M-N-Y

Homer, How's it going? Hope you remember me as markybass from a previous life. I did give up playing bass for a short while but I'm pleased to say I have a new bass and I'm boring the family to death (again). You can try the BB424,425, and 1024 and maybe even 2024/2025 at Promenade Music in Morecambe. They certainly have the 424,425,1024 in as I saw them a few days ago. The 1024 they have in is truly awesome,one of the nicest basses I have ever played. Plus Gary who runs the bass dept is one of the nicest guys around;prices are dead keen to 424 is sub £400. All the best, Mark.

Hi Lee, As far as jazz goes, or what purports to be classified as such, this is interesting music. It struck me on first listen that this was a bit out of the ordinary. All the musicians are amazing particularly the drummer who really drives the band, and the combination of the trio plus the strings works really well. I am looking forward to hearing the whole album in late January when it comes out. Cheers, Mark.

Agreed Len. Cheers. Check out the bands website for details of their 2012 tour. [url="http://www.neilcowleytrio.com/"]http://www.neilcowleytrio.com/[/url]

The bass on this track is played by a 16year old Bobby Vega which makes it all the more remarkable I think.

You're welcome. Glad to see someone likes it I was beginning to think I was weird.

I saw the band at Alexanders jazz theatre in Chester some years ago, you were all fantastic. Would love to see you again at some point. Hope 2012 is a good one for you and ND. Cheers, Mark.

Hello, Hope you are all enjoying the Christmas break. I am just checking out an interesting video about the making of the new Neil Cowley Trio CD. Whilst definitely in the jazz genre the music is very different,full of twists and is really well played by top drawer musicians. I also like the addition of the strings which makes for a lush soundscape on some of the pieces. This sounds right up my street, as I love the quirky piano trio and strings combination which certainly seems to work in this context. Great upright playing by Rex Horan as well. Looking forward to the CD and tour early next year. Hope you enjoy checking it out. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN506XFs6LI&list=UU2rNWYT0ibaHyTgvi2y5ORQ&index=2&feature=plcp[/media]

Wow, fantastic playing,great feel as well. Great stuff.

Can anyone remember the Radio One programme which I think was hosted by Richard Skinner called roundtable. The idea was that a panel of invited guests would listen to and review newly released single records. I remember hearing a track called 'Away you'll never be' in 1982 by Leisure Process. One of the guests John Entwistle no less, was totally flabbergasted at the bass player who he claimed was the best he'd ever heard. I think that speaks volumes for me. Here's the track, stay tuned until the finger style playing at the end. Fantastic!! [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz8_3hgAU9Q"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz8_3hgAU9Q[/url]

What a monster player. You can't deny that Zender was great but this guy is my favourite of the Jamiroquai bassists. He has such an amazing groove and bounce to his playing, coupled with a wonderful tone. Magic!!

I think in the bass player's case he started on piano age 4, moved on to brass at 13, was a session bassist by 16. I would guess he was pretty good before he got to the Royal College of music in Stockholm, but I am also sure his playing developed as a result of his attendance at said school. An exceptionally talented bunch of musicians it seems.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1324464132' post='1474405'] ok.. He is doing dates down here atm..great player...in much demand. [/quote] Thanks for the heads up. I am glad to see he's back and playing again, certainly a good drummer that's for sure.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1324381144' post='1473538'] Steve Washington on drums...?? he is local round here and does the dates. [/quote] It was Donovan Hepburn on the drums. Steve Washington hasn't performed with them for a while.Sadly the aforementioned Mr. Washington may still be in prison after being convicted of a bank robbery in 2008.

Yeah happened to me too. I just downloaded the single track from I tunes although it did cost me an extra 99p.

Totally stupendous band and possibly my favourite of all time. They produce beautifully crafted music,played by some of the world's best musicians and can really cut it live as well considering their advancing years.

Thanks for the positive response chaps. Please spread the word, this band deserves our support. I hear they might be over in the UK next year. I'll keep you all posted. Cheers, Mark.

I bet that was great fun. I think they would sound very different in that context. I must admit part of the charm for me is hearing so many musicians groove strongly and knit together so well. Can't wait to hear the new music they're recording shortly.

Great post Jamie,what a top piece of music. These guys are a revelation and they all seem so into the music. Thanks, Mark.

I understand they might be coming to the UK next year. If so I'll be there. Awesome!!

Wondered if any of you had come across this band. They're like a funk big band, quite outstanding musicians. For those of you who think they might like to check them out have a look at this, and keep an eye on the drummer towards the end. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UDYwWqBnd8"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UDYwWqBnd8[/url] Hope you enjoy watching and listening. Cheers, Mark.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1323244085' post='1460871'] And now the weather report... [/quote] TT were no doubt influenced by Weather Report. Don't think they sound much like them though in this clip,not with this lineup. They started to sound more like them later when Scott Kinsey joined the band. He was and still is hugely influenced by Zawinul. As for Gary Willis' bass sound I don't think he sounds much like Jaco. His approach is totally different as are his note choices. Just my opinion FWIW.

My good friend who is an excellent bass player uses an EMG PX which he says is awesome and gives him a wide array of usable tones.

Try this by Swedish musicians Mats and Morgan.Might be quite a challenge. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rts6DfRd_A"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rts6DfRd_A[/url] One by Tribal Tech which is quite slippery. Took me a while to master this one. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW5A6mypjRw&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW5A6mypjRw&feature=related[/url]