By Chris Semal

I first got turned on to Riverside when Joe, a good friend and the drummer of my old band, Three Way Crash, brought them to my attention.

He loves to scour the internet for good new prog bands and every few rehearsals would hand me a couple of CDs. This dates back some fifteen years ago, as I don’t even have a CD player in the house anymore.

Anyway, the disc is called Out of Myself and I was transfixed from the get-go. This checks off all the categories in what I look for in a band: flowing songs, intriguing vocals & playing expertise. Rhythms accentuate and then lay back, leaving room for virtuosic solos.

Dig the title track from Out of Myself https://youtu.be/LXL_7s7T79w

Looking them up, I was surprised to find they hail from Warsaw, Poland. Many non-English European bands struggle to compose lyrics that don’t have either a stilted or overly simplistic vision, but not these guys.

In terms of musical style, the band I would put in the same ballpark is Porcupine Tree, but that’s only because I can’t think of anything closer.

Mariusz Duda is the bassist and vocalist for this four piece ensemble, and handles both duties exceptionally. His ability to play complex rhythmic lines while singing is in Geddy Lee territory.

His vocals at first made me think of what Justin Heyward of the Moody Blues would sound like if he was a hard rock singer. His Nexus basses are made by Polish luthier Jacek Kobylski and have a unique tone, gritty and yet silky.

They rarely tour the US, focusing mostly in Europe, but played a few gigs in 2013, one of which I attended at a roadhouse in Dunellen, NJ.

I have to say I was kind of surprised they didn’t play in NYC and that this venue, though packed, was the kind of hinterland place that you’d expect some local band to play. They were terrific and sounded heavier than on record.

In particular, keyboardist Mikal Lapaj made me think of Jon Lord’s Hammond playing.

They came back around to Brooklyn last year to promote their new release and seventh CD, Wasteland and the new material sounds as strong as the rest of their work.

Dig Riverside and Mariuz “Vale of Tears” https://youtu.be/Dh_vgwlYX_4

By Allen Fields

Their debut album, Out of Myself is the first of the Reality Dream Trilogy which includes the albums Out of Myself, Second Life Syndrome and Rapid Eye Movement. It is available now in a box set.

Wasteland comes from a very deep, personal place for Duda and the band. When Piotr Grudziński, co-founder and lead guitarist died suddenly on February 21, 2016, the future of the band was in question. Grudziński was returning to his Warsaw home after seeing a concert by The Winery Dogs (Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan, and Ritchie Kotzen) when he collapsed and dead from an apparent heart attack just before his 41st birthday.

The band cancelled all the concerts planned for that year and dedicated the album Eye of the Soundscape, released in September 2016, to their late friend.

Riverside began recording again in December 2017 with Duda assuming the role of both bass player and guitarist. Maciej Meller became their touring guitarist, and just a month ago he was announced as an official member.

Here is one of the greatest live shows of Riverside playing the Reality Dream Trilogy. https://youtu.be/0HWv7YJtYCA

This is Duda’s solo project, Lunatic Soul. Check out this amazing song. The sax is beautiful https://youtu.be/SyX2JZ0fFn0

A multi-instrumentalist, producer, Tony Award / Drama Desk nominated composer (Boy George’s Taboo ) who was drawn to the bass by the work of Marcus Miller, Mark King, and Larry Graham… from Terminal Studios in beautiful downtown Bermondsey, London, Kevan Frost discusses his  role as the former George O’Dowd’s anchor and musical director, and more!

 

 

By Thomas Semioli

As a founding member of Alice in Chains, the late Michael Christopher Starr played a major role in the alternative rock revolution aka “gunge.”

A heavy-handed plectrum player with roots firmly steeped in classic heavy metal and hard rock, Starr held the harmonic fort amid the vocal and instrumental harmonies rendered by his bandmates Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley.

Mike’s main weapons of choice were Spector NS-2 basses, and Ampeg SVT and speaker cabinets.

Following his departure from AIC due to drug issues, Starr briefly anchored Sun Red Sun with Ray Gillen and Bobby Rondinelli, however the project collapsed following Gillen’s death.

Dig Mike on “Would?” https://youtu.be/Nco_kh8xJDs

Dig Mike on “Man In The Box” https://youtu.be/TAqZb52sgpU

 

You’ve heard Van Morrison, Tina Turner, David Gilmour, Kevin Ayers, Willy DeVille, Ben E. King, Chaz Jankel, Alan Merrill, Alvin Lee, Mark Knopfler, and Mick Ralphs. Then you’ve heard Mickey Feat: the bass player who anchored their seminal sides. From Terminal Studios in beautiful downtown Bermondsey, London – Mickey stopped by to chat with us – then he had to split for a session. All in a day’s work!

