listened to Jonas Hellborg for the first time !

[TheButler]

I think i was almost sick but i can't remember due to passing out half way through. Ok so alot of the stuff i listened to could be described by some ignorant people as bass wankery but to be quite honest i couldn't give a **** I was impressed ... a lot. Is there anything that he does that i should defiantly check out. remember i am a total noob to this guy so some of your suggestions may seem to you quite obvious

[Baryonyx]

Nice one!

Jonas, alongside Geddy Lee, is my #1. Where do I start.

Well, if you can get your hands on Elegant Punk, do. It's his "bass solo" album, but features some startling compostions. Considering when it was made, it breaks some real ground. It has stood the test of time as an album of integrity and brilliance, and is a must-have. However, it's very hard to get hold of, as it's out of print. If you ever have the chance to get it, do.

His newest solo record, "Kali's Son" is a favourite of mine. In it, Jonas plays with Nildari Kumar (a guy who is really innovating with the Sitar and Zitar) and Selvaganesh. It's a storming album, full of honest improvisation and wonderfully catchy tunes. The carnatic (south indian classical) influence is heavily present on this record. It shimmers and it is simple beautiful. This one really opened my eyes to world music.

Of his more typical electric fusion, "Abstract logic" is the record to own. It's just been re-released by Bardo Records. It highlights a very special moment in the careers of all the musicians involved. Jonas was just starting to explore a more eastern approach to his song writing, Shawn was the guitar whizz kid who was about to have his entire musical taste rehspaed by Jonas, and Kofi Baker was only 17, which is amazing when you listen to him. At times, the music seems almost naive when you consider the mastery that Shawn and Jonas would later display, but through this naivety, they cannot help but speak in honest voices when they play, and it's wonderful to hear.

If you dig that, there is much, much more I can recommend you!

[acleex38]

I've owned Abstract Logic and "Jonas Hellborg Group" (the 2 bass project), as well as "the Word" and still own Elegant Punk, Time is the Enemy, Personae, Temp. Analogues of Paradise, Kali's Son, Good People in Times of Evil, Octave of the Holy Innocents (w/Buckethead), and Icon.

They're all winners, but I'd probably start with Kali's Son for the Indian stuff and Personae for the fusion trio stuff (Temp Analogues may be a touch better, but it's also 2 really long tracks, while Personae and Time is the Enemy break the material up a bit more). But that's just me. "The Word" is "album I most wish I still had".

good luck in digging into this stuff.

[TheButler]

Just had a listen to his duet with Trilok Gurtu, what can i say i am inspired.

[Baryonyx]

Temporal Analogues is brilliant, but for someone getting into Jonas, I agree it could be a bit much. Sometimes on that record though, they just seem to go into "God Mode" and acheive amazing moments of harmony and melody.

Time is the Enemy is another stormer, and I must say, I have been pleasantly surpirsed by Zenhouse. If you really dig the indian flavoured stuff, Icon is great, the last track, "Escape" is as moving and beautiful as anything I have ever encountered. Good People...is fantastic, and the Paris DVD is simply stunning. I got it for Xmas, it's been blowing my pants off ever since.

[TheButler]

Would i have to go to a independent record store for his stuff i'm guessing ?? Is it quite hard to track down ??

[Baryonyx]

Originally Posted by TheButler

Would i have to go to a independent record store for his stuff i'm guessing ?? Is it quite hard to track down ??

You'll have to look online.

Abstract Logix doesn't have much, Bardo Records will sort you out though!

[:Kapral:]

I'm pretty much impressed by his playing - he was my main inspiration for bassplaying.
And here in Poland it's impossible to buy any of his music, so i had to get it from USA (thanks to one of my friends). I have 'Paris', 'Good People', 'Kali's Son'. I would like to buy others very much, but for some it's impossible (Elegant Punk for that matter ;/).
Thanks God we have internet.

[Prahainspring]

Excellent bassist who compositional abilities far exceeds most bassist out there today and ultimately writes some of the best music, period.

[SlavaF]

I'm not a huge fan of his, but I really enjoy some of the songs on his album "Personae" with Shawn Lane and Jeff Sipe. "Time Is The Enemy", "Rice With The Angels", the title track, and especially "Rag B/B" are incredible pieces of music, you should check them out!

[Mojo-Man]

Jonas is one of my favs.
ENJOY!

[BassChrille]

You realy should chech out his new project "Jonas Hellborg's Art Metal" with another swedish superhero "Mattias IA Eklundh" on guitar. If you like music with odd timing this is a must. http://www.hellborggroup.com/news.html

[bassjamn]

Originally Posted by BassChrille

You realy should chech out his new project "Jonas Hellborg's Art Metal" with another swedish superhero "Mattias IA Eklundh" on guitar. If you like music with odd timing this is a must. http://www.hellborggroup.com/news.html

I am awaiting that album as well, should be fun!
I prefer his fusiony stuff personae, temp analogues, abstract logic
Jonas has some really great solo's.

[TheButler]

I listened to the song escape, that is good, my style

[Baryonyx]

Originally Posted by BassChrille

You realy should chech out his new project "Jonas Hellborg's Art Metal" with another swedish superhero "Mattias IA Eklundh" on guitar. If you like music with odd timing this is a must. http://www.hellborggroup.com/news.html

Jonas is rocking it as he always does, but IA is a huge let down in terms of sideman.

After Shawn lane, Buckethead and John Mclaughlin, he has a hard act to follow, and he just isn't cut out for it. I'll still buy the album to support Jonas and because I know that he will have at least put his heart and soul into it.

Butler, if you wanna talk more about Jonas, feel free to add me to your messenger.

graceunderpressure2112@hotmail.co.uk

Heck, if anyone wants to talk bass/life/whatever, add me 'cause this is an ever expanding thing!

[BassChrille]

Originally Posted by Chris2112

Jonas is rocking it as he always does, but IA is a huge let down in terms of sideman.

After Shawn lane, Buckethead and John Mclaughlin, he has a hard act to follow, and he just isn't cut out for it. I'll still buy the album to support Jonas and because I know that he will have at least put his heart and soul into it.

Butler, if you wanna talk more about Jonas, feel free to add me to your messenger.

graceunderpressure2112@hotmail.co.uk

Heck, if anyone wants to talk bass/life/whatever, add me 'cause this is an ever expanding thing!

Jonas and I disagrees with you

[Baryonyx]

Originally Posted by BassChrille

Jonas and I disagrees with you

I don't even recall me saying I'd never disgaree with Jonas. It's obvious Jonas likes Mattias's sound, you don't need to tell me that. As for you disagreeing with me, so?

Lets not make this into a "mourn for Shawn" thread.

[basswave]

[quote=Chris2112;3697478]Nice one!

Jonas, alongside Geddy Lee, is my #1. Where do I start.
QUOTE]

Me too Chris

Jonas is the biggest influnce on my playing.

Super gentleman in person as well.
I have nothing but the highest respect for this man.

He just kicks @ss.

[TheButler]

Nice to see an old thread revived. I have since got into Jonas big style. must make a point i getting his albums though

[StanFan]

This is one bassist I've been meaning to check out for a while. I guess I'm off to Youtube then .