Are Bass Albums Boring?

[plangentmusic]

I think so. I think ALL albums that feature an instrument run the risk of sacrificing composition for showmanship. And in the case of a supportive instrument such as the bass, it just never seems to work out.

Sure, as a bassist I like hearing some fancy virtuosity as much as the next guy. But it grows weary quickly. At some point you need a song! And riffs and licks aren't enough. Jeff Berlin can pull it off, but even then, it's his technique that carries him though. Where are the songs?

I feel this way about the whole modern prog scene. They show off their chops, however, when it comes time for an actual composition, they fall short. Meanwhile, a band like YES, showed off their skills WITHIN the great songs.

Speaking of which, one of the greatest solo albums by a bassist is FISH OUT OF WATER. And...not one bass solo! Just a few breaks and fills now and then. YET, it's a bass masterpiece. THAT'S the way to do it.

On my own CD I originally had the concept of featuring old instrumentals with the bass as the lead, but along he way way I either replaced it or at least doubled it with guitar BECAUSE IT SOUNDS BETTER THAT WAY. The bass is still featured and gets to stand out, but in a more appropriate way -- functioning as a BASS.

The only thing worse than an indulgent bass album is an indulgent drummers album. (Though Billy Cobham did some great stuff beyond his drum features).

Am I alone here? Am I wrong to not show much interest in bass tricks? The way I see it, I'm a musician who plays the bass, not a bassist who plays music. Yes? No? Maybe?

Feel free to give your take. (And no need to attack others). All opinions are welcome.

 

[CapnSev]

I'm with you for the most part. There are albums that are bass-featured that I really like, but they are few and far between.

 

[zachoff]

I can't think of a single virtuoso type album from anyone that I like. From Satriani to Wooten to Yanni. It's all just boring wankery to a lame backbeat.

 

[bassolp]

yeah me too ( like capnsev )
i like this one tought

Invalid Link Removed

peace Y'all

 

[BagelBruin]

If we relate music to sex, then these virtuoso-instrument albums are just guys furiously having a good time with themselves.

I want to see sweet, passionate, love-making.

 

[fenderhutz]

Virtuoso albums are boring to me. Regardless of instrument. Even bands like Dave Matthews and Dream Theater I can't stand listening to because of the constant wankery. However I can listen to some good indie math rock any day (Damiera, etc)

 

[garmenteros]

I love Micheal Manring's solo efforts, give soliloquy some plays in your ipod or computer and it'll change your mind. As far as bass being the lead in the music in a band, generally I don't like music that showcases any particular instrument more than the others save for a few exceptions (jaco being one of them). Thats why I could never get into steve vai or other guitar virtuosos. I like it when both guitar and bass together compliment each other perfectly. Rush, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Rage Against the Machine come to mind when I think of perfect musical balance.

 

[tangentmusic]

Squire's Fish out of Water is the epitome of the "this is how to do it" Bass album.
His use of the orchestra and keyboards was really superb.
The song arrangements were very musical and showcased his bass playing without it being overdone. For a solo album, it was much more than a bunch of bass solo's.
I cannot think of another that even comes close to this masterpiece

 

[Roy Vogt]

I beg to differ. Jaco Pastorius is a complete musical idea. There's a lot of bass for sure but there are great orchestral interludes, great performances by Herbie Hancock, Sam and Dave, Othello Molineaux and others, etc.
It's interesting that there are only bass solos on Donna Lee, Continuum, Portrait of Tracy, and Used to Be a Cha Cha. The rest is all about writing.
I am preparing to write for CD #3, and my yardstick is "can the guy who fixes my car find something to like about this music?". I've been fortunate to get the thumbs up from non-bass players for #s 1 and 2, so maybe this ethos works....
I think as long as you keep the Music first and foremost before the instrument you'll probably be OK.

 

[onosson]

I think ALL albums that feature an instrument run the risk of sacrificing composition for showmanship.

This pretty much says it all - I agree.

 

[christopherogut]

go get some Stanley Clarke albums...

 

[JimmyM]

I beg to differ. Jaco Pastorius is a complete musical idea. There's a lot of bass for sure but there are great orchestral interludes, great performances by Herbie Hancock, Sam and Dave, Othello Molineaux and others, etc.
It's interesting that there are only bass solos on Donna Lee, Continuum, Portrait of Tracy, and Used to Be a Cha Cha. The rest is all about writing.
I am preparing to write for CD #3, and my yardstick is "can the guy who fixes my car find something to like about this music?". I've been fortunate to get the thumbs up from non-bass players for #s 1 and 2, so maybe this ethos works....
I think as long as you keep the Music first and foremost before the instrument you'll probably be OK.

exactly. good music is good music no matter what instrument it's played on. and the same for bad music. whether it's a virtuoso showing or monkey-brained simple stuff, the important thing is to write good music first.

 

[jnuts1]

try checking out Garry Willis - Actual Fiction. it is an all bass album & it is ALL bass except some drums & random noises & it is one of my all time favorite albums.

 

[dtsamples]

I think Tal Wilkenfeld's "Transformation" is an awesome bass-feature album. No lame backbeats there. Just good old fashioned musicality.

 

[cnltb]

I can't think of a single virtuoso type album from anyone that I like. From Satriani to Wooten to Yanni. It's all just boring wankery to a lame backbeat.

+1 for the most part.

decebal badilas first album is nice tho.
Same goes for what Gary willis tends to do.
...IMHO .

...and then there are Acoustic players albums....
Scott colley-architect of the silent moment
drew gress 7 black butterflies
dave holland ones all are all fantastic, bt do not belong to the same category as those talked about by the op.

I am always open for recommendations !!

 

[plangentmusic]

go get some Stanley Clarke albums...

The Stanley Clarke "brown" album is a great one -- another example of the bass being featured within great tunes. Some of his other albums -- not so much.

Other exceptions ...

Sailing the Sea of Cheese.

PARTS of Jaco's solo album. (I'm actually not crazy about all the music on it.)

Some of John Paul Jones' work.

And hey -- check it out -- a silly little pop tune from the 70's, with a bassist band leader. BEAUTIFUL , inventive, clever unpretentious bass playing. Mixed high and a crucial part of the song. THAT'S the stuff that does it for me.

 

[oldbassplayergu]

my guitar player gave me that stanley,markus,victor cd. I have never been so bored in my life. self serving crap!

 

[FunkMetalBass]

I'd have to agree. There are usually one or two good compositions, but for the most part, I get bored. It must be a niche market or something.

 

[Skitch it!]

May I suggest Tom Jenkinson aka Squarepusher's Feed Me Weird Things or Just a Souvenir, an incredible bassist, even more incredible drummer, keys, classical guitar etc.

It's not for everyone, but the 2 albums above count as some of his more accessible stuff imo, he's not interested in mainstream success whatsoever, if you want to hear his influence, the latest stuff by Garrison or Willis tip's the hat quite a bit. Old live track from Normal Hard Daddy - Coopers World.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

most great bassist do their best work supporting others. I think it is the nature of the instrument.

That said, I have quite like Gary Willis' solo albums - mostly because they don't sound like "Bass" albums.