Pino Palladino (Paul Young, D’Angelo)

Fretless Pino Courtesy of Music Man Com              Fretted Pino Courtesy of Fender Com

He’s the cat who orchestrated the fretless takeover of the instrument in the 1980s / ’90s. Then he commandeered the triumphant return of the fretted Fender Precision in the 21st century.

 

For nearly forty years and counting, the chameleonic Giuseppe Henry “Pino” Palladino has been among the most in-demand session and touring bassists on the planet. Greatly inspired by classic rhythm & blues and American soul music, Pino mostly plies his craft with frets nowadays, utilizing a vintage 1961 Precision which has been replicated for the masses by way of Fender’s signature bass series.

 

Pino’s genre traversing work spans Paul Young, D’Angelo, John Mayer Trio, Don Henley, Adele, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, Nine Inch Nails, The Who, and Herbie Hancock, among many other high-profile artists.

 

Palladino’s use of a an “octaver effect” (Boss Octave O2 pedal) on his fretless MusicMan Stingray set a precedent for the instrument in a pop context throughout the Regan / Thatcher years. On the hits (such as Melissa Etheridge’s “Come to My Window” and Paul Young’s “Every Time You Go Away”) and the album tracks – Pino almost always rendered an upper register motif which severed as a main or secondary hook to the composition.

 

His work on D’Angelo’s Voodoo slab in 2000 reignited interest in the fretted Fender Precision bass which continues well into the present day.

 

Pino Palladino Sound & Vision…

 

Pete Townshend “Give Blood: https://youtu.be/VfggghQENsU

 

D’Angelo “Chicken Grease” https://youtu.be/m4XI6LXCsH8

 

Paul Young “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down” https://youtu.be/EiJWXjz1uks

 

“Every Time You Go Away” https://youtu.be/nfk6sCzRTbM

 

Melissa Etheridge “Come To My Window” https://youtu.be/Gk4CwPQCbAE

 

Gary Numan “Music for Chameleons” https://youtu.be/_586NoZSr-Y

 

Erykah Badu “Cleva” https://youtu.be/XO0KY6Fry5M

 

Eric Clapton “Bad Love” https://youtu.be/qY2vjv8aEas

 

The Who Quadrophenia Live https://youtu.be/9NEQb6LdHGQ

 

Tetsu Yamauchi (Free, The Faces, Allan Merrill)

Tetsu with Allan Merrill

He commenced his career with Samurai featuring Mickey Curtis and followed not one but two bass legends in two seminal bands at the height of their popularity: Andy Fraser in Free, and later, Ronnie Lane in the Faces – all within the span of a year!

 

With Free, Fukuoka, Japan native Tetsu Yamauchi retained the template set by Fraser, distorting the sound of his Fender Telecaster / Precision basses while leaving space aplenty for Paul Rogers, Simon Kirke, Rabbit Bundrick, and an ailing Paul Kossoff to do their thing as they rendered their final masterpiece – Heartbreaker (1973), a stunning slab that slipped under the radar at the time of its release.

 

With The Faces, Tetsu ‘s recorded output was brief though his alcohol intake was legend: a few singles and the Coast to Coast: Overture and Beginners (1974) live platter wherein Tetsu, Kenny Jones, Ian MacLagen, and Ronnie  “I’ve Got My Own Album to Do” Wood and guest guitarist Jesse Ed Davis were relegated to second billing to Sir Rod – a decision made by promoters and record suits. 

 

In addition to his aforementioned high-profile gigs, Tetsu was a top UK session player and sideman (Alan Merrill), waxed a fine solo slab, and anchored the one-off gem Kossoff, Kirke, Tetsu & Rabbit (1972).

