Bass player Archives | Page 31 of 71

Charles Lambiase by Tony Senatore

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Charles Lambiase by Tony Senatore

It’s always easy to say what has already been said. If you walk into an art museum, and rave about Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, you surely won’t be laughed at, and will, at best, be considered someone with marginal intelligence. If you went to work today and told your coworkers that Donald Trump is a fascist, or used the phrase “We the People” in a conversation, I’ll wager that you’ve been listening to Rachel Maddow or Sean Hannity. Once again, you’re not going to be regarded as a thinker on the level of Victor Davis Hanson or Tom Semioli, but you won’t be ridiculed either. It’s safe, and everyone likes to play it safe.

What we need more of in this world is for people to take risks, and not play it safe. Whether we are speaking about music, art, or anything for that matter, more people need to step out of their comfort zone, and run the risk of being called either an iconoclast who is breaking new ground or a charlatan who is nothing more than a hack.

When I was coming up, no one really every went out on a limb for me, as I was relatively unknown. Even though some well-known musicians (like the late Lew Soloff) would make calls in my behalf, no one wanted to hire me, as i hadn’t worked with anyone of note, at least in their opinion Things changed for me in 1987 when Mike Varney put me in his Spotlight Column in the July, 1987 issue of Guitar Player Magazine. The process was slow, but steady, and I built whatever career I had from that first step. Not many in the music business are willing to risk their reputation on an unknown.

He uses his bass not in the typical way, but as a conduit to tap into all that he holds sacred in music, from Jack Bruce to John Mc Laughlin, to Jonas Hellborg and Shakti. Last night (October 23, 2019), Brooklyn and the world was introduced to a new and special talent; and artist who does not sound like any other bass player you have ever heard.

I would like to be among the first to stick my neck out for him, and let you know that I have nothing but the utmost respect for him as a musician, but more importantly, as a person. He is a friend, and I am a big fan of his playing.

He’s right up there with all the greats!

David Hull (Joe Perry Project, Buddy Miles Express)

Multi-instrumentalist, bassist, composer, recording artist David Hull commenced his extraordinary and versatile career on stage and in the studio as anchor of the Buddy Miles Express in 1970 when he was barely out of his teens.

Founder of Connecticut rock ensemble The Dirty Angels, David is rock-solid rocker with a soulful disposition (as referenced in his fine solo platter Soul In Motion), Hull has waxed commendable slabs and/or worked stages with Arthur Lee & Love (Vindicator), the Joe Perry Project, Joe Cocker, Ted Nugent, Modern Farmer (with Reeves Gabrels), Fahrenheit, and Pete Droge & The Sinners, among others.

Among Hull’s weapons of choice include a modified P/J ‘75 Fender Precision, late ‘70s MusicMan Stingray, Hagstrom 8-string, early 70s Fender Telecaster Bass, and a Lakeland 55-94, among others. On stage David is a Hartke all the way Hartke LH100 head, Hartke 410XL and 115BXL cabs.

David also pinch-hit for an ailing Tom Hamilton on a few Aerosmith world tours. Keep up with DH at www.DavidHullMusic.com

David Hull Sound & Vision….

Joe Perry Project: “Let the Music Do the Talking” https://youtu.be/logDHc2XzXI

David Hull “Soul In Motion” https://youtu.be/QEeRSfoP6LI

Buddy Miles: “Take It Off Him” https://youtu.be/61pqJAEVpv0

Fahrenheit “Fool In Love” https://youtu.be/Yu-oLBKkxWA

David with Aerosmith in 2006 https://youtu.be/vg_VRFmQD4A

Dirty Angles Live 1976 https://youtu.be/QiAAkKiRGIc

Jackie Jackson (Toots and The Maytals, Paul Simon)

He is the bass player you groove to on Paul’s “Mother and Child Reunion.”

Undeniably giants of twentieth century recorded music, Toots & The Maytals, anchored by Jackie Jackson, may not enjoy the high-profile name recognition or commercial visibility of Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, or Peter Tosh – yet they are just as influential and revered. In fact, Toots’ 1968 recording “Do The Reggay” is considered the first use of the term. Incorporating rhythm and blues into their ska and rocksteady roots The Maytals cut several classic sides.

Upon hearing James Jamerson’s Motown magic, Jackson took up the electric and never looked back. Akin to his idol, Jackson is a master of rhythm, harmony and tone – and scores of bassists cite him as their mentor. In addition to his incomparable career with The Maytals, Jackson also cut tracks aplenty with Herbie Mann, Garland Jeffreys, and Scratch Perry to cite a select few.

Jackie Jackson Sound & Vision…

Paul Simon: “Mother and Child Reunion” https://youtu.be/L0BUsDf0dxY

Toots & The Maytals:

“Pressure Drop” https://youtu.be/DKVB_CtU8XQ

“Reggae Got Soul” https://youtu.be/0ivk0x1vThY

“Funky Kingston” https://youtu.be/Or2_x8hsGTs

Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters)

A major player on the alternative scene since the 1990s, Nathan Mendel has anchored the mighty Foo Fighters for several platinum slabs and stadium tours.

