By Thomas Semioli

Two 70’s seminal six-string slingers; Tommy Bolin and Peter Frampton, called upon Stanley Sheldon to anchor their ensembles and watershed slabs. A native of Ottawa, Kansas – Sheldon’s approach to the instrument draws from a wide array of influences including rhythm & blues, soul, jazz, Latin and permutations thereof . It was Stanley’s grooves and harmonic support which fortified his bandleaders’ artistry on record and on stage. A finesse player who rocks with the best of ’em, check out….

 

Stanley and Tommy Bolin on “People People” https://youtu.be/t01RnTvzlGI

 

Sheldon’s upper register fills on “Homeward Strut” https://youtu.be/QNHGEKKE9As

 

“The Grind” – a Bolin / Sheldon co-write https://youtu.be/CgdMX8rcxLs

 

With drummer John Siomos, and keyboardist Bob Mayo, Stanley brought out the best in Peter Frampton on one of the greatest live collections committed to vinyl, 8-Track, cassette, and streaming: Frampton Comes Alive (1976). Throughout Alive! Sheldon works the lower-register pocket with a punchy soulful feel which complimented Frampton’s extended improvisations. Most players would have slid all over the neck given the instrument’s tendency to “encourage” gilssandos and harmonics  – however Sheldon grooved with space aplenty, which is why those recordings still sound fresh nearly a half-century later.

 

Also note that along with Kenny Passarelli (who recommended Stanley for the Frampton gig), Boz Burrell, Rick Danko, and Bill Wyman – Stanley Sheldon was among the first bassists to utilize a fretless (Fender Precision) in a pop rock context.

 

 

 

 

Stanley Sheldon Sound & Vision…

 

Tony Senatore with his “Sheldon fretless P Bass” rendering a few of Stanley’s signature Frampton passages:

 

“Do You Feel Like We Do” https://youtu.be/nxW_DshFEwg

 

“I’ll Give You Money” https://youtu.be/guBps-ftmPk

 

“It’s A Plain Shame” https://youtu.be/n_2xnt5YwZ0

 

“Something’s Happening” https://youtu.be/RIYofxOb5o8

 

“Doobie Wah” https://youtu.be/6wzD4zgL2tU

 

“What can I say about Peter that has not already been said? He was, and, continues to be one of the greatest inspirational figures in the world of music… to his countless fans in general… and to me in particular. We were both born in 1950, but on different sides of the Atlantic Ocean. I truly believe Peter and I came into this world as synchronistic musical soulmates… destined to play together from the beginning.” – Courtesy www.StanleySheldon.Com

 

An educator, devoted student of Latin American studies and world music, among other endeavors, Sheldon has also cut records and/or toured with Lou Gramm, Ronin (with Waddy Wachtel, Rick Marotta, Dan Dugmore), subbed for Mel Schacher in Don Brewer’s Grand Funk Railroad, anchored Delbert McClinton, and Warren Zevon to cite a few – and continued to work with Frampton on and off until his bandleader’s forced retirement due to illness.

Be sure to check out www.StanleySheldon.Com – his Diaries are a fascinating glimpse into his career and artistry.

An acclaimed British upright jazz cat, session player, bandleader, and member of Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated among other noted ensembles; rockers of a certain age revere Spike Heatley’s brilliant artistry in the service of Rod Stewart in the early 1970s.

Spike added harmonic depth and swinging grooves to Rod The Mod’s readings of Bob Dylan (“Mama You’ve Been On My Mind”), Sam Cooke (“Twistin’ the Night Away” “Bring It On Home/You Send Me”), Chuck Berry (“Sweet Little Rock ‘n’ Roller”), and the rooster haired rocker’s choice album cuts composed with Martin Quittenton (“Farewell”) and Ron “I’ve Got My Own Album to Do” Wood (“Dixie Toot”), among others.

Among Spike’s session credits include doubling the electric bass of John Paul Jones for Donovan’s iconic “Sunshine Superman.”

Dig Spike on Rod’s “Twistin’ the Night Away” https://youtu.be/XzpDVPcKD4w

Dig Spike on “Sunshine Superman” https://youtu.be/YsX2FhBf9nY

 

When Curtis Mayfield left The Impressions to forge his remarkable career as a solo artist, he wisely took the late, great Joseph “Lucky” Scott with him. A self-taught player who did not read a note of music, Lucky created the iconic bass motifs which defined “Freddie’s Dead,”  “Pusherman,” “Superfly,” “We Got to Have Peace,” and “Mighty Mighty” among others.

 

Digging deep in-the-pocket with occasional harmonic flourishes and a fat Fender tone, Scott intuitively created rhythm and space for Curtis’ to improvise and sing songs which moved a generation – intellectually and physically!    

 

KYBP Reader David W. Richardson: Big up to a legendary Bass Master, Lucky lives on through the Hip Bass lines he created.

