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John Frusciante on Bass

C

chaunceytoben

May 29, 2007
232
30
Santa Barbara, CA
#1
So I just picked up John Frusciante's (of RHCP) new CD, The Empyrean and although Flea actually plays on the majority of the tracks, John lays down the bass on a song called Dark/Light which I was really impressed with. Some might say it sounds like a guitarists' bassline but even so it think its a very catchy and musical riff, not to mention the main element of the song. heres a link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFIu_crp77M

long song so if ure not up to listening to the whole thing, the bass really kicks in at 3:40. I believe I read that he uses Precisions in the studio, but I could be mistaken.

I really enjoy John's solo stuff and I really theres a lot of good bass work on some of his albums. He played on most of his albums, but will occasionally bring Flea or friend Josh Klinghoffer in. Some of his songs really feature bass which was surprising when I first heard is stuff, because typically guitarists do not give bass the respect it deserves on their solo stuff. I think that just shows that John is a musical person and he really writes what he thinks sounds the best.

Anyway, just thought I would post this to see if anyone else is a fan of Frusciante's solo work and give attention to his bass playing.
 
#3
I like Frusciante a LOT.
His return from near-death is a very happy story and he's had such a different and totally positive and creative attitude since. He's almost like two different people: 1989 - 92 and post 1998.
He's really been the creative engine of RHCP since BSSM.
This song reminds me a little of Enya. I like it.
BTW, I like that bass too. Good musicians make good music on whatever instrument they play.
Cool post.
 
#5
KPAX said:
I like Frusciante a LOT.
His return from near-death is a very happy story and he's had such a different and totally positive and creative attitude since. He's almost like two different people: 1989 - 92 and post 1998.
He's really been the creative engine of RHCP since BSSM.
This song reminds me a little of Enya. I like it.
BTW, I like that bass too. Good musicians make good music on whatever instrument they play.
Cool post.
Click to expand...

I'm sure he's a much cooler guy after rehab, post 1998 etc. However, I think the direction that he influenced RHCP is terrible. I really miss that old funk rock that they used to do.
 
#9
I wouldn't blame Frusciante.
After Uplift Mofo and Mothers Milk I think they realized they had to branch out, which they definately did on BSSM. One Hot Minute was an interesting (and heavier) departure but when Frusciante rejoined I think they continued in the direction they had been going with Frusciante.
I think they would be a LOT less interesting if they had continued in the same direction they were going pre-Frusciante. I mean, for their old style, were they going to top Mothers Milk? I don't think so.


CapnSev said:
I'm sure he's a much cooler guy after rehab, post 1998 etc. However, I think the direction that he influenced RHCP is terrible. I really miss that old funk rock that they used to do.
Click to expand...
 
#10
KPAX said:
I wouldn't blame Frusciante.
After Uplift Mofo and Mothers Milk I think they realized they had to branch out, which they definately did on BSSM. One Hot Minute was an interesting (and heavier) departure but when Frusciante rejoined I think they continued in the direction they had been going with Frusciante.
I think they would be a LOT less interesting if they had continued in the same direction they were going pre-Frusciante. I mean, for their old style, were they going to top Mothers Milk? I don't think so.
Click to expand...

Yeah, everybody grows up at some point, but Frusciante says himself that he flat out refuses to play pre-BSSM songs, because he "Hates who he was". The only exeption is "Me and My Friends".
 
#11
Wow, that's an interesting thing for him to say.
I guess they haven't played anything real old since he came back (besides Me and My Friends). I wish they'd toss in something like Stone Cold Bush, Backwoods or Subway To Venus, though the latter would be tough without horns.
CapnSev said:
Yeah, everybody grows up at some point, but Frusciante says himself that he flat out refuses to play pre-BSSM songs, because he "Hates who he was". The only exeption is "Me and My Friends".
Click to expand...
 
#14
CapnSev said:
I'm sure he's a much cooler guy after rehab, post 1998 etc. However, I think the direction that he influenced RHCP is terrible. I really miss that old funk rock that they used to do.
Click to expand...

There are still a lot of songs that have that funky rock sound to them on the post rehab albums, they just aren't as popular because I'm pretty sure most people aren't into it anymore.

If you haven't, and your a chili peppers fan, the book Scar Tissue was a great read.
 
#20
He is truly a genius. That bassline is sick! The Empryean album is pretty amazing in a completely self indulgent kind of way.

I don't think anyone would dispute that BSSM is a masterpiece, easily their best album IMHO. If you look at interviews before and after 1998 it's like a different person speaking. Pretty radical transformation. Hard to believe he was only 17 when he joined the Chili Peppers!
 

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