| Author | Message | ||
| tom_z
Advanced Member Username: tom_z Post Number: 236 Registered: 7-2004 |
Are any of the bass players here fans of Bobby Vega? Just curious. I've heard absolutely inspired playing by Bobby. Tom | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 2672 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Charles; welcome to the group! | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 2136 Registered: 9-2002 |
Reason to pick up bass: Jack Bruce. After that: John Prakash, Buzz Burell and Larry Taylor. Here in Belgium: Evert Verhees. PTBO As I already put in a similar threat as this one back in the dark history of this jolly club: MacCa and JE were seen as a bandmember not as a bassplayer. Weird ...I know. | ||
| dibolosi
Junior Username: dibolosi Post Number: 12 Registered: 1-2004 |
Oh yes, richbass939. I remember those crazy days as an 8 year old. and years later get whacked out of my brain at some party and taking in Auntie Grezelda thinking "this is one of the greatest songs ever" Not to mention "I'm gonna buy me a dog" and "Circle Sky" And ... well .... I do own the "Head" movie on DVD. and lets not forget Andy West of the Dixie Dregs. | ||
| cosmicprune
New Username: cosmicprune Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2005 |
Thanks guys. There's a few new names here for me to go and check out, but the one who really leaps off the page because I've never listened to him is Jack Bruce. Where should I start - which tracks sum up his style the best? I have to admit that I went through a period recently (while starting a family) where I played bass only rarely. I even went over to the dark side and played lead guitar for a while. My Alembic purchase has brought me back round again though, and there has been one very positive experience resulting from my dalliance with the skinny stringed instrument - I have discovered a fantastic tablature community site. It's all free and although it's aimed at guitarists there's a lot of bass tab on there too. The accompanying software shows tab and traditional notation and it plays back through the MIDI on your PC. You could do a lot worse than to start with Victor Wooten and Sinister Minister: http://www.powertabs.net/pta.php?page=song,17847 (Message edited by cosmicprune on December 01, 2005) | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 2138 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Simon, I think you board another threat-worth subject "How I went away and came back to it" (huhuhu ...this is about bassplaying guys). Most of us non-prfessional playing musicians went though such a period. Family-matters were always part of it. So I have to speak about the second influence too: the one that bought me back were Mark King and Bakithi Kumalo. This brought me off the Fenderish style of basses and moved my taste up to higher (money) levels. About Jack Bruce: the first "influence" period I am talking about is his Cream period. So I suggest you start there. PTBO | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 433 Registered: 10-2002 |
My earliest influences were Chris Squire, John Entwhistle and Dennis Dunaway. I saw Yes in '74 after having some ragtime lessons from my brother, realised the Bass was the most important instrument in the band, and put the guitar away for good. Spent most of the 70's working out what 'prog rock' bassists were playing and trying to fit in more notes than was actually possible. I'd been turned onto Jaco and Stanley by this time which just made things worse. By the 80s just about every bass player was forced into slapping by seeing the success Mark king had with level 42. Needless to say he was a big hero and I fell into the same trap as everyone else which probably cost me more gigs than i got;-( Nowadays I'm more interested in how the whole band sounds and follow Bass players who might be hugely talented but still lay down the groove rather than indulge in pyrotechnics. I'm thinking of musicians like Jimmy Johnson, Tony Levin, 'hutch' hutchinson and the like. Special mention must go to Del Palmer, Andrew Powell and John Giblin who have laid down some superb basslines on Kate Bush's work. (Andrew Powell played bass on Wuthering heights which would be top of my 'desert island discs' list) Graeme | ||
| alembic76407
Senior Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 408 Registered: 5-2002 |
what about Carol Kay, monster bass player | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1347 Registered: 9-2003 |
H*ll, anybody that can play better'n me (which is just about EVERYBODY) has influenced me in one way or another! If you can play, regardless of style, good on ya! My advice: Listen to as many different people play as you can, make up your own mind on which way you wanna go, and develop your own style and go for it! It's all good. Cheers, Kevin (Message edited by kmh364 on December 01, 2005) | ||
