Youtube is swamped with videos of bassists playing along with recordings. Most of the performances are very good, meticulously copying the original bass parts, But why? Who is this meant to impress but other bassists? I started playing professionally over 50 years ago and had what I regard as a … Continue reading
Interview for “Bass – My Fever”
I have a new interview at It´s Psychedelic Baby Magazine !
When Dr John arrived in London there was a drought. He had the reputation of being connected with voodoo and that it always rained when he performed. Sure enough it started raining heavily during our first session at London’s Trident studio. A few months later I went to Trident to … Continue reading
After the demise of Vinegar Joe, Chris Blackwell of Island put Elkie on ice for the remainder of her contract , meaning that she remained signed to Island but could not record. She then signed with A&M and recorded a disco orientated album in LA whichsank. In 1977 I was … Continue reading
In 2003 I received a call from Famous Dave´s, the major blues venue in Minneapolis. Blues singer EC Scott was touring out of San Francisco. Her bass player had just jumped ship. She needed someone for tonight! I called her. She was en route to the show. EC ¨I have … Continue reading
Carl Groszman In 1978 I spent a week at Tittenhurst Park recording an album with singer / songwriter Carl Groszman. Tittenhurst Park was John Lennon´s former estate , now owned by Ringo Starr. Carl had written some hits and was recording for Ringo´s label. There were some top session players … Continue reading
I played on Marianne´s ¨Broken English¨ album and also the follow up, ¨Dangerous Acquaintances¨. Broken English, recorded in 1979, has sold millions to date and is gold & platinum in a few countries. The band, consisting of Barry Reynolds, Joe Mavety, Terry Stannard & myself, had considerable musical input on … Continue reading
I had heard how difficult Chuck can be! I was asked to put a rhythm section together for him in 1991. I was also booked to play with the Shirelles opening for Chuck. The agent called me and said Chuck doesn´t allow his players to play with the opening act. … Continue reading
Scroll down for Go Fund Me link! Thanks! At the beginning of November 2019 I started experiencing digestive problems. Three months later, after many tests I have been diagnosed with stomach cancer. I had great difficulty eating and sleeping during this period and I have lost 50lbs in weight. Since … Continue reading
I´ve joined the stay- at- home- and-make – videos musician club. A short video of an original work in progress & sound demo of a D’Angelico Premier hollowbody bass. (Note that the backing track is recorded low to facilitate demoing the bass).
This video was presented as a tribute to me at the 24th Spring Jazz Festival in Puerto Vallarta. It features interviews with me, Lisa and the festival organizers: I am deeply touched and grateful for all involved. It.s nice to live long enough to preview one´s obituary!
I was recently sent two tracks by a New Orleans percussion ensemble. I was asked to add my Takamine electric acoustic fretless bass. I am sharing these raw tracks as a sample of the sound of this bass. Thanks for listening!
This video shows a fast ,cheap and simple way to block f-holes using bicycle handlebar grip foam. On my Takamine TB 10 acoustic electric bass I am able to get about 50% more volume before feedback starts when amplified.
An article about the 1957 Fender Precision bass that I owned from 1976 – 2004. I played it many sessions including gold records with Marianne Faithfull and Elkie Brooks. Also countless live shows including tours and TV with Laura Branigan, Stan Webb, Dr John and others. I am glad that … Continue reading
Esto es para los músicos que trabajan y los ingenieros de sonido. muchas de estas palabras no son fáciles de encontrar en los diccionarios. Por favor, aportar o proponer las adiciones o correcciones. ¡Gracias Espanol – Ingles a tono = in tune acento m. = accent acople, acoples m = … Continue reading
This is for working musicians and sound engineers. many of these words are not easy to find in dictionaries. Please contribute or suggest any additions or corrections . accent = acento m. accidental = alteración f. amplifier = amplificador m. bar = compas m bar line = barra, linea divisoria … Continue reading
Part One This is intended as a method of soloing over “Wave” by approaching it as a jazz blues instead of as a series of unrelated chords! For any instrument, not just bass! I played Jobim’s “Wave” many times before I realised that the A section is a jazz blues … Continue reading
I bought this bass in 2013. We share the same birthday April 24. The odds against this are 365 – 1! Here is the info from the Fodera site. What makes this Fodera bass particularly unique is that it is one of just several “Essence” basses that we built using … Continue reading
