Bass player Archives | Page 34 of 71

John Montagna (Alan Parsons Project)

“What’s up beautiful people?”*

With all deference to Sammy Davis Jr. – he’s the hardest working cat in show business – ever! Akin to his former teacher Anthony Jackson, we refer to John Montagna as a “bass guitarist.” Yet, John is much, much more than that: his long list of credits include: composer, singer, recording artist, educator, historian, multi-instrumentalist, producer, band-leader, journalist, sideman (“Happy Together Tour,” Todd Rundgren, Micky Dolenz, The Turtles, Chuck Negron, Mark Farner, Mitch Ryder, Denny Laine, The Cowsills, Felix Cavalerie, to cite a very select few), band member (Alan Parsons Project, among others), Berklee alum, super-fan, pundit, prog prognosticator, broadcaster with bassist Jeff Ganz on “Breaking It Down,” host of a sensational seminal slab soliloquy aptly entitled “Ride Jams” rendered from his automobile to and fro gigs, and Radio418 podcaster – among other endeavors.

A multi-genre genome, a wizard a true star virtuoso of the instrument, ain’t no musical mountain too high for Montagna. “Listen to music, listen to music, listen to music…it’s good for ya!”

** * / ** John Montagna-isms

Dig John Montagna on Know Your Bass Player on Film Season Deux 2018, New York City, Euphoria Studios https://bit.ly/3b7J5FS

Jeff Ganz (Johnny Winter, John Lee Hooker)

From the bright lights of Broadway, to the most renown music venues, recording studios, theaters, clubs, and stages large and small – Jeff Ganz is the among the top players in his profession. Though you wouldn’t know it based on his humility and subtle sense of humor as captured here in his KYBP profile, filmed in New York City. A gentle giant of the instrument – Jeff’s resume spans such diverse artists as Rita Moreno, Johnny Winter, Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad), Dr. John, Gerry Mulligan, Chuck Berry, and John Lee Hooker to cite very, very select few. The great ones always make it look so easy – that’s Jeff!

Dig Jeff Ganz in Know Your Bass Player On Film Season Deux! https://bit.ly/31OLuCv

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Hugh McDonald (Bon Jovi)

Photo Courtesy of Angelfire

Most recognized as a longtime member of Bon Jovi (he ghosted for Alec Jon Such before appearing on stage as a band member), Hugh McDonald’s credits as a session ace alone qualify him for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame merits!

An exemplary pocket and melodic player who works extended range with wide range of styles at his fingertips, Hugh has anchored seminal sides and/or stages with a wide range of artists spanning Phoebe Snow, Jose Feliciano, David Bromberg, Ringo Starr, Steve Forbert, Lita Ford, Carlene Carter, Alice Cooper, Rory Block, Cher, Andy Pratt, Michael Buble, Michael Bolton, and John Prine just to cite a very select few.

Among Hugh’s weapons of choice include Sadowsky, Hofner, Fender Precision and Fender Jazz in both 4 and 5 string configurations. McDonald was afforded Rock and Roll Hall of Fame membership with Bon Jovi – one of the few times the Hall actually got things right with crediting sidemen and women!

Hugh McDonald Sound & Vision…

Bon Jovi:

“This House is Not For Sale” https://youtu.be/_Ri2KEiXlNk

“We Don’t Run” https://youtu.be/xX4822phj7U

“It’s My Life” https://youtu.be/vx2u5uUu3DE

Tony Senatore’s rendition of “Livin’ On A Prayer” https://youtu.be/TX8lzWN0dKU

I’m going to get into my Iroc Z28 and drive back into 1987. The original bass player on this track was Hugh McDonald, who I knew briefly in the 80’s. He’s as solid as they come, and I am a fan of his style of playing that drives any song. I often wonder what Tom Semioli was doing around this time…perhaps practicing his Kip Winger-like dance steps in his garage for an upcoming metal gig.

Highlighting the importance of eighth notes, dig KYBP Adjunct Professor Tony Senatore’s rendition of “Runaway” https://youtu.be/1wSy4phB4Dg

Steve Forbert: “Get Well Soon” https://youtu.be/Kr27ZH6oX9s

Alice Cooper: “Poison” https://youtu.be/Qq4j1LtCdww

Courtesy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Com

Anne Husick (Band of Susans, Exit 99)

Photo by Alan Rand

Singer, songwriter, collaborator, recording artist, guitarist, vocalist, session singer, percussionist, bandleader, band-member (Ronnie Spector, Band of Susans, Exit 99, Red Gretchen, Deni Bonet Band, Phil Gammage Quartet), University of Miami alum, entrepreneur, promoter…

As a bassist Anne Husick is a bona-fide song-player who works the pocket and brings harmonic finesse whenever the situations warrant.

Anne Husick Sound & Vision…

Anne Husick “The Other Side” https://youtu.be/6_whit5HAVk

Red Gretchen “To Find Her” https://youtu.be/b57QZZB87G8

Phil Gammage at the Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival https://youtu.be/j53dCMDDzmc

Gene Holder (The dB’s)

The dB’s were too good for their own good!

With top notch songwriters Chris Stamey and Peter Holsapple complimented by a soulful rhythm section; drummer Will Rigby and bassist Gene Holder, this indie-pop quartet had the compositional and instrumental chops to go the distance ala REM.

However, the business of rock music is not known for rewarding some of its most potent purveyors, alas the dB’s never quite broke out of their hallowed cult status.

Holder is the consummate ensemble player, working the pocket and rendering melodic passages in the service of the almighty song.

As pictured, his weapons of choice include the Fender Jazz bass.