With his beloved candy apple red ’71 Precision, which Fender has replicated by way of a signature tribute model, Mendel works the lower register with precise harmonic and rhythmic movement to serve the singer and the songs – like most of us do.

Dig Nate talking Fender bass: https://youtu.be/Bnve6E1ij_4

Mendel was also a member of Sunny Day Real Estate, among other ensembles, and currently toils as leader of a side project entitled “Lieutenant.”

Dig Nate with Sunny Day Real Estate “In Circles” https://youtu.be/41YqzHoCgk4

Dig Nate with the Foos: “The Pretender” https://youtu.be/SBjQ9tuuTJQ

Gary Shea (Alcatrazz, New England)

Photo Courtesy of Gary Shea Facebook

You can tell an exceptional bass player by the company they keep – on stage and in the studio. Which brings us to Gary Shea. A hard-rocking New Englander inspired by the masters: James Jamerson, Bernard Odum with James Brown, Sir Paul, and John Entwistle – Shea forsook the guitar (like so many of us) for the bass and never looked back. A decidedly “no nonsense” i.e., groove player with a melodic flair, Shea continues to anchor two formidable ensembles: Alcatrazz and New England – among other projects.

Gary has also toiled behind the scenes: with R&D for Korg U.S.A, and writing bass programs for the AX1B, The Pandora 3, Pandora 4 and the AX3000B bass processors.

Shea briefly studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Among his stage and bandstand credits include Graham Bonnet, Luther Grosvenor (aka Ariel Bender of Mott the Hoople), Michael Corby, Rock Island Orchestra, Michael Monarch, Herman Rarebell (Scorpions), Peter French (Cooper-Shea), Jimmy Waldo, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Steve Vai…to cite a select few.

Gary Shea Sound & Vision…

New England:

“Shall I Run Away” https://youtu.be/TK2W9q5P2qg

“Don’t Ever Want to Lose Ya” https://youtu.be/oCwzRV0UMhA

2010 reunion https://youtu.be/X9it3OMtkG0

Alcatrazz:

“Island In the Sun” https://youtu.be/SitEuezk_Jw

“Lost in Hollywood” https://youtu.be/7eRLQyXzZ1Y

“God Blessed” https://youtu.be/N19Pu1KM3b4

2017 reunion “Skyfire” https://youtu.be/qahX84Ug-7w

Cooper- Shea “Nickels and Dimes” https://youtu.be/236br8-oj4s

Gary Shea Know Your Bass Player Zoom Zezzions

We consider him to be in a class of preeminent hard-rock bassists of his generation. Gary Shea recalls his early days, influences, his tenure with New England, working with Todd Rundgren and Eddie Kramer, and an intimidating audition with Clive Davis among other stories of a life in rock and roll! Writers/Interviewers: Tom Semioli, Robert Jenkins. Editor: Mark Polott.

Executive Producer: Mark Preston

Gary Shea reveals his approach to anchoring guitar virtuosos Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai, and demonstrates his “patented plectrum prowess!” Writers/Interviewers: Tom Semioli, Robert Jenkins. Editor: Mark Polott. Executive Producer: Mark Preston

Cost of the instrument from Manny’s Music on West 48th Street New York City: $148.00! Gary Shea Modifications: A Precision bass neck. Telecaster pickguard. Bootleg Fender decal on headstock. Elmer’s glue to fix crack in the neck. Quan Badass bridge. White out and filed clay dots on the neck. Notch above neck pick-up where Gary anchors his thumb. Tools used: hot butter knife! Sound of the Gary Shea’s bass unplugged: awesome! Sound of Gary Shea’s bass on record: awesome! Sound of Gary Shea’s bass on stage: awesome! Writers/Interviewers: Tom Semioli, Robert Jenkins. Editor: Mark Polott. Executive Producer: Mark Preston

Is the long-player obsolete? Doomed to extinction? Has playlist and individual song streaming rendered the traditional song-cycle irrelevant? What are the pitfalls, the advantages of digital music? Bassists Gary Shea and Robert Jenkins weigh in. Writers/Interviewers: Tom Semioli, Robert Jenkins. Editor: Mark Polott. Executive Producer: Mark Preston

David Brown (Boz Scaggs Band)

Given that his photograph hardly appeared on any of the releases he played on (with the one notable exception of Boz Scaggs & Band) – his album credits are often mistaken for David Brown of the original Santana band in several archival / historical publications!

A pocket player with a soulful disposition, this David Brown was an accomplished studio player and sideman who anchored several slabs and/or concert performances by such acclaimed artists including Duane & Gregg Allman, solo Gregg, Betty Wright (“Clean Up Woman”), Boz, Kitty Wells, Martin Mull, Arthur Conley, Bonnie Bramlett and Elvin Bishop, to cite a select few.

