Victor Wooten
Bass players are often described as playing with terms such as ‘style’, ‘skill’ or ‘energy’, and although all of these things can certainly be said of Victor Wooten, a more apt description would be that he plays with heart. A five-time Grammy award winner, bassist, producer, record company owner, author and teacher, Wooten is best known as bassist in Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. However, he also possesses a drive to make the world better by exploring the spiritual side of music via his Bass/Nature camps programme. Don’t let this distract you from the fact that Wooten is a master of his art though; in addition to his Grammy awards, he’s also won Bass Player Magazine’s Bass Player of the Year three times (the only person to win it more than once) and Rolling Stone ranked him number 10 in the Top 10 Bassists of All Time.
So where did it all begin? Born into a musical family on 11th September 1964, and the youngest of five brothers, Victor Lemonte Wooten was introduced to bass at an extremely early age. Keen for him to be part of their Wooten Brothers Band, his eldest brother Regi began teaching Victor to play bass guitar at just two years old. So by the time he was six, he was a fixed member of the band, regularly performing with his older brothers as they toured around the country opening shows for soul legend Curtis Mayfield. His skills continued to develop as he got older, and two years later he was fondly known as the ‘Eight-Year-Old Bass Ace’, and the Wooten Brothers Band were supporting the likes of The Temptations, Stephanie Mills and Frankie Beverly. The Wootens were a military family, so they moved around a lot in Victor’s early years, however in 1972 they finally settled in Virginia. The brothers continued to perform from their new base – with one such performance taking place at the Busch Gardens country music venue in Williamsburg. Here, Victor and his brothers met a group of friends, and it was one of these friends who later introduced him to banjo player Béla Fleck during a visit to Nashville. This meeting eventually led to a long and successful collaborative relationship between the two musicians, which is still going strong.
Wooten joined Béla Fleck and the Flecktones when it was formed in 1988 alongside founder Fleck, Howard Levy and Victor’s brother Roy ‘Future Man’ Wooten. Initially only put together by Fleck for a one-off performance for a programme called Lonesome Pine Special on PBS, the band decided to continue working together, and they became known for producing a fresh, unique style of music which combined bluegrass with jazz. Despite music stores struggling to know how to categorise this new sound of genre-defying music, success soon followed for the band; with their first two albums receiving Grammy nominations. Wooten has remained a consistent member of the band ever since; being part of all 13 of their albums, however, alongside this he also successfully released solo material, with his debut album A Show of Hands (released in 1996) being lauded as one of the most important bass records of all time. This album ultimately showcased Wooten’s unique talent – not least because the entire album was recorded with just a 4-string bass. Unsurprisingly, nine other solo albums followed, with the latest (Trypnotyx) being released in 2017. Wooten’s spectacular skills meant he became a man in demand; collaborating with all kinds of musicians across his extensive career - including the likes of The Dave Matthews Band, Bootsy Collins, Jaco Pastorious and Prince. A particular highlight was in 2008, when he became part of super group, SMV which brought three outstanding jazz artists together: Wooten, Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller. The group were only active for a year, but released an album called Thunder, which was produced by Miller and co-produced by Wooten and Clarke.
Wooten plays both fretted and fretless bass models but is commonly seen playing a Fodera bass, with his ‘number 1’ favourite being a 1983 Monarch Deluxe model, which includes a Kahler Tremolo System model 2400 bridge. Fans will know that all Fodera basses have a butterfly motif inlaid into the headstock, but Fodera took things a step further when designing their Victor Wooten Signature Bass (co-designed by Wooten himself) by incorporating the Yin Yang symbol within the body of the guitar. This was created from two separate pieces of natural finished wood, which then fitted together to form the symbol, making an eye-catching and clever design.