 

Tetsu Sound & Vision…

 

With The Faces Live 1974 https://youtu.be/rK_wPCQCVRY

 

Kossoff, Kirke, Tetsu, Rabbit  “Bluegrass” https://youtu.be/XE62APVho78

 

Free “Wishing Well” https://youtu.be/AdWz2fbiSno

 

Allan Merrill & Arrows “Come On Come On Baby” https://youtu.be/2djMoPl7FCk

 

Doug Yule (Velvet Underground)

 

For all the hipster hosannas heaped upon the Velvet Underground – and deservedly so, one essential member who is oft overlooked is bassist / multi-instrumentalist / singer / composer Doug Yule. Yule joined the ranks upon John Cale’s dismissal in 1968 and played a major role in the Velvet’s evolution. Doug anchored two seminal slabs and several archival and live releases which have inspired generations of rockers.

 

Unlike Cale, who was somewhat indifferent to the instrument, Yule was a fluid player and vocalist who complimented Lou’s gravitation from the avant-garde towards the then burgeoning singer-songwriter movement.

 

Though The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967) and White Light/White Heat (1968) were critically acclaimed groundbreaking efforts; to my ears Velvet Underground (1969) and Loaded (1970) both with Yule, represent the band’s most enduring works.

 

When VU finally split following Lou’s departure and the recording of Squeeze (1973), which was essentially a Yule solo album under the VU moniker to fulfill contractual obligations / management shenanigans –  Doug founded American Flyer with Steve Katz (Blood, Sweat & Tears), Eric Kaz (Blues Magoos), and Craig Fuller (Pure Prairie League).

 

Despite critical acclaim the Flyers’ two Americana flavored releases, produced by George Martin, failed reach a wide audience. In addition to a tour or two with Lou, Doug anchored the cut “Billy” from Reed’s only Top Ten album – Sally Can’t Dance (1974) and appears on the 30th Anniversary edition alternate takes from Coney Island Baby (1975). Doug also waxed tracks with Elliott Murphy which were released on his stellar platter Night Lights (1976).

 

When the Velvet’s reunited for a money grab tour and live twofer in 1993, Yule was not invited despite the insistence of Sterling Morrison.

 

And Doug’s omission from the Velvet Underground’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame induction is inexplicable – especially given the fact that the majority of the band’s signature tracks feature Yule on bass and vocals! 

 

Tom Semioli / Huffington Post 2015  Doug Yule “Eleven Bass Players Who Belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Doug Yule” https://bit.ly/2VpzRyy

 

Doug Yule currently lives in Seattle, and plays, restores, and makes violins. Follow him at www.dougyule.com

 

 

 

Doug Yule Sound & Vision…

 

Velvet Underground:

 

“Candy Says” https://youtu.be/O4rbTBKRedE

 

“New Age” https://youtu.be/Z_-NAdntfqk

 

“Lonesome Cowboy Bill” https://youtu.be/MdqdietRww8

 

“Mean Old Man” (from Squeeze / 1973) https://youtu.be/0qh3rXu5cNY

 

Lou Reed: “Billy” https://youtu.be/U2WUlRDFmAI

 

American Flyer: “Lady Blue Eyes” https://youtu.be/0SzaJD5MhsU

 

 

Leo Lyons (Ten Years After) VIDEO INTERVIEW

Courtesy of Leo Lyons Com

Among the great success stories to emerge from the original Woodstock Festival in 1969, British blues barons Ten Years After were essentially a one-trick pony; however their singular stunt afforded the lads several hit albums, extensive FM radio play, and two unquestionable classic rock anthems: “I’m Going Home” and “I’d Love to Change the World.”

 

Leo Lyon’s battered Fender Jazz looked like a toy in the hands of this towering bassist. Though Leo gave the appearance that he was savagely attacking his instrument as his right hand visibly thumped the strings while his left hand flew up and down the neck – the Nottinghamshire native is quite the focused, articulate player.

 

Ssssh (1969) and Cricklewood Green (1970) are essential British blues rock albums. Highly influential on both sides of the pond, the late, great Alvin Lee and Ten Years After are deserving of Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame recognition.

