| Author | Message | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 175 Registered: 10-2006 |
Just listened to 30 Seconds Over Winterland again for the first time in a long while. Casady has to be one of the most underappreciated bassists ever. The stentorian majesty of his playing and the incredible sound of Number One control and direct everything that happens on that LP. "Feels So Good" ain't much of a song, but there's Jack - countermelodies, double-stops, lead lines from the bass seat, constant melodic and harmonic motion and complete command of his instrument and the band. Nothing he did requires virtuosic technique, but his sense of musical place, impeccable phrasing and faultless sense of the groove are both highly inspirational and highly instructional. He is so good that only good bassists understand how special he is. I remain utterly in awe of his playing. | ||
| sonicus
Junior Username: sonicus Post Number: 18 Registered: 5-2009 |
I agree with you whole heartedly . I recently have been listening to that recording and many others of"The Great Jack Casady" that I have not heard in a while and continue to enjoy them evermore! The Water Song ! _______________________and so many others . Wolf- | ||
| dwmark
Advanced Member Username: dwmark Post Number: 236 Registered: 1-2005 |
I remember reading an interview, or something he wrote (it may have even been something from the Fur Peace Ranch site) and he made it clear that we need to have an approach--a concept--in mind before we even start playing. Every moment needs to count (not that we have to be playing or filling every moment, but that every note or lack of note should be contributing to the song). Kind of gets me psyched about some day signing up for his class (if he's still teaching at the ranch). I will disagree with one thing--among many, he is not under-appreciated. After a gig last weekend, I brought up Jack's name in a conversation with my lead guitarist. His assessment was that Jack is "the best rock bass player ever." dw | ||
| pauldo
Intermediate Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 130 Registered: 6-2006 |
yeah! The Water Song that is undeniably one of the coolest bass lines ever, with just the right amount of grit and growl. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8090 Registered: 5-2002 |
Water Song. I loved this the first time I heard it when it came out in 1972; wonderful tune!! | ||
| glocke
Senior Member Username: glocke Post Number: 596 Registered: 9-2002 |
Jacks the man, and the third reason I decided to pick up bass. The other two are John Paul Jones and Phil Lesh... | ||
| 12stringwilson
Junior Username: 12stringwilson Post Number: 17 Registered: 12-2008 |
Greg - How is your new addition? I hope she plays and sounds as well to you as she did for me. Dito on Jack!! | ||
| yggdrasil
Intermediate Member Username: yggdrasil Post Number: 179 Registered: 5-2002 |
"He is so good that only good bassists understand how special he is." have to disagree here too - visit the Airplane forum & see how many call him 'God' (rather than that second-fiddle-to-Jack-Bruce guy :-) I appreciated Jack long before I ever picked up bass - in fact he's why I decided to pick up bass in my late 40s! His FPR classes (I've done 4) are worth double what they cost, but I notice that this year his teaching sked is light :-( | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 177 Registered: 10-2006 |
Does anyone happen to know what sort of bass Jack played on the Starship's live Deep Space/Virgin Sky? There's a pic of him playing a 5-string instrument with virtually no body - just enough to hold the pickups and controls. The bass has a head - it's not a Steinberger or some derivative thereof, but I have never seen another bass like this one. And was it sweet to hear him work his magic on "Miracles" which is still an f'n great song. Also, yggdrasil. it must be that I am playing with guys 20 years younger than me. They know Lesh, Bruce and a few others from the Golden Age but "Jack WHO??" was the response when I mentioned Casady. LOL! (Message edited by hifiguy on May 20, 2009) | ||
| pas
Intermediate Member Username: pas Post Number: 183 Registered: 3-2003 |
