Thanks for the heads up, Dave is one of those underrated bassists who rarely gets a mention. Given the bands he played in over the years it should be an interesting read.
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Bassist Biography worth reading - suggestions please
- Thread starter Julian G
- Start date
Thanks for the heads up, Dave is one of those underrated bassists who rarely gets a mention. Given the bands he played in over the years it should be an interesting read.
Carol Kaye's "Studio Musician" is a worthy read from one of the handful of most important bassist in history. She's not a great prose stylist, and she deservedly has a giant chip on her shoulder, but it's her story, not ghost-written or polished up. It's a bio that could have used an editor and an index, but man oh man is it a font of information. If you want a close-up look at the Los Angeles studio scene from the woman who was involved in more recordings than anyone, here's your book. Far more information the the "Wrecking Crew" book provided.
I was tempted to recommend this, but, man, it's a tough read. If only she'd gotten an editor...
I enjoyed the Jaco book (so much better than the documentary).
Off The Rails by Rudy Sarzo was decent.
Off The Rails by Rudy Sarzo was decent.
Soul Fingers: The Music & Life of Legendary Bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn.
Great read.
Great read.
Bill Wyman’s memoir is interesting for info on the Brian Jones era. But he didn’t have much to say about playing the bass.
I'm going to double down on it. Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson.
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Through Maurice White's and Philip Bailey's books on their time with Earth Wind and Fire I got some insight on Verdine White's personal and band-life, but just barely.
Hello. This is neither a book nor a single biographical work; nor is it comprehensive. But I recommend it if you are interested in the life of Jaco Pastorius:
Features | Jaco Pastorius
Also, although I have yet to read it, there is this, which is a book:
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I would recommend @electricSheRa's thread: She-Ra's Shed. It's a good journey, there's no fluff, and the focus is on music and practicing instead of equipment and drama.
Read it, then be inspired and go practice.
Read it, then be inspired and go practice.
Scott LaFaro's biography, written by his sister. All the more poignant by having recently marked the 60th anniversary of his death.
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The first, the best...
“The Autobiography of Pops Foster, a New Orleans Jazz-man”
He was already a married, working pro when Louis Armstrong joined the band he played in (Kid Ory’s, working on a Streckfus riverboat) when he was seventeen. The book was written to some extent as a rebuttal of Jelly Roll Morton’s autobiography, which is so-so. A fun, easy read. Very informative about the early days of jazz and pre-prohibition life in New Orleans. Can’t recommend it enough.
A strong second on the Milt Hinton book “Bass Line”, although a bit of a tome to take on a plane... Maybe save that for a Stateside trip, or a cruise.
“The Autobiography of Pops Foster, a New Orleans Jazz-man”
He was already a married, working pro when Louis Armstrong joined the band he played in (Kid Ory’s, working on a Streckfus riverboat) when he was seventeen. The book was written to some extent as a rebuttal of Jelly Roll Morton’s autobiography, which is so-so. A fun, easy read. Very informative about the early days of jazz and pre-prohibition life in New Orleans. Can’t recommend it enough.
A strong second on the Milt Hinton book “Bass Line”, although a bit of a tome to take on a plane... Maybe save that for a Stateside trip, or a cruise.
- Sep 4, 2010
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I was just gonna mention the Pops Foster book and you beat me to it. It's a great read (with lots of funny souped-up anecdotes New Orleans style) about being a bass player in a very different day and age.
If you want to read up on jazz bass history, the John Goldsby book (half history, half exercises) gives a lot of material to chew on
Not exactly a biography, but Conversations With Charlie Haden is pretty great.
A few others have mentioned Mingus' Beneath The Underdog, which is also great and wonderfully crazy.
A few others have mentioned Mingus' Beneath The Underdog, which is also great and wonderfully crazy.
I absolutely endorse Dennis Dunnaways book....Its a hoot!
Not just a gear and technique thing, but a real biography. The story of a guy, starting from scratch, and becoming an influential bass player...inspiring!
I also liked Phil Lesh's book,....and of course, Geddys Big book is ...
BASS PORN!......
Italy is a magical place. You won’t want to read a Bass book while you are there. If you find time to read (doubtful), read a book that takes place in Italy. Immerse yourself in Italy. It’s my favorite place on planet earth.
- Oct 7, 2000
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A bassist named Joe Baldizzone wrote a book that's biographical. He's not famous, but I heard he's had some unique and interesting experiences. I'm a tad biased though 
.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/099849660X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_fbiTybNPGB0P3
.https://smile.amazon.com/dp/099849660X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_fbiTybNPGB0P3