In his more recent years, Wooten has invested a substantial amount of his time into establishing and teaching at his Bass/Nature camps – now known as the Victor Wooten's Center for Music and Nature, which combine his two loves: music and nature. He not only teaches here, so that musicians can learn his unique style and techniques, but these intensive camps also aim to help people enhance their personal lives too. This approach was inspired by something his mother once said, which was that “the world needs more than just good musicians…we need good people”. These camps have been running for over 10 years and continue to be popular, showing that Wooten’s impact continues to be felt across the generations. As well as being a hugely influential figure in the world of music, Wooten is one of the good people his mother talked about, and long may he continue.
Sources:
https://www.victorwooten.com/bio
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Wooten
https://fodera.com/collections/victor-wooten
Marcus Miller
Two-time Grammy award winner, bassist, songwriter, musician, record producer, musical director and UNESCO Artist for Peace – it would be fair to say that Marcus Miller has packed a lot into his 30+ year career. Hailed as one of the most influential bassists across jazz, R&B, fusion and soul music, Miller is probably best known for his 15 year partnership with Luther Vandross, but his work is prolific and his influence stretches way beyond this. His signature bass slap style of playing features on over 500 recordings with numerous well-known artists across all music genres.
Miller - full name William Henry Marcus Miller Jr. - was born in 1959, Brooklyn. Music was always going to be his destiny; his father was a church organist and choir director, and his cousin was jazz pianist Wynton Kelly. As we’ve seen with so many other legendary bassists, Miller’s experience with music began early and was extremely varied. He was initially classically trained to play the clarinet, before later turning his hand to learn saxophone, keyboards and guitar. Miller’s music career began in New York where he established himself as a solid session musician. Over a 15 year period, influenced by the likes of James Jamerson and Larry Graham, Miller honed his skills, regularly arranging and producing music. In 1979 he became part of the Saturday Night Live band, and in the early 1980s he toured with Miles Davis’ band. Miller and Davis forged a close professional relationship over this time, which resulted in them producing three albums together – the most famous of which being Tutu, released in 1986. The majority of this record was written and arranged by Miller, who also produced and performed on the album. The title track features Miller playing bass, synthesizers, drum machine and saxophone. The Davis-Miller partnership was a successful one; Tutu is considered to be one of the most definitive albums of Davis’ career – and of contemporary jazz in general - and it picked up two Grammy awards in 1986.
However, Miller’s most successful partnership was with singer/songwriter Luther Vandross. They first met when they were part of Roberta Flack’s band in the late 1970s, and after recording a demo of Never Too Much in some hastily snatched studio time on a Sunday morning, the song got picked up by a record label and so began a collaboration that lasted over 15 years. This magical partnership produced 13 consecutive platinum selling albums and two Grammy awards. In addition to his sizable catalogue of work with Vandross, Miller has also worked with scores of big names across all styles of music including Frank Sinatra, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson and Beyoncé.
Miller has also successfully released many solo albums over the course of his career. Afrodeezia - which was inspired by his role as a UNESCO spokesperson for the Slave Routes Project - combined musical influences from countries along the Atlantic slave route passage, working with musicians from West Africa, North Africa, South America and the Caribbean. This album earned Miller another Grammy nomination and was a massive success, racking up 250 sell out shows across the globe following its release. Alongside his collaborations and solo projects, Miller has worked in TV and film as a composer, producing scores for over 20 urban movies, and, as if he wasn’t busy enough, he also currently broadcasts two jazz radio shows; one in the US and one in the UK.
For a large proportion of his career, Miller played a Fender Jazz bass. After initially owning a Univox bass as a teen, Miller got his first Fender Jazz in 1975. Unfortunately, he lost this bass, and its subsequent replacement, in fairly quick succession (the first he left leaning against his car before driving off without it, and the other was stolen from his car in New York). Miller then got a modified 1977 Fender Jazz bass with a transparent blonde finish, which became his signature bass that he used for everything. Clearly noting his love of the brand, Fender produced a Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass in 1998, in both four string and five string versions, and various other models followed. However, in 2015, Miller was introduced to Sire bass guitars, who were looking to produce an entry level bass. After initially being uncertain about moving away from his much-loved Fenders, Miller was impressed by the quality and versatility of the Sire models – especially a feature which enabled players to change from playing in an active style to a more submissive tone via the flick of a switch. Miller was keen to be involved and the Marcus Miller Signature V7 model was produced shortly after. Since then, Miller has endorsed Sire basses and the company has produced a complete Marcus Miller Signature range, which aims to provide superior bass guitars at more accessible prices without compromising on sound and tone. Some commentators might say that this is Miller’s way of giving back, and by presenting the bassists of tomorrow with an opportunity to thrive, he is mirroring how Miles Davis offered young bassists like Miller the opportunity to tour with him and perfect their craft, which clearly helped Miller in forging his own career.