 

Joseph Lucky Scott Sound & Vision

 

 “Freddie’s Dead” https://youtu.be/xMoyBalIj4Q

 

“Pusher Man” https://youtu.be/W8Rm7IO4foU

 

“Superfly” https://youtu.be/vTWZ2e0sLaQ

 

“We Got to Have Peace” https://youtu.be/JaUpaYXfOco

 

“Mighty Mighty” https://youtu.be/O7qtatphOJs

 

 

He was the anchor of Charles Wright & The Watts 103^rd Street Rhythm Band, and later, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame soul icon Bill Withers.

 

Fueled by gospel, rhythm & blues, and jazz influences – among Melvin’s seminal tracks include “Express Yourself,” “Do Your Thing,” “Use Me,” “Who Is He and What Is He to You?” “Grandma’s Hands,” “Harlem / Cold Baloney.” 

 

Melvin’s weapons of choice include the Fender Telecaster bass and Fender Precision.

 

Melvin Dunlap Sound & Vision:

 

Watch Melvin with Charles Wright “Express Yourself” https://youtu.be/6Q3WuhV5wik

 

Watch Melvin with Bill Withers

 

“Use Me” https://youtu.be/g3hBYTkI-sE

 

“Ain’t No Sunshine” https://youtu.be/CICIOJqEb5c

 

“Grandma’s Hands” https://youtu.be/qv5pagal-ls

 

 

A giant, and an influencer who stands among the greats of any generation. He was an electric bass pioneer, master soloist, heavy groove-player, educator, and sonic innovator, among other attributes. The late John Voorhis “Tim” Bogert radically expanded the role of the instrument on stage and on record by way of his matchless tenure in the groundbreaking ensembles Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, and Beck, Bogert & Appice, in addition to his many other collaborations. 

 

Renowned for his working relationship with drummer Carmine Appice, Bogert’s primary weapon of choice for his most recognized recordings and concert performances was a hybrid Telecaster (neck) and Precision (body) bass – which was sold to a collector. In his later years Bogert utilized an extended range, among other instruments.

 

Photo By Chris Dixon

 

Tim Bogert Sound & Vision…

 

Vanilla Fudge:

 

“You Just Keep Me Hangin’ On” https://youtu.be/xNcFWGox-SM

 

“Shotgun” https://youtu.be/mXez-BqNGtk

 

“Some Velvet Morning” https://youtu.be/zBtKYBKg_yU

 

Beck, Bogert & Appice:

 

“Superstition” https://youtu.be/n0R8Tdr0oB8

 

“Black Cat Moan” https://youtu.be/6qP_t0HySoI

 

“Morning Dew” https://youtu.be/7UjJwjGtyvo

 

Cactus:

 

“One Way or Another” https://youtu.be/ajdc8ZEESUM

 

“Parchman Farm” https://youtu.be/d_y_m0mImGw

 

Boxer: “No Reply” https://youtu.be/-GyQ_O0dQgs

 

Derringer – Bogert -Appice: “Rhapsody in Red” https://youtu.be/O50mwhzJE58

 

Among the most prolific, versatile and accomplished bassists on stage and on record, Rodolfo Maximiliano Sarzo Lavieille Grande Ruiz Payret y Chaumont has anchored some of hard rock’s most groundbreaking and influential artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Dio, Yngwie Malmsteem, Tony MacAlpine,  Queensryche, and Blue Oyster Cult, to cite a select few.  Rudy currently anchors the legacy edition of The Guess Who. 

 

An author (Off The Rails / 2006), composer, clinician, educator (Rock Bass Essentials), instrument designer (Signature Peavey Cirrus Bass, Spector Signature Bass, Sawtooth Electric / Acoustic Signature Basses, among others), podcast host (The Dash Podcast) – Rudy plies his craft with a crisp tone, deft use of chords and harmonic extensions, and a proclivity to leave space in a genre oft given to over-playing! And he’s a master showman….

 

Incorporating signature jazz, rock, classical, and Latin motifs in his passages and solos, Rudy exemplifies the value of exploring musical formats beyond his chosen genre.

 

Along with Tony Franklin, Boz Burrell, Bill Wyman, Kenny Passarelli, and Jack Bruce, Rudy is among rock’s fretless bass pioneers.

 

As the Rock and Roll Hall Fame is making strides, albeit slowly, in citing the masters and influencers of metal and hard rock, Rudy Sarzo should be recognized for his body of work as a sideman, performer, and bandmember in the Musical Excellence category.

