“I have to be on the stage. That’s when it comes to me… period.”

He started out on clarinet, then took up the doghouse at age seventeen, honed his craft in military bands in the 1950s, paid his dues as Dinah Washington’s musical director for a few years, migrated to Detroit’s burgeoning jazz scene in the early 60s, then relocated to New York City a few years later to emerge as one of the most versatile and prolific bassists in modern jazz.

An educator, composer, and recording artist, Cecil McBee’s canon spans seminal works by Charles Lloyd, Wayne Shorter, Yusef Lateef, Pharoah Sanders, Alice Coltrane, Joe Farrell, Leon Thomas, Lonnie Liston Smith, and Norman Connors to cite an extremely select few.

McBee’s work in the late 1960s “soul jazz” movement was watershed, as he rendered melodic passages and deep grooves that inspired both upright and electric players.

Dig Cecil with…

Leon Thomas “The Creator Has a Master Plan” https://youtu.be/uoYnvw-97II

Alice Coltrane “Journey to Satchidananda” https://youtu.be/TQtEFdyhgdE

Pharoah Sanders “Summun Bukmun Umyun” https://youtu.be/0qHLbGALJZg

Yusef Lateef “Juba Juba” https://youtu.be/LNXq4OE0Vw0

Norman Connors “Dance of Magic” https://youtu.be/NYCb8J6h-0s

A bassist, composer, producer, band-member, collaborator, and educator, among other titles – this Berklee College of Music alum cites Geddy, John Paul Jones, Sir Paul, Marcus Miller, and Jaco as his mentors. Chaney seamlessly blends his tone and approach to whatever the situation warrants – working alternative rock, pop, blues, funk, country, rhythm and blues, and country genres as a first call session player.

Utilizing trad four-string, extended range, fretless, and acoustic instruments, Chaney’s canon spans artists as diverse as Joe Cocker, Glenn Campbell, Jane’s Addiction, Alanis Morissette, Cher, Slash, Orianthi, Josh Groban, Sara Bareilles, Camp Freddy, Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, and Gavin Degraw to reference a very, very select few.

Chaney has also helmed the bass chair for numerous film scores and television soundtracks.

A Fender endorser, Chaney is a collector! Among his weapons of choice include vintage Fender Jazz and Precision basses, plus instruments and sound equipment from Fender Custom Shop, Lakland, Sadowsky, Guild, Gibson, Epiphone, Rob Allen, Aguilar, and Ashdown, to name a scant few.

Dig Chris with Jane’s Addiction “Just Because” https://youtu.be/sb3FJdRk-tI

Dig Chris with Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders “Middle Child” https://youtu.be/Ld7azdCyBMw

Dig Chris with Alanis “You Learn” https://youtu.be/N1Nr4engFhk

Dig Chris with Camp Freddy (Scott Weiland, Rick Nielson, Matt Sorum, Billy Morrison…) https://youtu.be/9kTdT89-0qk

Dig Chris with Taylor and Perry “I Really Blew It” https://youtu.be/g3E5ah6Hj3A

By Thomas Semioli

Two 70’s seminal six-string slingers; Tommy Bolin and Peter Frampton, called upon Stanley Sheldon to anchor their ensembles and watershed slabs. A native of Ottawa, Kansas – Sheldon’s approach to the instrument draws from a wide array of influences including rhythm & blues, soul, jazz, Latin and permutations thereof . It was Stanley’s grooves and harmonic support which fortified his bandleaders’ artistry on record and on stage. A finesse player who rocks with the best of ’em, check out….

 

Stanley and Tommy Bolin on “People People” https://youtu.be/t01RnTvzlGI

 

Sheldon’s upper register fills on “Homeward Strut” https://youtu.be/QNHGEKKE9As

 

“The Grind” – a Bolin / Sheldon co-write https://youtu.be/CgdMX8rcxLs

 

With drummer John Siomos, and keyboardist Bob Mayo, Stanley brought out the best in Peter Frampton on one of the greatest live collections committed to vinyl, 8-Track, cassette, and streaming: Frampton Comes Alive (1976). Throughout Alive! Sheldon works the lower-register pocket with a punchy soulful feel which complimented Frampton’s extended improvisations. Most players would have slid all over the neck given the instrument’s tendency to “encourage” gilssandos and harmonics  – however Sheldon grooved with space aplenty, which is why those recordings still sound fresh nearly a half-century later.

