Val Burke (Willie & The Mighty Magnificents)

VAL BURKE 2_opt.jpg VAL BURKE 2_opt.jpg

Val Burke, bassist (electric) by Tom Semioli

 

Seminal Sides: You Broke My Heart So…I Busted Your Jaw (1973), The Mirror (1974) by Spooky Tooth; Willie & The Mighty Magnificents Play That Funky Beat.

 

Artists / Bands: Spooky Tooth, Willie & The Mighty Magnificents

 

Cited by Marcus Miller and Jamaaladeen Tacuma as a profound influence on their playing, Val Burke hails from the bass player capital of the world: Queens County, New York City.

 

Val served as the house bassist for Stang / All Platinum records, waxing sides with The Moments, (Ray, Goodman & Brown) Whatnauts, Linda Jones, Donnie Elbert, Sylvia. As the Concord Resort Orchestra bassist, Burked backed Ben Vereen, Tom Jones, Tony Martin, Robert Goulet to cite a few. Val also worked A&R for Cameo.

 

He anchored two latter day Spooky Tooth slabs You Broke My Heart So…I Busted Your Jaw (1973), and The Mirror (1974). Tooth were long in the tooth with regard to their commercial and artistic prime, yet these platters do have their enjoyable, groovin’ moments.

 

Dig this Burke bass passage which must’ve inspired Marcus and Jamaaladeen: “Women and Gold” from The Mirror  https://youtu.be/1IVm5kwyoOk

Val Burke 2a.png Val Burke 2a.png

He worked the bass chair for Elephant’s Memory Band sax colossus Stan Bronstein’s Living On the Avenue (1976), and Willie & The Mighty Magnificents Play That Funky Beat.

 

Dig Val working the pocket with Stan Bronstein on the title track to “Living on the Avenue” https://youtu.be/PHkeywFLw6E  

Val Burke 2b.png Val Burke 2b.png

Dig Val with Willie & The Mighty Magnificents “Funky Beat” https://youtu.be/X36hc5wh3Eo

 

Interview with Val Burke in Ebony Live: Larry Smith Unsung Hero of Hip Hip Gets His Props (2017) https://bit.ly/3h4J6gw

 

Interview with Jamaaladeen Tacuma which cites Val Burke: For Bass Players Only by Jon Liebman https://forbassplayersonly.com/interview-jamaaladeen-tacuma/

 

“But there was one bass player who turned my head completely around and became a major influence. His name is Val Burke. Val was the bass player in a self-contained R&B band called Willie & the Mighty Magnificents. They were the backup studio band for a group called the Moments, which had hits like “Love on a Two-Way Street.” At the time, they were headed up by hip-hop pioneer Sylvia Robinson of Sugar Hill Records. This band was cooking all the time when I saw them…..”

VAL BURKE 1_opt.jpg VAL BURKE 1_opt.jpg

Rick Haynes (Gordon Lightfoot)

101599155_345200446460645_2131134245102419968_n_opt.jpg 101599155_345200446460645_2131134245102419968_n_opt.jpg

By Fran Festa

Bassist Rick Haynes of the Gordon Lightfoot Band may just have the longest running gig in popular music.

Born and raised in Toronto, Rick actually started out in the early 60’s on the piano, and was classically trained at the Royal Conservatory under the direction of his pianist mother. Later… he took up the guitar, leaning toward jazz and blues, and then grabbed a bass to help out some friends. He passed his audition with Lightfoot in 1968 and has been with the revered singer songwriter – recording artist since then.

Rick’s first LP with Gordon was the stellar ’69 release Sunday Concert. Fast forward to 2020 and Haynes has anchored 20 plus albums, hit singles, and thousands of concert performances.

The consummate song player, check out Rick Haynes as he supports Gordon with a combination of pocket grooves and countermelodies – rendered with a warm, resonant tone which serves the singer and his songs:

“If You Could Read My Mind” https://youtu.be/23nUU1xxx3s

“Baby Step Back” https://youtu.be/Zl8CqCmSqcw

BBC In Concert – taped in 1971 https://youtu.be/PEVQiUMbvHU

Courtesy of Gordon Lightfoot Com Courtesy of Gordon Lightfoot Com

Courtesy of Gordon Lightfoot Com

Over the years, Rick has been seen mostly with his vintage Fender Precision basses, though he has used Fender Jazz, MusicMan StingRay, and a Kramer Focus.

