Hats off to Dee Murray

[SasquatchDude]

Alright, nothing really profound here, just had to share my newfound enthusiasm.

I'd always recognized the name as the bassist for Elton John, and never thought much beyond that. Then I stumbled across the 11-17-70 concert... Bam – mind blown.

Their energy is just unbelievable! I had to keep reminding myself this was a three-piece band. I don't think I've ever heard such a stellar example of "locking in" with the drummer... he and Olsson were an absolute steamroller of a rhythm section. Shoot, even Jones and Bonham would've had a run for their money that night.

I love how he goes from the laid back, ballady groove on "Burn Down the Mission" into those funky R&B breakdowns. Then that little rockabilly guitar lick he drops in around 11:07... man, that just hit the spot...

 

[Bob Coldwell]

Thanks for posting that. You're right: It rocks hard and funks even harder. Dee has a great burpy '70s tone too. I while ago, I rented the making of Yellow Brick Road from the Classic Album Series (whatever it's called). Lots of cool tidbits in there.

 

[ThudThudThud]

One of my all time favourites too. As you mention, the way he stays with the kick while keeping his lines moving is wonderful, and his playing was always tasteful. He played no more, nor fewer notes than the song needed. Big influence on me.
He could do the Jamerson thing, and he could rock with the best of them.

 

[jerry]

That's one of favorites of Elton's albums, it was a few years before they started having Murray play on the studio albums.

 

[buldog5151bass]

My favorite live album. If you get it, find the non-remastered version. Much better.

 

[JimK]

Thanks for the head's up...I like this album but have never actually bought it.

 

[tangentmusic]

My hats been off to Dee for decades.
One of the best, mostly unsung players ever.
Of course, he's gotten a lot of love here on TB.
Deservedly so.

 

[iamthebassman]

Dee was my inspiration to begin playing bass, proud to own one of his basses.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Dee was my inspiration to begin playing bass, proud to own one of his basses.

You must be the cat I was thinking off. I came here to try and page Dee's biggest fan, I knew he was a member here but couldn't remember the handle.

If you wouldn't mind posting his old bass and your story I would love to read it again.

 

[SasquatchDude]

Dee was my inspiration to begin playing bass, proud to own one of his basses.

You the cat with that Steinberger? Congrats!

 

[iamthebassman]

Here's the Steinberger L-2 in its shrine, with Dee's luggage tags from old tours.

 

[Funky Ghost]

Unabashed fan here. Listed as one of my main influences in my Bio. In my world he's on my Mt. Rushmore of bass.

 

[madidus]

By far my favourite EJ album is Captain Fantastic and the Dirt Brown Cowboy. One of the many things I really dig about this album is Dee's bass lines. Didn't know he'd passed

 

[Bass Viking]

Love Lies Bleeding has a great bass line!

 

[tangentmusic]

Love Lies Bleeding has a great bass line!

His playing on all of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is stellar.

 

[LUCE]

Tone, taste and technique that inspired me to play bass.

 

[A.K.]

Big Dee Murray fan here. Just bought Aidan Hampson's new Elton John bass book and it's excellent. Highly recommended.

 

[AidanHampson]

Big Dee Murray fan here. Just bought Aidan Hampson's new Elton John bass book and it's excellent. Highly recommended.

Thanks A.K.! I'm glad you're enjoying it.

 

[bass71]

Big influence on me too, mind you he had to be good..they all did. Elton started off in the bars and clubs of London playing an old upright, no electronics to hide behind and knows his stuff. Wonder what he was actually like to play with...tough maybe?

 

[madidus]

A Dee Murray bass transcription from notreble.com: Bass Transcription: Dee Murray’s Bass Line on Elton John’s “Step Into Christmas”