 

Also note that along with Kenny Passarelli (who recommended Stanley for the Frampton gig), Boz Burrell, Rick Danko, and Bill Wyman – Stanley Sheldon was among the first bassists to utilize a fretless (Fender Precision) in a pop rock context.

 

 

 

 

Stanley Sheldon Sound & Vision…

 

Tony Senatore with his “Sheldon fretless P Bass” rendering a few of Stanley’s signature Frampton passages:

 

“Do You Feel Like We Do” https://youtu.be/nxW_DshFEwg

 

“I’ll Give You Money” https://youtu.be/guBps-ftmPk

 

“It’s A Plain Shame” https://youtu.be/n_2xnt5YwZ0

 

“Something’s Happening” https://youtu.be/RIYofxOb5o8

 

“Doobie Wah” https://youtu.be/6wzD4zgL2tU

 

“What can I say about Peter that has not already been said? He was, and, continues to be one of the greatest inspirational figures in the world of music… to his countless fans in general… and to me in particular. We were both born in 1950, but on different sides of the Atlantic Ocean. I truly believe Peter and I came into this world as synchronistic musical soulmates… destined to play together from the beginning.” – Courtesy www.StanleySheldon.Com

 

An educator, devoted student of Latin American studies and world music, among other endeavors, Sheldon has also cut records and/or toured with Lou Gramm, Ronin (with Waddy Wachtel, Rick Marotta, Dan Dugmore), subbed for Mel Schacher in Don Brewer’s Grand Funk Railroad, anchored Delbert McClinton, and Warren Zevon to cite a few – and continued to work with Frampton on and off until his bandleader’s forced retirement due to illness.

Be sure to check out www.StanleySheldon.Com – his Diaries are a fascinating glimpse into his career and artistry.

An acclaimed British upright jazz cat, session player, bandleader, and member of Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated among other noted ensembles; rockers of a certain age revere Spike Heatley’s brilliant artistry in the service of Rod Stewart in the early 1970s.

Spike added harmonic depth and swinging grooves to Rod The Mod’s readings of Bob Dylan (“Mama You’ve Been On My Mind”), Sam Cooke (“Twistin’ the Night Away” “Bring It On Home/You Send Me”), Chuck Berry (“Sweet Little Rock ‘n’ Roller”), and the rooster haired rocker’s choice album cuts composed with Martin Quittenton (“Farewell”) and Ron “I’ve Got My Own Album to Do” Wood (“Dixie Toot”), among others.

Among Spike’s session credits include doubling the electric bass of John Paul Jones for Donovan’s iconic “Sunshine Superman.”

Dig Spike on Rod’s “Twistin’ the Night Away” https://youtu.be/XzpDVPcKD4w

Dig Spike on “Sunshine Superman” https://youtu.be/YsX2FhBf9nY

 

When Curtis Mayfield left The Impressions to forge his remarkable career as a solo artist, he wisely took the late, great Joseph “Lucky” Scott with him. A self-taught player who did not read a note of music, Lucky created the iconic bass motifs which defined “Freddie’s Dead,”  “Pusherman,” “Superfly,” “We Got to Have Peace,” and “Mighty Mighty” among others.

 

Digging deep in-the-pocket with occasional harmonic flourishes and a fat Fender tone, Scott intuitively created rhythm and space for Curtis’ to improvise and sing songs which moved a generation – intellectually and physically!    

 

KYBP Reader David W. Richardson: Big up to a legendary Bass Master, Lucky lives on through the Hip Bass lines he created.

 

Joseph Lucky Scott Sound & Vision

 

 “Freddie’s Dead” https://youtu.be/xMoyBalIj4Q

 

“Pusher Man” https://youtu.be/W8Rm7IO4foU

 

“Superfly” https://youtu.be/vTWZ2e0sLaQ

 

“We Got to Have Peace” https://youtu.be/JaUpaYXfOco

 

“Mighty Mighty” https://youtu.be/O7qtatphOJs

 

 

He was the anchor of Charles Wright & The Watts 103^rd Street Rhythm Band, and later, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame soul icon Bill Withers.