Courtesy of Dave Swift FB

Opines acclaimed author / editor / journalist / bassist Joel McIver “Dave Swift is one of the most, if not the most, recognizable bassists in England…”

From Terminal Studios in beautiful downtown Bermondsey, London, Dave Swift, known in his native land as the anchor of Later….with Jools Holland discusses his career and approach to the “craft” or is it “art” of playing bass! https://bit.ly/2YMv5fK

 

 

By Thomas Semioli

In February 2020, we lost the physical presence of Michael Duclos.  I met Mike at the University of Miami School of Music in 1980 – we became fast friends and stayed that way for 40 years. Actually, we’re still friends – I can feel his company every day, and I can hear him (delightfully and deservedly) “takin’ the mickey” out of me for my work in journalism and on the bandstand/studio, bass in hand (mine, not his)!

The more Mike loved you, the more he busted you! Of all the jibes he hurled though, he was most the most hysterically self-effacing individual I’ve ever encountered. I guess he really, really loved himself too! 

In addition to his artistic life as a bassist, photographer, composer, recording artist, band member, sideman, collaborator, poet, writer, journalist, and whatever else I’m unaware of, Mike gave us the everlasting gift of laughter. It was an honor and a pleasure to have been with him on this mortal coil – and to be a frequent subject of his comedy routines!   

When friends, colleagues and family bid Michael farewell in his adopted home in Brooklyn, New York, we all came to the realization of how much we did not know about the man. His humility defined him. He never spoke about himself.

Take it from this bass player, Mike was a master of his instrument. The best ones never have to utter a syllable – their work speaks volumes. 

In 2015 I sat with Mike for a Know Your Bass Player on Film interview. For reasons I disagree with then and now – he did not care for his physical appearance as he was undergoing treatments, and he was unsatisfied with his answers to my queries. We did not publish the interview as per his request during Mike’s lifetime. However due to requests from Gus, family, and friends – the interview is here for you to see. I will explain it to Mike when I see meet him again in the afterlife…..  

Mike Duclos Know Your Bass Player on Film Interview Playlist: https://bit.ly/2umGw1T

Mike made two promises to me in early 2019 – to stay alive to attend a Mott The Hoople reunion concert at the Beacon Theater (mission accomplished), and to finally reshoot the interview. Over the years we tried, but Mike was either on a trip with Gus, on tour, or too ill – so we never got to roll cameras again. Damn! 

As such, Mike Duclos didn’t tell his story. But we will! 

Send me your Mike Duclos stories, photos, videos, sound-files – whatever – with as many details as you can.

And if you have any information on the photos posted please help us out and fill in the missing facts!

Note that this archival page is a perpetual work-in-progress (it’s like making a record or writing a book – you’re never finished, you just run out of time and money!). This Mike page will not follow any thematic, chronological, or logical symmetry either! Does this remind you of someone?

Back at ya’ Mike!!!   

Contact: tom.semioli@gmail.com 

The Del-Lords play “Me & The Lord Blues” at the Rock Shop in Brooklyn for the Mark Spencer Benefit Dec 11, 2012. From the new record Elvis Club. Eric Ambel: Vocal & Guitar Scott Kempner: Guitar Michael DuClos: Bass Frank Funaro: Drums. Written by Scott Kempner-Prince of the Bronx Music  https://youtu.be/ZMkKT7XCB6U

By Kevin Salem

The DuClos chronicles… every once in a while, you meet someone who gives you a charge right in the middle of your life force. Over the years, I spent so much time with this beautiful soul. If Charles Bukowski and Carol Kaye had met in a bar, Duke would have been their love child. I don’t have a lot of pics to post… the document
of our friendship is in the dozens of recordings we made. Believe it when I tell you being produced is more of an art than producing. The bass player is the driver… No one I know was better at that and filling a room with low end. A riot of a human, if there’s a heaven where the dead mingle, Duke is tormenting, ribbing and needling Jaco and Rickles who, by now, must wish they were in hell.