More recently, Rick has returned to the P with a newer Fender American Deluxe Precision.

When he’s not touring or doing TV appearances, Rick listens to old blues, he digs old cars, and probably best, hangs out with the grandchildren.

All richly deserved after his amazing fifty-two-year stint – and counting – with Canada’s finest export!

83737556_616213852329393_2321064519339606016_n_opt.jpg 83737556_616213852329393_2321064519339606016_n_opt.jpg

Pete Farndon (The Pretenders)

Courtesy of The Pretenders Com Courtesy of The Pretenders Com

Courtesy of The Pretenders Com

By Thomas Semioli

 

An engaging performer and a founding member of The Pretenders, Pete Farndon embodied the punk ethos of attitude over skill. However as the band progressed, he developed the necessary chops, as so many players do in their early years with steady work on the bandstand.

Of course, Chrissie’s songs reign supreme in The Pretenders – as does her vision of the band, hence Pete worked the lower register exclusively, and outlined the changes with rudimentary root / third / fifth passages, and basically (pun) stayed out of harm’s way.  Bassists who’ve followed in Pete’s bootsteps have noted to me (and in various publications), that Hynde is rather dictatorial towards her players – all Pretenders bass passages must be Chrissie approved. Note that the band has employed dozens of players since Farndon’s firing, and tragic passing.

Pete also served as a backing vocalist and composed two songs which made it to wax “The Wait” and “Space Invader.” Rumors abound that on occasion session player(s) were called in to ghost his parts, but I have no official proof…so I cannot confirm such claims.

Farndon’s primary weapons of choice included Fender Jazz and Precision basses, and a Rickenbacker 4001.

Dig Pete and The Pretenders at the height of their powers: https://youtu.be/_HD2fodz-7c

Courtesy of The Pretenders Com Courtesy of The Pretenders Com

Courtesy of The Pretenders Com

Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters)

A major player on the alternative scene since the 1990s, Nathan Mendel has anchored the mighty Foo Fighters for several platinum slabs and stadium tours.

With his beloved candy apple red ’71 Precision, which Fender has replicated by way of a signature tribute model, Mendel works the lower register with precise harmonic and rhythmic movement to serve the singer and the songs – like most of us do.

Dig Nate talking Fender bass: https://youtu.be/Bnve6E1ij_4

Mendel was also a member of Sunny Day Real Estate, among other ensembles, and currently toils as leader of a side project entitled “Lieutenant.”

Dig Nate with Sunny Day Real Estate “In Circles” https://youtu.be/41YqzHoCgk4

Dig Nate with the Foos: “The Pretender” https://youtu.be/SBjQ9tuuTJQ

 

Johnny Cement (Ricky Byrd, Phil Gammage, Joey Kelly)

Johnny Cement Portrait_opt.jpg Johnny Cement Portrait_opt.jpg

By Thomas Semioli

He is a mainstay of multiple musical configurations on the NYC Lower East Side scene (and all around town….) traversing blues, rock, folk, Americana, punk, soul, and permutations thereof.

 

Lower register groovin’ in-the-pocket… plying melodic motifs in the upper register as the situation warrants …this cat is as solid as his surname! And his name is….Johnny Cement!

 

Johnny’s primary weapon of choice is a vintage Fender Precision…

 

Johnny Cement Sound & Vision…

 

Phil Gammage “Good Night Irene” https://youtu.be/BhdvY1zNojs

 

Ricky Byrd “Adventures in Bluesland” https://youtu.be/34m5mlBdnm8

 

Lauren Dragon “I’d Rather Go Blind” https://youtu.be/D2PehjTCk8w

 

Phil Gammage “Don’t Turn Me From Your Door” https://youtu.be/79mfbP4n3Gg

 

Felice Rosser “Come Into My House” https://youtu.be/vICcy_ddIBY

 

The nattily attired Johnny Cement! The nattily attired Johnny Cement!

The nattily attired Johnny Cement!

Kevin McCormick (Melissa Etheridge)

 

With Kevin McCormick helming the bass chair, as well as serving as co-producer and co-composer; Melissa Etheridge emerged as a world class artist by way of her stunning self-titled 1988 debut, and such acclaimed slabs including Brave and Crazy (1989), Never Enough (1992) and her massively successful Yes I Am (1993).

