Daichi Kono

DownLOWDee · #1 12-09-2009, 12:43 PM

Anyone ever hear of this guy? He's the bass player for the band Mercury Morning. I'm not sure how well known they are though. I went with a friend to see the band Marcy's Playground at the Chance theater here in Poughkeepsie and Mercury Morning opened. The band is okay, kind of a dramatic singer, solid drummer and guitarist but Daichi was just ripping up the bass. I swear I've seen his name before but really hope I can find a place to hear more of his playing. I bought their 'Hello Dreamer' CD and really digging his style.

I see their drummer has done a fair amount of session work and their guitarist has played with Rufus Wainright but nothing on Daichi. They don't have any shows listed on their MYspace just curious to see if anyone knows where I can check him out again. He played a ZON 5 string if that helps.

dystopiate · #2 12-09-2009, 12:49 PM

I'm good friends with Daichi. He's actually a member here, and a hell of a player (w/ great taste in instruments). Actually lent him a fretless built by a TB builder (schuyler) for a recording sessions recently. I'll let him know you're looking for info on him.

DownLOWDee · #3 12-09-2009, 01:40 PM

Great! What else have I heard him play on? Please tell him to hop on, I'd love to get some info on his approach. I really like his "liquid" bass style.

DarkMazda · #4 12-09-2009, 02:49 PM

Hey DownLOWDee.

This is Daichi that you are looking for. What's going on?

DownLOWDee · #5 12-10-2009, 08:27 AM

Hey Daichi,

My name is Bruce Onorato and I'm a bassist/student in Poughkeepsie NY. I caught your band opening for Marcy's Playground awhile back and purchased your CD. You made a real impression on me. I've had your CD in my car for months now!

I find your style interesting because you are kind of the lead instrument of the band without being obnoxious or intrusive. Kind of reminds me of Victor Wooten with Bela Fleck. Your guitarist has kind of a Edge/Johnny Marr vibe thats more embellishment then lead, your drummer's playing kind of reminds me of Matt Cameron and maybe a little Jimmy Chamberlain but again kind of just lays it down without a lot of fills. I was curious if this was decided by the band or if it just happens? I'm also really curious about your chain in both studio and live?

I'd love to hear your playing in other projects. Have you released anything else? Live it seemed like you wanted to make things a little heavier where your singer didn't really have the range to do that much. My friends at school that I've played the disc for think he's sings too much and that the band should have had more room to showcase their talents without him emoting over everything. Just friendly criticism.

Anyway would love to get some insight into your approach, gear and updates as to Mercury Morning or anything else you got goin' on! Also love the ZONS!!!

DarkMazda · #6 12-10-2009, 11:30 AM

Hello Bruce. I thank you so much for your kind words about leaving an impression on you and you having our CD in the car for months!

Hmm. I never thought about my part being of any 'lead' per se. Our guitarist loved to keep a strong chord with interesting and colorful accents. I thought it would be to have a more fluid/moving bass line to go with his solid playing. The drummer was also a solid player and I figured my bass line would mold it out a little bit. I/We never planned it to be that way, it's just the way we made it. We threw ideas by jamming and talking about ideas and my ideas for my bass lines are usually the ones we keep.

One thing I could tell you is I am a horrible "jam" "Improv" person. I can not think bass lines off the top of my head while let's say the guitarist is playing. If he has an idea, I like to listen to the riff and brainstorm bass ideas in my head.

I forgot what the exact chain was for the first EP. I did remember using my bass right through an Aguilar pre to their board. For the 2nd EP that we haven't completed, I went through 2 preamps. A Tech21 BDDI and their EBS Pre-amp. Live I like to keep it pretty simple. Bass -> Korg DT10 Tuner -> Demeter Compulator -> Fulltone Bass Drive -> SansAmp BDDI -> Board.

I have done other work but its mostly for personal pleasure. I used to play in cover bands for couple of years so I haven't really done any recording for those bands.

I don't know if I could really show you insights on playing as I just go with what I want to hear in a tune or what I want to add to it. We can definitely talk bout bass man!

Great to hear from you

D

DownLOWDee · #7 02-14-2011, 11:31 AM

Hey Daichi, it is Bruce again! Just found the Mercury Morning CD again and really digging the songs. Whats the status of the band? I'd really love to hear any new material. Is there a place I can do so?

Any chance you are playing up in the Hudson Valley area of New York again?

DarkMazda · #8 03-28-2012, 09:46 AM

Hi Bruce, sorry for bringing up an old thread. I've been doing quite well and hope you are as well.

After some band issues, the band parted ways with the singer. Mercury Morning is still playing and recording but with new members.

I haven't been active in the band scene as of late. My bass cover channel was shut down because of copyright issues. I'm selling off some of my gear as I do not actively play out. I will be starting a new bass channel on youtube though. I am also in the market for a new bass.

How about you? I'm glad you have enjoyed the songs recorded by Mercury Morning. If you want the 2nd EP, let me know. I can e-mail you the tracks.