Norman Watt_Roy

[Manc_Chris]

Don't see enough about this stunning musician around here. Saw him play recently and was in awe. Beautiful tone, slick moves, absolutely flawless fingering. The man has contributed to hundreds of pop albums over the years (including, I recently found out, playing ALL of the bass lines on The Clash's 'Sandinista'!!) but will probably always be best known for THAT bassline. The damned near unplayable 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick'. There are a ton of YouTube clips of people attempting that gorgeous bassline, most get nowhere near it, the odd one gets near it. Nothing more.

Yeah, big up for Norm. A seriously groovy bassplayer, and a top bloke to boot!

[Deathblade Eric]

No arguments here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STsg8DA0JIQ

[Papersen]

I casually knew he exists, a few days ago.
Amazing bassline (and player)

Ian Dury`s "Hit me". Who`s the bassist ?

[Manc_Chris]

Rhythm stick ...

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

[Lo.]

That's a cruel coincidence - I'm trying to be an odd one and get near it.....

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=qh58NIRSPDw

Norman rocks!

[Rusty Chainsaw]

I'm looking forward to the Blockheads' next tour, with Phill Jupitus handling vocals... he does it in a different style to Ian Dury, but it's still pretty good...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iCz0H4N_zGE

[Alan U]

Agreed, he is a fine player.

You might like to check the line fron Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll. It came from an Ornette Coleman number called Change of the Century. The bass was played by Charlie Haden.

[Manc_Chris]

Originally Posted by Lo.

That's a cruel coincidence - I'm trying to be an odd one and get near it.....

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=qh58NIRSPDw

Norman rocks!

Great job man. Can you imagine playing that live with a full band? total groove.

Meanwhile, this guy needs to to practice more ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sovxM4yElo8

[the low one]

Saw the Blockheads recently, fantastic band all round and Norman was really on form. One of the best gigging bass players around.

I thought he always played his old Fender Jazz but he was playing this bass which is a copy. Does anyone know what it is?

[Mego0810]

I spoke with Norman after the Wolverhampton gig a few weeks ago. Fender have his main bass as they are planning to issue a model.

Agree with all the above accolades, Norman rocks, Dylan Howe (Steve's son) on drums, Chaz Jankel, a great rhythm section.

Joke for the evening was that Norman has a tattoo saying "No, I don't have the bass tab for Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" on his chest.

Also worth catching Norman in the Wilko Johnson Band as part of a trio which is just as good.

M

[Big Willy!]

Yeah Norman's badass..... I miss Ian.

[Mr Peanut]

http://www.rightfield.deviantart.com...ockheads-23-12

The Above link is for photos regarding The Blockheads at Shepard's Bush Empire 23/12/07.

[kevcooke]

Originally Posted by the low one

Saw the Blockheads recently, fantastic band all round and Norman was really on form. One of the best gigging bass players around.

I thought he always played his old Fender Jazz but he was playing this bass which is a copy. Does anyone know what it is?

If it's what I think it is.....


The band I play with, we opened up a show for the blockheads a couple of months ago. Turned up for soundcheck and thought.... best stay of their way, the legends and all. Then. Norman invites me up onto the stage to check out his new bass!!! The Bass Centre are releasing a signature series for him, a jazz and a precision. He put the jazz bass in my hands, which is a replica of his fav ('62?)jazz bass. It almost made me regret ordering my custom warwick haha. It was incredible...

And hell yes what a player, but more importantly, what a guy. So down to earth and pleasant to talk with. He told me he's been thinking of/quietly working on some solo bass material Will be great to hear!

[lazzer]

Norman rocks! Never got tired of "Hit me wyrs"..... (:-0