So, there we have it – another bass legend. Miller’s unique style, natural musicality and technical skill make him a true icon. Bass Player magazine included Miller within its top ten list of most influential jazz players of this generation, and in 2021 they awarded him with a Lifetime Achievement Award to recognise his significant contribution. These awards are often presented towards the end of a musician’s career, however, we’re pretty sure that Miller won’t be hanging up his bass just yet…A quick glance at his website shows a raft of shows planned for spring 2024, so it doesn’t look like he’ll be retiring any time soon – which makes us very, very, happy indeed.
Want to recreate Marcus Miller’s slap tone? Check out this stunning model on our website:
Fender Japan Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass MIJ
Serial Number – A039326
Colour – Olympic White
Body Finish – Gloss
Body Wood – Ash
Neck Finish – Gloss
Neck Wood – Maple
Fretboard – Maple
Frets – 20
Scale Length – 34″
Weight – 10lbs1oz/4.6kgs
Electronics – Fender 2 Band Preamp
Pickups – Fender Jazz
Videos and links on Marcus Miller
- Check out this clip of Miller playing an awesome bass solo on David Sanborn live from the 1980s here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5XU9eyjaLI
- Watch Miller discussing various Sire basses at the Chicago Music Exchange: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daYfQ1Ipf1k
- See Miller reeling off some of Luther Vandross’ hits here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS4JaPna5rc
- Listen in to this interview with Miller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9n0U-tNht0&t=150s
Sources:
https://www.marcusmiller.com/about
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Miller
https://www.guitarworld.com/features/marcus-miller-on-the-stories-behind-5-of-his-iconic-recordings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9n0U-tNht0&t=150s
Five Great Basses for Beginners
Bass Bros. Blog | November
Five Great Basses for Beginners
So, you want to play bass? Fantastic! Looking for your first bass? Awesome - let’s go! Every bassist remembers their first guitar, and bass guitar legend states that you shall be no different. However, it probably hasn’t escaped your notice that there are A LOT of bass guitars on the market, so you may be feeling a tad overwhelmed, confused and possibly seeing bass guitars in your sleep. Don’t worry – we’re on it. We’ve done the hard graft and selected five of the best bass guitars which are perfect for beginners, so let’s get stuck in.
The Sire Marcus Miller V7 (4 string) is a stellar choice as a first bass guitar. It’s easy to hold, has a nice weight and features a thinner neck than a standard jazz bass, which is a huge bonus while you’re still getting to grips with a bass guitar (and being a bassist in general). Sire’s classic heavy steel bridge design means that it stays in tune well and its pickups allow the player to achieve a broad range of tones. These pickups, together with the Marcus heritage pre-amp, open up a whole spectrum of sound, which is ideal if you’re still sussing out what type of music you want to play and what type of bassist you want to be. Another great feature is that the truss rod adjustment is at the bottom, rather than on the headstock, so it’s easier to access, which is a big plus in our book. This model is made from swamp ash and has a smart, clean looking finish, making it an understated, but stylish choice.
If you want to follow in the footsteps of a bass legend like Nathan East (and quite frankly, why wouldn’t you?), then look no further than the Yamaha BB234. Part of the Yamaha BB series – described by Yamaha as the “hardest working bass[es] in the business” - the 4 string Yamaha BB234 is a lightweight, clean looking model with a narrow neck (and 10” fretboard), offering many benefits for a bassist who’s just starting out. Ideal for both modern and more traditional players, the custom V3 pickups are made from ceramic, which produces a clear and defined sound. The lightweight tuners provide good balance and are perfectly designed for the lighter weight of this model, plus the vintage style bridge, one tone control and two volume controls, create a broad versatility of sound. Its body is made from alder wood with a rosewood fretboard, which gives it an honest, unpretentious look. A great mid-range choice for any beginner.