Most likely the bass heard on DS/VS is a Gold Top Gibson Les Paul type bass. Semi-hollow body, 1 passive pick-up. Jack used this as the template for his Epiphone Signature bass. The 5-string is a Lane Poor. I've had the opportunity to lay hands on both basses. (Message edited by pas on May 21, 2009) | ||
| andertone
New Username: andertone Post Number: 4 Registered: 12-2002 |
Jack Bruce got me started on bass until I heard Jack Casady, then it was all over. Agree, it's the concept that is important, his sense of timing is amazing. Lately I've haven't been knocked out over the tone he is getting live (saw him in tucson a month ago), but his technique is as good as ever | ||
| sonicus
Junior Username: sonicus Post Number: 26 Registered: 5-2009 |
Did you take notice as to what kind of equipment he was playing through .He has a propensity to use interesting combinations of amplification and signal processing. I remember back in the 70's when he supplemented his sound with Versatone Pan-o-Flex amps.At the time he was playing ALEMBIC #! and also had a few F-2B pre-amps. Mac 2300 power amps Furman PQ-3 parametric and of course a bunch of original Alembic speaker cabs I don't know if they were loaded with GAUSS or JBL speakers . I like the old Gauss 15 inch drivers in original Alembic Birch cabinets, infinite baffle design. I still have a few . This was all equipment eye candy for me at the time , even more so because at the time I was a student at Leo De kar-Kulka's "College For Recording Arts" That was in 1975_ Great memories____ and what a sonic treat !!!!!!!!! Wolf | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 481 Registered: 10-2006 |
"Gold Top Gibson Les Paul type bass. Semi-hollow body, 1 passive pick-up. Jack used this as the template for his Epiphone Signature bass." Every LP bass I've seen has been solid, & Jack's Sig model is an EB-1 type. Peter | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2221 Registered: 6-2002 |
Peter - the EB-1 is the small violin-shaped bass. Indeed most of the LP basses were shaped like the LP guitar, but the Gibson original for the Epiphone Jack Cassidy model was also marketed as a Les Paul Bass. | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 483 Registered: 10-2006 |
After some quick research, I stand partially corrected. I had heard somewhere that the EB-1 name was also used for the 1-p/up 335 style (which is what Jack's was) & EB-2 was the 2-p/up version. They were, in fact, the EB-2 & EB-2D, respectively - which I should have been able to figure out, as it is consistant with ES guitar nomenclature. My bad. I cannot, however, find any reference to a LP bass that was not LP shaped (though apparently the LP SIG was a hollow version of same - but I've never seen one, so technically I wasn't wrong there  ) Peter ps - Oh, yeah - thread topic: if you were to ask me for a list of great bass players, Jack would be the second name out of my mouth. (Message edited by cozmik_cowboy on May 22, 2009) | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2226 Registered: 6-2002 |
Peter - the hollow version had the shape that we're discussing. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3844 Registered: 7-2004 |
You guys are likely thinking of the Les Paul Signature bass produced '73-'79. It looks a lot like an ES-335, except the horns are a little off-set. And Jack rules, especially with Jorma. Bill, tgo | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 1213 Registered: 7-2003 |
(Bill beat me to it, but...)Here's some info on the LP Signature bass: http://www.flyguitars.com/gibson/bass/LesPaulSignatureBass.php. And a picture of a well- played example: http://www.bobknarley.com/bass/lpsig.html. I got interested when researching to purchase Jack's Epi signature bass. Love the look of those asymetrical cutaways. Jack is definitely one of my top five favorite players and influences. I first heard Jack live in 1972 (Hot Tuna) and next time about 5 years ago (acoustic with Jorma). Jack is as subtle a player as ever - probably more so. But I miss the brash tone, and flash of his youthful playing (Not that I'd turn down the opportunity to see him again, mind you). (Message edited by bassman10096 on May 22, 2009) | ||
| yggdrasil
Intermediate Member Username: yggdrasil Post Number: 180 Registered: 5-2002 |