 

Fueled by gospel, rhythm & blues, and jazz influences – among Melvin’s seminal tracks include “Express Yourself,” “Do Your Thing,” “Use Me,” “Who Is He and What Is He to You?” “Grandma’s Hands,” “Harlem / Cold Baloney.” 

 

Melvin’s weapons of choice include the Fender Telecaster bass and Fender Precision.

 

Melvin Dunlap Sound & Vision:

 

Watch Melvin with Charles Wright “Express Yourself” https://youtu.be/6Q3WuhV5wik

 

Watch Melvin with Bill Withers

 

“Use Me” https://youtu.be/g3hBYTkI-sE

 

“Ain’t No Sunshine” https://youtu.be/CICIOJqEb5c

 

“Grandma’s Hands” https://youtu.be/qv5pagal-ls

 

 

A giant, and an influencer who stands among the greats of any generation. He was an electric bass pioneer, master soloist, heavy groove-player, educator, and sonic innovator, among other attributes. The late John Voorhis “Tim” Bogert radically expanded the role of the instrument on stage and on record by way of his matchless tenure in the groundbreaking ensembles Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, and Beck, Bogert & Appice, in addition to his many other collaborations. 

 

Renowned for his working relationship with drummer Carmine Appice, Bogert’s primary weapon of choice for his most recognized recordings and concert performances was a hybrid Telecaster (neck) and Precision (body) bass – which was sold to a collector. In his later years Bogert utilized an extended range, among other instruments.

 

Photo By Chris Dixon

 

Tim Bogert Sound & Vision…

 

Vanilla Fudge:

 

“You Just Keep Me Hangin’ On” https://youtu.be/xNcFWGox-SM

 

“Shotgun” https://youtu.be/mXez-BqNGtk

 

“Some Velvet Morning” https://youtu.be/zBtKYBKg_yU

 

Beck, Bogert & Appice:

 

“Superstition” https://youtu.be/n0R8Tdr0oB8

 

“Black Cat Moan” https://youtu.be/6qP_t0HySoI

 

“Morning Dew” https://youtu.be/7UjJwjGtyvo

 

Cactus:

 

“One Way or Another” https://youtu.be/ajdc8ZEESUM

 

“Parchman Farm” https://youtu.be/d_y_m0mImGw

 

Boxer: “No Reply” https://youtu.be/-GyQ_O0dQgs

 

Derringer – Bogert -Appice: “Rhapsody in Red” https://youtu.be/O50mwhzJE58

 

Among the most prolific, versatile and accomplished bassists on stage and on record, Rodolfo Maximiliano Sarzo Lavieille Grande Ruiz Payret y Chaumont has anchored some of hard rock’s most groundbreaking and influential artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Dio, Yngwie Malmsteem, Tony MacAlpine,  Queensryche, and Blue Oyster Cult, to cite a select few.  Rudy currently anchors the legacy edition of The Guess Who. 

 

An author (Off The Rails / 2006), composer, clinician, educator (Rock Bass Essentials), instrument designer (Signature Peavey Cirrus Bass, Spector Signature Bass, Sawtooth Electric / Acoustic Signature Basses, among others), podcast host (The Dash Podcast) – Rudy plies his craft with a crisp tone, deft use of chords and harmonic extensions, and a proclivity to leave space in a genre oft given to over-playing! And he’s a master showman….

 

Incorporating signature jazz, rock, classical, and Latin motifs in his passages and solos, Rudy exemplifies the value of exploring musical formats beyond his chosen genre.

 

Along with Tony Franklin, Boz Burrell, Bill Wyman, Kenny Passarelli, and Jack Bruce, Rudy is among rock’s fretless bass pioneers.

 

As the Rock and Roll Hall Fame is making strides, albeit slowly, in citing the masters and influencers of metal and hard rock, Rudy Sarzo should be recognized for his body of work as a sideman, performer, and bandmember in the Musical Excellence category.

