Rock Blues Fans are mourning the passing of Mountain’s #LeslieWest but historians should note that Hip Hop Culture’s flag is also flying half staff for West too. A lot could be said about the event known as #Woodstock but for hip hoppers the most important take wasn’t even documented for the movie. 3 years after that concert Mountain released their entire set on wax entitled Mountain Live: The Road Goes On. The particular version of the blues rocker #LongRed for this set differs from all the other live boots I’ve hunted over the years. Dunno what was in the air but West gave the drummer some this particular night and history was made. #NDSsmart’s crispy break was one of the first hip hop breaks that I discovered that WASN’T in my dad’s collection. My boy was trying to explain to me that there was a world of discovery out there in which these dope drum breaks are just laying bare out there in every 5 & Dime in America & it’s our job to collect em. He said they were called “breakbeats” that entire 11th grade era I took my lunch money ($6) and copped a new break everyday. Long Red was the first break I copped in my “now I wanna make rap music” rebellion period right before I met Tariq to start The Square Roots.
I love West’s judgement of his audience’s lack of enthusiasm
West: you out there 😐
Woodstock Crowd: (yeah?)
West: L😡UDA!!!!!!!!!!
WC: Yeah.
West: ..well...clap your hands to what he’s (N.D. Smart) doin
WC: (sloppy clapping all over the place that will actually serve me well in which I too will drag all of my clapping off beat)
LW: (taunting) “ON TEMPO jack! 🙄
Man....one of my favorite moments in breakbeat history.
Rest In Melody #LeslieWest
So very sad to hear that my dear friend Leslie West has passed away .
Leslie’s work with Mountain will be remembered by millions of Music Listeners.
A pioneer, both singing and guitar playing, was absolutely beyond.
Brothers for 5 decades .
Gab and I love and miss you .
May I suggest the album
Nantucket Sleigh Ride
#lesliewest
🕊🙏💜
Leslie West RIP ... Mountain with his sound were the sound of my youth what a great band they were . Photographed here at The Meadowlands in New Jersey - he had literally just walked off stage and was always great company . #rosshalfin#lesliewest#mountain