Introduce me to Marcus Miller

Lichtaffen · #1 07-07-2009, 07:02 AM

I'm basically loving his positive attitude and where he comes from musically, but I haven't heard too much from him. I'd like to know which record of his is a good first listen. It doesn't have to be a solo album, I just want a good introduction. Thanks gang.

T-MOST · #2 07-07-2009, 07:06 AM

MM has played with a very long and varied list of artists and film scores (Miles Davis, Joe Sample, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Bob James, David Sanborn, Chaka khan...etc). Do a Discography search and you will see what I mean. So, any record MM's on is a good first listen. However, "The Sun Don't lie" was one of his earliest solo records. Begin there and work your way up to date. Enjoy!

Jim Nazium · #3 07-07-2009, 11:04 AM

Lichtaffen, this is Marcus. Marcus, Lichtaffen.

There.

OK seriously, Marcus played on some of the later Miles Davis records (Tutu, Amandla), several David Sanborn records (Hearsay, Change of Heart) and did tons of one-off session work. "Walk The Dinosaur" by Was Not Was has a great Marcus slap line. "The Sun Don't Lie" is a great album, I definitely recommend getting that one.

Valerus · #4 07-07-2009, 11:07 AM

go to last.fm and listen to two songs: Power, & Panther. you're welcome.

Lewis.558 · #5 07-07-2009, 11:39 AM

Am I wrong or MM played EVERYTHING in some Miles Davis albums???

Blueszilla · #6 07-07-2009, 11:48 AM

Everything but the trumpet...

derekd · #7 07-07-2009, 01:17 PM

Marcus Miller's "Marcus" is a wonderfully diverse disc with all kinds of people. It sees regular rotation in my collection.

allexcosta · #8 07-07-2009, 01:38 PM

Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHf7DvVpeiU

Dr. Cheese · #9 07-07-2009, 02:18 PM

There are so many bassists I admire, but I have a special love for Marcus Miller. He is just a little bit older than me, so I like to think that Marcus Miller is what I would have been if I had worked hard enoough to be it.

He is clearly a man of my generation, so his music speaks really directly to me also. Here is a selection from Marcus' first solo project, when he had hopes of being a pop star. I think he was a decent singer too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NQdq3T2xoI

Stickk · #10 07-07-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerus

go to last.fm and listen to two songs: Power, & Panther. you're welcome.

Power
Panther

bstringkyle · #11 07-07-2009, 08:18 PM

My favorite songs by him are Scoop and Blast. Sweet songs, really helps with your slap technique.

Kyle

KPAX · #12 07-07-2009, 09:41 PM

The only one I have is Tales but I love it.
In addition to great songs and bass, it's got cool and funny snippets of interviews with jazz greats like Miles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lichtaffen

I'm basically loving his positive attitude and where he comes from musically, but I haven't heard too much from him. I'd like to know which record of his is a good first listen. It doesn't have to be a solo album, I just want a good introduction. Thanks gang.

MixBass · #13 07-07-2009, 09:57 PM

It's a good news bad news thing. There's soooo much.
I'd recommend trying to go somewhat chronologically.
Lenny White's Streamline IIRC was the first record and it's super funky.
His voice was already developed, much like Pino on the Gary Numan record. From beat one both those guys were upping the ante. Have fun!

Dr. Cheese · #14 07-07-2009, 10:18 PM

Although Marcus Miller has incredible jazz and fusion chops, I think he is a pop musician at heart. Because of this, I think he really shines on r&b and smooth jazz projects. I think all the stuff he did with Luther Vandross from 1980-1985 is priceless, and his work with David Sanborn is great too. A classic of his is Double Vision by David Sanborn and Bob James. Marcus plays some sweet fretless on that project alon with all of the monster slap.

At a more serious level, Tutu has been compared to the Sketches of Spain in terms of what Miller did for Miles Davis on that CD.

countrybassist · #15 07-08-2009, 07:08 AM

Lichtaffen this is Marcus. Marcus this is Lichtaffen.

Froaderick · #16 07-08-2009, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bstringkyle

My favorite songs by him are Scoop and Blast. Sweet songs, really helps with your slap technique.

Kyle

'Blast' is on his newest CD 'marcus' and there are a ton of sweet tunes on there. 'Blast' is definitely at the top of my MM list.

LilRay · #17 07-08-2009, 07:15 AM

He does an incredible version of Stevie Wonder's Boogie on Reggae Woman. I've seen it on Youtube and heard it on DR Strings website.

Somebody more in the know could tell you the album it's from, but t's awesome.

God Bless, Ray

COOL AND DEADLY · #18 07-08-2009, 07:28 AM

There is a double live disc called "The Ozell Tapes: The Official Bootleg" and it is excellent.

bstringkyle · #19 07-08-2009, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Froaderick

'Blast' is on his newest CD 'marcus' and there are a ton of sweet tunes on there. 'Blast' is definitely at the top of my MM list.

I know, his new CD is just awesome, one of my favorite cds ever

KJung · #20 07-08-2009, 08:23 AM

Great suggestions above. I will add two that are my personal favorites"

Lee Ritenour 'Festival'. That is a fabulous example of Marcus' supportive pop playing, and his tone is magnificent. GREAT disc (the early Sanborn disc's where there is still a full rhythm section has some great stuff... the later 'track' sounding stuff is depressing to me).

The Ozell Tapes... this is a double live CD taken right off the board. It covers most of the 'hits' of Marcus' solo recordings, and it has a wonderful 'live' raw feel and tone to it. That is really the only solo CD by Marcus that I still listen to regularly.