If you had your eye on a Fender but thought that such a model was out of your price range, look no further than the Squier Classic Vibe ‘60s Jazz Bass. Designed by Fender under its Squier brand, and inspired by the stylish 1960s Jazz Bass models, this bass has a whole load of features which beginners (and more experienced players alike) will love. The slim C shaped neck profile, narrow fingerboard and narrow tall frets make it extremely comfortable to play, and the vintage style bridge and Fender designed alnico single coil pickups deliver huge versatility and tone, all with period appropriate details. It 100% looks the part, too. A vintage-tint gloss neck finish, a 1960s inspired headstock with vintage style tuning ability and classic nickel-plated hardware work together to give this bass a wonderfully old-school, throwback vibe.
The Cort Action PJ bass is also worthy of consideration as a first bass guitar choice. Part of Cort’s Action Series, the Action PJ model has been designed specifically with beginners in mind. Affordable and versatile, this cleverly designed bass features (as the name suggests) a PJ style pickup, with the P-type pickup being best for playing rock music, while the J-type pickup is more suitable for jazz and pop style music, making it suitable for use within a broad range of music genres. Its ergonomically designed body shape combines the best elements of both classic and modern styles, having been created to be more comfortable to play and reduce fatigue for bassists during lengthy playing sessions. It also features die-cast machine heads which have been manufactured for maximum tuning stability and functionality, meaning beginners can play with confidence; a sizeable benefit whilst you’re still learning the ropes (or strings). An open pore finish allows the natural beauty of the poplar wood to shine through, which gives it a classically simple appearance, whilst also enhancing the acoustic vibration when in use.
Another Squier bass which also ticks all the boxes for a bassist beginner is the Squier Classic Vibe ‘60s Mustang Bass. This is a small bass, but it certainly delivers when it comes to tone and sound. The short 30” scale length and slim C shaped neck profile make this an incredibly comfortable bass to play. Like the Squier Classic Vibe ‘60s Jazz Bass, it comes with a 9.6” radius fingerboard and narrow tall frets. The alnico split coil pickup creates an authentic Fender tone, and the bridge features a slotted barrel design to enable solid string stability - a great feature for those still learning - whilst also aesthetically reflecting the style of the 1960s. The vintage-style tuning machines make it easy to tune and the 1960s inspired headstock design, nickel-plated hardware and glossy vintage-tint finish make this a stylish beginner’s choice, albeit with a slightly larger price tag.
So there you have it – five outstanding basses for beginners. Any of these models will get you off to a rocking start. They vary in price and appearance, so it’s important to find one that suits you, the type of music you want to play and your budget. However, all of these have the key features that ultimately will benefit a beginner and set you on the road to bassist greatness. Good luck and see you on the other side.
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1jtWiO3hF8
https://www.yamahamusiclondon.com/BB234-Electric-4-String-Bass-Guitar/pidGBB234YNS
https://www.fender.com/en-GB/squier-electric-basses
https://www.reidys.com/blog/squier-vs-fender-what-is-the-difference-between-them/
https://www.cortguitars.com/product/item.php?it_id=182#tab_Features
What to look for when buying a bass
Ok, so you’re looking to buy a bass. The chances are - whether you’ve looked at our website (thanks for stopping by) or you’ve explored other options - you’ve probably seen so many fantastic models, that you’ve been left wondering where to start and how on earth you’re possibly going to choose just one. With so much choice, it can be overwhelming (even for seasoned bassists) so that’s where we come in. We’ve pulled together some top tips to help guide you through what to look for when purchasing an electric bass guitar.
