By Thomas Semioli 

The subject of a Tom Semioli Amplifier Magazine cover story in 1999 (to be featured on the revamped Know Your Bass Player website), the Goo Goo Dolls commenced their career in the mid-1980s as hard rockin’ punks. Inked to Metal Blade for a pair o’ slabs, the Dolls were decidedly heavier, and a decade or so later, they emerged mainstream multi-platinum “alternative” pop stars. Nowadays they persevere as elder rock statesman who continue to wax rather commendable sides and sell out arenas.

 

Bassist Robert Carl Tacak served as the Goos primary lead singer for their first few slabs before (somewhat) ceding the spotlight to John Rzeznik by the time they started working for Warner Bros. Records.

 

Robby’s weapons of choice include Yamaha BB, Fender, and Zon. As you would expect Tacak plays for the song – with pocket grooves and occasional countermelodies as the situation warrants.

 

Tacak is also a cat who cares, championing music education through his foundation Music Is Art Festival. He also runs an indie label Good Charamel Records in his native Buffalo, which included Shonen Knife among their acts. John and Robby also own and operate GCR studios in their hometown, and counts Lil Wayne, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Ian Gillan among their clientele.

 

Dig Robbie and the Goo Goo Dolls:

“Miracle Pill” https://youtu.be/5eDFYtkUJcs

“Iris” https://youtu.be/NdYWuo9OFAw   

“Slide” https://youtu.be/yP4qdefD2To

“Come to Me” https://youtu.be/U8VMYLniuDk

“So Alive” https://youtu.be/dCtsVsQsBxo

“Broadway” https://youtu.be/M3QweIqBOuk

“Big Machine” https://youtu.be/hqGlaZXy4Uw

By Thomas Semioli

He was a heavy metal pioneer as a founding member of the UK powerhouse ensemble UFO. The late Peter Frederick Way cut the sonic and sartorial template for the archetypal hard-rock bassist as we know him/her today. Thin frame, instrument slung below the waist, long locks that sway to the rhythm, dangling accessories, pocket passages, flashy glissandos, and furtive unison lines which rock the masses.  In UFO’s early psychedelic prog days, Way led the way with countermelodies and harmonic extensions aplenty.

As the band gravitated towards more commercial pastures, Way honed his groove chops and evolved as more of a song player. UFO never quite reached the level of success afforded their offspring, notably Def Leppard, Metallica, and Iron Maiden – however they were respected among the metal motley and never lost their relevance in a genre known for sudden shifts in taste.

Aside from UFO, Way anchored Ozzy for a brief spell. He also founded Waysted and Fastway (dig the puns?) which more or less stuck to UFO’s hardcore rock credo with an eye for pop stardom – achieving cult status among dedicated hard rockers.

A solo recording artist, and producer (Twisted Sister, Cockney Rejects) Way, who was beset by health problems in the last decade of his life, passed in August 2020.

A finger player in a genre renown for plectrum purveyors, Way’s weapons of choice included Fender Precision, Gibson and Epiphone Thunderbirds, and Ibanez.  In 2017 Pete published his autobiography A Fast Ride Out of Here: Confessions of Rock’s Most Dangerous Man co-written with Paul Rees

From the press release announcing his demise:

“Pete Way was a much loved and highly regarded figure among rock fans, critics and fellow musicians alike. Best known for his work with UFO, Pete’s energetic live performances were at the heart of the band’s countless world tours. His melodic bass lines underpinned the catalogue of enduring rock classics upon which UFO’s reputation and legacy were founded. Pete’s post UFO work included collaborating with “Fast” Eddie Clarke from Motörhead – the two putting together Fastway with Humble Pie drummer Jerry Shirley and bassist for his longtime friend, Ozzy Osbourne. He then put together his own band Waysted. Pete’s keen ear for song arrangements have also seen him serve as producer for popular hard rock acts such as Twisted Sister and the Cockney Rejects. Pete had recently finished a solo album, Walking on the Edge, with producer Mike Clink (Guns n Roses’ Appetite for Destruction amongst many more.) He had a biography published A Fast Ride Out of Here in 2017 and an album Amphetamine which is currently out on Cargo Records.

