Billy Preston - Outa-Space

This is a live performance by famous keyboard and Hammond B3 organ player Billy Preston playing his instrumental hit "Outa-Space" live. I think the performance is from 1981 (judging from the neon sign in the background of the stage).
Billy Preston was an American rhythm and blues musician from Austin, Texas, mostly raised in Los Angeles. Besides having a successful solo career, he has also played with a long list of well respected artists, such as: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Band,Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, George Harrison (solo career), Elton John, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Norah Jones, and Eric Clapton. Only mentioning a few.
"Outa-Space" is an instrumental performance by Preston and his band. It originally appeared on his 1971 debut album "I Wrote a Simple Song". The song was originally issued as a B-side. Preston wanted it released as a single, but the record company wanted it released as a B-side to the song "I Wrote a Simple Song". It weren't long though before radio DJs started flipping the single, and "Outa-Space" was a hit.
The song's distinctive sound comes from Preston running the sound of a Clavinet through a wah wah pedal. A Clavinet is essentially an amplified clavichord which is an instrument that dates back to late Medieval times. Explained in simple terms of course.
It's a great song, and the performance really shows Preston as a natural performer. He's dancing and getting the crowd involved, truly a great musician and performer.

Enjoy ; )

Rush - Tom Sawyer

This is a live performance by Canadian rock band Rush performing their classic song "Tom Sawyer" live.
The song takes name after Mark Twain's literary character Tom Sawyer. It was originally released on the band's 1981 album "Moving Pictures" and many albums and compilations since. The song uses synthesizers and the drum techniques of drummer Neil Peart to create the unique sound "Tom Sawyer" has. The song did relatively well in the charts, was inducted into The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and became a staple on local hard rock stations everywhere.
It's a great song that has a unique sound.

Enjoy ; )

ZZ Top - Party on the Patio

This is a live performance by hard rock/blues band ZZ Top. They perform their song "Party on the Patio", a very traditional ZZ Top song. It's from the 1981 album "El Loco" which was the first album where the band started experimenting with synthesizers. This and "Tube Snake Boogie" were exceptions for the new format that would eventually bump the guys into 80's fame with the use of funny music videos, usually with hot chicks and nice looking vintage cars.
Dusty Hill sings this song, and he does a good job, just singing as loud as his lung capacity allows him.
It's a great little feel good rock 'n' roll vibe and song, classic ZZ Top, the old school ZZ sound, gotta love that!

Enjoy ; )