He anchored two seminal tracks of the “punk – new wave” era….

In America they are termed “bar bands.” In the UK, these ensembles are referred to as “pub rockers.” Geographies notwithstanding, these brave souls are the back bone of rock ‘n’ roll, plying their art whilst sweating it out in the clubs for little pay, even less recognition, half-worship, half-indifference, grotty working conditions, long hours, and did I mention practically no money?  To my ears, among the best of the bar/pub genre were/are Graham Parker & The Rumour. Parker is among rock’s greatest poets and his bassist for nearly his entire career is Andrew Bodnar.

Bodner grooves akin to the Motown legends, riffs like a fusion master, utilizes the fretless to embellish his boss’ stinging libretto, swings like a jazz cat, keeps it warm and cozy on the ballads, and lays down the funk with Jaco-esque flourishes. Of Bodnar’s tenure with Parker, among his greatest performances can be found on the live The Parkerilla (1978) wherein Andrew kicks the brass enhanced Rumour into high-gear and then some, and the classic new wavish Squeezing Out Sparks (1979). Nowadays Andrew’s weapon of choice is a Fender Jazz, however in the 70s he was an early adopter of Leo’s MusicMan Stingray.

Dig Andrew and Graham from Squeezing Out Sparks

“Protection” https://youtu.be/lSzJNQSkbi8

“Local Girls” https://youtu.be/taXvBivGcMo

In addition to squeezing out low end sparks for Mr. Parker, Andrew has also anchored numerous seminal recordings including two iconic tracks:

Andrew on Declan’s “Watching the Detectives”… https://youtu.be/VxzC7G1_Ui8

Andrew with Nick “I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass” https://youtu.be/BDbUEydkuR8

Bodnar’s credits include The Pretenders’ Learning to Crawl (1984), Garland Jeffreys’ masterpiece Escape Artist (1981), and Carlene Carter, among many others.

Dig Andrew live with Garland “96 Tears” https://youtu.be/1kq7L0-P1Q8

Dig Andrew with Carlene Carter “Between You and Me” https://youtu.be/4GeAZ_mNbC8

Dig Andrew and The Pretenders “Line Between Love and Hate” https://youtu.be/k17CU1SAGVk

Dig Graham and Andrew live on WFUV in 2012 “Watch the Moon Come Down” https://youtu.be/RYnY5IiLpns

Dig Andrew on fretless for “Get Started – Start a Fire” https://youtu.be/HUb_1rFWZag