 

McCormick is a groove master on the 4 and 5 string and plies harmonic extensions which fortify the soloists, singers, and their songs. Among Kevin’s weapons of choice include Guild and Fender Precision basses.

 

McCormick’s resume is impressive and expansive, collaborating with artists including Nils Lofgren, Jackson Browne, Robben Ford, John Mayall,  Keb’ Mo, Crosby, Stills & Nash,  Experience Hendrix, The Rides with Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepard, and Barry Goldberg – to cite a very select few.

 

Kevin McCormick Sound & Vision…

Nils Lofgren “Attitude City” https://youtu.be/pc2nROPVUvQ

Jackson Browne “Naked Ride Home” https://youtu.be/4my0i08lCNg

Kevin slappin’ and poppin’ with Melissa: “Brave and Crazy” https://youtu.be/N4K_Z3AR69o

 

 

Jim Fielder (Blood, Sweat & Tears, Buffalo Springfield, Tim Buckley) VIDEO INTERVIEW

Courtesy of Jim Fielder FB

“Jim Fielder is one of the pioneers of the Fender Bass. His lines were as important and recognizable to listeners as the melodies and words.” Ron McClure

 

 

As a founding member of Blood Sweat & Tears, Jim Fielder’s bass playing captivated millions by way of the band’s extraordinary run of hits and classic albums, including the monumental Child Is Father to the Man (1968), and BS&T (1969) both of which were a groundbreaking meld of rock, jazz, rhythm & blues, and pop music.

 

The towering Texan also contributed to landmark albums by Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention (guitar on Absolutely Free), Buffalo Springfield (Again), George Benson (Tell It Like It Is), Tim Buckley (s/t, Goodbye and Hello), Gene Clark, Chris Hillman, and Al Kooper among others.

 

Profoundly inspired by James Jamerson, Fielder likely helped Fender sell many a Precision bass in the late 1960s as his warm gritty tone, and soulful improvisations within Blood, Sweat & Tears’ amazing repertoire were a constant presence on AM/FM radio. Following his time in BS&T, Fielder became Neil Sedaka’s musical director/bassist for several years.

 

For additional insight on Jim’s career, check out KYBP Chicago Bureau Chief Joe Gagliardo’s Goldmine interview – published in 2010. https://bit.ly/2yMIivf

 

Jim on stage with Buffalo Springfield – Courtesy Buffalo Springfield Com

 

Jim Fielder Sound & Vision….

 

Gene Clark: “Kansas City Southern” https://youtu.be/pmk_P5C2uQI

 

Buffalo Springfield: “Everydays” https://youtu.be/Q5uqYTCOSsM

 

Tim Buckley: “Wings” https://youtu.be/GY35hx7Vemo

 

George Benson: “My Woman’s Good to Me” https://youtu.be/vvcnsvOWsjk

 

Blood, Sweat & Tears:

 

“Blues Pt. 2 https://youtu.be/O1ZRcI3g9vs

 

“Somethin’ Going On” https://youtu.be/fbzDl8DvSbQ

 

“Down in the Flood” https://youtu.be/M2zxGPHJyvk

 

“Smiling Phases” https://youtu.be/6ltXpCYDXKg

 

Carl Radle (Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, Leon Russell)

By Thomas Semioli

 

If you had to choose a role model of a classic rock bassist …look no further than this cat!

 

Huffington Post / Tom Semioli : Carl Radle: Eleven Bass Players Who Belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame https://bit.ly/38WUMh2

 

He was the consummate sideman who came to prominence on seminal sides and concert performances with Derek & The Dominoes, George Harrison, Delaney & Bonnie, Eric Clapton, Leon Russel, and Joe Cocker. Bassist Carl Dean Radle’s motifs are so essential to the compositions that he waxed with those aforementioned rock icons;  that if you were to play the songs without rendering his lines (near) verbatim – the tune sounds… wrong!

 

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and migrating to Los Angles in the 1960s, Radle’s association with fellow Tulsan Leon Russell, then a prominent member of the Wrecking Crew, afforded Carl entry into the elite sessions circles.