First up, you’ve got to ascertain what you’re really looking for and what’s going to meet your needs. Are you a beginner seeking your first ever bass? (If so, congrats and welcome to the club – you’re going to love it.) Or maybe you’re looking for a stellar model to perform with, or you might just fancy a change and are looking for something new. (Incidentally, if you are a beginner looking to buy your first bass, watch out for next month’s blog for a breakdown on the best bass guitars for first time buyers.) Essentially, it’s important to pinpoint what you want to play and/or achieve musically with your bass; you’ll then have more clarity on what you want, and what brands or styles might be more suitable for you.
Once you’ve established this, the next thing to do - before you get overexcited at seeing all the shiny basses available - is to be honest with yourself (and any potential sellers) on what your budget is. You’re setting yourself up for a mighty fall if you find your dream model and then discover that it’s way out of your price range. There are basses for every budget, with many fine basses available at the lower end of the spectrum, so don’t lose heart if your budget is fairly small. At this point it’s also a really good idea to involve an experienced bass player in your search. If you’re just starting out then you’ll benefit from their knowledge and experience, and if you’re already an established player, it’s always useful (and fun!) to have a second pair of eyes and ears, so either way, it’s a good move.
Start with the basics and think about the size and shape you require. Regardless of whether you’re buying your first bass or your 100th, it’s crucial that the bass guitar ‘fits’ you as the bassist. If you’re going to part with your hard-earned cash to purchase a stunning model, in our view, unless you’re planning on putting it up on a wall somewhere (and where’s the fun in THAT?) you need to be able to play it comfortably so you can enjoy it. So, assessing whether you want a large scale or short scale bass is a great place to start. Then, it’s a good idea to check the neck width; if you’re a beginner or a younger player (or perhaps your hands are on the petite side) then a narrower neck is a wise choice as it’s easier to play.
The next thing to consider sounds a bit obvious, but ask yourself: does the bass stay in tune? Try it and see – if you’re buying from a store, don’t be afraid to follow the old adage of try before you buy. Play it, get a feel for it, and see whether it stays in tune. Generally speaking, basses stay in tune much better than standard electric guitars due to their larger strings, however, there’s no harm in testing it out anyway. And while you’re doing so, take the opportunity to make sure that the electrics all work properly. Plug the bass into an amplifier and test the volume and tone controls to check that they adjust the sound as they should. If there are any faults, dodgy electrics or loose wiring, they’ll make a crackling noise (and not in a classic vinyl records way). If you’re buying online, request a demo and make sure you buy from a supplier that ensures that your bass is fully set up and in top notch condition before it’s sent to you (that’s us, by the way).
Make sure you consider the action too. If the bass has high action (i.e. the strings are high in relation to the fretboard) then it will be more difficult to play, so if you’re a beginner it’s definitely worth looking for basses with an action high enough above the strings so that they’re easy to press down and play clearly. Basses with a low action aren’t ideal either, as the strings will make an annoying buzzing sound (and no one wants that).
Next – the frets need to be level. If they’re uneven they’ll play dodgy notes at different sections of the neck, so the best way to check this is to run your hand up and down the neck of the guitar. Not only will you look like a pro doing this, you’ll also be able to tell if the frets feel even and smooth. If they do, then you’re all good. If you’re having an online demo, then it’s a good idea to ask the demonstrator to test the notes all the way up the neck.
So, you’ve found ‘the one’ and you’ve followed all of the advice above…what’s next? Well, if you’re buying in a store, you want to make sure that your chosen model is set up properly before you buy it and take it home. This means checking that the truss rod is functioning right and that the action is adjusted correctly for you. It’s important to get this sorted before you head home – this is where having an experienced bassist with you will come in really handy. If you’re buying online, make sure that you’re buying from a site where all of these checks take place. At Bass Bros. all of the models we sell are fully set up and personalised for each customer before they’re shipped out, so when your bass arrives with you, it’s ready to go.
So there you have it – a guide on what to look for when buying a bass. Follow these tips and you’ll find your perfect partner in bass lines in no time at all. Happy shopping.
