Pete Academy

I learned slap bass in the 70s. When it first emerged it was amazing. Mark King took it to another level, technique-wise. I think it's still a fantastic technique that sets bass players apart from other musicians. Just make it sound musical.

Bump up for these gigs.

Nearly Dan play two gigs in Scotland: Friday April 13 at The Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh. Saturday April 14 at the Oran Mor in Glasgow.

It just seems that the bass sound problems can be solved easily by just having bodies fill the room. Not always the case.

Yet another night where the sound on stage was boomy and I couldn't hear a thing, yet everyone else thought the sound was great. 'Don't worry...it'll be OK when the room fills up.' How many of you get this? Bloody frustrating.

A sublime track from Fred Wesley. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUsn880UWPQ

Another great track by The Rhythm Makers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF9o225sRZI

A track from my youth. This is a killer...sounds easy, but hard to replicate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GgVaTGbk8U

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1332196803' post='1584812'] Unlike MM's tone, which sounds like Robocop taking a cheese grater to his genitalia! Painful. Clanky. Mindless. Totally unnecessary. [/quote] Ooh..nasty comment.

[quote name='thisnameistaken' timestamp='1332351941' post='1587187'] Watching that NAMM clip I think I've decided what I don't like about Marcus' playing is his overblown dynamics, it's really corny. Notes are either soft or absolutely battered, it sounds like someone spitting on you. I prefer listening to him speak than playing bass because he's obviously a really clever and experienced guy with a lot of interesting stuff to say, but his playing makes me want to sedate him. [/quote] I appreciate your opinion. Personally, I think Marcus has the ultimate tone, especially for slap. It's much better appreciated with headphones

Blimey, I didn't expect this thread to run so long. God bless basschat and Marcus!

[quote name='vsmith1' timestamp='1332253154' post='1585587'] Have a Bump - we saw you in Morecambe Dome a few years back - shame but cannot be there on Saturday in Kendal. A real great night - top class. [/quote] Cheers for that.

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1332191145' post='1584672'] Screw soul... The dude needs a decent tone before worrying about soul! Great player almost ruined by a poor tone IMO. [/quote] He has the best tone you could wish for.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1332191218' post='1584674'] I wouldnt describe it I'd listen out for it. But it can't go clankety clank with no spaces. [/quote] Sorry mate, don't agree with the ,clankety clank,. Have you listened on headphones?

To me, whenever Marcus plays anything, be it a bass line or solo, it always has a groove.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1332190699' post='1584657'] He managed having no soul very successfully this time, that's how it sounds to me. [/quote] How would you describe soul?

Some interesting opinions. As for Marcus having no soul? I don't think he's capable, whatever he plays. I love his takes on cover versions. Remember 'Teen Town'? I recall being gobsmacked at his slapped version. I don't think the original TOP version can be bettered, but I think Marcus realises this and just wanted to do another 'Teen Town'. I just love it, and that's my opinion. To me, it's a player at the very top of his game.

I appreciate the comments but I totally disagree. I think this is a great take on a classic track.

This is why bass playing is so subjective. To me, this is a player at the top of his game. To other people this is a bad noise.

[quote name='kevin_lindsay' timestamp='1332096495' post='1583211'] I endured around 2 minutes of it - couldn't listen to any more. Bloody awful! [/quote] Why?

I'm not trying to force people to like Marcus, but I think this version of 'What Is Hip' by Tower Of Power is just incredible. Technique, sound, feel, timing, dynamics...it's all here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qtuoZXgkyA

Please note that the Citadel is a rescheduled gig from January 28.

Nearly Dan play the Citadel in St Helens on Friday 23 March and Brewery Arts in Kendal on Saturday 24 March.

Just come in on the kick drum debate. If you are playing in time, you should automatically lock in with your drummer. Try locking with the hi-hat. It's more fun.