 

Tom Semioli HUFF POST “A Bass Player’s Rant – 33 Bass Players Who Belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” Rudy Sarzo: https://bit.ly/2RusuV0

 

Check out Rudy’s Signature Sawtooth basses: https://www.sawtoothworld.com/acoustic-electric-basses

 

Rudy Sarzo Sound & Vision…

 

Ozzy Osbourne:

 

“Mr. Crowley” https://youtu.be/G3LvhdFEOqs

 

“I Don’t Know” https://youtu.be/ra6bZuCwKy4

 

Quiet Riot:

 

“Bang Your Head” https://youtu.be/O_1ruZWJigo

 

“Mama Weer All Crazee Now” https://youtu.be/gStvjANqoqs

 

Rudy as the consummate song player in a pop rock context: Dig KYBP Adjunct Professor Tony Senatore’s rendition of Rudy’s passage on the Quiet Riot by way of Slade classic “Come On Feel The Noise” https://youtu.be/lgBMgpf7NXo

 

Whitesnake:

 

“Still of the Night” https://youtu.be/9VOvlHUWfs4

 

“Is This Love” https://youtu.be/W6YypskaWvA

 

Project Driver: “I Can See It In Your Eyes” https://youtu.be/lIlswNoPnIg

 

KYBP Adjunct Professor Tony Senatore’s rendition from Rudy’s Project Driver “Nations On Fire” https://youtu.be/y6JS3VNEsXc

 

Manic Eden: “Can You Feel It” https://youtu.be/5s-Anco9jmM

 

 

 

KYBP ZOOM ZESSIONS / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: “I look forward to beautiful uncertainties, everything I have succeeded with comes from the unknown…” A behind-the-scenes vignette from a mesmeric conversation with RUDY SARZO by host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli. Rudy reflects on the Rock Hall of Fame, his induction into the Miami-Dade College Hall of Fame, motivations in life, Randy Rhoads’ love of teaching, and his future aspirations. The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show airs on Cygnus Radio.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: “Your bass doesn’t have any bloody frets!” In this behind-the-scenes clip with host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli, Rudy Sarzo discusses his Cuban rhythmic roots, his ’59 Fender Precision and “Frankenstein” ’67 Fender Jazz, Pino Palladino’s passive bass resurgence, and the time when Ozzy Osbourne realized that Rudy’s instrument was devoid of metal strips on the fretboard! The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show airs on Cygnus Radio.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: In the first in a series of six unedited interview clips from a 2021 broadcast of The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show on Cygnus Radio, Rudy Sarzo talks about his Cuban musical and cultural roots, his ’59 Fender Precision and ’67 Jazz basses; David displays his fretless six-string, and Ozzy bellows “you don’t have any frets on that bloody bass!’ among other topics! With host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: In the second in a series of six unedited interview clips from a 2021 broadcast of The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show on Cygnus Radio, Rudy Sarzo talks about his signature Sawtooth electric and acoustic bass, the instruments he’s used over the years, amplification, and playing the Miami club scene. With host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: In the third in a series of six unedited interview clips from a 2021 broadcast of The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show on Cygnus Radio, with Rudy Sarzo, our discussion covers such topics as: music education, the homogenization of arts and culture, Rudy’s media studies at Miami-Dade and his work in digital platforms, his work as a podcast host, and reflections on Randy Rhoads, among other topics. With host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: In the fourth in a series of six unedited interview clips from a 2021 broadcast of The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show on Cygnus Radio, Rudy Sarzo talks about his early family life and emigration from Cuba; musical influences spanning The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin, touring with Ozzy, and Whitesnake, among other topics. With host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: In the fourth in a series of five unedited interview clips from a 2021 broadcast of The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show on Cygnus Radio, Rudy Sarzo reflects on the record industry: then and now, his podcast, working with Blue Oyster Cult on his mid-show bass solo, surviving the loss of Randy Rhoads, and the perils of fame and fortune, among other topics. With host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: In the sixth and final episode in a series of six unedited interview clips from a 2021 broadcast of The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show on Cygnus Radio, Rudy Sarzo ruminates o’er such topics as the “hair band era” (notes David “spandex is the most forgiving of fabrics!”), the balance of musicianship and showmanship, Whitesnake, Manic Eden, his induction into the Miami-Dade College Hall of Fame, among other subjects. With host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli.