Funk, fusion, blues, jazz, soul, disco, rock…

 

An incredibly  versatile session player and sideman, most folks know Danny Trifan from his tenure in Larry Coryell’s Eleventh House wherein he waxed such watershed slabs as Introducing… (1974) and Planet End (1975). Working with drummers Alphonse Mouzon and Billy Cobham, Trifan is a groove master, plying busy passages which compliment their polyrhythmic prowess.

 

Trifan also excels as a song /ensemble player as evidenced by his fine work with Buzzy Linhart, Blood Sweat & Tears, David Sanborn, Tom Waits, the Players Association with Michael Brecker and David Sanborn, Steve Khan, and Jon Faddis among many others.

 

Danny is also a producer, composer, and doubles on several instruments.

 

Danny Trifan Sound & Vision

 

With Larry Coryell:

“Cover Girl” https://youtu.be/m6TNlBis0so

 

“Birdfingers” https://youtu.be/KmCsvQdKxNM

 

“Birdfingers” at the Eleventh House re-union 2013 https://youtu.be/abYIPNg2H0A

 

“The Funky Waltz” https://youtu.be/eayWk5JUyWE

 

With Buzzy Linhart:

“Don’t You Pay Me No Mind” https://youtu.be/Em1-BDoMIpQ

 

With Blood Sweat & Tears:

“Put Out the Light” https://youtu.be/d-uFnlGuVnQ

 

The Players Association:

“Goin’ To the Disco” https://youtu.be/r854IafWn3s

 

Courtesy of Newsted Heavy Metal Com

By Thomas Semioli

 

He had the daunting task of filling the void left by one of metal’s most revered bassists (Cliff Burton) in an ensemble (Metallica) given to notoriously stormy relationships.

Among the genre’s most prolific players, the overall artistry of Jason Curtis Newsted – as a bandmember and solo artist embraces thrash, classic rock, old-school metal, progressive rock, and Americana / roots – all of which he plies on a wide variety of instruments in the trad four and extended range, and on guitar.

Though he is an aggressive player, Newsted is adept at creating melodic, atmospheric passages as evidenced during his solo spots. Citing Lemmy, Steve Harris, Geezer Butler, and Bill Church (Montrose) among his primary influences, Jason served in Metallica from 1986 – 2001, waxing many of their classic tracks and platters. He quit the band when the other members grew jealous of his solo projects during a planned hiatus.

Post- Metallica, Jason has collaborated with Ozzy Osbourne, Voidoid, WhoCares with Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi in addition to several one-offs, and solo projects under the moniker Newsted, and as a guitarist with Jason Newsted and The Chophouse Band.     

A plectrum player / Sadowsky endorser, Jason owns over twenty customized basses  primarily in P/J and J/J configurations. Newsted’s additional weapons of choice throughout his career include instruments made by ESP, Wal, Alembic, MusicMan StingRay, Spector, Gibson Thunderbird, and Dingwall to cite a very, very few.

Nowadays Newsted has set aside his metal legacy, shelving the bass for the six-string as he hones his singer songwriter chops.

 

 

Jason Newsted Sound & Vision

 

With Metallica – Newsted writing credits *

 

“Enter Sandman” https://youtu.be/CD-E-LDc384

*“Blackened” https://youtu.be/qfehFvmwQlo

*”My Friend of Misery” https://youtu.be/xrQiFncPvcg

*”Bass/Guitar Solo” (Live Shit: Binge and Purge) https://youtu.be/K8DJ0sGHOxg

*”Where the Wild Things Are” https://youtu.be/4xI9FvsSVGE

“One” https://youtu.be/WM8bTdBs-cw

“Until It Sleeps” https://youtu.be/eRV9uPr4Dz4

“Sad But True” https://youtu.be/A8MO7fkZc5o

 

With Newsted

 

“Soldierhead” https://youtu.be/ZUfXsCyf8Rs

 

“As The Crow Flies” https://youtu.be/zF5iiMQLgaY

 

WhoCares Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi & Friends

 

“Out of My Mind” https://youtu.be/n2vxQApPg40 

 

The Chophouse Band with Jason on guitar:

 

“Early Thaw” https://youtu.be/tcqMPk0AiAk

 

By Thomas Semioli

 

Orange and red beams, in and out, peek through my window…

 

“He’s one of the best bass guitarists I’ve heard!’  Jimi Hendrix

 

Best known for his tenure in the psychedelic blues version of Eric Burdon’s “New” Animals following Chas Chandler’s departure, the late Danny McCulloch waxed a handful of fine sides and singles with the band including Winds of Change (1967), “Monterey,” “Sky Pilot,” and the lost gem of a slab Every One of Us (1968).

