By Thomas Semioli

“When I met Chuck [Rainey] I felt there really was no need for me to be bringing my bass guitar to the studio anymore…” Walter Becker (Steely Dan Reelin’ In the Years by Brian Sweet)

Just three records into their incomparable career, Donald Fagan and Walter Becker opted for studio cats even though Becker, who was also a stellar guitarist, was an exemplary bass player!     

A guitar student of Randy California, a master composer/lyricist, an accomplished producer (Rickie Lee Jones, Donald Fagan) among others, Becker deftly incorporated his deep knowledge (and passion) for rhythm and blues and jazz into his bass passages.  A consummate song player, Becker’s pocket and rhythmic variations were subtle yet powerful. No filler, no wasted notes and his tone was a perfect meld of bottom and edge.

On the original Steely Dan vinyl slabs and the latter-day digital remasters, Becker (unfortunately) is down in the mix. Given Steely’s penchant to highlight the songs, biting libretto, and the soloists, that is somewhat understandable.

Chuck Rainey cut the most bass tracks from ’75 until Dan’s initial demise in 1980.

When Dan reconvened in the mid-90s, Tom Barney was their primary bassist in the studio, and held the anchored the ensemble on their extensive touring schedule which commences to this day after Walter’s passing in 2017.

Becker returned to the instrument on occasion for various Steely cuts and for his fine solo efforts 11 Tracks of Whack (1994) and Circus Money (2008). On their final effort Everything Must Go (2003) the bass chair came full circle as Walter rendered all the tracks on his Sadowsky. On that particular platter, Becker can be heard front and center.

Any major dude will tell you that Walter was a top shelf player – I highly advise readers to don the headphones for those early Steely sides and dig Becker’s bass artistry.

Dig Walter’s double stops on “King of the World” https://youtu.be/Us0EsdiLBJY

Dig Walter’s grace notes and fills on “Your Gold Teeth” https://youtu.be/qxk-yVT6pfE

Dig Walter’s upright phrasing on “Razor Boy” https://youtu.be/Y3Krg8Nc69Y

Dig Walter working his soul chops on:

“My Old School” https://youtu.be/rFnwczuvb74

“Changing of the Guard” https://youtu.be/roLIYw8Ov_I

“Pearl of the Quarter” https://youtu.be/roLIYw8Ov_I

What about a kiss for your … “Cousin Dupree” https://youtu.be/80b4Y_d8W8o

“Things I Miss The Most” https://youtu.be/80b4Y_d8W8o

Courtesy of Chuck Rainey Com

Huffington Post (2016) – Tom Semioli: Eleven More Bass Players Who Belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame https://bit.ly/2gPVZgK

“The bass line/part is the one element in music that causes the listener to feel and hear the lyric, dance and above all enables the lead instrument to function.” Chuck Rainey

Word to all electric bassists: if you don’t know Charles Walter Rainey III, put down your instrument!

Along with James Jamerson, Carole Kaye, Duck Dunn, Bob Babbitt, and Jerry Jemmott, Mr. Rainey established the electric bass in the recording studio and on the bandstand. He is among the instrument’s most fervent and innovative practitioners.

When Quincy Jones, for whom Rainey often worked under, proclaimed that the development of the electric bass was among the most significant events in 20th Century music – he was referring to Chuck and the above referenced bass guitar icons.

Chuck commenced his musical journey as a trumpet player. He made the transition to baritone horn while studying the classics at Lane College. In the military Rainey switched to guitar, and then to bass where his talents flourished. He moved to New York City at the dawn of the studio era and emerged as a first call session player. In ’72 Chuck made the trip out west to Los Angeles with Quincy Jones where his legend was further established. 

In addition to scores of television and film soundtracks, you’ve heard Chuck’s signature bass artistry enhance the work of Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, Laura Nyro, Lena Horne, Donald Byrd, the Pointer Sisters, Tom Jones, Tim Buckley, The Rascals, Al Kooper, Diana Ross, Ray Charles, Paul Simon, Bette Midler, Peggy Lee, Robert Palmer, Marvin Gaye, Lowell George, Dionne Warwick, and Rickie Lee Jones – just to skim the surface.

An educator, author, clinician, bass loving vinyl collectors are advised to seek out Chuck’s groovy debut solo gem entitled The Chuck Rainey Coalition (1972 / Skye Records) which never made it to compact disc for reasons unknown.

Chuck Rainey Sound & Vision…

Steely Dan “Josie” https://youtu.be/R-BipyU4WXs

Chuck Rainey Coalition “How Long Will It Last” https://youtu.be/i5aBtSdtum0

Aretha Franklin “Until You Come Back to Me” https://youtu.be/Nbokg0KM-n8

Laura Nyro “Eli’s Comin” https://youtu.be/SaFD-s66VG8

From The Wrecking Crew “Chuck Rainey Meets Tommy Tedesco” https://youtu.be/4X3WuGobeD0