 

Tom Semioli HUFF POST “A Bass Player’s Rant – 33 Bass Players Who Belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” Rudy Sarzo: https://bit.ly/2RusuV0

 

Check out Rudy’s Signature Sawtooth basses: https://www.sawtoothworld.com/acoustic-electric-basses

 

Rudy Sarzo Sound & Vision…

 

Ozzy Osbourne:

 

“Mr. Crowley” https://youtu.be/G3LvhdFEOqs

 

“I Don’t Know” https://youtu.be/ra6bZuCwKy4

 

Quiet Riot:

 

“Bang Your Head” https://youtu.be/O_1ruZWJigo

 

“Mama Weer All Crazee Now” https://youtu.be/gStvjANqoqs

 

Rudy as the consummate song player in a pop rock context: Dig KYBP Adjunct Professor Tony Senatore’s rendition of Rudy’s passage on the Quiet Riot by way of Slade classic “Come On Feel The Noise” https://youtu.be/lgBMgpf7NXo

 

Whitesnake:

 

“Still of the Night” https://youtu.be/9VOvlHUWfs4

 

“Is This Love” https://youtu.be/W6YypskaWvA

 

Project Driver: “I Can See It In Your Eyes” https://youtu.be/lIlswNoPnIg

 

KYBP Adjunct Professor Tony Senatore’s rendition from Rudy’s Project Driver “Nations On Fire” https://youtu.be/y6JS3VNEsXc

 

Manic Eden: “Can You Feel It” https://youtu.be/5s-Anco9jmM

 

 

 

KYBP ZOOM ZESSIONS / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: “I look forward to beautiful uncertainties, everything I have succeeded with comes from the unknown…” A behind-the-scenes vignette from a mesmeric conversation with RUDY SARZO by host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli. Rudy reflects on the Rock Hall of Fame, his induction into the Miami-Dade College Hall of Fame, motivations in life, Randy Rhoads’ love of teaching, and his future aspirations. The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show airs on Cygnus Radio.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: “Your bass doesn’t have any bloody frets!” In this behind-the-scenes clip with host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli, Rudy Sarzo discusses his Cuban rhythmic roots, his ’59 Fender Precision and “Frankenstein” ’67 Fender Jazz, Pino Palladino’s passive bass resurgence, and the time when Ozzy Osbourne realized that Rudy’s instrument was devoid of metal strips on the fretboard! The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show airs on Cygnus Radio.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: In the first in a series of six unedited interview clips from a 2021 broadcast of The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show on Cygnus Radio, Rudy Sarzo talks about his Cuban musical and cultural roots, his ’59 Fender Precision and ’67 Jazz basses; David displays his fretless six-string, and Ozzy bellows “you don’t have any frets on that bloody bass!’ among other topics! With host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: In the second in a series of six unedited interview clips from a 2021 broadcast of The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show on Cygnus Radio, Rudy Sarzo talks about his signature Sawtooth electric and acoustic bass, the instruments he’s used over the years, amplification, and playing the Miami club scene. With host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: In the third in a series of six unedited interview clips from a 2021 broadcast of The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show on Cygnus Radio, with Rudy Sarzo, our discussion covers such topics as: music education, the homogenization of arts and culture, Rudy’s media studies at Miami-Dade and his work in digital platforms, his work as a podcast host, and reflections on Randy Rhoads, among other topics. With host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: In the fourth in a series of six unedited interview clips from a 2021 broadcast of The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show on Cygnus Radio, Rudy Sarzo talks about his early family life and emigration from Cuba; musical influences spanning The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin, touring with Ozzy, and Whitesnake, among other topics. With host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: In the fourth in a series of five unedited interview clips from a 2021 broadcast of The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show on Cygnus Radio, Rudy Sarzo reflects on the record industry: then and now, his podcast, working with Blue Oyster Cult on his mid-show bass solo, surviving the loss of Randy Rhoads, and the perils of fame and fortune, among other topics. With host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli.

 

KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER / THE BASS GUITAR CHANNEL RADIO SHOW: In the sixth and final episode in a series of six unedited interview clips from a 2021 broadcast of The Bass Guitar Channel Radio Show on Cygnus Radio, Rudy Sarzo ruminates o’er such topics as the “hair band era” (notes David “spandex is the most forgiving of fabrics!”), the balance of musicianship and showmanship, Whitesnake, Manic Eden, his induction into the Miami-Dade College Hall of Fame, among other subjects. With host David C. Gross and Know Your Bass Player “honcho” Tom Semioli.

“I had been telling everyone since I was sixteen years old that I was going to play with Weather Report after Jaco. And when word got out that Jaco had gone solo, everyone in New York said to me ‘that’s your gig!”

The late Victor Bailey not only assumed the Weather Report bass chair after the aforementioned icon propelled the band to international stardom, he pushed Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter’s jazz juggernaut to even greater artistic heights as evidenced on his debut slab with WR – Procession (1983), which to my ears, was their most definitive collection.