 

A singer, writer, and solo recording artist, Danny’s playing drew attention from Jimi Hendrix and Billboard among others.  McCulloch also plied his craft with Jerry Lee Lewis, Tony Craven & The Casuals, Screaming Lord Sutch & the Savages, and Muddy Waters, to cite a few.

 

Danny reunited with The Animals in 1992 for a one-off performance in Moscow’s Red Square to benefit the United Nations Association Trust and the Children of Chernobyl fund.

 

In 1993 Danny was considered to replace Bill Wyman in the Rolling Stones.  McCulloch was still creating new music and performing when he passed suddenly in 2015.

 

Danny McCulloch Sound & Vision

 

With The New Animals

“Monterey” Live on German TV https://youtu.be/fV4lAEIGfDA

“White Houses” https://youtu.be/vnHFprGvhFU

“Orange and Red Beams” https://youtu.be/FI2ysZ5Iis4

“San Franciscan Nights” https://youtu.be/hKXTWHogIqI

 

Danny solo

“Colour of the Sunset” https://youtu.be/O5x1OULIbMg

“Mirror of the Sky” https://youtu.be/DpjlOYgC6pc

Wings of A Man (1969) https://youtu.be/sszTtOaa60U

Courtesy of Jethro Tull Dot Com

 

Owl loved to rest quietly whilst no one was watching. Sitting on a fence one day, he was surprised when suddenly a kangaroo ran close by. Now this may not seem strange, but when Owl overheard Kangaroo whisper to no one in particular, the hare has lost his spectacles, well, he began to wonder….

 

When Jeffrey Hammond (the repetition of his surname was an in-joke) assumed the bass chair following Glenn Cornick’s dismissal in late 1970, Jethro Tull transmuted from a jazz-rock small group into a progressive-rock powerhouse. Fans and journos agree (for a change) that Jeffrey’s tenure with Tull was indeed its golden age.

 

The subject of a trio of seminal Tull tracks previous to his joining the band (“For Michael Collins, Jeffrey and Me,” “A Song for Jeffrey” “Jeffrey Goes to Leicester Square”), Hammond x 2  negotiated Ian Anderson’s penchant for rapid key and meter shifts with rigid four-to-the-bar root notes and repetitive passages scripted for him by the composer.  Jeffrey’s basses of choice were the Fender Precision and Jazz.

 

On occasion he Jeffrey would haul an upright (replete with stripes) on stage, however it was mostly for theatrical purposes.

 

Hammond-Hammond could not read music and toiled for hours and hours to memorize his parts; an arduous task given the complexity of Anderson’s compositions. However, his affable bandmate Martin Barre often tutored Jeffrey to ready him for sessions and performances – much to Anderson’s relief.

 

Jeffrey’s legacy in Tull lore was set forever on the Passion Play (1973) album (and video) wherein the bassist served as the narrator – replete with a Lancashire dialect – for the comedic musical segue “The Story of the Hare Who Lost His Spectacles.” (See video link below) 

 

Hammond-Hammond was a spirited showman with a dash of sartorial splendor; his zebra striped outfit and matching bass garnered him photo coverage aplenty in the rock rags of the era (Creem, Circus). Tired of the rock and roll life, touring, and his bandleader’s demands, Jeffrey returned to his career as a fine artist after setting his stage attire aflame following his final gig in 1975.

 

In 1988 Jeffrey was given a chance to rejoin Jethro Tull, however his chops were not up to the task, hence he returned to his aforementioned vocation.