This man was an amazing father and a strong brother. Celebrate his life through the incredible body of work he gifted us with. More to come…

Mike Duclos with Tracy Bonham “Noonday Demon”  https://youtu.be/dFdLprxadUw

Tracy Bonham performs “Crazy In Love” with Mike DuClos at Our Hit Parade Best of the Decade Show at Joe’s Pub on December 16, 2009  https://youtu.be/k8TEL1Apjfg

By Thomas Semioli

Know Your Bass Player Deep Trax: Mike Duclos workin’ the pocket on this remake – remodel of “Lucretia MacEvil” https://youtu.be/ev_fD3Qvl-A as waxed on a David Clayton-Thomas solo slab. Duc’s tone and rhythm and blues approach evokes comparison to Jim Fielder (whom Mike greatly admired) on the original
from BS&T 3. Dig the way Mike’s passage dances around the backbeat.

Mike and Rebecca Pidgeon at Paste Studio NYC live from The Manhattan Center  https://youtu.be/LnK6YBxkiC4

Mike and Ambrosia Parsley & The Elegant Too – Skin & Bone https://youtu.be/uvBnJYoeOjY

Mike’s “Avenue” from his album Lustro https://youtu.be/98lQVk8WAy8

Mike’s “Nicotine Windeo Vito Acconci” from his album Lustro https://youtu.be/aetoWzAtV2g

Mike’s obituary in the Albany Times Union https://legcy.co/2HMrs0q

R.I.P. Mike Duclos by Charles Bissell https://bit.ly/37IRRqA

By Rocky Petrocelli

Duke!! I’m so grateful that you were in my life! Your musicianship and dedication to music is second to none, but it’s your friendship that I will always treasure! the playing, the talks, the laughs, the travelling, the ups, the downs…memories and stories to last a lifetime that I wouldn’t trade for anything! Love you, brother! Until we “hang” again! The Rock! In the mid 80’s Duke came to my apartment and said, “C’mon, Nick’s doing the Big Band at St Rose…let’s go see if we can get in” (BTW, neither of us ever went to St. Rose). Here’s a couple of shots of us at an ensemble workshop with jazz great, Nick Brignola!

By Thomas Semioli

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER: A DUCLOS STORY: Given his extraordinary accomplishments as working bass player on stage and in the studio, Mike was a modest cat – never drawing attention to himself – always in the service of others. A few years back he asked me if I could help promote a Tracy Bonham album he played on – so I knocked out a quick piece for HUFFINGTON POST   https://bit.ly/38qmAtw

Of course, I had to afford my pal a paragraph. Mike declined to give me a photo of him and Tracy to use in the article – yes, he was that humble! But we got the job done!

“An additional catalyst on the session dates was her longtime bassist Mike DuClos. “He tries out a whole bunch of ideas like a Paul McCartney free-for-all – and then he starts refining his parts — he’ll look at me on the first day and say “don’t worry — don’t worry…” He’ll see my eyebrows go up when I think ‘God he’s overplaying!’ Then he just trims the fat and I’m left with the most tasteful bass lines I’ve ever heard.” 

By Rob Arthur

I was fortunate enough to have known this man. Duclos. We say goodbye to him now, and I’m shaken by his passing. But I’m going to take this moment to gratuitously elevate myself by my association with this incredible artist. He and I spent about a year (2002), when we could get together, producing what was certainly the most un-commercial record I’ve ever done. “Lustro” A collection of his poems read by some of the most interesting people ever, with musical and noise filled backing track. You’d call it a “spoken word” record. He was such a fine musician, bass player and poet, who embraced his New York world with a truly fearless, unblinking and honest approach that has never left me. He kind of helped me realize that there is no “too far” if you really mean it. This experience expanded my mind. “Lustro” does have a “difficult to listen to”
quality, for sure, but as we were finishing it, I began to see it’s beauty. I love this review…

– Described as everything from “Brilliant” (Lisa Germano) and “Excellent, very good… very interesting” (poet Charles Simic) to “Bizarre” (author William Kennedy) and “It scares me!” (Natalie Merchant), Lustro looks to be released in the coming months.

I’m so fucking proud of this work. Duclos and I laughed together – he was such a funny bastard. I think about his bits right now, and I can hear his comedic tempo with his spot on impressions of our Brooklyn and I
cry laughing. We didn’t talk often after I left the city, but Duke and I spoke a few years ago and I laughed my ass off one last time. Loved him. And I’ll miss him…the real deal. Thank you, brother.