| jazzyvee
Advanced Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 288 Registered: 6-2002 |
I've picked up noticeable influences from these guys: Long term influences Stanley Clarke Aston Family Man Barrett Bootsy Collins ( and other bass players from Parliafunkadelicment) Jaco & Alphonso Johnson( very small doses ) In recent years ( last 2 or 3 ) Marcus Miller Victor Bailey I tend to pick up influences from the grooves in the music I hear regardless of the bass player so as much as the named guys primarily are cited as influences they are not indicative of my current playing style (except maybe Clarkee ). Jeff Lorber had some neat bass playing on his earlier albums and also some great bass lines from his synth bass parts in more recent years too, same for Chick Corea. The thing is all of the great bass players had great drummers to feed off and support their playing so thats gotta help with the freedom of expression, so I guess these drummers also deserve credit for supporting these fantastic bass players who's talents we love. To be honest I've always had a bass kocking around but only since I have had my alembic in 2002 have I really started to play seriously and think about find my voice. The basses I had before were nice but I think with the alembic things have taken a very fast turn. In reality I'm primarily a guitarist who can play bass and get a few gigs here and there so I think a lot of my guitar playing influences and techniques and bad habits have contributed to how I play bass. Therefore I'd have to add Carlos Santana, Jimi, Robert Cray,Scott Henderson, Buddy Guy, and many other guitarists to that influence list. I better stop now. Jazzyvee | ||
| gbarchus
Intermediate Member Username: gbarchus Post Number: 153 Registered: 6-2002 |
How about local heros? I'm sure many of us were influenced by the "unsung." For me it was Greg Loeb of the "Grapes of Wrath," Tom LaVarta of "Mendlebaum," and Rolly from "Oz." These were groups in Madison, Wisconsin in the '60s. I used to sit at their feet and listen all night, then go home and try to play what they were doing. My mother would make me stop playing in the early hours of the morning, but I was so inspired. | ||
| precarius
New Username: precarius Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hey- My main influences come in two classes: Class #1-bass players i can possibly steal from. These include Geddy Lee(Rush- Hold Your Fire is one of my favorite bass albums),John Mcvie, Lee Sklar. I also like Henry Bogdan in Helmet. i love when the bass, drums, and guitar are playing the same thing for a driving rhythym. Also Bootsie and everyone associated with P-Funk. The first song I learned to play note-for-note was Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke". Class #2- bass players that i can just watch with my jaw dropped.This includes Stanley Clarke, Victor Wooten, Jaco, and most recent addition- Trip Wamsley. I saw Trip a few months ago in a small coffeehouse/church in Pineville, NC. He was displaced after Hurricane Katrina and he was incredible. He was also playing his Alembic 8- string bass. Wow what a sound! Mike | ||
| keith_h
Advanced Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 266 Registered: 2-2005 |
Speaking of Trip he seems to have remembered several of our members on his web page when he is saying thanks to folks for his visit to the UK. To quote: "The three guys that were disappointed about no Alembic 8. I'll have the proper case next time and I'll bring it, I swear! Correction: They were and are Mike, Ian and Graeme! Love to you guys!" (Message edited by keith_h on December 01, 2005) | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 434 Registered: 10-2002 |
That would be MPISANEK, myself and Ian Petch - he has a superb cocobolo Mark King but so far hasn't registered on here yet. Trip was a really nice guy - he took the time to chat and drink beer with the three of us whilst bemoaning the fact that he couldn't bring an alembic with him. His set was absolutely incredible. Of the 'loopers' on the day, he was by far the best - sounded more like a Bass player than the rest of the solo acts who seemed to spend far too much time trying to sound like a group of Flamenco guitarists. Nice of him to give us a mention on his site too. Graeme | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 893 Registered: 11-2003 |
Simon As for Jack Bruce, Paul mentioned starting with his Cream period. I'll agree with that and would suggest starting with Cream's "Wheels of Fire". "Pressed Rat and Warthog" is one of my favorite tracks. The live jams on disc two really show him, and the other two musicians, off. Sam | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 2145 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Brother Sam! Is it possible that Jack Bruce started with King Crimson??? IFF that would be true the funny thing is that Buzz Burell (most known for his work with Bad Company)ALSO started with King Crimson Weird huh? Paul TBO | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 895 Registered: 11-2003 |