Son of writer, arranger, producer Morris Bailey, who was a major player in The Sound of Philadelphia, working with Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, Nina Simon, LaBelle, Billy Paul, and The Stylistics, Victor – akin to so many bass players, Victor commenced his life’s musical journey as a drummer. And as is the case with many bassists, when the bass player quit the band, Victor was drafted, displaying a natural affinity for the instrument.

Working the doghouse and the electric, Bailey studied at Berklee College of Music – his classmates included a who’s who of contemporary jazz: Kevin Eubanks, Greg Osby, Branford Marsalis, Cindy Blackman Santana, Jeff Watts, Stu Ham and a guitarist by the name of Steve Vai, to cite a few.

A composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, educator, solo recording artist, and sideman, Bailey anchored a diverse array of artists including Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michael Brecker, Steps Ahead, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, Larry Coryell, Santana, Lenny White,  Kenny Garrett, Sting, Madonna, Pharoah Sanders, and Sonny Rollins to cite a select few.  

Fender included Victor in the Artist Bass Series, with a Victor Baily Signature Jazz Bass.

Fender Victor Bailey Series: https://youtu.be/YRZeKV8aNoY

Dig Victor with…

Weather Report:

“Procession” https://youtu.be/TwMa5HMVW2Q

“Pearl On the Half Shell” https://youtu.be/C1lrRftmocs

“Where The Moon Goes” https://youtu.be/-c78fZpMU0Y

“Consequently” https://youtu.be/ZsmojSMxSO4

Michael Brecker and Steps Ahead – Live at the North Sea Jazz Fest 1985 https://youtu.be/en_KYaXmBVQ

Lady Gaga “Just Dance” https://youtu.be/2Abk1jAONjw

Larry Coryell and Lenny White Live at the Jazz Triumph Festival 2006 https://youtu.be/3NieL0tzqGo

From Victor’s solo sides…

“City Living” https://youtu.be/Ku_imGJtmds

“Kid Logic” https://youtu.be/jS_X0xwhPQQ

 

With Roger Capps workin’ the pocket, the former Patricia Mae Andrzejewski hit a generation with her best shot of hard rock in a pop context!

A songwriter (“Hell is for Children”), collaborator, band-member, and producer; Roger served as the house bassist for New York City’s legendary Catch A Rising Star comedy club in its groundbreaking 1970s heyday wherein he supported such iconic performers including Robin Williams, Shelley Ackerman, and Richard Belzer to cite a select few.

As a founding member of Pat Benatar’s multi-platinum ensemble, Roger was among the first bassists to bridge hard-rock, pop, metal, and new wave with passages that exuded melody and rhythm.

Plying his craft via fretless, extended range, and the traditional four; Roger was twice recognized in CREEM’s Top Ten Bassists of the Year Poll.

Roger is still rockin’ on the bandstand – keep up with Capps here: https://webelongtribute.com/home

Dig Roger on “Hell is for Children” https://youtu.be/NGTv53Y1xS8

Dig Roger live with Pat in ‘82 https://youtu.be/Eo_HU6Lqh48

 

 

It doesn’t get much deeper than Wonda!

A producer, session cat, sideman, studio entrepreneur, pop and soundtrack composer, multi-instrumentalist, and former musical director of The Fugees (he co-produced The Score along with his cousin Wyclef Jean), among other endeavors, Grammy Award winning bassist Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis augments his reverence for Aston Barrett and James Jamerson with a phat low B which percolates in-the-pocket akin to the aforementioned groove masters.

Dig Wonda on fretless with Wyclef “If I Was President” https://youtu.be/9pq_3OheqzU

Also known as “Ti Bass” and “Jerry Wonder” on assorted album credits, among Wonda’s wondrous all-star stage and studio resume includes Melissa Etheridge, Whitney Houston, Ne-Yo, LL Cool J, Jennifer Hudson, Estelle,  Mary J. Blige,  Musiq Soulchild, Shakira, Wyclef John, Destiny’s Child, Lionel Ritchie, and Tom Jones to cite a very few.

An activist and philanthropist in his native Haiti – Wonda is co-founder of Yéle Haiti with Wyclef – a non-profit organization which promotes education.

Dig Jerry with…

Wyclef and Nila “Sweetest Girl” https://youtu.be/6aU8P6HlPr4

Melissa Etheridge (live) “Monster” https://youtu.be/deugmFr0O8w

Musiq Soulchild “Silver and Gold” https://youtu.be/8Zb8uYz6EFo

The Fugees “Killing Me Softly” https://youtu.be/H-RBJNqdnoM

Shakira “Hips Don’t Lie” https://youtu.be/DUT5rEU6pqM

Kerry Wilson “Freedom Ride” https://youtu.be/BclygKkszYA

Selah Sue “Fade Away” https://youtu.be/9Y4MvBZ4cRw

With Lionel Ritchie “I’m Coming Home” https://youtu.be/1SZuUumHa2I