Ian Dury`s "Hit me". Who`s the bassist ?

Papersen · #1 08-09-2007, 09:09 AM

I listened to that tune yesterday evening while driving back home. I got immediately stuck by the bass line, a tasteful 16th note groove alla Rocco that drove the song.

Does anybody know who`s the bassist ?

JimK · #2 08-09-2007, 10:01 AM

Norman Watt-Roy.

kevin_lindsay · #3 08-09-2007, 10:07 AM

Norman recorded that track the morning after seeing Jaco play with Weather Report live in London, and was in that 1/16th groove vide for the time in the studio - amazing bassline throughout huh?

Now - if only he had spent more time taking care of his teeth he wouldn't have ended up like this!!!!! (and you thought Austin Powers had bad teeth!!!????)

Steve Clark · #4 08-09-2007, 10:28 AM

Bofee · #5 08-09-2007, 10:37 AM

The Blockheads were one of the great bands from that time, though most people have never heard of them.

Papersen · #6 08-09-2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin_lindsay

Norman recorded that track the morning after seeing Jaco play with Weather Report live in London, and was in that 1/16th groove vide for the time in the studio - amazing bassline throughout huh?

Now - if only he had spent more time taking care of his teeth he wouldn't have ended up like this!!!!! (and you thought Austin Powers had bad teeth!!!????)

Good story and great picture !

I gotta admit, I`ve never heard them before. I`ll check some of their music. Thanks.

Mcgiver69 · #7 08-09-2007, 12:17 PM

He played the bass in "Relax" with Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

Check out "Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll" for a very tasteful bassline.

PhR · #8 08-09-2007, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mcgiver69

He played the bass in "Relax" with Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

He played also on The Clash's "The Magnificent Seven" and before The Blockheads was on The Greatest Show On Earth.
http://www.myspace.com/greatestshowonearth70

JimK · #9 08-10-2007, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin_lindsay

Norman recorded that track the morning after seeing Jaco play with Weather Report live in London, and was in that 1/16th groove vide for the time in the studio - amazing bassline throughout huh?

Must be nice to see Jaco play a concert & then have the ability to nail that kinda the very next morning.

kevin_lindsay · #10 08-10-2007, 10:38 AM

If any of you don't know the track - here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHQItmEunOM

The Lurker · #11 08-10-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin_lindsay

Norman recorded that track the morning after seeing Jaco play with Weather Report live in London, and was in that 1/16th groove vide for the time in the studio - amazing bassline throughout huh?

Now - if only he had spent more time taking care of his teeth he wouldn't have ended up like this!!!!! (and you thought Austin Powers had bad teeth!!!????)

almost as bad as Shane MacGowan....

Rusty Chainsaw · #12 08-10-2007, 05:58 PM

The Blockheads' website has an MP3 of Norman playing the bass part to the song on its own... it's at the bottom of the page here:

http://www.theblockheads.com/audio_video.php

JimmyM · #13 08-11-2007, 02:03 AM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6131854.stm

Did you all see this article about his teeth? He's got them all fixed now. He said if a tooth hurt, he'd just take a pain killer and keep going. Man, imagine how bad his breath must have been! Great bassist, but what a mess!

mike sancho · #14 09-04-2007, 10:41 PM

I've been a huge fan of Norman's for many years. I'm thrilled that people are getting to hear his playing. The guy was funky and deep in the pocket and the Blockheads were a great band. Hit Me is one of my bass classics that gets stranded on the island with me.
Peace

THIRSTYGUMS · #15 09-05-2007, 12:28 AM

yes yes! fantastic song, bassline and a seminal band- dirty punky funky what more do you need?!