 

Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond Sound & Vision…

 

“The Story of the Hare Who Lost His Spectacles” dramatic video: https://youtu.be/H_toN5VfWBo

 

“Aqualung” https://youtu.be/6fEB6v5SsLI

 

“Thick as a Brick” https://youtu.be/AnLo01m8y04

 

“Bungle In the Jungle” https://youtu.be/7y51bpWl_hY

 

“Minstrel In the Gallery” https://youtu.be/loYi7gRrN0Y

 

By Thomas Semioli

A composer, producer, singer, and solo recording artist, the late George Hawkins Jr. was the go to bassist on stage and on record for several high-profile artists including Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina, Christine McVie, Mick Fleetwood’s Zoo, Lindsey Buckingham, The Monkees, John Fogerty, Jimmy Webb, Delbert McClinton, Richard Marx, Boz Scaggs, Steve Perry, Al Jarreau, Dave Mason, Roger McGuinn, and Stevie Nicks to cite a select few.

 

A Sadowsky endorser, pocket / melodic player who worked the extended range, George took over the bass chair with Loggins & Messina in 1976 from Larry Sims. He anchored the duo’s 1977 Farewell Tour and live platter aptly entitled Finale.

 

Loggins tabbed George for his solo band wherein the bassist waxed platinum selling platters Celebrate Me Home (1977), Nightwatch (1978), and Keep The Fire (1979), along with the concert twofer Kenny Loggins Alive (1980). George’s gig with Loggins led to more session and sideman work. In 1996 Hawkins cut his lone solo slab Every Dog Has Its Day.  Hawkins was still active when he passed in 2018.  

 

George Hawkins Sound & Vision…

 

Dig George’s funky slap bass break on “Junkanoo Holiday Fallin’ Flyin” from Kenny Loggins Alive https://youtu.be/jxKWe6oNkq4

 

Kenny Loggins “Whenever I Call Your Name” https://youtu.be/NmRh69YyKnA

 

Lindsay Buckingham “Trouble” https://youtu.be/OyONfX5bpyQ

 

Mick Fleetwood’s Zoo “Angel Come Home” https://youtu.be/g0C0gJu_j3E

 

Christine McVie “Friend” https://youtu.be/clyGRmFcMgI

 

George Hawkins “Every Dog Has Its Day” https://youtu.be/_FXIAlXZGaA

 

 

Courtesy of Phil Soussan FB

 

When rock legends need a bass player, Phil Soussan’s phone rings.

A multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, engineer, vocalist, clinician, band member, recording artist, collaborator, and chicken soup master chef https://youtu.be/P53Ypw23ZAo – Phil is virtuoso support player, rendering passages which serve the groove, the song, and the soloist.  

Much of Soussan’s recorded and live work falls under the hard rock genre, yet his passages reflect his passion for jazz, rhythm & blues, old school soul, and prog.

Phil’s resume spans Ozzy Osbourne, Vince Neil, Johnny Halladay, Simon Kirke, Gilby Clarke, Toto (as a songwriter), and Michael Schenker, to cite a very select few.

An Ampeg endorser, Soussan’s weapons of choice include Ernie Ball MusicMan, Spector, Fender, Roger Griffin, and extended range Fernandes Guitars.  

Phil Soussan Sound & Vision

“Big Love” from Phil’s No Protection slab waxed in 2011 https://youtu.be/EWP74ZwimcY

“Lightening Strikes” with Ozzy https://youtu.be/PYDpM7ljMHk

“Miss Claudie” with Johnny Halladay https://youtu.be/Us4gunbmBFc

 

bas

Courtesy of White Zombie Com

 

Anchoring alternative – thrash metal masters White Zombie, founding bassist Sean Yseult labored the lower register pocket, fortifying the raucous riffage of the band’s rotating cast of guitarists with furiously fast flurries of root based sixteenth note passages and derivatives thereof.

 

After Rob split the Zombies, the Sean embarked on a few musical projects, wrote a book about her rocker life entitled I’m In the Band (2009).

 

She currently works in photography (www.SeanYseult.com) and mixed media arts and occasionally gigs with Star & Dagger.