Sources:
https://www.schoolofrock.com/resources/bass-guitar/guide-to-buying-your-first-bass-guitar
https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2013/10/31/buying-a-bass-a-checklist-by-no-treble-readers/
Who Typically Plays Bass?
To say that we’re all about the bass here at Bass Bros. is an understatement. As well as selling a stonking selection of bass guitars (take a look if you don’t believe us), at heart, we are also fans. In essence, we live and breathe bass guitars and everything connected to them. Baselines pump through our veins, our string-hardened fingertips long to replicate famous bass solos, and our heroes wear basses not capes. However, it got us thinking: our obsession with bass aside, is there a ‘type’ of person who typically plays bass?
On the face of it, a lot of bass players give off a quiet, introverted vibe. This somewhat unassuming persona often contrasts to the bigger personalities found in a band. The lead singer or guitarist (often an extrovert) is front and centre of the stage, and the drummer - although often further back - is frequently on a platform and sometimes even back lit to showcase their rhythmic talent. By contrast, the bass player often looks a lonelier figure on the stage, despite usually having the freedom to move around. This commonly gives rise to the view that a bassist works separately to the rest of the band, but of course, we know that nothing could be further from the truth. Take the legend that is John Entwistle. We mention him a lot, and that’s not just because we need no excuse to talk about this brilliant man, but because he is a prime example of a bassist who was instrumental to his band’s success. He possessed an intense, slightly distant persona on stage, initially shirking the limelight, although of course when audiences saw how talented he was, the limelight found him anyway. Although seemingly in the background (outstanding bass solos aside) his consistent, rhythmic style of playing was an integral part of The Who’s success – which came into focus even more so during live performances.
However, there are always exceptions to the rule (if indeed, there was a rule in the first place) and the likes of Motorhead’s Lemmy, and Weather Report’s Jaco Pastorius were much more outrageous in their playing style and performances. Both of them bass icons in their own right, each radiated their own raw energy, and let’s be honest – whether they were introverts or extroverts, we can confidently say that neither of these bassists were ever going to be happy playing at the back. Lemmy’s distinctive gravelly vocals, robust playing style and rock n roll attitude always grabbed attention, whilst Pastorius’ experimental style – including his famous “singing bass line” - made sure that he was never left in the shadows (and rightly so).
As we know, it's a common misconception (from non-bassists, at least) that playing bass guitar is easy. Granted, it’s not the most difficult instrument to learn on a basic level. However, to play successfully within a band requires more than being able to master notes or chords; a strong bassist must be consistent, precise and work in tandem with the rest of the band (the drummer in particular) to keep the energy high and the rhythm going. What’s more, many successful bass players are multi-talented musicians, who usually play more than one instrument and possess incredible versatility. Nathan East – one of the most recorded bassists in the world – played the cello as a young man before moving onto bass, and his musicality and adaptability were undoubtedly key factors that led him to work across all genres of music and collaborate with some of the biggest musicians in the world, including Quincy Jones, Eric Clapton, Beyoncé and Daft Punk. Versatility is a common theme when we look at other bassist icons, too. Skilled session musician (and bassist for David Bowie for 20 years), Gail Ann Dorsey, started off as a clarinet and guitar player (whilst also studying film), but shifted her focus to bass when she realised that she was more likely to get work as a bass player – and we can all be thankful that she did. Equally, as hard as it is to believe now, Tina Weymouth started off as Talking Heads’ driver in the early 1970s, but stepped up and learnt how to play bass when the band were missing a bassist. Her natural talent and dedication not only helped her to become an accomplished bass player in a very short period of time, but also led to her being able to help shape a whole new rock age in the 1980s, whilst smashing through gender stereotypes at the same time.
