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

 

Andy Fraser (Free)

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By Thomas Semioli

 

He is a true giant of the instrument who accomplished so much at a young age, it’s remarkable to consider that after departing Free at the age of 21, he hardly played bass anymore save for a brief stint in a short-lived collective with Chris Spedding, and with various ensembles to support his sporadic solo work and other one-off projects. 

 

This remarkably articulate and instantly identifiable bassist composed the seminal guitar anthem “All Right Now,” and penned hits for Robert Palmer (“Every Kind of People”), among others.

 

Andy Fraser worked his Gibson EB-3 like Miles Davis played trumpet – every note had a purpose, and he possessed a signature sound that was both gritty and sweet – depending on the musical situation.

 

Phrasing akin to tuba and an upright, Fraser was an absolute master of rhythm and space – utilizing whole notes, quarter notes, and rests to their maximum effectiveness and drama.

 

Classically trained, Andy was on the bandstand with John Mayall at the age of 15.

 

Andy Fraser Sound & Vision

 

With Free…

 

“Mr. Big” https://youtu.be/Ai-4zRRnD4k

 

“All Right Now” https://youtu.be/5wiF6b4rxno

 

“Be My Friend” https://youtu.be/XvDNS_x3BTo

 

Andy solo…

 

“Beautiful” https://youtu.be/bGmR10TYQ2w

 

“Healing Hands” https://youtu.be/lv_SruC9UzQ