Norman Watt-Roy - a great live bass player

[Machinehead-man]

If you get the chance go and see the extraordinary bass player Norman Watt-Roy. I have seen him a couple of times (most recently on Friday) and I have to say he is the best live bass player I have seen in 30 years of enjoying live music. Norman is now in his mid 50s I would guess and he's not exactly an oil painting (I'd better be careful what I say as I don't want to be sued for libel - just look at the picture and make your own mind up), but my God what a player.
He used to play with Ian Dury and the Blockheads (huge in the U.K., not sure about the U.S.) and now he plays as part of a trio with Wilko Johnson (formerly of Dr. Feelgood). I don't think they do U.S. gigs so bad luck to our American friends, but they do plenty of gigs around the U.K. He is phenominal.
Wilko himself is quite a spectacle, walking back and forth across the stage like a demented robot on crack.
For those who are interested Norman's bass is a 1962 Fender Jazz in gold custom colour (not sure if the finish is original)
If you want to find out more about Norman here is a good link :-

http://philbrodieband.com/muso_norman_watt-roy.htm

[fell]

what a legend! the blockheads, the clash and frankie goes to hollywood!

[kevin_lindsay]

Hit me with your rhythm stick is still one of the best basslines ever recorded on a Number 1 hit single!! (for those who don;t know it - shame on you! - here's a link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHQItmEunOM

[Funkzfly]

Really good player, got the chance to meet him a while ago after a gig, seems like a nice guy, albeit even if he does look like he might live in a cave!

[Machinehead-man]

Originally Posted by kevin_lindsay

Hit me with your rhythm stick is still one of the best basslines ever recorded on a Number 1 hit single!! (for those who don;t know it - shame on you! - here's a link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHQItmEunOM

Nice clip, Kevin. Pity Norman doesn't feature in it a great deal. Looks like he's playing an Alembic. Great dual sax solo!! Yes indeed that remains one of the great bass lines.

[TobyPro4]

I absolutely love this guys bass playing, he's one of my musical heroes.

I especially like his playing on Ten More Turnips From The Tip, the last Blockhead album Ian did before he sadly passed away.

In short: Norman Watt-Roy = Genius

[Pan]

I added a Norman thread on here 2 weeks ago and it's great so see another.
Norman can play a zillion notes in one song, hardly any in the next, a country-type simple plonk in another and slap in the next. Whatever the occasion demands in other words.
A true bassist and one of the best.

PS I should be seeing Freddie Washington in Sep - another 'proper' bass player.

[Asomodai]

His playing is what made Ian Durys music.

I personally couldnt stand Ian dury. That sort of voice really doesant do it for me.

But by god what a good bassist Norman is

[Fender32]

Originally Posted by fell

what a legend! the blockheads, the clash and frankie goes to hollywood!

I've just been reading a short article on "punk bassists" in "Bass Player" (or some such title) magazine. It mentioned Norman, as well as Paul Simonon (The Clash) and suggested that NWR actually recorded the bassline for "Rock the Casbah" (although I believe that the Clash's drummer, Topper Headon, came up with it in the first place)!? Well, I though it was interesting!

I've never seen Norman up close ( ), but I'm in awe of his creativity, every time I hear him.

"What an ace, der der da na na, what an ace"!