Gene Holder Sound & Vision…

“Black and White” https://youtu.be/43xZ_5_Ga4I

“Neverland” https://youtu.be/hfpli2VQtZU

“A Spy in the House of Love” https://youtu.be/qt2BOl7T-jw

Kirby Johnson (Gilligan’s Island, The Mosquitos)

He anchored the theme song for one of television’s most beloved sitcoms, and also appeared as a bassist in one of the show’s most memorable episodes….

Pocket player Kirby Johnson commenced his career with The Lincolns, a folk ensemble which waxed one platter in 1963 on the Kapp imprint, before they switched their moniker to The Wellingtons.

Migrating to Hollywood in pursuit of fame and fortune, the band inked a deal with Walt Disney’s record company, cutting the theme songs for The Wonderful World of Color, Savage Sam, Folk Heroes and Annette on Campus among others. The Wellingtons also backed Disney actors on promotional tours (Donald O’Connor) and shared the bill with The Supremes and Stevie Wonder on package jaunts, and appeared on such shows as Shindig and Hollywood A Go-Go.

However their legend as rock and roll gods was cemented by way of the hit sitcom Gilligan’s Island wherein they cut the initial version of famous theme song which appeared in the first season (the theme was recut by The Eligibles for seasons two and three) and appeared as the fictional band “The Mosquitos.”

The Wellingtons “Theme to Gilligan’s Island” https://youtu.be/cfR7qxtgCgY

The Mosquitos “Don’t Bug Me,” “He’s a Loser” https://bit.ly/2E0woKY

On the 1965 episode “Don’t Bug The Mosquitoes” the band was consequently upstaged by the Honeybees aka Ginger, Mrs. Howell, and my personal favorite, Maryann on “You Need Us.”

“You Need Us” https://bit.ly/2pObAB5

Following their appearance on Gilligan’s Island, The Wellingtons sank into obscurity, from which KYBP now rescues them….(pun intended).

Royston Langdon (Spacehog)

Courtesy of Royston Langdon Com

As the anchor and songwriter for Spacehog – singer, composer, recording artist, multi-instrumentalist Royston Langdon followed the artistic / aesthetic trail blazed by his legendary UK ancestors Sir Paul, Herbie Flowers, Trevor Bolder, and John Deacon. That is, Langdon is quick to sprinkle (as in “Ray Sprinkles” – his nome de Spacehog) just the right amount of contrapuntal and rhythmic wizardry into his bass passages.

The four Spacehog slabs, predominately composed by Langdon, are studies in songcraft and ensemble playing. Why this quartet did not reach a wider audience is a question for the rock gods who decide such matters.

However if you dig Roxy, Bowie, and Bolan and wondered what they would have sounded like had they been born in the 21st Century, be sure to search these cats out!

Spacehog “In the Meantime” https://youtu.be/PCsGRCf8T9Y

An exemplary compositional player, Mr. Langdon’s latest endeavor – under the moniker LEEDS (the West Yorkshire region city where he was born) is entitled Everything’s Dandy (2018)– and emerges as a cinematic song-cycle which details his astute observations on the g-g-gentrification of his beloved adopted hometown of a quarter-century and counting – New York City.

Dig Royston’s “What Became of the People” https://youtu.be/HEBlmakidGI

Paul Ill (Pink, Alicia Keys, Michael Des Barres)

Photo by Jenna Wilson

“So help me groove! My musical language is determined by my musical philosophies which in turn challenge me to develop in all areas of my life. So, for me it’s about body, mind and spirit – their mutual and cohesive health and development. I believe that musicians, like all people, are conduits for love, and love is the will to nurture one’s own or another’s growth…

So says Paul Ill, a groove master in the mold of his idols – which he lists as Duck Dunn, Jerry Jemmott, Berry Oakley, John Paul Jones, Sir Paul, and Will Lee, amid others. A player, composer, sideman, and engaging stage presence – Ill’s illustrious resume is rather impressive: Michael Des Barres, Pink, Christina Aguilera, Hole, Celine Dion, Reeves Gabrels, Bill Ward, Juliette and the Licks, and Alicia Keys – to cite a select few.

Paul Ill Sound & Vision…

Julliette and the Licks “Shelter Yo’ Needs” https://youtu.be/MGjF0iS6EeE

Pink “Free” https://youtu.be/YDdaJmiJcgU

Alicia Keys “Sure Looks Good to Me” https://youtu.be/RsTLQ6JKedk

Michael Des Barres “Carnaby Street” https://youtu.be/-AuJBAE8RjM

Paul discussing his gear at Produce Like A Pro https://youtu.be/ocF6S8sMCVU

Paul’s claim that he brought back old school “curly chords” https://youtu.be/AhzwxK4_RmA

Christopher Kuffner (Regina Spektor)

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Christopher Kuffner wears many musical hats! He’s an acclaimed producer, bassist, composer, musical director, and multi-instrumentalist with Regina Spektor, Ingrid Michaelson, Jay Stoler, Bess Rogers, and Gregory and the Hawk, to cite a select few.

In Season One of Know Your Bass Player On Film (2015) Mr. Kuffner reveals the powers of the bass unbeknownst to most civilians!

Chris Campbell (Bob Seger Silver Bullet Band)

As I was witness, The Silver Bullet Band were among the best backing ensembles of their era, rivaling Bruce’s E Street Band, Billy Joel’s Band, and Southside Johnny’s Jukes.

Working the pocket in the tradition of many a master bar band bassist, Chris moved seamlessly from rhythm & blues, funk, disco, soul, hard rock, 50s rock, to tender balladry.

Curiously Bob Seger chose to wax a considerable number of album tracks with the Muscle Shoals rhythm section – however to my ears, those cuts lacked the muscle of the Bullet Band’s classic lineup anchored by bassist Chris Campbell.