Hi Brother Paul How is everything? No, Jack didn't play with King Crimson. His first major gig was with Alexis Korner's Blues, Inc. along with Ginger Baker. That lead into the Grahmn Bond Organization also with Ginger. Cream came after that. Then various solo projects and Ringo Starr's All Star Band. I don't know about Buzz Burell. Sam | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 897 Registered: 11-2003 |
Correction, maybe Ginger didn't play with Alexis Korner, Charlie Watts did. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 2147 Registered: 9-2002 |
My mistake ...I am jumping to conclusions!!! PTBO | ||
| alembic76407
Senior Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 409 Registered: 5-2002 |
27 years ago yesterday (12-01-78) I Bought my first Porsche, a 914, I picked it up in the afternoon and that night I went to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, WOW days like that don't happen everyday, Gary W Tallant is one of my Major influence's on bass, the first 3 E Street albums are the best | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 490 Registered: 6-2002 |
I believe Greg Lake was the bass player in King Crimson for their first two albums, then John Whetton, Boz Burrell, Tony Levin, and Trey Gunn. (why do I remember this stuff?)  Mike | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 2680 Registered: 5-2002 |
Interestingly, according to the bio at Allmusic.com, Robert Fripp taught Boz Burrell how to play bass for the gig with Crimson. Before that he was a singer. Ginger Baker replaced Charlie Watts in Blues Incorporated. | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 898 Registered: 11-2003 |
Thanks Dave, I confused myself on that one. Middle age sucks | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 2681 Registered: 5-2002 |
I wasn't sure either and had to look it up! | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 270 Registered: 11-2003 |
Me? Geddy Lee - I spent the better part of my teenage years playing a Rickenbacker 4001 and learning all of his stuff note for note. John Alec Entwistle - His playing has had a profound influence on my own playing (and bass of choice - Alembic, of course). Chris Squire - A monster player, and the reason I still own a Rick. Jaco - 'nuff said. Stanley - 'nuff said X 2. Sir Paul McCartney - The original melodic bass player, IMHO. Sting - every thing that guy plays is just so ... perfect for the song. I love playing Walking On The Moon for that very reason. Greg Lake - Anyone who can keep up with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer is OK in my book. Les Claypool - Jesus, he's good. Gene Simmons - not great technically, but he was the first guy I tried to copy. It wasn't hard! John Paul Jones - Anyone who can put down lines like that and play keyboards is incredibly talented, not to mention his producing abilities. Tom Fowler - his stuff with Zappa was amazing. Arthur Barrow - ditto. Patrick O'Hearn - ditto X 2. Flea - I love his slapping and popping. Stu Hamm, Victor Wooten, and Roscoe Beck - Man, I wish I could play like any one of them. Alan | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 495 Registered: 9-2002 |
I'm a bit different at this. I went through my younger years idealizing certain players, and as I'm 50, most of them fall into the Jamerson/McCartney/Kaye, etc., end of things. However as I dodder off into middle age, I find that it's really impossible to 'solo' the players out from the bands they were in and the songs that made such an impression on me. So my influences now actually run out this way: I grew up in the heyday of AM radio, so there's a big part of me that loved all the 'West Coast' singles: Beach Boys, Carpenters, Monkees, Grass Roots, especially Glen Campbell's Jimmy Webb records. This was the classic LA 'A Team' folks like Carol Kaye, Hal Blaine, Howard Roberts, Tedesco, Glen Campbell, Larry Knechtel, all of those guys who were mostly serious jazzers knocking off these 'little pop records' 4 a day to make house payments so they could play REAL music at night. Brian Wilson's harmonies and charts, the string charts behind 'Wichita Lineman', just breathtaking. They cut so many TV scores, listen to Hal Blaine drive the theme to 'Hawaii 5-0', one of my favorite TV themes. To this day, I'm crazy for Floyd Sneed's drumming with Three Dog Night. This taught me to respect playing precise charts that were well written, the antithesis of 'never playing it the same way twice'. Motown and Jamerson and Jerry Scheff were huge to me, but divorce their lines from all of those