Pino on new John Mayer album - MAJOR disappointment

paul_wolfe · #1 11-13-2009, 01:27 PM

So I just listened to the new John Mayer album.

The songs are much more middle of the road, the 'edge' has gone. And so have Pino's basslines. Oh he's still there - but compared to his work on the earlier trio albums his playing is mostly ordinary.

I'm very disappointed. Anyone else heard this - got any thoughts?

J. Crawford · #2 11-13-2009, 01:30 PM

You mean Battle Studies? I didnt even know Pino was playing on this album. Thanks for the heads up.

ac3320 · #3 11-13-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul_wolfe

So I just listened to the new John Mayer album.

The songs are much more middle of the road, the 'edge' has gone. And so have Pino's basslines. Oh he's still there - but compared to his work on the earlier trio albums his playing is mostly ordinary.

I'm very disappointed. Anyone else heard this - got any thoughts?

how'd you hear it?

Mojo-Man · #4 11-13-2009, 01:41 PM

I just got this CD.
Because Pino was on it. (Big fan of the JMT)
Pino is playing the songs. (That's why he is so good)
John wrote what he wanted.
This record is more pop, rock, with a little Beatles edge.
There are some killer grooves. (Assassin)
Steve Jordan, and Pino, are rock solid.
Would love to see the Trio do this stuff live.

PhatBasstard · #5 11-13-2009, 02:23 PM

Is this album the Trio or the full band?

ac3320 · #6 11-13-2009, 03:05 PM

okay so i just listened to it. It's def. not as "blusey" as continuum and his trio work, but it was never supposed to be either.

Mayer seemed to win a lot of guys over with JMT and continuum, but really, i was never one of those people. I liked some of his older stuff, but found that the JMT/continuum stuff is WAY catchier than his older work, and those albums were primarily pop! lol..

Anyways, this is kind of a more laid back album i guess..

Mojo-Man · #7 11-13-2009, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhatBasstard

Is this album the Trio or the full band?

With the exception of some keyboards, and horns on one song.
It's the Trio.

paul_wolfe · #8 11-14-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

how'd you hear it?

Friend of mine is 'in teh business.' And was given a pre-release copy. Knowing I love Pino he passed it on to me.

Shovelbone · #9 11-14-2009, 10:12 AM

As far as JMT goes..... Pino and Jordan would make anyone sound good!

onlyclave · #10 11-14-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul_wolfe

Friend of mine is 'in teh business.' And was given a pre-release copy. Knowing I love Pino he passed it on to me.

So does the record suck or Pino Palladino isn't playing what you want him too?

I think the name on the band is John Mayer...

TheDialog · #11 11-14-2009, 01:42 PM

I think the record is really solid. After giving it to a listen today I think Pino sounds great. His lines are defined and necessary. He does not ever get flashy and step where he should not go. Perfect pocket playing. What people should strive for IMHO.

paul_wolfe · #12 11-15-2009, 06:19 AM

Quote:

So does the record suck or Pino Palladino isn't playing what you want him too?

I think the name on the band is John Mayer...

Good question. Made me think a little more deeply about why I was disappointed with the album.

And it's this: the first two albums were the John Mayer TRIO....and there was genuine trio interaction going in in the songs, especially the live album. And it's partly that, plus the fact that this album is much more 'produced.' It's almost like the rough edges have been smoothed off. When for me it was the rough edges that gave the John Mayer Trio its sparkle.

That make sense?

And for the record i don't think the album sucks...but for my ears it's not as compelling to listen too. And what Pino DOES play is fine...but Nathan East could have played those lines...or Lee Sklar...or anyone of a dozen top studio bassists. And I wanted to hear Pino. Does THAT make sense?

BassXgirl · #13 11-15-2009, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul_wolfe

... And what Pino DOES play is fine...but Nathan East could have played those lines...or Lee Sklar...or anyone of a dozen top studio bassists. And I wanted to hear Pino. Does THAT make sense?

That makes sense. Generic and over produced doesn't sound too appealing to me.

The JMT helped get John some more credibility among musician fans. If he wants to go back to "john mayer solo", then maybe he should do that.

I was never much of a fan of his. The guy can really play but his voice is just not something I can listen too. After seeing him sit in with Jeff Beck, I did start to warm up to him. When I saw the JMT on one of the late night talk shows, I was genuinly impressed and that had A LOT to do with the dynamic of the musicians involved, mainly Pino helped wake up my ears. I still had a hard time with JM's voice though :/

My point is, a Trio is made up of all its parts regardless of who's name is on it. Maybe this should have been labeled a "solo" project if its true he was writing out what he wanted.

BobaMosfett · #14 11-17-2009, 07:21 AM

'Battle studies' is labeled as a John Mayer album, not as JMT. It's co-produced by Steve Jordan, though, and Pino is on most of the tracks.

IMO, if you listen closely, his lines are pure Pino. Maybe not as in your face as we bassists would like, but it's in his fills here and there, and his supple feel throughout. I think it's yet another recording he can be proud of.

Hamrhed · #15 11-17-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobaMosfett

IMO, if you listen closely, his lines are pure Pino. Maybe not as in your face as we bassists would like, but it's in his fills here and there, and his supple feel throughout

Thats all that matters to me- that it sounds and grooves good as opposed to 'wow, Pino is unbelievable'...

Most players know what the man is capable of- if he is settling into playing for the songs and not musicians in general, then good for him

funkydanbass · #16 11-17-2009, 04:04 PM

Did anyone else notice that Pino isn't mentioned anywhere in the album thank you's?

Seems a little weird...

jerry · #17 11-17-2009, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkydanbass

Did anyone else notice that Pino isn't mentioned anywhere in the album thank you's?

Seems a little weird...

His check was probably thank you enough.

MingusBass · #18 11-18-2009, 09:06 PM

The album is growing on me already. I think it's pretty good. I'm really digging the song Perfectly Lonely. Nice FAT punchy P bass tone.

Craig_S · #19 11-18-2009, 11:39 PM

I'm sure everything Pino played was right for the music. He doesn't seem to be on the bass hero bus. Unless, of course, your bass heroes play for the song and not for their ego. That P-Bass of his always sounds incredible.

burk48237 · #20 11-19-2009, 10:43 PM

I respect John Mayers playing, and he is certainly one of the best young songwriters in the business. But his CD's always leave me a bit cold on bass. For me it's the tone, he likes the vintage "buried in the mix" sound for a bass player (or his producer does). And I just remember spending all that money on good gear and going thru all those years of searching for the right stuff so you could HEAR the bass. I don't expect the tone of his players to sound like Marcus or something, but give me Will Lee or Nathan East at least. I would love to hear Pino playing his old Frettless Music man with JMT. That would get me excited. Having said all of this, their is no better pop rhythm section today then Pino and Steve Jordan. Seeing them live is very cool.