John Gustafson & John Porter

[LarryR]

I just had to give these 2 Roxy Music bassists their own Title.
Both were instrumental in my choice to play bass. Both have a jam approach to tunes (like Jamerson) and both seem to have an endless supply of ideas. Ironically both are pick players of which I'm not. I'm attaching 2 tunes that have stuck with me all these years that I encourage any bassist to explore. note: Mother of Pearl starts out raucous, but, turns into a funky mid-tempo groove. Enjoy.

John Gustafson
"Mother of Pearl", from Stranded (1973)

John Porter
"Beauty Queen", from For Your Pleasure (1973)

Here's a bonus lick (edited) of Gustafson. This one makes me smile.
"Both Ends Burning"

[arai]

so with you on those guys. but i am big roxy fan.
what did you think of there first bass player paul simpson?
also check out'' 801 live" if you have'nt already. bit of a side project for manzanera with eno. bassists called Bill MacCormick he got that jammy groove thing

[PhR]

John Gustafson is a brilliant bass player. "Siren" is my favourite of Roxy albums he played on and people should also check out Shawn Phillips' folk-prog gem "Furthermore" for more amazing bass by Gus.

He is also a brilliant singer, just listen to the only album by Quatermass.

[LarryR]

Guys, sorry to take so long to get back.

Arai, yes, Bill MacCormick. For some reason (old age?) I can't remember what he played on but I remember seeing his name way-back-when. Was he on a few Eno records? Thanks for the tip on "801 live". I don't recall Paul Simpson, but, I only had a few RM albums that burned down on the turntable in those days.

PhR, thanks for your tips as well. I'm kinda surprised we haven't heard from more bass players about these guys. IMO they are very talented, special players.

[arai]

yeah i think he was. he plays in quiet sun too.
very talented. im surprised also. but maybe we are just oldies

[Barkless Dog]

Roxy music was very cutting edge as far as letting the bass player (who was a hired gun) up front in the mix, giving him so much space.

They influenced so many bands- Even in Japan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtY9U...elated&search=

Buck Tick

[LarryR]

Originally Posted by Barkless Dog

Roxy music was very cutting edge as far as letting the bass player (who was a hired gun) up front in the mix, giving him so much space.

They influenced so many bands- Even in Japan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtY9U...elated&search=

Buck Tick

Yes, yes.

And "yes" to Pidgod too!
I mean Pigdog.
I dug it.

[PSouth]

Gustafson is one of my favorites too. I particularly like his playing on "Nightingale" from Stranded.

Now let's not forget Alan Spenner, who played Wal bass on the majority of the tracks on Manifesto and Flesh + Blood, as well as all of Avalon.

Check out "Stronger Through the Years." So fluid...Roxy really lets him jam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMWK0aym39k

Check out the title track from Manifesto too.

[jerry]

Originally Posted by PSouth

Now let's not forget Alan Spenner, who played Wal bass on the majority of the tracks on Manifesto and Flesh + Blood, as well as all of Avalon.

Check out "Stronger Through the Years." So fluid...Roxy really lets him jam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMWK0aym39k

Check out the title track from Manifesto too.

Big +1,

special mention to Neil Jason, also for Avalon.

[LarryR]

Re-upped 3 tracks from my original post (which can no longer be edited).
John Gustafson
"Mother of Pearl", from Stranded (1973)

John Porter
"Beauty Queen", from For Your Pleasure (1973)

Fun lick of Gustafson.
"Both Ends Burning"