 

A composer for various stage productions, cartoon and film soundtracks, and MTV videos, among Leo’s high-profile production credits include  UFO, Magnum, Waysted, Procol Harem, Frankie Miller, Richard and Linda Thompson, Brigitte St John, John Martin, Kevin Coyne, Sassafras, Motorhead, Hatfield and The North, The Bogie Boys, The Winkies, and Chris Farlowe, to cite a few.

 

After Ten Years After initially folded, Lyons migrated to Nashville to compose, produce, and play various sessions – then reformed TYA again with Lee, then with Joe Gooch in place of Alvin Lee. Leo currently anchors Leo Lyons & Hundred Seventy Split, wherein he also works his craft on the doghouse.

A Conversation with Leo Lyons: 

Leo Lyons Sound & Vision…

 

“I’d Love to Change the World” https://youtu.be/eOCtHjQKySw

 

Dig Leo and TYA in rehearsal in ‘69 https://youtu.be/289AGcGogQI

 

Lyons soloing on “Good Bye Little School Girl” https://youtu.be/SlUAuM7oRTc

 

Leo Lyons & Hundred Seventy Split:  https://youtu.be/a23S-NEuSYc

 

Gerald Johnson (Steve Miller, Dave Mason)

 

His professional career commenced with The Sweet Inspirations as an opening act for Elvis Presley on The Strip in Las Vegas.

 

A left-handed player who utilizes a righty Fender P inverted, Johnson’s soulful pocket playing, warm resonant tone, and engaging stage presence earned him a position at the top of his profession as an in-demand session player, concert performance sideman, and vocalist. In addition to his stellar tenure with Miller (The Joker, Abracadabra, among others), you know Gerald from his timeless work with the Pointer Sisters (“Fire”); Dave Mason (Split Coconut, Let It Flow, Mariposa de Oro, among others); Crosby, Stills & Nash & Young (CSN, Looking Forward); Stephen Stills (Thoroughfare Gap, Man Alive!); Les Dudek (Ghost Town Parade, Say No More); Gregg Allman, and Carl Wilson, to cite a few.  

 

KYBP Readers:

Tom Lawton: I saw Gerald with Steve Miller Joker tour, Dave Mason on the Certified Live Tour, once with Les Dudek and later with Dudek, Finnigan, and Krueger Band an all-time favorite.

Doc: I just watched Gerald on a DVD of Steve Miller Band’s “Rock Concert” from 1973 and he blew me away!

 

Gerald Johnson Sound & Vision…

 

Steve Miller:

“The Joker” https://youtu.be/tYTgtsCm0DA

“Sha-Ba-Ba-Du-Ma-Ma” https://youtu.be/adAW08eWfc4

Dave Mason: “Give Me Some Lovin” https://youtu.be/MAb2mHRBah4

Stephen Stills “Woman Lleva” https://youtu.be/YuoFOZTkuRM

Tony Visconti (David Bowie)

Courtesy of Tony Visconti Com
By Thomas Semioli

Few artists can match the sound and vision of producer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger Anthony Edward Visconti. Mr. Visconti’s groundbreaking work with David Bowie, Thin Lizzy, T. Rex, Moody Blues, Alejandro Escovedo, Sir Paul & Wings, Mary Hopkin, and Sparks among scores of others is the stuff of legend.

 

Akin to George Martin, Brian Eno, Sam Phillips, Jerry Wexler, and Phil Spector, to cite a select few, Tony resides in that rarified pantheon of iconic, influential, and pioneering practitioners of a profession that rarely garners significant notice.

 

Aside from his production profundity, Tony is also an exemplary bassist as evidenced by his performance on one of the most under-appreciated, oft overlooked releases from a major artist: David Bowie’s The Man Who Sold The World (1970).  

 

Visconti waxed these benchmark bass performances on David’s seminal sonic slab – commandeering a thick, flatwound strung Gibson EB-3 and counsel from Mick Ronson on how to emulate Jack Bruce!

