Rare is the bass player whose passages and presence are so definitive on a recording– that to hear the song or the artist without them is inconceivable.

Enter Graham Maby of the Joe Jackson Band. Graham is among Britain’s eminent class of players who achieved prominence during the groundbreaking U.K. punk / new wave era – a distinguished motley which includes Bruce Foxton (The Jam), Andrew Bodnar (Graham Parker & The Rumour), Norman Watt-Roy (Ian Dury & The Blockheads), Bruce Thomas (Elvis Costello & the Attractions), and Harry Kakoulli and John Bentley (Squeeze).

A master of plying instantly recognizable motifs, Maby is most noted for his plectrum attack and sharp tone, but he’s equally adept at finger-style and slap – whatever the situation warrants. 

Most fans are familiar with Maby’s stellar work on Jackson’s hit albums Look Sharp (1979), I’m the Man (1979), Night and Day (1982).

Be sure to check out the lesser known Jumpin’ Jive (1981) and oft neglected Body and Soul (1984) collections wherein Graham brings his versatile jazz, soul, funk and show tune talents to the forefront.

Graham has also  anchored slabs and worked as a sideman to Ian Hunter, Darden Smith, Joan Baez, Dar Williams, Regina Spektor, Freedy Johnston, Natalie Merchant, and Marshall Crenshaw among others. 

Dig Graham Maby in Know Your Bass Player on Film Season One – New York 2016 https://bit.ly/3hA4QAA