Former Steely Dan guitarist, Elliott Randall, joined us to play a gig in The Town Hall Hotel in Richmond last Sunday (18th July).

The American guitar hero is best known for his iconic solo on “Reelin’ in the Years”, rated by Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page as the best guitar solo of all time.

Elliott, who regularly visits English relatives in North Yorkshire, got to know the Messenger’s lead guitarist, Nigel Stockbridge, through the guitar repair business which he runs in Richmond. Nigel originally invited Elliott to play with the Atlantic Soul Messengers during their performance at the forthcoming Richmond Live Festival on August 7th, but he was unable to accept as he is currently appearing on stage in the West End production of the musical “Hair”. However, he offered to make a special journey from London on his one day off during the week to play at the free pub gig which the Atlantic Soul Messengers always play in the run up to the festival.

Elliott Randall joined the band for their second set and, after playing along with several soul classics, the audience erupted when he launched into the opening notes of “Reelin’ in the Years”, playing the same 1963 Fender Stratocaster that he used on the original recording. They continued to show wild appreciation as he took blistering solos in a selection of blues and rock songs from the Atlantic Soul Messengers repertoire.

Following the final encore, he told the audience, “I’ve had a great time, and I’m going to play with these guys again.”

Nigel Stockbridge commented, “It was an enormous privilege for our band to play with one of the world’s best guitarists. He’s a very nice guy, and we’ve become good friends. We really appreciate him giving up his time to sit in with us, simply for the love of playing music”.