By John Conte

There is a giant hole in my heart today with the passing of Mike Duclos. I miss Duke so much already. I am nearly broken with sadness & tears. he was my dearest friend – going back 35 years. there is too much to say about mike and what he meant to me to muster up at the moment. for now I say I loved him, I admired him, he inspired me & taught me. I was in awe of his strength, bravery, tenacity & resilience through his long battle in which he defied all the odds. my heart & love goes out to all of his family for this giant loss & especially to his son Gus who he loved deeply & fiercely. Mike was an AMAZING father, human, musician & artist. he was my buddy, my brother, my hero, and yes- probably the funniest person I have ever known on this planet!
The world is less without him. Love you forever Michael Duclos.

By Tony Senatore

I just learned of the passing of my old friend Mike Duclos. He was a great bass player, and one of the funniest people that i ever met. Rest In Peace. I’m certain that right now, you’re probably asking Jaco about the settings he used on his Acoustic 360.

 

By Joe Gagliardo 

 

Bassist Ted Ansani and singer/songwriter/guitarist Jim Ellison met at Chicago’s Columbia College in 1986 while pursuing music / entertainment related studies.  Mike Zelenko was added on drums …. and Material Issue was born!

 

A power pop powerhouse that was so influential, it prompted David Bash to create the International Pop Overthrow Festival, taking the name of Material Issue’s first LP release on Mercury records.

 

Long before Material Issue, Ted rented, and eventually purchased a 1984 black MusicMan StingRay bass Guitar with a maple neck so that he could play in the High School Jazz Band.

 

That instrument remains his main bass today, along with a late 70’s MusicMan Sabre bass, and can be heard on many Material Issue tracks.  Check out the bass on the MTV show where the band played “Diane” live.

 

“Diane” https://youtu.be/Lv5ovTVSAYg

 

Ted has had a significant collection of cool basses, as can be seen in the video for the song, “What Girls Want.”

 

“What Girls Want” https://youtu.be/JhIBh_L9RXk

 

Ted’s bass inspirations are many, including;  Carol Kaye, The Beach Boys, Paul McCartney, James Jamerson, Duck Dunn (Booker T and the MGs), Pete Farndon (The Pretenders) and the avalanche of 60’s music he heard growing up.

 

Those influences served him well, whether he was playing with a pick, his fingers or his thumb—with his objective being to find the best way to serve the music and serve the song.

 

Being a trio, Ted’s style provided that “bass bottom,” whether it was playing rhythmic chords, the descending melody of “Renee Remains The Same,” “The Problem With Jill,” or the staccato playing in “Valerie Loves Me.”

 

“The Problem with Jill”     https://youtu.be/qF4mbRimaHk

 

“Valerie Loves Me” https://youtu.be/YcRtlj8KXT4

 

Material Issue released three studio LPs for Mercury, and a live LP recorded at the Metro, where they are joined by Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen for a scorching cover of Sweet’s “Ballroom Blitz.”

 

“Ballroom Blitz” https://youtu.be/eAejTHBdpMY

 

Ted and Mike also collaborated on the issuing of Telecommando Americano, the final Material Issue release after the untimely passing of Jim Ellison.

 

Ted kept busy in the post-Material Issue days, releasing a solo album, Throttles and Pistons, in the early 2000’s, and you can catch Ted and Mike Zelenko these days with their Material Reissue Project. 

 

 

By Thomas Semioli

A giant of the instrument and among the most innovative, identifiable, and creative electric jazz bassists, the player born Rudy McDaniel in Hempstead Long Island, and raised in Philadelphia hardly garners recognition outside the free jazz / free funk / fusion / avant-garde / experimental circles.

Tacuma made his name as the anchor of Ornette Coleman’s Prime Time collective as a 19-year-old in 1975 on three watershed slabs: Dancing In Your Head, Body Meta, and Of Human Feelings.   

In the 80s Jamaaladeen commenced to recording under his own name, waxing several sides which erased the boundaries of funk, pop, jazz, world, and every permutation thereof.

Among Tacuma’s impressive sideman credits include Nona Hendryx, The Golden Palominos, Wolfgang Pusching, Linda Sharrock, Marc Ribot, and James Blood Ulmer to cite a select few.

A multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger, educator, composer, collaborator – Tacuma has been recognized by his peers with several prestigious awards and hosts the annual Outsiders Improvised Musical Festival.

Citing Val Burke and James Jamerson as, Jamaaladeen’s more recognizable weapons of choice include the Rickenbacker 4001, Fender Jazz, Steinberger XL, WAV Radius, and WAV Radius Upright.