Pete Way Sound & Vision:

With UFO:

“Doctor Doctor” Live https://youtu.be/-16KJkJA5Bo

“Only You Can Rock Me” https://youtu.be/C8LAhjKLhro

“Too Hot To Handle” https://youtu.be/lPhKXpOnWJc

“Silver Bird” https://youtu.be/VcRQ–Fr6L8

“Love to Love” https://youtu.be/hIBhwWbviFw

Solo Pete

“That’s Tuff” https://youtu.be/Sa_jE6Neuo4

Waysted “Heaven Tonight” https://youtu.be/Vywy4Sxa7Ko

Fastway “Say What You Will” https://youtu.be/D5_oPyavUaw

 

 

 

 

 

Photos courtesy of Linda Coyle

Shunned by hipsters but loved by the masses who purchased millions of their platters and 45s, the collective of Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina and their top-notch backing ensemble were a hit making, roots rockin’ powerhouse that, to my ears, paved the way for present day Americana and contemporary country artists.

 

Helming the bass chair and high harmony vocals was the late Larry Sims, a consummate pocket / melodic song-player who began his career in the 60s with The Sunshine Company – a southern California pop ensemble.  

 

Larry, who possessed a vocal timbre similar to Stephen Stills, was tabbed to sing lead on “Keep Me In Mind” on the Mother Lode (1974) slab. He anchored the duo’s six studio albums and their killer live twofer.

 

Larry Sims Sound & Vision…

 

With Loggins & Messina

 

“Angry Eyes” Live https://youtu.be/NxyixktT_f0  

 

“Keep Me In Mind” https://youtu.be/oYjBwQRTD1w

 

“Vahevala” https://youtu.be/SevJD7AaOuY

 

“Changes” https://youtu.be/SNsIVW1L8iY

 

With The Sunshine Company

 

“Happy” https://youtu.be/HWSCUfirecI

 

 

 

Along with his peer, Donald “Duck” Dunn, his pocket passages define “Memphis Soul.”

 

The Hi Records house rhythm section, comprised of the Hodges brothers; bassist Leroy “Flick” Hodges, keyboardist Charles, and guitarist Mabon “Teenie” Hodges along with drummers Howard Grimes and Al Jackson Jr., moved a generation – spiritually and physically – with pocket grooves and countermelodies that fueled seminal hits and album tracks by Al Green, Ann Peebles, and Otis Clay, among scores of others.

 

Flick Hodges Sound & Vision…

 

Al Green:

 

“Let’s Stay Together” https://youtu.be/EKOcfZtKvYQ

 

“Love and Happiness” https://youtu.be/q8AMZmWqgRM

 

“For The Good Times” https://youtu.be/RFpwASkUax8

 

 Ann Peebles: “I Can’t Stand The Rain” https://youtu.be/A09GZeORYlo

 

 Melissa Etheridge: “Memphis Train” https://youtu.be/yQw7nS1uXas

 

 Cat Power: “The Greatest” https://youtu.be/utN-04wL_h0

 

Courtesy of Haircut 100 Com

 

With their natty Brit-Prep attire and jazz pop predilection, Haircut 100 waxed a few cute hit singles, one smash album, cheeky MTV videos, and consequently fell apart when lead singer Nick Heyward went wayward. Bassist Les Nemes popped, slapped, and forged mighty grooves aplenty.

 

An educator and session player who also guested on a few Nick solo slabs, Nemes occasionally reunites with his mates, though their promised new album has yet to materialize.    Among Les’ session credits include Hugh Masekela, Chris Rea, China Crisis and Rick Astley.

Les Nemes Sound & Vision…

 

Haircut 100:

 

“Love Plus One” https://youtu.be/5_msHpEa3_Y

 

“Boy Meets Girl” https://youtu.be/dtEYG3TTfWU

 

“Fantastic Day” https://youtu.be/BsF4suwvpsY

 

Courtesy of Klaus Voormann Com

By Thomas Semioli

… There’s somebody on bass who many people have heard about, but they’ve never actually seen him – Klaus Voormann…”

 

George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh introduction of his friend, musical colleague, former Manfred Mann member, and acclaimed graphic artist who designed album covers for the Beatles’ Revolver and Anthology series, and the Bee Gees, among others – was a welcome revelation.

 

Klaus’ body of work on the Beatles’ extensive solo cannon and as a sideman was an exercise in musical diversity – he worked the pocket and served as a melodic catalyst – always in service of the song.