fabulous tunes and what have you got? The Funk Brothers are surely the most overlooked bunch of session cats that ever drew breath that truly changed the world. Motown really was "The Sound of Young America", and did more to end segregation than anything else at that time: How could you love Marvin or the Temps or Stevie and hate the black kids at school? It was the precursor of funk and one step back from soul music only because it was from Michigan, not Mississippi. Since I lived in the South, the 'other' Motown (Memphis) really was the home of soul, blues, and Gospel. All of the Chicago guys stopped in Memphis on the way from the Delta, and lots of 'em stayed. I really cut my teeth on Al Green, Ike Hayes, the BarKays, Booker T + the MGs, Rufus and Carla Thomas, etc. This also spread out to the Delta Blues (R Johnson, Muddy, the Wolf) across (early) Elvis and on to Black and White Quartet gospel. Pre-Movie Elvis is just too cool for school. This was really my roots. A little branch of this grew to Southern Rock, the Allmans, Wet Wille, Skynyrd, and so forth. Then the damn British came along. There's nobody my age that, like me, saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan and didn't say, "Geez I wann be like that!!" Which brought the Stones, the Animals, the Who, Traffic, the Hollies, which over time led through Zeppelin and Pink Floyd and Cream. I loved the Dave Clark Five, and 'Ferry 'Cross the Mersey' and Dusty Springfield still really get to me. The British landmarks for me were Sgt Pepper's, Exile on Main Street, Who's Next, Dark Side of the Moon, The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys. I wore out Mad Dogs and Englishmen. Delaney and Bonnie. Gasoline Alley-era Rod Stewart and the Faces. Dave Mason's Alone Together still haunts me, and when I hear Mr Fantasy I'm right back there. After I got married, my wife and in-laws thouroughly educated me to country, bluegrass, and Southern Gospel, music from poor white people, in a way the same feelings translated to music in a different culture as the black music from Memphis, maybe it was segregation . . . And of course I had to learn Texas Swing playing beer joints in Texas, as well as a little cajun and a little TexMex. Sometimes there just isn't anything that's more fun than Asllep at the Wheel. These are the things that shaped me. I can say in very few cases did I ever learn a certain bass part from any of this note for note. But I absorbed a lot of the styles deeply, and I hope it shows in the right places. The hardest thing was to learn what to leave out . . . not how much to put in. J o e y | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1364 Registered: 9-2003 |
Joey: Very nice! As one born at the tail of the "Baby Boom", I grew up int the 60's and early '70's in a house that played a lot of country and AM radio, so I was immersed in all those influences you mention. I was also a "TV Baby" back when we only had what, FIVE channels, LOL! I was exposed to all the studio greats because of that as well, I just didn't know their names at the time. Your writings brought back a lot of great memories...growing up in that time period exposed me to all sorts of seminal forms of music, a love of which I carry to this day. I wish I could say the same about today's music, practically NONE of which speaks to me in any meaningful way, unfortunately. It SUCKS to get old, LOL! Cheers, Kevin | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 498 Registered: 9-2002 |
You know Kevin, I heard David Crosby talk about the Summer Of Love and being our age, and he opined that he came along at that magical moment in time "...after the pill and before AIDS. . .", and I must admit I knew EXACTLY what he meant! I think you could apply the same logic that we came " ...after the PBass and before sampling,,"!! I think that just about covers it! J o e y | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1373 Registered: 9-2003 |
I hear ya! BTW, it's hard to imagine that Crosby, like most of my "hereos", are all from my parent's generation! For as much as I love 'em, my parents (Baby Boomers themselves, having been born at the leading edge of same), and most of their contemporaries, just weren't cool like that, LOL! I guess music (and drugs) was the defining difference, LOL! (Message edited by kmh364 on December 03, 2005) | ||
| gare
Advanced Member Username: gare Post Number: 293 Registered: 11-2003 |
Geez..after reading Joey and Kevins soliloquies I feel like 'doin a few hits' and firing up the turntable (you remember those). Maybe get around to playin Whiter Shade of Pale a few dozen times ! 'it's hard to imagine that Crosby, like most of my "hereos", are all from my parent's generation! ' I just did a very quick search but couldnt find it..how old is he ? I always thought of him in my/our generation... WOW MAN G |
