I forgot how great Graham Maby is.

[Turn Em Loose]

After a couple decades I recently revisited the first three LP’s (Yes: “LP’s”. I’m old. Sue me.) from Joe Jackson.

I’m sure there are multiple threads in this forum on Graham Maby. But he deserves all the accolades he can get. Killer player. Killer tone. Killer parts. And he, and the rest of the band for that matter, have as much to do with the success and quality of those LP’s as Joe Jackson. IMO, of course.

Kudos to Graham Maby and the rest of the lads! And also to Joe Jackson for letting his sidemen become such an integral part of his early success.

Thanks for letting me soapbox.

 

[JimmyM]

All I can say is I totally agree 100%. No matter where Joe took his music, reggae, big band, Latin, funk and disco, Graham was consistently the best thing about Joe's music besides Joe himself.

 

[jerry]

Great player! You can follow a guy like that's career and understand why he always got work, tone/taste and groove no matter what the context. I saw him with Natalie Merchant, perfect throughout.

 

[Turn Em Loose]

 

[Michedelic]

He logged a lot of time with Marshall Crenshaw after Joe slacked off a bit in the mid-80’s; I saw them a couple of times back then, plus Jackson before that(killer J/SVT tone at that time)...

 

[thenazz]

Always been a big influence. Loved that fat, hollow tone with bite he had. Aggressive style. My first band back in '79 did "I'm the Man".

 

[Joe Nerve]

I've always been a fan.

A few years back I played in a band with a guy who was once his tech guy. He used to invite Graham to gigs, and said that once in a while he shows up. I wanted SO badly to meet him, but alas... that didn't happen.

His style is unique, tuneful, rock solid and IMO has just enough flash in it to be fun yet never go over the top. He colored outside the box, and is I think one of the most underrated bassists out there. Maybe because Joe's music didn't stay as relevant and popular as some other bands of that time.

 

[bass12]

I was happy to see him playing with Joe Jackson when I caught them last year touring the Fool album. Great show all around.

 

[kevindahl]

Anybody know what gear he used on the first 2 albums?

 

[JimmyM]

Anybody know what gear he used on the first 2 albums?

Ibanez Silver Eagle J with Rotosound Tru-Bass tapewounds and a Fender Bassman 135 with the treble cranked.

 

[IPA]

Ibanez Silver Eagle J with Rotosound Tru-Bass tapewounds and a Fender Bassman 135 with the treble cranked.

What is a silver eagle? I'm not finding any results or pics

 

[JimmyM]

What is a silver eagle? I'm not finding any results or pics

Sorry…wrote the wrong name. Silver Series bass:

 

[IPA]

Sorry…wrote the wrong name. Silver Series bass:

View attachment 5447741

Ah cool, I always associate him with that bass, wasnt sure if there was another one floating around I didnt know about

The P placement on that model is interesting...

 

[Rezdog]

Greetings from the North,

Never forgot Graham Maby because I still listen to him. Was going to school in London when I first heard Joe Jackson and they were Sharp. I loved Maby's sound and playing so much that I tried to buy his Ibanez when it came up for auction some years back. Quite the the melodic player and a good guy too.

Rezdog

 

[J Wilson]

One of the first 'English Beats' I learned back in the day, when I found out the bumpin' bass line in 'Stepping Out' was NOT a synth . . . .

 

[Turn Em Loose]

Glad to see this thread is still kickin! Going to have to put on some Joe after I make The Wife mad with some Billly Squier. She's not a fan of Billy.

Win-win for me. I like Billy AND aggravating The Wife. Keeps the marriage interesting.