I don't know what bass Jack used on DS/VS, but the above posts are correct - the semi-hollow bass in question is a Les Paul Signature that Jack picked up in at a used guitar shop in NYC , likely in the early 80s.This bass is totally different from the standard "LP" bass. His sig is based on the semi-hollow LP Sig bass - IIRC, they actually retrieved the templates for it from a basement at Gibson & the JC Sig is this body with a new pup that Jack designed with a pup builder at Gibson whose name escapes me right now. The EB semi-hollows were short scale, the LP Sig & JC Sig are long scale. Jack still uses the Versatone; in small acoustic setups he used a SWR Baby Blue II for the longest time, but I expect that now for acoustic shows the cab part is the Ag JC Cab (similar components to the Baby Blue)& I've heard (but can't assert)that he's pairing it with an Alessandro Basset Hound tube amp. My 2005 HT tour book lists his electric HT equipment as Ag 728 400W tube amp; Ag 680 pre-amp; Ag 4 X 10 cab; Bass Pod XT Pro with pedalboard; Versatone. It also mentions that he is developing an amp for the acoustic shows with Ag, but that has yet to materialize. (Message edited by Yggdrasil on May 22, 2009) (Message edited by Yggdrasil on May 22, 2009) | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 485 Registered: 10-2006 |
That's why I love this place - I learn something almost every time I log on. And in all the times I've looked at the Epi JC Sig, I had never noticed the off-set upper bouts. Boy, is my face red. Thanks for the enlightenment, guys. Peter | ||
| andertone
New Username: andertone Post Number: 5 Registered: 12-2002 |
Hi: When I saw him in Tucson Fox Theater a month ago, it was probably just a pickup gig that he did with Electric Hot Tuna (4 dates) as he then went on the road with Moonalice to make up the month he was out for personal reasons (family illness). He played through an Ampeg (yes, Ampeg) top and a 4 x 10 Ampeg cabinet with no effects (no versatone, interstellar overdrive, or rack). I suspect it was rented backline as he is well know for using Aguilar and effects. And yes, tone was low in the mix (this coming from a guy who worships Jack) | ||
| yggdrasil
Intermediate Member Username: yggdrasil Post Number: 181 Registered: 5-2002 |
"He played through an Ampeg (yes, Ampeg) top and a 4 x 10 Ampeg cabinet " IIRC there was old ampeg SVT ad with Jack in a supine sprawl over a SVT setup - maybe late 70s - and of course his first band as leader was called SVT. (Message edited by Yggdrasil on May 22, 2009) | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 178 Registered: 10-2006 |
self-delete computer burp dupe (Message edited by hifiguy on May 22, 2009) | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 179 Registered: 10-2006 |
Parsed the CD insert of DS/VS again, and Jack is clearly shown playing the Gibson in a pic two to the right of Grace in a Star Trek uniform and Disney mouse ears. What a gig that must have been! Monstrous bass sound, though it was mixed too low. | ||
| pas
Intermediate Member Username: pas Post Number: 184 Registered: 3-2003 |
Actually, the gal in the Star Trek uniform is Darby Gould. She was the first female singer when Paul put JS back together in '92. | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1128 Registered: 6-2002 |
Jack is the reason I started playing bass in 1967. I've listened to him ever since, wherever I can find his credits. Sadly I haven't had the cash to pick up anything from Moonalice. By the way, how come nobody has mentioned "Dream Factor" in this thread? I love his tone on that record, he alternately whispers, cries, and roars! Mike | ||
| lembic76450
Intermediate Member Username: lembic76450 Post Number: 154 Registered: 5-2002 |
Crown of Creation. I still get chills from it. | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 180 Registered: 10-2006 |
pas: "Actually, the gal in the Star Trek uniform is Darby Gould. She was the first female singer when Paul put JS back together in '92." Really! She looks amazingly like Grace. | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 181 Registered: 10-2006 |