Dig David Brown with Boz: “Monkey Time” https://youtu.be/mNtjYABkKhA

Dig Tony Senatore’s rendition of David’s bass passage for “Clean Up Woman” https://youtu.be/uobVPIvD2E8

Dig David with Gregg and Duane: “Morning Dew” https://youtu.be/UBRhAw-IMjQ

At the zeitgeist of 1990s Brit Pop populism, Blur were among the finest ensembles of the era who actually lived up to the hype. Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon garnered much of the attention, as singer / guitarists are prone to do. However their not so secret weapon was bassist Alex James – who rendered extraordinary groove / countermelodic motifs as evidenced on such tracks as “Colin Zeal” (Modern Life Is Rubbish/ 1995) “Entertain Me” (Great Escape / 1995), “Girls and Boys” (Leisure / 1991).

Plying his craft with a plectrum, James’ primary tools of the trade included Fender Precision, Fender Jazz, and Ernie Ball MusicMan Stingray.

Alex James Sound & Vision:

“Girls and Boys” https://youtu.be/WDswiT87oo8

“Beetlebum” https://youtu.be/WAXnqjUfal4

“Charmless Man” https://youtu.be/p1a_4CN4onA

Mike Muller (Dive Bar Romeos, Manu Lanvin, Too Many Lauras, Bopcats, SBT, Mario Rossi)

Photo by Jamie Kalikow

Yet another badass bass cat from Long Island… Michael Muller is the dude who lays down the groove, works a melody, renders a solo, anchors the gig with a flair for improv when required, and wherever needed from the clubs to the concert halls and all the permutations thereof.

A composer, producer, educator, and vocalist: Muller time means waxing sides and working stages with some of the most respected names in the biz, and indie rockers who may not have had their commercial due, yet forged artistry worthy of rediscovery. Methinks if and when Muller departs this mortal coil, he’ll be a first call player in the next dimension of other worldly existence.

Nattily attired, urban squire, not perspired, far from retired, sans the muck and mire, preachin’ to the choir, puttin’ out the fire, will not raise your ire, his need ain’t dire..workin’ the blooze boogie pocket croonin’ and groovin’.

The indigenous Smithtown-ian commenced his career as a teen, working local clubs – as we all do. Upon graduation from SUNY Stonybrook, he migrated to Richmond, Virginia which, at the time, was a musical hotbed. And it probably still is. Upon joining pop rockers Single Bullet Theory (don’t tell the CIA…) Mike was in the studio cutting their debut slab for Nemperor Records (label to Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, and Tommy Bolin for those of you keeping score…).

Following his SBT stint, Muller worked his craft in the USA and France – which he does to this day. Note his time in Lindy Fralin’s Bobcats. Fralin is a noted vintage-style pick-up designer. Both Muller and yours truly mod our respective instruments with Lindy’s products.

We knew Muller was a rock star! But a leading man? Dramatis personae? Dig Mike’s video “Curious” produced and directed by Jamie Lamm. Says Mike “I’ve seen too many of my friends succumb to drugs and addictions, both are easy to take hold of, and too easy to take the wrong road.”

All things Muller at www.MikeMullerBass.com

Mike Muller Sound and Vision….

Fred Turner (Bachman-Turner Overdrive)

He was the bass player who took care of business.

Recommended to Randy Bachman by Neil Young, Charles Frederick Turner is the “T” in BTO aka, the mighty Bachman-Turner-Overdrive. An accomplished singer, guitarist, composer – that’s CFT’s lead vocals on a few of Canadian band’s most recognizable hits including “Let It Ride,” and “Roll On Down the Highway” among others.

A pocket player now favors extended range (see below) and who plays to the song – Turner has occasionally reunited with his band-mates over the years, and has recorded and toured with Randy under the Bachman & Turner moniker.

Fred Turner Sound & Vision….

“Let It Ride” https://youtu.be/S13DozOsAu8

“Roll On Down the Highway” https://youtu.be/Gi0Opxwyino

“Takin’ Care of Business” with Paul Shaffer: https://youtu.be/ybtl9qVFAjc

Stephen Amazing (Upp, Jeff Beck, Clark-Hutchinson)

According to legend, when Andy Clark turned to his bassist and bellowed “Stephen, you’re amazing!” he adopted the moniker “Stephen Amazing.”

The bassist born Stephen Fields utilized both a trad finger picking and a plectrum / rhythm guitar strumming approach – which indeed, were quite amazing – see the Upp BBC video clip below. Mr. Amazing waxed an amazing slab with Jeff Beck – who served as the anonymous producer / guitarist on Upp in 1975. Amazin’ Amazing also backed Beck for a few gigs circa ’74-75 and anchored jam band / blues rockers Clark – Hutchinson before vanishing from music biz without a trace….hence this is all we know about him.

Note to bass detectives: if you have info on Stephen, please contact us!

Stephen Amazing Sound & Vision….

Upp on UK TV with Jeff Beck https://youtu.be/NzDqqxKnW3o

Clark-Hutchinson…

“Summer Seemed Longer” https://youtu.be/Gp9vhqImtPA

“Free to Be Stoned” https://youtu.be/RfnUJQZqOew