot of musicians say silly things. I mean, talkin' ain't what they're known for, right?

bingo...well said !

 

[MandyMarie]

At the beginning did John play barn burning country with Brad?

I didn't catch the beginning and just seen a whole lot of Brad playing the blues with John.

Not that I didn't enjoy it, but I was hoping Brad would rip into something full of chicken pickin' and pedal steel bends like he never even knew the penatonic scale existed - again, not a slam, just my favorite style of pickin' and I love to watch folks giving it a go! I'm hoping to catch the beginning soon. I've never had the chance to see Brad live other than on TV.

 

[showard44]

ummm...

Last I remember this was a discussion page. I mean, if we didn't discuss these things in detail, all we would have left to do is actually play our telecasters. Surely you don't want that do you!

 

[Kelsey]

ummm...

Last I remember this was a discussion page. I mean, if we didn't discuss these things in detail, all we would have left to do is actually play our telecasters. Surely you don't want that do you!

No way -- if you guys get any further ahead of me then I'll never make it into the Tele Hall of Fame!

 

[Twang]

I really don't care for John Mayer....I never have. I personally hate that "Dave Matthews style" of playing and/or singing. I don't care if JM can rip some killer blues licks, doesn't change a thing for me. Just not for me.

I didn't know much about Brad Paisley but I really liked what I heard/saw from him. I'll probably check out something of his at some point.

I usually don't watch CMT but I did cause of this thread...I mean one of the only times I've ever watched CMT was when Mandy was on it.

 

[Big Mike Blues]

I quite enjoyed it last night. Not a big Mayer fan, but I have more respect for him.

Brad really impressed me. Showed his versatility, and really good job on some rythm without stepping on toes. Great job, and great tone as always. Love them Dr Z's all over the place too.

All in all quite enjoyable.

 

[Zac]

Crossroads

Brad used a Dr. Z Mazerati and Ghia along with his old red 62 AC30. We brought it out of retirement just for that show.

John used a leather covered vibro king and matching cab, along with a two rock dumble copy into a dual showman 2-15 cab.

There were a couple of songs that were cut because of time constraints. "Thats Love" and one of Mayer's, plus 3 minutes of "Come back to bed" had to be edited out for time limitations. Zac

 

[JohnK24]

Re: Crossroads

Brad used a Dr. Z Mazerati and Ghia along with his old red 62 AC30. We brought it out of retirement just for that show.

John used a leather covered vibro king and matching cab, along with a two rock dumble copy into a dual showman 2-15 cab.

There were a couple of songs that were cut because of time constraints. "Thats Love" and one of Mayer's, plus 3 minutes of "Come back to bed" had to be edited out for time limitations. Zac

They cut "That's Love" ?!?!?!...dang it...that would have shown BP cuttin' it up on the fretboard ! My son loves that tune...he great with the "play it Brad !" part from Jim Belushi. Three minutes of "Come Back...", ah, that had to be more extended solos. Hey, the tone on that Silver Sparkle Crook was SO perfect, smooth and punchy all in one, especially that middle position (Adder and Blues Special still ?)

You were right Zac, I didn't yawn once ! Great show, kudos to all.

John

 

[pbradt]

No contest.

I believe John Mayer did not belong on the stage with Brad Paisley.

His singing was off-key with frightening regularity, his playing, while serviceable, didn't approach the musicianship of Brad Paisley.

I really think I'd have liked to see Paisley with someone like Keb Mo, who is Paisley's equal as a singer ad a musician.

 

[ShawnS]

"No contest"

That's right pbradt, it wasn't a contest. Both are good at what they do. This is what "Crossroads" is about. Taking two people in completely different genres, pouring them in a mixing bowl. Set the oven a 400 degrees and see what you can cook up. I seen that both artist were trying to adapt to each other and make some music. There's nothing wrong with that.

See ya,
ss

 

[Kingpin]

Anytime we have two talented guitarists together for an hour, talkin' music and trading solos - we shouldn't complain. It's such a rare thing these days to have that kind of talent showcased on the 'tube.

For the record, I thought Brad's vocals were great, I've never heard him sing better, and while I prefer B.P's playing style to Mayer's, I thought Mayer did a nice job.

One thing no one should argue, Mayer is much better than Brad at that jumping up and down thing ...

 

[Shnook]

After re-watching the show last night, I have to admit that John Mayer's vocals were a little grating. Thankfully, I listened to the guitar work and got over it. However, I was thinking during the show that it would have been far more interesting to have had Prince and Brad Paisley. An odd combination, but that can make for a really cool blend of music. Too bad the producers of Crossroads seem to stick with the safe stuff.

 

[JerryPro]

I think it was obvious............

who was the strongest picker. If you can't see that I don't know what to tell you. I'm not slaggin' anyone. Brad adapted easily to John's music and after watching the progession for a few seconds jumped in took off.

John on the other hand appeared uncomfortable improvising on Brad's stuff. He didn't really do much on it. He appeared to be "faux playing".

He is amazing on his own stuff and on blues. Outside of that it appears he is a little lost.

I'm used to he facial expressions. Ive actually been a John Mayer fan for a while. I like his acoustic work.

Prince and Brad Paisley. That would be some kind of kewl.

Hey Zac, what song got cut where Brad looked at John and said' " ya, ready"? John just nodded and off they went. It was in the ad and it appeared to be jammin.