 

As such Tony emerged as a flexible harmonic anchor and clever melodic foil to the Bowie, who was still grasping for a musical identity. Visconti’s metal Motown mayhem on “The Width of a Circle” is worth the price of admission alone.

 

Circa 2014, Tony, along with original Spiders drummer Woody Woodmansy formed the Holy Holy (named after a b-side waxed in 1970) repertory ensemble to celebrate MWSTW, and rare (and not so rare) artifacts from the Bowie / Visconti canon. They toured both sides of the pond to rave reviews.  Among Holy Holy’s guest performers and members included Marc Almond, Glen Matlock, Maggie and Lisa Ronson, Tracie Hunter, Ed Kizilcay, and Clem Burke.

 

Tony’s autobiographical tome: Bowie, Bolan, and the Brooklyn Boy (Harper Collins 2008) is essential rock reading.

 

 Tony Visconti Sound & Vision….

 

“Width of a Circle” https://youtu.be/pnRNAIQAc50

 

“Black Country Rock” https://youtu.be/-c4Gj7XbrRQ

 

“Man Who Sold the World” https://youtu.be/g33-W9t2q2Q

 

Tony Visconti / Woody Woodmansey Holy Holy:

 

“Width of a Circle” https://youtu.be/ml4yJcqlG4o

 

Mo Foster (Jeff Beck, Phil Collins, Affinity)

Photo courtesy of Mo Foster Com

Among the most revered and versatile British session and touring bassists, Mo Foster’s talents as a composer, musician, educator, and author were equaled by his uncanny wit, hospitality, and sidesplitting sense of humor!You know Mo the bassist from his stellar work with a wide range of artists and ensembles including Affinity, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Luka Bloom, Howard Jones, Russ Ballard, Michael Schenker, Maggie Bell, Gerry Rafferty, Joan Armatrading, Kevin Ayres, Gary Moore, Scott Walker, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among scores of others.

Tom Semioli holds Mo Foster’s first bass! Photo by Mark Preston Tom Semioli holds Mo Foster’s first bass! Photo by Mark Preston

Tom Semioli holds Mo Foster’s first bass! Photo by Mark Preston

Mo Foster Sound & Vision…

 

Affinity https://youtu.be/LVxTQZLVVYU

 

Jeff Beck https://youtu.be/P1vduurgxWQ

 

Mo Foster & Friends https://youtu.be/8VBu5E0WgRM

 

You’ve heard Mo’s bass artistry support James Bond in For Your Eyes Only (1981) and Octopussy (1983).

 

As a bandleader Mr. Foster has waxed a handful of brilliant jazz/fusion/ambient albums including Bel Assis (1988) and Southern Reunion (1991) featuring guitar icon Gary Moore and drummers Gary Husband and Simon Phillips.

 

Bravely venturing where no voltage enhanced bassist had gone before, Mo founded the first academic course in electric bass at the Goldsmiths College, University of London in 1975.

 

Mo’s two terrific tomes: 17 Watts? The First 20 Years of British Rock Guitar: The Musicians and Their Stories (2000) and British Rock Guitar: The First 50 Years (2013) – the latter of which I reviewed for Huffington Post and interviewed Mo are essential for musos and fans alike.

 

My interview with Mo on Huffington Post for History of British Rock Guitar https://bit.ly/2QVBxwm

 

My interview with Mo’s Affinity bandmate Linda Hoyle on Huffington Post talkin’ Mo https://bit.ly/35A8d3M

 

Watch Mo Foster on Know Your Bass Player on Film Season One – 2014, from Mo’s home in London https://bit.ly/2EBNPHH

 

 

Michael Davis (MC5)

Courtesy of MC 5 Com

 

“I wanna hear some revolution out there! Kick out the jams mother….” They were among the most incendiary forces in American rock ‘n’ roll. Before bands became brands, these five outcast visionaries from Michigan harnessed the anti-establishment fervor of the industrial heartland. 

