Flea

Leftybass12 · #1 11-30-2009, 09:41 PM

I give Flea props for really give funky basslines, as well as melodic basslines, but in comparison to other funk and melodic bass players, where does he stand? Also, when he jams onstage live what does he do? Meaning, are there patterns that he just plays or is he really thinking about what he's playing and what he's going to play next? This can really only be determined from live videos over the years.

ChrisBowsman · #2 11-30-2009, 10:30 PM

I think the coolest thing about Flea is that you know he can really throw down, but he usually doesn't. All his lines fit in whatever song he's playing, whether it's the Chili Peppers, Jane's Addiction, Mars Volta, whatever, but it's still a "cool" bass line.

robass · #3 11-30-2009, 10:57 PM

If you listen to Fleas' progression from first album to latest, you'll hear the establishment of a truly innovative and thoughtful musician. As the previous poster so eloquently put ' he can really throw down, but he usually doesn't.' That to me is the mark of a true musician. Just give a listen to any of the tracks on Stadium Arcadium - he's subtle when needed, busy when appropriate, but always in service to the song. Another good insight into Flea is the interview that Bass Player did with him and Charlie Haden - the mutual respect between these two giants was inspiring.
FWIW - saw them live a couple years ago, on the S-A tour. What he pulls of musically while being the consummate showman was mind-blowing. And, he and John did some improv stuff that showed his off-the-cuff ability. Flea truly kicks ass

Exophysical · #4 12-01-2009, 10:15 AM

I realy love flea's style, I think as a funk bassist he's up there. I think for just about anything other than jazz he could do a far better than average job. Judging by some of his trumpet work I've heard I wouldnt be suprised if he was a better jazz player than one would think.

That being said alot of his licks and lines move in pretty standard paterns, his choice of notes is not particularly interesting compared some bass players. This is not to downplay his skill, he's very good at what he does. As well I think he is sort of the Kurt Cobain of bass in that he's probably inspired more people to start playing bass than just about anyone else in recent times.

RHCP250 · #5 12-01-2009, 11:39 AM

I always wondered how the hell they would fall into such perfect jams inbetween their songs when watching live videos, then it dawned on me that they probably found some kind of jam they thought sounded good and kept it, just imrpov'd it everytime. The intro to Californication is usually the same kind of groove, has a similar sound, just played differently. Same with the outro's to By The Way, always have that same feel, just sound different everytime. Basically figuring out the key they're playing in and following the changes will get you started, and then play some taste and a whole lot of heart, and you've got it!

TheHegemon · #6 12-01-2009, 12:24 PM

I think he's great, I especially have alot of respect for him now after hearing he went back to school for music. I think it takes alot of character for someone in his position to do that, he didnt have to, he has steady work, successful career, for him to be as humble as to go back to school to get even better shows me alot. I think as far as modern funk goes he's definitely a one of those guys that will be an influence on the next generation.

For his jams it looks to me like he follows the drums closely and kind of springboards off him. Im sure he has a general idea but probably nothing mapped out beforehand.

**funkybass4ever** · #7 12-01-2009, 12:40 PM

He's extremely rhythmic and percussive as if he is physically beating the tone out of his bass.
I like the way he matured as a player- early stuff he sometimes seemed lost and overplaying but now he plays to the song as you guys said and doesn't always overdo it anymore. He is definitely more musical now. I guess teaching at USC has opened his playing up.

SiReZ · #8 12-01-2009, 04:52 PM

he has grown a whole lot & i think hes a brilliant bassists. i love the way i could hear the alum and listen to them live and never hear the same bassline for the same song. he changes everytime & thats why i respect him. very creative & melodic bassist. simply 1 of the best

Geddyfleaharris · #9 12-01-2009, 08:52 PM

Hands down one of my favorite bass players. Some of the stuff he did on the earlier recordings (yes busy) was just so fast I doubt if I have the hand speed to get 'er done, as they say. Currently my favorite bass player to listen to.

thudstaff23 · #10 12-01-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robass

If you listen to Fleas' progression from first album to latest, you'll hear the establishment of a truly innovative and thoughtful musician. As the previous poster so eloquently put ' he can really throw down, but he usually doesn't.' That to me is the mark of a true musician. Just give a listen to any of the tracks on Stadium Arcadium - he's subtle when needed, busy when appropriate, but always in service to the song. Another good insight into Flea is the interview that Bass Player did with him and Charlie Haden - the mutual respect between these two giants was inspiring.
FWIW - saw them live a couple years ago, on the S-A tour. What he pulls of musically while being the consummate showman was mind-blowing. And, he and John did some improv stuff that showed his off-the-cuff ability. Flea truly kicks ass

This.