The Under Appreciated Bassist
I was watching the Grammy Award highlights last week.
The standout performance was “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk + Stevie Wonder.
The song was catchy, pop and groovy. The backing band looked familiar.
The bassist, Nathan East is a living legend. He has played with so many artists.
I first heard him play on Eric Clapton’s “Unplugged” or Michael Jackson’s “Bad”.
My father and I have thousands of CD’s, but I never really noticed him until I started playing the bass guitar. Currently he plays for Clapton, Toto and Fourplay.
After checking through the credits of the CD’s we have, I noticed that he has played for:
George Harrison, Michael Buble, Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Seal, B.B. King and Christopher Cross.
He has also played for: the Backstreet Boys, Beyonce and Justin Timberlake
I think that backing musicians, especially studio musicians are under appreciated.
Bassists are especially unappreciated. Most people don’t notice the bass until it is gone.
I don’t think it’s coincidence that someone like Nathan East has played on so many popular albums.
I think his bass-lines, melody and phrasing can make or break songs.
Researching a studio musician’s credits can help you find new music!
Vocabulary
Coincidence: 偶然
My friend from Japan knew my friend in Australia. What a coincidence!
Familiar: 精通している
My friend is a familiar face.
Phrasing: 言葉遣い、表現法
The pianist’s phrasing was unique.
Stand out: 際立
The girl in the cat dress stood out.
Expressions
Make or Break: 成功を左右する
Under Appreciated: 重宝されてない
StepJumpFly 