John Frusciante on Bass

chaunceytoben · #1 09-06-2009, 03:08 PM

So I just picked up John Frusciante's (of RHCP) new CD, The Empyrean and although Flea actually plays on the majority of the tracks, John lays down the bass on a song called Dark/Light which I was really impressed with. Some might say it sounds like a guitarists' bassline but even so it think its a very catchy and musical riff, not to mention the main element of the song. heres a link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFIu_crp77M

long song so if ure not up to listening to the whole thing, the bass really kicks in at 3:40. I believe I read that he uses Precisions in the studio, but I could be mistaken.

I really enjoy John's solo stuff and I really theres a lot of good bass work on some of his albums. He played on most of his albums, but will occasionally bring Flea or friend Josh Klinghoffer in. Some of his songs really feature bass which was surprising when I first heard is stuff, because typically guitarists do not give bass the respect it deserves on their solo stuff. I think that just shows that John is a musical person and he really writes what he thinks sounds the best.

Anyway, just thought I would post this to see if anyone else is a fan of Frusciante's solo work and give attention to his bass playing.

faust23 · #2 09-06-2009, 03:09 PM

he plays with a pick,if anyone was wondering

KPAX · #3 09-06-2009, 04:18 PM

I like Frusciante a LOT.
His return from near-death is a very happy story and he's had such a different and totally positive and creative attitude since. He's almost like two different people: 1989 - 92 and post 1998.
He's really been the creative engine of RHCP since BSSM.
This song reminds me a little of Enya. I like it.
BTW, I like that bass too. Good musicians make good music on whatever instrument they play.
Cool post.

RHCP250 · #4 09-06-2009, 05:28 PM

Definitley one of my favorite musicians. His solo albums are great

CapnSev · #5 09-06-2009, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPAX

I like Frusciante a LOT.
His return from near-death is a very happy story and he's had such a different and totally positive and creative attitude since. He's almost like two different people: 1989 - 92 and post 1998.
He's really been the creative engine of RHCP since BSSM.
This song reminds me a little of Enya. I like it.
BTW, I like that bass too. Good musicians make good music on whatever instrument they play.
Cool post.

I'm sure he's a much cooler guy after rehab, post 1998 etc. However, I think the direction that he influenced RHCP is terrible. I really miss that old funk rock that they used to do.

M.Wrenn · #6 09-06-2009, 05:34 PM

great line

rapturebass · #7 09-06-2009, 05:37 PM

this is great. Call me a heretic, but generally i enjoy post 1998 RHCP a little bit more than pre.

DubBassfunk · #8 09-06-2009, 05:41 PM

frusciante is my god. i love anything he graces his presence on.

KPAX · #9 09-06-2009, 06:17 PM

I wouldn't blame Frusciante.
After Uplift Mofo and Mothers Milk I think they realized they had to branch out, which they definately did on BSSM. One Hot Minute was an interesting (and heavier) departure but when Frusciante rejoined I think they continued in the direction they had been going with Frusciante.
I think they would be a LOT less interesting if they had continued in the same direction they were going pre-Frusciante. I mean, for their old style, were they going to top Mothers Milk? I don't think so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapnSev

I'm sure he's a much cooler guy after rehab, post 1998 etc. However, I think the direction that he influenced RHCP is terrible. I really miss that old funk rock that they used to do.

CapnSev · #10 09-06-2009, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPAX

I wouldn't blame Frusciante.
After Uplift Mofo and Mothers Milk I think they realized they had to branch out, which they definately did on BSSM. One Hot Minute was an interesting (and heavier) departure but when Frusciante rejoined I think they continued in the direction they had been going with Frusciante.
I think they would be a LOT less interesting if they had continued in the same direction they were going pre-Frusciante. I mean, for their old style, were they going to top Mothers Milk? I don't think so.

Yeah, everybody grows up at some point, but Frusciante says himself that he flat out refuses to play pre-BSSM songs, because he "Hates who he was". The only exeption is "Me and My Friends".

KPAX · #11 09-06-2009, 10:07 PM

Wow, that's an interesting thing for him to say.
I guess they haven't played anything real old since he came back (besides Me and My Friends). I wish they'd toss in something like Stone Cold Bush, Backwoods or Subway To Venus, though the latter would be tough without horns.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapnSev

Yeah, everybody grows up at some point, but Frusciante says himself that he flat out refuses to play pre-BSSM songs, because he "Hates who he was". The only exeption is "Me and My Friends".

chaunceytoben · #12 09-06-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DubBassfunk

frusciante is my god. i love anything he graces his presence on.

then check this out

:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwHoPybUC4k

This is from a hip hop production duo called N.A.S.A. They bring in artists to rap/sing/play over their beats. John lends his funky guitar work in this song. I find it to be a refreshing twist to typical hiphop.

DubBassfunk · #13 09-07-2009, 12:04 AM

already heard it my friend. killer guitar as anything he does. and yes nasa is very refreshing hip hop compared to all the crap that is out now adays. frusciante is a living legend

RHCP250 · #14 09-07-2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapnSev

I'm sure he's a much cooler guy after rehab, post 1998 etc. However, I think the direction that he influenced RHCP is terrible. I really miss that old funk rock that they used to do.

There are still a lot of songs that have that funky rock sound to them on the post rehab albums, they just aren't as popular because I'm pretty sure most people aren't into it anymore.

If you haven't, and your a chili peppers fan, the book Scar Tissue was a great read.

sawgydawg · #15 09-07-2009, 02:13 PM

Loved the bassline, didn't love that it was dragged out for almost 4 minutes.

foq1978 · #16 09-07-2009, 05:26 PM

I dig the bassline too. Interesting how his bass playing seems to be influenced by... flea!

JoeJBass · #17 09-07-2009, 09:33 PM

Really isn't a bad bass player, even though he uses a pick, which is a cardinal sin.

Spoonman462 · #18 09-08-2009, 08:51 AM

Frusciante solo > RHCP

Qvist · #19 09-08-2009, 11:33 AM

I hear a lot of Flea inspiration in his bass-playing, or is that just me? Anyhoo', it's really awesome and I'm a big fan of his singing and songwriting besides his guitar playing aswell

The man's a genius!!

robkphoto · #20 09-08-2009, 04:50 PM

He is truly a genius. That bassline is sick! The Empryean album is pretty amazing in a completely self indulgent kind of way.

I don't think anyone would dispute that BSSM is a masterpiece, easily their best album IMHO. If you look at interviews before and after 1998 it's like a different person speaking. Pretty radical transformation. Hard to believe he was only 17 when he joined the Chili Peppers!