 

A first- call studio bassist for Lennon, Harrison, Star; B.B. King, Donovan, Harry Nilsson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lou Reed, Randy Newman, Dion, Maria Muldaur, Sir Paul, Dr. John, Van Dyke Parks, Carly Simon, and Peter Frampton, to cite a select few – Klaus’ lone solo slab aptly entitled A Sideman’s Journey, features Voormann’s famous friends paying musical homage to this gifted musician and artist. 

 

An integral member of the Fab Four’s inner circle beginning in their Hamburg days at the dawn of the 1960s, Voormann moved to London at the behest of George as Beatlemania took off. He became a member of Manfred Mann in 1966, then gravitated to session work until his retirement from music in 1989. Klaus’ “accidental” intro for Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” is among the most recognizable bass lines in the history of pop music.

 

Klaus main weapon of choice was his custom painted Fender Precision.

 

Klaus Voorman Sound & Vision….

 

Manfred Mann “The Mighty Quinn” https://youtu.be/kMRWPu1LCXw

 

George Harrison “Give Me Love” https://youtu.be/LYW9cjcO_SY

 

John Lennon “How Do You Sleep”  Outtakes https://youtu.be/FoJQAyrUHhA

 

John Lennon “Instant Karma” https://youtu.be/NVoeNxWxjdA

 

Ringo Star “Photograph” https://youtu.be/nevdSt_2PIM

 

“Your So Vain” https://youtu.be/cleCtBP0o5Y

 

Harry Nilsson “Spaceman” https://youtu.be/-yK5vUFBshM

 

Dig Tony Senatore’s renditions of these Klaus classics!

 

George Harrison’s “The Art of Dying” https://youtu.be/DKPRhk4zap8

 

John Lennon’s “Crippled Inside” https://youtu.be/k0uFU2lPAGA

 

John Lennon’s “Gimmie Some Truth” https://youtu.be/k0uFU2lPAGA

 

George Harrison “Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long” https://youtu.be/nvh3XJlfv9w

 

George Harrison “I’d Have You Anytime” https://youtu.be/HRE8DtzfZo8

 

Courtesy of Yolanda Charles Facebook Com

 

By Thomas Semioli

 

First call UK session player/ side-woman, clinician, educator (Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester) Yolanda Charles’ genre traversing career spans such ensembles and artists including Urban Species, Paul Weller, Eric Clapton, BB King, Roger Daltrey, The Deep Mo, Dave Stewart, Van Morrison, Alison Moyet, Robbie Williams, Jimmy Somerville, Sinead O’Connor, and Squeeze to cite a very select few.

 

Starting out as a guitarist in her teens, Yolanda tended to pick out bass lines on her instrument. As such, instructor came up with a solution “you don’t want to be a guitar player, you want to be a bass player!” And the rest, as they say…is history!

 

Yolanda cites Marcus Miller’s work with Luther Vandross as an influence, along with Barry “Sunjohn” Johnson with Don Blackman’s Family Tradition.  Her first high profile gig was with Jimmy Somerville at the age of 18, which led to additional work – to which Charles credits her skills as a backing vocalist as well. 

 

For her services to music Ms. Charles was bestowed Member of the Order of the British Empire at the 2020 Birthday Honours, hence her MBE designation on Know Your Bass Player Com! 

 

Yolanda Charles Sound & Vision…

 

Project FUNK “We Live in Brooklyn” https://youtu.be/0uf7TxX0OEE

 

Paul Weller: “Shadow of the Sun” https://youtu.be/Jl8NzFQ7oM4

 

Squeeze: “Rough Ride” https://youtu.be/33lKPTFmD0E

 

Solo Yolanda: “The Game” https://youtu.be/pTvMoA1GyV4

 

The Deep Mo “These Times” https://youtu.be/wbNMl1xr9x4

 

 

Photo by Julien Fontenelli Courtesy of Yolanda Charles Facebook

By Thomas Semioli

Self-taught and greatly inspired by Charles Mingus and British and American rhythm and blues, Jones plies his craft with a repertoire of glissandos, harmonics, and three-finger riffage, among other techniques, in his work as a jazz-fusion prog-rock master.

A composer, arranger, sideman, collaborator, multi-instrumentalist, and solo recording artist, Percy has anchored several watershed sides, most notably as a member of Brand X, and with Brian Eno, Roy Harper, Steve Hackett, David Sylvian, and Tunnels to cite a very select few.

A University of Liverpool Engineering student, Jones put his education towards designing assorted bass guitar pedals and gadgetry such as a Voltage Controlled Filter and various flange devices.