Dig Jamaaladeen with Max Roach and Carlos Santana https://youtu.be/oWIe6Benbu0

Dig Jamaaladeen with The Last Poets https://youtu.be/oWIe6Benbu0

Dig Jamaaladeen with Ornette and Prime Time https://youtu.be/hSzC3ICoOds

 

By Thomas Semioli

 

“I asked myself: how would a collaboration between Miles Davis and Metallica sound like? Who said you can’t head bang on jazz?” – Etienne Pelosoff

 

An innovative multi-instrumentalist, composer, collaborator, journalist, among other endeavors – bassist Etienne Pelosoff takes a decidedly unconventional approach to the black metal / thrash artform – incorporating a jazz aesthetic not usually associated which the genre. Pelosoff, to my ears, evokes a balance of the free jazz and soul jazz methodology – outlining the “changes” with a combination of deep pocket grooves punctuated by “dissonant” note choices which bring out the colors of the composition.

 

Etienne Pelosoff Sound & Vision…

 

“So What” https://youtu.be/2LGJ-qf4PxA

 

“Tritone Labyrnith” from Trve Black Metal Jazz https://youtu.be/zwhfgYqjjGI

 

Dig Etienne’s soundtrack work for “Art of Chare” https://youtu.be/yjn29OuA9ug

 

Why choose brutality or jazz when you can have both? Stay “trve,” stay jazz. – Etienne Pelosoff

 

Amy Humphrey

For well over 10 years now, husband & wife duo Clatter have been creating rhythm section chaotic goodness. Hailing from Missouri, and soon to be hailing from Sweden, Clatter (Amy Humphrey, bass & Joe Hayes, drums) recently performed a quick run of gigs in Austin, Texas.

 

Amy Humphrey is a self taught bassist and her unique style and tone are an integral part of the sound of Clatter.

 

With her trusty Rickenbacker bass, Amy uses a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier with a matching 4×12 cabinet and an SWR SM-900 with a matching 8×8 cabinet simultaneously by using and A/B splitter box. This rig, combined with her unique plucking style creates some gnarly but beautiful tones.

 

Amy is not afraid to play her bass with the zeal of a flamenco guitarist in order to get what she needs from the instrument. And on top of those wacky bass lines she also holds down the lead vocal duties in the band. If she’s not on your bass radar then look her up.

You won’t regret it!

 

Amy also has an extensive rig rundown and deconstructed bass lines series available via their YouTube channel. 

 

Clatter’s latest single and video can be heard here: https://youtu.be/hbJLgYmfpYM

 

Clatter’s discography is available here: https://clatter.bandcamp.com

 

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Mike Swarbrick

Cortége is an Austin, TX bass/drum duo with bass duties held down by Mike Swarbrick. With an ethereal, otherworldly sound, the duo traverses vast soundscapes that have a uniquely Spaghetti Western feel to them. Not only does Mike cover bass duties he also plays a variety of synthesizers and tubular bells! In December 2021, Swarbrick took over low end duties for Destroyer of Light.

 

Cortege “Horizons” https://youtu.be/5au1abxvDP4

 

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Rain Nox

Rain Nox is the second of two bassists in the Austin, TX based rock band Rise From Fire.

 

Rain is an accomplished musician, holding a degree in music composition from the University of Texas at Austin. Not only does Rain cover lead vocals and hold down the low end in her band, as an accomplished pianist and vocalist she also has her musicals and mini operas performed in Austin. As a bassist, she does her job expertly, keeping the groove and laying the foundation for her husband’s ‘lead bass’ riffs and solos. Rain can be seen performing with Rise From Fire around the Austin club scene.

 

Rise From Fire “Serenity” https://youtu.be/4uSsmUfmFUI

 

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Tony Salvaggio

Tony has been an active bassist in the Austin underground scene since approximately 1996. He plays bass in his band Deserts of Mars and is also the primary lyricist and songwriter. With his wife, Rain Nox, he serves as ‘lead’ bassist in the all bass & drum group Rise From Fire. Tony’s style is rooted in metal, drawing heavily from the late 70’s and 80’s metal styles (Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden). Both bands can be heard regularly around the Austin metal club scene.

 

Deserts of Mars “Return from the Void: 01 Raise the Pyramids” https://youtu.be/5UinzorUkMs

 

Rise from Fire “Die by the Sword” https://youtu.be/NKNwtRHfdP0