Alongside talent, dedication and versatility, another common personality trait in top bass players is creativity and the drive to innovate. We’re talking about those who take things to a whole new level and push their creative boundaries to explore new realms of what it means to play bass. Jack Bruce is a fantastic example of this; his method of playing bass in a more melodic style was truly pioneering in the late 1960s, and contributed to him being one of the most influential bass players of all time - as part of Cream and as a solo artist - influencing the likes of Geddy Lee as well as many others. In the early 1970s, Motorhead’s Lemmy also created his own playing technique which saw him move away from the single note style of playing and throw in plenty of double stops and chords instead. Not only that, but his method of playing a bass unlike how a bass was usually played was revolutionary and led to a complete shift in how Motorhead performed together as a band. In the same decade, Metallica’s Cliff Burton displayed immense passion and creativity to make his mark, which he did despite his short life. After learning to play bass (initially practising for 6 hours every day) Burton gained a thirst for pushing boundaries and going against the grain. His experimental approach – showcased to its best via the chromatic intro on “For Whom the Bell Tolls” - is a stellar example of Burton’s unique style, as is his contribution to the landmark heavy metal album, “Master of Puppets”. Last but not least, we can’t talk about pushing boundaries without mentioning prog rock legend, Geddy Lee. As well as displaying an awe-inspiring amount of energy during performances, which often see him singing, playing bass and the keyboards simultaneously, Lee is an award-winning musician, bassist, vocalist, guitarist, keyboard player, producer, composer and author. His drive to consistently innovate via the use of synthesizers and modern digital techniques puts him head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to creative innovation.
As we’ve seen, there are some personality traits that are commonly found in bass players, but to say there is a specific type of person who plays bass is not strictly true. Although there are certainly people who may be better bass players, there isn’t a one size fits all, and when we look back at music history, it’s often a case of someone offering something new and different at the right time. This diversity and constant progression are what keep things interesting, and from a broader view, ensures that music continually moves forward and evolves. If there is one thing that all of the bass players mentioned here (and throughout this blog) have in common, it’s that they have a significant passion for music and playing bass. And in our book, that’s really all you need.
Sources:
https://www.thewho.com/john-entwistle/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5TBKmtIC5E
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35192060
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mot%C3%B6rhead
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemmy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaco_Pastorius
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_Report#1976:_In_transition
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/nathan-east-mn0000317169/biography
https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/tina-weymouth-33472.php
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jul/21/chris-frantz-talking-heads-david-byrne
http://www.jackbruce.com/2008/Press/press.htm
https://www.godsownguitars.com/1969-gibson-eb3-bass
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Bruce
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_Burton
https://www.kerrang.com/12-things-you-might-not-know-about-cliff-burton
https://mixdownmag.com.au/features/gear-rundown-cliff-burton/
https://www.rush.com/band/geddy-lee/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geddy_Lee
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/led-zeppelin-concert-rush-geddy-lee/
https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/blog/2020/06/29/gail-ann-dorsey-gear-guide/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gail_Ann_Dorsey
Gail Ann Dorsey
As music fans, we know that sometimes, outstanding musicians don’t always get the recognition they deserve; they remain a little under the radar. In our humble opinion, Gail Ann Dorsey is one of those people. Guitar player, bassist, vocalist and songwriter; Dorsey is a hugely talented, self-taught session musician whose style covers a broad spectrum of music genres. Her integrity and versatility led her to work with some of the biggest artists in the music industry, although she’s probably best known for her long-term partnership with David Bowie.
Born on 20th November 1962 and the youngest of five children, Dorsey grew up in 1970s Philadelphia amid a thriving music scene. At this time, the Phillysound era was at its peak, and many of her peers played at least one musical instrument; Dorsey herself learnt to play clarinet at school and also started to play guitar aged nine. She was inspired by the records that her older siblings brought home and was heavily influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Nancy Wilson (Heart) and Mark Farner from Grand Funk Railroad. However, it wasn’t until she was in her teens that Dorsey picked up a bass guitar. She observed that bands were always looking for bass players, not guitar players, so she saw the bass as an opportunity for work. So, after seeing an advert for a bassist in her local music store, she auditioned using a friend of a friend’s Rickenbacker bass. Unsurprisingly, she won the audition. Her mother bought her an Epiphone bass of her own, and so began Dorsey’s journey to being a bass player, although she didn’t consider herself a proper bassist until she was in her early twenties.
