John Stirratt (Uncle Tupelo, Wilco)
Courtesy of Wilco World Net
By Joe Gagliardo
John Stirratt became friends with Jeff Tweedy when his band, The Hilltops, was opening shows for Jeff’s legendary band, Uncle Tupelo. John ultimately joined Uncle Tupelo for its last album, Anodyne, and then Wilco.
Roughly twenty-six years later, John is the only original member of Wilco, other than Jeff–which says a lot about his great bass playing–inspired by Paul McCartney, David Hood (Muscle Shoals Sound Studio), Tommy Cogbill (American Sound Studio) and Joe Osborn (The Wrecking Crew).
Courtesy of Fender Com
John is a singer and songwriter, and that experience has helped define his bass playing, which is tightly in the pocket, with melodic interjections answering phrases, when it fits.
Courtesy of Hofner Com
His go to on-stage basses are a 1970 Fender Precision, 1965 Fender Jazz, and an early-60’s Hofner Club Bass. In the studio, he adds an early Gibson Les Paul signature bass, and a 1963 Guild Starfire bass, which can be seen and heard in Wilco’s latest video, “Everyone Hides.”
“Everyone Hides: https://youtu.be/P2Gbbd6pVMg
Courtesy of Lakeland Com
“Handshake Drugs” https://youtu.be/0vF1o6zg9vI
“Shot In The Arm” https://youtu.be/Iof2IAnQKwI
John’s melodic playing is also evident in Wilco’s “Shot in the Arm” and “Handshake Drugs.” John also has a Joe Osborn model Lakland, that once belonged to Joe Osborn.
In addition to his work with Wilco, John has released 5 LPs with the Autumn Defense, where he and Wilco bandmate, Pat Sansone share the bulk of singing and songwriting duties. John Pirucello – of Lakland Basses and Hansen Guitars- is also involved in the project.
Courtesy of Autumn Defense Tumblr
Check out the beautiful “The Sun In California.” https://youtu.be/hjXYhk11mkM
John also teamed up with Nicholas Tremulis (projects under his name and The Fauntleroys), Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick) and Rick Rizzo (Eleventh Dream Day) in Candy Golde.
Their song “Trouble’s Coming Down” was picked as one of the Coolest Songs in the World, by Little Steven’s Underground Garage.
“Trouble’s Coming Down” https://youtu.be/OFFS-M6Ae1Q
One of the highlights of a Candy Golde live show was hearing John’s spot-on vocal and driving bass playing on The Who’s “Armenia City in the Sky,” which he reprised on Bun E. Carlos’ CD, Greetings From Bunezuela!
“Armenia City in the Sky” https://youtu.be/pywWRuoFtLU
Recently, John has teamed up with singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne on his new LP, Part of the Light, and has performed live with Ray, as well.
Check out John’s subtle playing and beautiful vocal harmonies on “Such A Simple Thing.” https://youtu.be/GEtsbZXqASg
Courtesy of Ampeg Com