Ever since I was a child I’ve always been very attracted to melodies. Whether I hear Jeff Beck, a choir, an ocean or the wind, there’s always a melody in there… Carlos Santana

 

Anybody can play. The note is only 20 percent. The attitude of the mother****r who plays it is 80 percent… Miles Davis

 

Which brings us to Benny Rietveld, chosen by both Carlos and Miles to helm the bass chair on some of their most potent sides, and on stage.

 

Inspired by Chris Squire and Sir Paul, Santana musical director Benny Rietveld has been the longest tenured bassist in Carlos’ numerous collectives commencing with the album Spirits Dancing in the Flesh in 1990.

 

Following his studies at the Hawaii College of Music, and work with artists spanning The Crusaders, Richie Cole, Makoto Ozone, and Sheila E., Benny, among others, Benny anchored Miles Davis on his last major tour in ‘88 and remained with the jazz icon until 1990, waxing tracks that have been featured on various archival live and studio releases.

 

A composer, recording artist, film director, educator (Ben Rietveld Bass Essentials – Hot Licks) and producer, Rietveld waxed his lone solo slab Mystery of Faith in 2001 which features cameos from Carlos and Tom Coster.  Among Benny seminal sides include Miles Davis Around the World (1996); Santana Spirits Dancing in the Flesh (1990), Milagro (1992),  Supernatural (2000), Santana IV (2016); Santana / Isley Brothers  Power of Peace (2017),  and Cindy Blackman Another Lifetime (2010), to cite a select few.

 

Benny’s weapons of choice include MusicMan Sterling (four and five string), Lakeland 4-94, MTD 5 String, and an NS electric upright.

 

 

 

 

Benny Reitveld Sound & Vision:

 

Sheila E. “The Glamourous Life” https://youtu.be/KOoWMtxR8GQ

 

Miles: “Me & U” https://youtu.be/nHXm-_-LT0I

 

Live In Europe The Prince of Darkness https://youtu.be/VMTO0jPp2Z0

 

Benny and Carlos:

 

“Smooth” https://youtu.be/6Whgn_iE5uc

 

“Black Magic Woman” https://youtu.be/-2O81STmDGg

 

“Samba Pa Ti” https://youtu.be/3LIPKtZyX6M

 

Santana and The Isley Brothers:

 

“Are You Ready” https://youtu.be/lHK9vzhxxLE

 

“Higher Ground” https://youtu.be/_OmUIOAZqF8

 

 

By Thomas Semioli

John McKenzie, bass player; Seal, The Pretenders, The Eurythmics, Dr. John, Everything But The Girl, James Ingram, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Damien Rice Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, Alison Moyet, Renato Zero, Karl Jenkins, Bond, Moya Brennan, Eternal, Shakira, Graham Lyle, Charles Aznavour, Andrea Corr, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Jim Diamond, Tom Scott, Paul Brady, Johnny Mathis, Wham, Andy Newmark, Blair Cunningham Leon Ware, Mudbone, The Breakfast Band, Kokomo,  Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Maksim Wild, Sinead O’Connor, Reel People Steve Hillage, Man, Leo Sayer, Eric Burdon, Annette Peacock, Davy Spillane, Mirage, Global Village Trucking Company, Albert Lee, Tim Finn….to cite a select few.

A remarkably prolific genre-traversing, versatile UK session ace, sideman, collaborator, composer, bandmember, and educator, among other endeavors: John Michael McKenzie’s resume of credits was astounding.

A supportive soulful player who worked the trad four, fretless, and extended range…dig John with…

Everything But The Girl “Five Fathoms” https://youtu.be/x67EEIBuwIw

The Pretenders “Let’s Make a Pact” https://youtu.be/Lteg_r9alSU

Seal “ Future Love Paradise” https://youtu.be/cj21h504wKU

Bond Live at the Royal Albert Hall https://youtu.be/6OLEnJj5Y80

Steve Hillage “Live at Canterbury” https://youtu.be/MExLFl2g688

“John McKenzie Rocks That Bass” https://vimeo.com/196673711

 

By Thomas Semioli

 

“I asked myself: how would a collaboration between Miles Davis and Metallica sound like? Who said you can’t head bang on jazz?” – Etienne Pelosoff

 

An innovative multi-instrumentalist, composer, collaborator, journalist, among other endeavors – bassist Etienne Pelosoff takes a decidedly unconventional approach to the black metal / thrash artform – incorporating a jazz aesthetic not usually associated which the genre. Pelosoff, to my ears, evokes a balance of the free jazz and soul jazz methodology – outlining the “changes” with a combination of deep pocket grooves punctuated by “dissonant” note choices which bring out the colors of the composition.

 

Etienne Pelosoff Sound & Vision…

 

“So What” https://youtu.be/2LGJ-qf4PxA

 

“Tritone Labyrnith” from Trve Black Metal Jazz https://youtu.be/zwhfgYqjjGI

 

Dig Etienne’s soundtrack work for “Art of Chare” https://youtu.be/yjn29OuA9ug

 

Why choose brutality or jazz when you can have both? Stay “trve,” stay jazz. – Etienne Pelosoff