Although a passionate musician, Dorsey originally pursued a career in film - and she was good at it; earning a full scholarship to attend the California Institute of the Arts in the School of Film and Video. She was the only female in her class and the youngest woman ever to be admitted to the Live Action department at that point. However, after her third semester there, Dorsey realised that the film industry was not where she wanted to be, and she decided to move to New York to pursue a music career.
After getting little response from record companies in New York, Dorsey then moved to London where her luck started to change when she started working with jazz drummer, composer, band leader and teacher, John Stevens, as part of his Community Music organisation. It was via these humble beginnings that Dorsey credits Stevens with kickstarting her career, as her work with him (and his son Richie) eventually led to her first job singing in Charlie Watts’ Big Band, as well as further session work with Boy George. Further collaborations followed including work with 20To, Pete Stern and producer Paul “Doc” Stewart, which culminated with an introduction to CBS Records and her first record deal. A committed and skilled session musician, Dorsey has worked ever since, and her impressive list of collaborations reads like a who’s who of the music industry. Tears for Fears, Lenny Kravitz, Bryan Ferry, Gwen Stefani, Donny Osmond and Seal are just a few of the artists she’s worked with over her long and diverse career. Alongside her session work, Dorsey made her own music too, and released her first solo album, The Corporate World in 1988. Produced by bass legend and Fourplay band member, Nathan East, the album featured artists such as Eric Clapton and Andy Gill. The record was very well received and was voted one of the Top 5 Albums of the Year by London’s Q Magazine.
A second solo album followed in 1992, but it was in 1996 when Dorsey became bassist for David Bowie that she began to enter the mainstream spotlight. Originally only recruited for the Outside tour, Dorsey famously (and successfully) provided lead vocals and bass for live performances of Under Pressure (taking the part originally sung by Queen’s Freddie Mercury). Bowie clearly recognised Dorsey’s talent and what started out as a six week tour turned into a 20 year partnership, which only ended when Bowie died in 2016.
In our view, the thing that makes Dorsey such a successful session musician is that she always prioritises what serves the song best – and this is mirrored in the type of bass guitar she uses. Therefore, depending on who she is working with (or for), and what sound they are looking to create, she will play the bass that best fits the brief. However, like all bassists, she does have a personal favourite, which comes in the form of a Music Man Stingray - playfully named Marilyn due to the image of Marilyn Monroe that Dorsey has placed under the clear scratch plate. This bass has had quite a life; having been used on every tour and album she’s ever done. The warm yet striking tone of this model complements Dorsey’s soft playing style and she has been quoted as saying that it is her ‘favourite bass in the whole world’. However, she also plays a Fender Jazz – particularly for her work with Lenny Kravitz who demands a harder, louder sound.
Dorsey released her third solo album in 2003 but she continues to work and make music. She took part in the Celebrating David Bowie tour in 2017 and her work was recognised in 2021 by Bass Player Magazine when she was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. She describes her current music style as ‘Black-arach’ - inspired by the music that she heard on the radio when she was growing up. Dorsey is keen not to limit herself and continues to strive for authenticity, so it seems right that we give her the last word: “I just want to maintain honesty and substance in the work. That is my responsibility to the music and the audience”.
Facts and links about Gail Ann Dorsey:
- Watch Gail Ann Dorsey performing alongside David Bowie in this iconic performance of ‘Under Pressure’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UsuorzL90E
- Check out the latest news on Gail Ann Dorsey on her Instagram channel https://www.instagram.com/gailanndorsey/
- Gail Ann Dorsey being interviewed at the David Bowie World Fan Convention 2022 in Liverpool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqDyBJ-q2F8
- Watch a brilliant interview with Gail Ann Dorsey talking about her career: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp2VBPOY9DU
- See Lenny Kravitz introduce Dorsey as ‘The Superior Female Energy’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab1ssuzmtsE
Sources:
https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/blog/2020/06/29/gail-ann-dorsey-gear-guide/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gail_Ann_Dorsey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp2VBPOY9DU&t=2105s