 

With the stinging libretto of front-man Rob Tyner (originally a bassist), fortified by the blazing two-guitar attack of Wayne Kramer and Fred “Sonic” Smith – the MC5 blasted blue collar counter culture blooze into adolescent bedrooms throughout Nixon’s fractured America.

 

At the center of the storm were bassist Michael Davis and drummer Dennis Thompson who anchored the MC5 with an unforgiving back-beat. Davis’ bass playing was unswerving – quoting time tested motifs as the guitarists waged war. Associated with John Sinclair, participants in the anti-war movement (Chicago 1968), and inspired by the Black Panther Party; not even The Stooges, Velvet Underground, nor The Doors – three pariahs of the same era who were eventually accepted by the establishment – approached the perilous stance of the MC5.  

 

Michael Davis Sound & Vision

 

Dig Michael on this live clip of “Ramblin’ Rose, Kick Out The Jams, Looking At You” medley from 1970 https://youtu.be/74jS3dW0DtE

 

 

Suzi Quatro (Suzi Quatro Band)

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Long before there was Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Joan Jett with her assorted Runaways and Blackhearts, Detroit-born Susan Kay “Suzi” Quatro was the barrier breaking bomb!

 

For reasons known only to the rock gods, Ms. Quatro never duplicated her European chart successes in the United States despite the fact that she waxed several commendable sides and singles with producer Mike Chapman and writer Nicky Chinn. Classically trained (piano, percussion) her influences span by Elvis Presley, Billie Holliday, and the Shangri Las – hence Suzi’s mastery songcraft and stage performance.

 

Suzi toured incessantly with Thin Lizzy, Slade, and Alice Cooper among other notable hard rockers – yet she is known to most Yanks for her portrayal of the bass playing juvenile delinquent character “Leather Tuscadero” for a handful of episodes in the 1970s sitcom Happy Days, and for her MOR hit “Stumblin’ In” (1978).

 

As a bassist, Quatro more than held her own as compared to her male peers in her chosen genre– plying pocket passages which supported her lead-singing.

 

Nowadays Ms. Quatro splits her time on the bandstand with a BBC radio show and theater work. 

 

Suzi Quatro Waddafoam Hallafame! 

Photo Hat tip to Joe Iaquinto

 

 

Suzi Quatro Sound & Vision…

 

“Can the Can” https://youtu.be/xYoogY-UGio

 

“Rolling Stone” https://youtu.be/P9y560kCJRw

 

“If You Can’t Give Me Love” https://youtu.be/SeI42SvFy7Y

 

Chris Norman “Stumblin’” https://youtu.be/iGaF4tKUl0o

 

 

Gary Ryan (Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)

 

Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee Joan Marie Larkin could care less about her bad reputation. However she cares about her bass players as evidenced by the innumerable, potent versions of Joan Jett’s Blackhearts on record and on stage  which featured the formidable talents of Kasim Sulton, Kenny Aaronson, and Joe Vasta. To my ears, the classic line-up of guitarist Ricky Byrd, drummer Lee Crystal, and bassist Gary Ryan was definitive.

 

Ryan’s, who cut a snarling rocker image on video and on stage, plied lower register passages which exuded harmonic and rhythmic movement within the constraints of three basic chords and a no-frills back-beat, anchoring such killer slabs as Album (1983) and Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth (1984).  

 

Kudos to Ms. Jett for her dedication, consummate work ethic, songs, and purist rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Nice to see that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame got it right and inducted the entire band.

 

Gary Ryan Sound & Vision:

 

“I Love Rock and Roll” https://youtu.be/wMsazR6Tnf8

 

“Do You Wanna Touch” https://youtu.be/DSqp-W1pWoU

 

“Fake Friends” https://youtu.be/Q9kZWlIgKyU