Double Bass Byron House appreciation thread

[marcox]

I love his tone, drive, melodic and rhythmic sense. Here's a great example how it all comes together, in a trio with Andy Leftwich and Cody Kilby. Post your favorite B. House selections!

 

[marcox]

I'm trying to incorporate more of a simple technique he uses: mixing in pedal tones (same note played consecutively) instead of automatically walking or root-fiving.

 

[Max George]

I really like his stuff with Robert Plant and the Band of Joy for sure!

 

[Steve Killingsworth]

There used to be a video of these three playing Leftwich's tune Sharktooth that was really good but it disappeared from the net (or at least I've never found it again). The album version featured Missy Raines but I preferred the live version with this trio. Byron took a really good break it it. There's also many good clips of him playing with Sam Bush.

I've always thought he struck a nice balance of adding some melodic interest to bluegrass bass without becoming so busy that it takes away from the music.

Bryn Davies is very similar. Check out some of her work with Tony Rice.

They are both VERY underrated in the Bluegrass world.

 

[marcox]

That Sharktooth video was great! I downloaded the audio for transcription purposes — wonder if it's still on the ol' hard drive somewhere.

Thanks for the lead on Bryn Davies -- I'll give her a listen.

 

[Max George]

That Sharktooth video was great! I downloaded the audio for transcription purposes — wonder if it's still on the ol' hard drive somewhere.

Thanks for the lead on Bryn Davies -- I'll give her a listen.

Bryn’s on the new Darrell Scott record Live At the Station Inn. The record is awesome, and she’s awesome. Helen of Troy is a workout for a bass player.

 

[marcox]

That Darrell Scott record is tasty. Great work by Bryn Davies. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Max George]

Thank you Marcox!!

 

[petey293]

Reviving this with a little Christmas music since it 'tis the season
What a fat groove these guys lay down, cooler than most christmas music haha
And of course, Mr. Byron House on bass according to Discogs

 

[Steve Killingsworth]

I saw House, Leftwich, and Kilby in Athens Alabama last month. It was in incredible show. I just randomly recorded a few on my phone. And the amazing things is that these were by no means the best ones.

 

[marcox]

Wow. It's great to hear more recordings from that trio -- thanks for posting!

Mr. House is stellar throughout. His combination of drive and melody is what I aspire to. And what a nice, tasteful (and perfectly brief) solo on Road to Antioch.

A few questions: 1) There's an Athens, Alabama? 2) Was this a one-off, or are these guys touring? 3) What happened to Cody Kilby's hairline?

 

[martinc]

First time I ever heard Byron House was many years ago when I watched an Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell video of "A Fool Such As I" at the Opry:


I liked his bass line but it took me weeks of checking to find out who he was!