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Dee Murray

V

VanzKantDanz

Sep 4, 2007
112
3
Michigan
#1
I haven't seen a thread about him recently so I thought I'd bring him up.
Recently I got REALLY heavy into Elton John and I've discovered the understated and THE WAY underated session bassist for Elton John, Dee Murray. His playing on Someone Saved my Life Tonight is subtle but distinctive and full. I just thought that we should bring him up and discuss him.
 
#11
Hi I'm new here. Was just searching anything on Dee Murray and this "Talk BASS" page came up, so I've joined.

Pretty much all of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is excellent, but for me the one song that stands out completely in regard to Dee is his sweet, melting, lilting, smooth as silk, gorgeous bass line in "The Ballard Of Danny Bailey"
Is that a Ricky Bass he is playing for that tune?? I am not sure, but would love to know.

Thanks
John (New Zealand)
 
#12
I love his playing on "Love Lies Bleeding" from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Great bass work and I'm instantly tranported back to the 70s when I hear that tune.

A TBer, can't remember his name at the moment, owns a Steinberger that was previously played by Dee on some of Elton's recordings.
 
#13
Pretty much all of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is excellent, but for me the one song that stands out completely in regard to Dee is his sweet, melting, lilting, smooth as silk, gorgeous bass line in "The Ballard Of Danny Bailey"
Click to expand...

Ok, I just went and listened to this song and, yes, what wonderful bass playing! Somewhat Beatles-like. Sounds like he is using a pick getting those nice chunky thumpy notes.

Did he play on Honky Cat?
 
#14
John50 said:
Hi I'm new here. Was just searching anything on Dee Murray and this "Talk BASS" page came up, so I've joined.

Pretty much all of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is excellent, but for me the one song that stands out completely in regard to Dee is his sweet, melting, lilting, smooth as silk, gorgeous bass line in "The Ballard Of Danny Bailey"
Is that a Ricky Bass he is playing for that tune?? I am not sure, but would love to know.

Thanks
John (New Zealand)
Click to expand...

Tho' Dee did own a Ric, the song was probably recorded with a Fender Jazz. In the Classic Album DVD of GYBR (late) producer Gus Dudgeon isolates Dee's bass part on this song. Its a cool section of the DVD but too short.
 
#16
Bass Viking said:
A TBer, can't remember his name at the moment, owns a Steinberger that was previously played by Dee on some of Elton's recordings.
Click to expand...

See signature. The bass was used to record the EJ album "Too Low For Zero" and its single "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues".
deebass2.jpg

deebasscoa.jpg
 
#17
iamthebassman said:
See signature. The bass was used to record the EJ album "Too Low For Zero" and its single "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues".
Click to expand...

Ooops, do I ever feel foolish.:) What a great thing to have. Must be a cool feeling to put on the album and know it's your bass you're hearing.

What bass did Dee play on Love Lies Bleeding? It sure sounds like a Rickenbacker.
 
#19
I got to see Alice back then, he introduced Dee and Davey as "they play with that fat piano player from England". ;)

"What bass did Dee play on Love Lies Bleeding? It sure sounds like a Rickenbacker."

Fender Jazz.

I've posted this before, a Dee bio is in the works, lots of research is being done, I've been asked to be involved, the author would love to hear any thoughts you may have on Dee; his influence on your playing, etc.
Email me and I'll forward your comments:

[email protected]
 

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