 

Radle’s jaw-dropping resume also spans Gary Lewis & The Playboys,  The Concert for Bangladesh (with Klaus Voorman), Dr. John, Dave Mason, J.J. Cale, Buddy Guy, Rita Coolidge, John Lee Hooker, King Curtis, Bobby Whitlock, Art Garfunkel, Donovan, and Bob Dylan, to cite a very select few.

 

Carl’s weapons of choice included a ’65 sunburst Fender Precision with a blocked and bound neck, ’68 blonde Fender Telecaster bass with a single coil Telecaster pickup and a split-coil Precision pickup, MusicMan Stingray, and a ’75 Alembic.  

 

Radle’s fluid lines are a study in rhythm and space. His meld of staccato phrasing,  sustained notes, and unadorned countermelodies sounds deceptively effortless – which further exemplifies Carl’s mastery.

 

Among Carl’s finest recordings include his work with drummer Jim Keltner as captured on Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen (1970).

 

To my ears, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970) represents Carl’s most enduring recorded work and stands as a definitive example of the supportive role of the bass in a rock guitar-based setting.

 

 

Carl Radle Sound & Vision…

 

Derek and the Dominos

 

“Got to Get Better” https://youtu.be/ywdU0C2GH2o

 

“Bell Bottom Blues” https://youtu.be/FclW0go4Cfc

 

“I Looked Away” https://youtu.be/PMlmoLvRBNQ

 

“Anyday” https://youtu.be/QrWK5XWuGpk

 

Eric Clapton:

 

“Let It Rain” https://youtu.be/vFoheneUfU0

 

“Motherless Children” https://youtu.be/9EZlmqWmcqw

 

“Let It Grow” https://youtu.be/YpDlmop0uYU

 

Delaney & Bonnie & George & Eric “Comin’ Home” https://youtu.be/aazChqk4U-c

 

George Harrison “You”  https://youtu.be/3xnTWee4eAI

 

Rita Coolidge “Superstar” https://youtu.be/e4Xi1I78Kms

 

Leon Russell “Stranger in a Strange Land” live https://youtu.be/Hjy7RAu8TJ4

 

Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen

 

“Delta Lady” https://youtu.be/uIz8n4fprxw

 

“Darling Be Home Soon” https://youtu.be/RCl-zznJ5so

 

“Space Captain” https://youtu.be/RCl-zznJ5so

 

Duck Dunn (Booker T & The MG’s)

Courtesy of Duck Dunn Remembered Com

“I listen to the first playback, then go back into the studio and play half of what I did!” Donald “Duck” Dunn

 

Along with James Jamerson Jr., Carol Kaye, and many of the Wrecking Crew players of the early 1960s, Duck established the electric bass as the bedrock of popular music by way of his work in Booker T. and the MG’s and as an in-demand A list studio player.

 

Dunn’s style is a master course in the use of rhythm and space. Play through his transcriptions and you discover not a superfluous fill, grace note, nor rapid-fire motif. Duck let the music breathe, and by doing so you can hear the song within his bass passages.

 

A player whose influence is incalculable, Duck’s legendary weapon of choice was the Fender Precision outfitted with heavy gauge LaBella’s akin to his peer Jamerson – which he amplified with various Ampeg rigs, most notably the B-15, again akin to the aforementioned Motown icon. 

 

So what Donald “Duck” Dunn done? Booker T. & the MGs, Ray Charles, The Blues Brothers, Roy Buchanan, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Isaac Hayes, Albert King, Ritchie Havens, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Muddy Waters, Bill Withers, Neil Young, The Manhattan Transfer, The Staples Singers, Boz Scaggs, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, Freddie King, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Jerry Lee Lewis…to name a scant few. 

 

Nick Rosaci’s transcription book Soul Fingers: The Music & Life of Legendary Bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn – is essential reading for all bassists who work in a pop, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, rock context.

 

Every track Duck cut is worthy of exploration – so rather than choose one of his more popular passages, dig this somewhat obscure Slowhand recording “The Shape You’re In” https://youtu.be/yFVXxxvkFiU

 

Tony Senatore’s Booker T. medley with some of Duck’s classic passages: https://youtu.be/6KdK2KyZlAg

 

Kenny Aaronson, Tom Semioli in the Duck Dunn shed!