Among Percy’s weapons of choice include a Fretless Fender Precision, Wal basses produced by Electric Wood Limited, and customized Ibanez instruments.

 

Percy Jones Sound & Vision

Percy with KYBP Adjunct Professor Tony Senatore, Van Romaine, and Manolo Badrena on “Shapla” https://youtu.be/x4d6_qnRPrk

Brand X:

“Noddy Goes To Sweden” https://youtu.be/2K6OvrKyoGU

“Nuclear Burn” Live https://youtu.be/aPouOx7nAnI

Brian Eno:

“No One Receiving” https://youtu.be/eYDBTYfn9D8

Tunnels

“Tunnels No. 1” https://youtu.be/ghXyKhA-3nw

Solo artist:

“Thin Line” https://youtu.be/WH9samKzsaA

By Thomas Semioli

He set the template for scores of players – including Kenny Aaronson, Sal Maida, and Joe Gagliardo – with a lifetime’s worth of bass riffs. When he put down the instrument, he forged an equally influential (and more high profile) career as a producer during the zeitgeist of the singer songwriter movement of the 1970s.

Cradling an Epiphone Rivoli, Paul Samwell-Smith’s decidedly aggressive motifs with The Yardbirds profoundly inspired generations of rockers spanning Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, and the original Alice Cooper band to cite a very, very, very select few.

As a founding member of The Yardbirds, Paul Samwell-Smith anchored  classics including “For Your Love,” “Over Under, Sideways, Down,” and “Heart Full of Soul” among others, which were a watershed meld of blues, pop, and psychedelic rock.

After Paul split from the group in 1966 – surrendering bass duties to Jimmy Page –  he turned to the producer’s chair guiding such artists as Renaissance, Cat Stevens (Mona Bone Jakon, Tea for the Tillerman, Teaser & the Firecat,  Catch Bull at Four, Buddah & The Chocolate Box), Carly Simon (Anticipation),  Chris De Burgh, and Murray Head, among others, on several of their finest recorded works.

 

Paul Samwell-Smith Sound & Vision

Dig Paul Samwell-Smith workin’ the pocket and walkin’ double time on multi-instrumentalist / bassist Graham Gouldman’s composition “Evil Hearted You.” https://bit.ly/2R4nUsE

Dig the Yardbirds on American television “For Your Love” https://youtu.be/HU5zqidlxMQ

Dig Kenny Aaronson in the 21st Century Yardbirds https://youtu.be/HBzIHJwJlt8

Dig Billy Sheehan talkin’ and riffin’ Paul Samwell-Smith https://youtu.be/GTZHEo9gY6I

Courtesy of Beach Boys Com

 

By Thomas Semioli

 

His legacy and influence as bass guitar innovator and pioneer stands equal to James Jamerson, Sir Paul, Jaco, Jack Bruce, Duck Dunn, and Chris Squire – to cite a select few legends.  Perhaps the one reason why Brian Douglas Wilson is not (often) considered among the instrument’s elite is that his parts were mostly cut by studio bassists rather than himself. Regardless, Brian wrote ‘em!

 

We’ll leave it to the history books to discuss Brian the songwriter, conceptualist, producer, arranger,  collaborator, recording artist, bandleader, studio maestro, visionary…

 

Listen to any Brian Beach Boys track and behold the bass passages as songs within the songs. If you consider every Wilson composition a “mini opera” – as I do, then Brian’s bass parts emerge as operas within the operas!

 

A student of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and all things Phil Spector – in short, Brian expanded the language of the instrument by combining its role as a harmonic and rhythmic foundation with that of melodic catalyst.

 

Volumes have been written dissecting and analyzing, Brian’s compositional methods, song forms, and influences. To fully appreciate Brian’s work as a bassist, it would certainly help if you have a working knowledge of music theory and harmony. If not, simply delve into the tracks and allow yourself to absorb the true genius of Brian Wilson the bass player.

 

Brian Wilson Sound & Vision:

“Good Vibrations” https://youtu.be/rQ-UFKxDq5o

“Sloop John B.” https://youtu.be/MWJXTdCVsKI

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” https://youtu.be/3y44BJgkdZs

“Surfer Moon” https://youtu.be/hn9yozBz9Ys

“When I Grow Up to Be A Man” https://youtu.be/S3E0TSyu-Gg

“God Only Knows” https://youtu.be/u90beUXTKwo