Ye Gods. Just re-listened to "Bless Its Pointed Little Head" and picked myself up off the floor. The likes of Pastorius and Wooten can play fast and with great articulation, but what Jack did back in the day blows them away. This is a complete object lesson in how to command a band while remaining (as a bass guitarist should) in a supporting role is a revelation. Lordy Lu, the man is a genius. | ||
| sonicus
Junior Username: sonicus Post Number: 37 Registered: 5-2009 |
OH YEAH !!!!! " Bless It's Pointed Little Head" is one of my big faves! It is required study for every Bass player! | ||
| sonicus
Junior Username: sonicus Post Number: 38 Registered: 5-2009 |
HI Dadabass2001 ( Mike) I like " Dream Factor" but let me speak my mind here; I would LOVE to hear Jack play an ALEMBIC bass again !!!! | ||
| aquaman
Member Username: aquaman Post Number: 73 Registered: 9-2006 |
Jack is a great player, but can we forget the mastery of Danny Bonaducci from the Partridge Family? He rocked that bass! :> | ||
| yggdrasil
Intermediate Member Username: yggdrasil Post Number: 182 Registered: 5-2002 |
"let me speak my mind here; I would LOVE to hear Jack play an ALEMBIC bass again !!!!" I have a pic of him playing my (now gone)Custom SC at FPR in 2005. I think that's as close as he's likely to come to playing an Alembic these days. | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 760 Registered: 8-2005 |
Can we forget also.........Tim Bogert!! I saw him WaaaaaaaY back in the 70's with BBA. Just amazing !!!!! | ||
| andertone
New Username: andertone Post Number: 6 Registered: 12-2002 |
Yeah, would love to see him play an Alembic, but would really love to hear him play Mission Control through JBL's and Versatones. Will never forget that sound he got out of his Guild (not to mention the lovely feedback). We were so lucky to be old enough to appreciate it when it was changing the landscape of bass tone in the late 60's | ||
| sonicus
Junior Username: sonicus Post Number: 39 Registered: 5-2009 |
Yes my friend ! A cherished life experience ! | ||
| sonicus
Junior Username: sonicus Post Number: 45 Registered: 5-2009 |
I remember a few free electric " HOT TUNA" shows in San Francisco at the GOLDEN GATE PARK at "MARX MEADOWS" That was in the mid 70's , GREAT memories! I had some friends who knew Jack, Jorma and Margareta who later introduced me to Jack & Jorma in the late 1980's . This was at an acoustic "HOT TUNA" show. I remember asking Jack something about his Jumbo acoustic Guild Bass(not his Starfire) and he let me play a few bars on it, HOW COOL IS THIS ! ( I thought) . MAN ! | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 182 Registered: 10-2006 |
It is all about command. Great bassists command their bands and Jack commanded the Airplane as few bassists have ever commanded their bands. BIPLH shows just who was in total command of the Airplane, and it wasn't Grace or Marty, it was Jack. Brilliance oozes from every groove, | ||
| benson_murrensun
Intermediate Member Username: benson_murrensun Post Number: 126 Registered: 5-2007 |
I can never deny myself the opportunity to extoll the pleasure of listening to Jack's playing. I was a fan of his prior to my ever trying to play music. His sessions at Fur Peace Ranch have been worth the trip every time, and I have been going for 10 years. I just had the opportunity to see Tuna (acoustic) in Denver on May 22. Jack was playing an Allesandro head and his signature model Aguilar cabinet. He used a condensor mic and no D.I. I have had two Epi JC basses; they were both excellent. They both had problems with bad pots, however, and they are not easy to find replacements for, being of unusual values. I managed to get replacement sets from Epiphone, which were supposedly superior to the originals. Time will tell. | ||
| benson_murrensun
Intermediate Member Username: benson_murrensun Post Number: 138 Registered: 5-2007 |
Just saw this on Jack Casady's website. Pretty cool photo.  | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8346 Registered: 5-2002 |
Cool photo indeed! | ||
| jdsteckling
New Username: jdsteckling Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2009 |
I have also been to Fur Peace and had the pleasure of spending time with Jack Casady. He spent individual time with us and was just great to listen to. Had me doing melodies on my bass while he held down the pocket. If you have the opportunity to go, don't pass it up. |
