Doobie Brothers bassist

**Mark Wilson** · #1 06-29-2005, 07:53 PM

Has the bass player from the Doobie Brothers always been Skylark? I believe that's his name? Or he is he a more recent bassist? I got the live at the wolftrap DVD and it was incredible. That guy grooves like no other!

slugworth · #2 06-29-2005, 08:36 PM

AFAIK, all the classic DB stuff was done by Tiran Porter.
Great player.

Slug

FR5 · #3 06-30-2005, 02:05 AM

Yes, Tiran was responsible for all those tastefull bass lines, from the "What were once vices" to the "Minute by minute" album. If the Doobs are ever in need of a bass player they can give me a call, I have played along with all of these albums many times and I think I could pull it off

I have seen them live with Skylark a couple of times, great bass player but unfortunately his bass playing in usually somewhat obscured in the mix, not a very punchy sound like Tiran has. But he brings a lot of energy and groove to the shows, and I would recommend the Wolftrap DVD to anyone, these guys are excellent musicians and put on a great show.

Steven

JimK · #4 06-30-2005, 05:49 PM

Tiran Porter came onboard earlier than the Vices album...his tenure started with the Doobs' 2nd album, Toulouse Street("Listen To The Music", "Jesus Is Just Alright With Me". "Rockin' Down The Highway", etc). That's Porter on "China Grove" & "Long Train Running", too.

The Doobs' 1st album had Dave Shogren on bass; IIRC, he passed away maybe 5 years ago? I think I read about it in Bass Player.
(The Doobs were but a 4-tet on that 1st album...2 guitars-bass-1 drummer).

After Tiran Porter, Willie Weeks actually played bass for the Doobies...One Step Closer & a double Live album.
Porter eventually returned for a couple of late 80s/early '90s albums.

Anyway, I'm a big fan of Porter...we played many of their tunes back in high school. "Another Park, Another Sunday" is one of my favorites.
"Rio", "Wheels Of Fortune", & "8th Avenue Shuffle" are 3 classics from Taking It To The Streets.

Time Divider · #5 07-01-2005, 09:31 AM

I saw the Doobies last night at Summerfest in Milwaukee, and I have to say that Skylark did a very good job (played an Alembic with the red LED's in the fretboard). I couldn't get past the the thought, though, that anybody who could rip Porter's riffs from a recording could have done the same. Add to it that the bass was booming but very non-descript - no real definition. The guy was very high energy on stage, however.

toddcotham · #6 07-01-2005, 09:55 AM

Word. I saw them a few weeks ago with Skylark on the bass. Great show by the way. See them if you get a chance. But I thought Skylark added considerably to the show. He has alot of energy and great stage presence. Handles the axe pretty good and not a bad voice to go with it.

cetera · #7 08-15-2005, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimK

After Tiran Porter, Willie Weeks actually played bass for the Doobies...One Step Closer & a double Live album.
Porter eventually returned for a couple of late 80s/early '90s albums.

Actually, Tiran played bass on 'One Step Closer' and then left the band. Willie Weeks can only be heard on the "Farewell Live" album...

Tiran is a severely underrated bassist with a wonderful understanding of groove, space and harmony.

Although I enjoy watching Skylark I do find that he over plays and, at times, loses the groove originally written into the songs by Tiran... just my opinion....

stacystarkweath · #8 08-15-2005, 11:42 AM

Tiran is one of alltime favs too...been listening to him alot lately...Skylark was actually in Earth Wind and Fire for awhile as a guitartist if I recall correctly. Believe it or not, Tiran often played a short scale with a pick...GREAT!

JimK · #9 08-16-2005, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cetera

Actually, Tiran played bass on 'One Step Closer' and then left the band. Willie Weeks can only be heard on the "Farewell Live" album...

Wow, ya learn something new everyday here.

Thanks!

cetera · #10 08-16-2005, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimK

Wow, ya learn something new everyday here.

Thanks!

You're welcome! Actually, Tiran is a good friend of mine and is a fascinating guy to talk to

stacystarkweath · #11 11-01-2005, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cetera

You're welcome! Actually, Tiran is a good friend of mine and is a fascinating guy to talk to

Really? How cool is that. Way back when, right at the peak of their fame, The Doobie's called it quits (this is the FIRST time they broke up) and had a big bash at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. I was twenty and through a major stroke of luck, had backstage passes. After thier killer "last show" the scene was celebratory backstage. Pretty much out of nowhere, Tiran came over and shook my hand and introduced himself while everyone else partied. I always really appreciated that thoughtful touch on his part, to recognized as either a) uncomfortable in the surroundings, or b) had an instinct I was a fellow bassist or c) both. Tell Tiran he was a huge influence on my career and I really appreciate his talents and musicianship.

cetera · #12 11-02-2005, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stacystarkweath

Really? How cool is that. Way back when, right at the peak of their fame, The Doobie's called it quits (this is the FIRST time they broke up) and had a big bash at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. I was twenty and through a major stroke of luck, had backstage passes. After thier killer "last show" the scene was celebratory backstage. Pretty much out of nowhere, Tiran came over and shook my hand and introduced himself while everyone else partied. I always really appreciated that thoughtful touch on his part, to recognized as either a) uncomfortable in the surroundings, or b) had an instinct I was a fellow bassist or c) both. Tell Tiran he was a huge influence on my career and I really appreciate his talents and musicianship.

Will do! He'll be flattered to hear it

You'll be glad to know he is still just as cool!

Check out:
http://www.whitealbumlive.com/whitealbum/bio-porter.php
for news on his current activity!