 

Sean Yseult Sound & Vision

 

“Thunder Kiss ‘65” https://youtu.be/yPNFVj-pISU

“More Human” https://youtu.be/E0E0ynyIUsg

“Black Sunshine” https://youtu.be/sqPClltS5k8

“In My Blood” https://youtu.be/9PMuk2-zfoc

 

Courtesy of Greta van Fleet Com

By Thomas Semioli

Warning: this post contains irony and humor!

Bollocks to all ye naysayers!

Head-up-their-arses geezer rockers (yes, you!) and indie rock snobs (are there any other kind?) incessantly grumble over Greta Van Fleet’s hearty homage to their influences. However amnesia sets in with regard to the obvious factoid that the omnipotent Beatles, Rolling Stones, Yardbirds, Sonic Youth, Oasis, and Led “We Can Afford the Best Lawyers” Zeppelin – all pilfered heavily from those that came before them. 

Refer to Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Velvet Underground, The Stooges, Little Richard, and Buddy Holly among others who wuz robbed!  Akin to his mentor, the former John Baldwin, bassist / keyboardist Samuel Kiszka is a fluid, soulful player who serves the almighty song. Refreshing to witness a bona fide rock band piss off folks in the 21st Century. Long may they infuriate and inspire a new generation.

 

Samuel Kiska Sound & Vision

 “Highway Tune” live https://youtu.be/5m-lJb69wrs   

“When The Curtain Falls” https://youtu.be/86_vnQc1oBE

“You’re The One” https://youtu.be/S2pa-Eb4wLE

 

 

He’s the cat who anchored “Faith,” “I Want Your Sex,” “Wake Me Up,” “Careless Whisper”…

 

 

A writer, singer, producer, and solo recording artist, Detroit born bassist Deon Estus studied with James Jamerson, and went on to become an in-demand session / sideman for Sir Elton, Annie Lennox, Tina Turner, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Harvey Mason, and Aaron Neville, among others.

 

 

Deon’s highest profile gig was with Wham! and George Michael (who produced tracks on Estus’ fine 1989 solo slab Spell) wherein he applied the lessons learned from the Motown master, affecting a decidedly soulful, rhythm & blues disposition to the late British pop superstar’s canon.

 

 

Deon Estus Sound & Vision

 

Solo Deon: “Heaven Help Me” https://youtu.be/5LYh9XONmHE

 

With George Michael  

 

“Freedom 90” https://youtu.be/FaEjDk3lgcI

 

“Faith” https://youtu.be/6Cs3Pvmmv0E

 

“I Want Your Sex” https://youtu.be/vldh7oQD-a4

 

With Wham!

 

“Wake Me Up” https://youtu.be/pIgZ7gMze7A

 

“Careless Whisper” https://youtu.be/izGwDsrQ1eQ

 

Courtesy of Debra Killings Com

 

Don’t go chasing waterfalls please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to I know that you’re gonna have it your way or nothing at all….

 

I want to see you on your baddest behavior! Lend me some sugar, I am your neighbor! Ah! Here we go now, shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it like a Polaroid picture! Hey ya!

 

Her vocal, bass, songwriting, production, and session credits include multi-platinum releases by OutKast, TLC, Aretha Franklin, LL Cool J, Curtis Mayfield, Madonna, Toni Braxton, Jay-Z, Santana, George Clinton, and Nelly – to cite a select few.

 

Debra Killings first-call bassist for producers including Babyface, LA Reid, Jermaine Dupri, Big Boi, Andre 3000, and Diane Warren, among others.

 

She’s waxed two terrific solo slabs, and her extended range six-string bass artistry as a pocket / melodic player and soloist exudes the soulful funk fluidity of the Motown, Philly, Muscle Shoals, and Stax legends with a side order of Jaco!

 

She also runs her own studio in Atlanta www.DebraKillingsStudios.com  

 

Debra Killings Sound & Vision

 

TLC “Waterfalls” https://youtu.be/8WEtxJ4-sh4

Outkast “Hey Ya” https://youtu.be/PWgvGjAhvIw

Debra Killings “Surrender” https://youtu.be/SRerfBdS15A

Debra Killings “Message in the Music” https://youtu.be/CRiw7HHYxh8

Debra Killings TC Electronics Demo https://youtu.be/GU2h_HklFpU