That train left the station about 400 years ago. The is no style of modern popular music that exists without African influence. That said, a deeper African influence is being introduced by artists like Richard Bona.
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Richard Bona is so good!
- Thread starter Dr. Cheese
- Start date
That train left the station about 400 years ago. The is no style of modern popular music that exists without African influence. That said, a deeper African influence is being introduced by artists like Richard Bona.
The good Doctor schools me again.Oh yes, that Jaco influence! I will never get over the fact that as a teen, Bona learned Jaco’s entire debut album with knowing a shred of theory. He learned all of George Benson’s Breezin’ by heart, including the lyrics to the songs when he could not speak English!He then learned music in school in France, but saying Bona is gifted is a major understatement.
Time for recess (long walk w/missus).
That Kilimanjaro bass reminds me of another instrument, but I can’t place it. It looks pretty big. I would like to hear some else play it because Richard Bona will get that fluid, rubbery, midrange on any bass he touches.
Sidebar:
I'm not the biggest country fan (old blues-tinged stuff is OK), but I love bluegrass. When I learned that Bill Monroe used to sneak off and learn blues licks from black sharecroppers, I had my little mind blown.
Don’t forget that the banjo came from Africa and that Mother Maybelle Carter learned to fingerpick from a local Black player too.
Raul ain't no slouce either. Richard can take the title when Anthony Jackson draws his last breath.
Nobody plays basslines in a band like Anthony Jackson, but Bona can do so many things that AJ cannot do. They are certainly two different kinds of great.
Bona is Bona-fide brilliant, for sure - one of the greats!
He is outstanding, and I completely agree with Dr. Cheese's opinion... although there are probably tends of thousands of bassists out there who aren't famous like Bona is who are equally ridiculously amazing and have similar characteristics in their playing. What Bona has as well is a wonderful appearing and somewhat unique, in the world of brilliant bassists, personality and presence which has served to bring him attention.
Tons of amazing players out there - not too many who are as memorable and, apparently, pleasant and clever and kind and authentic as he seems to be.
That's one of the biggest reasons I love him so much - because it's him, not someone else.
One of my other favorite bassists of all time is a very self confident, very opinionated, and somewhat frustrating person at times to talk to... yet I admire him immensely and try to learn from him any opportunity I get - and I believe he has at least some form of a tiny bit of mutual respect for me. However most folks when they hear his name on this forum laugh or point out his online temperamental history etc.....
So in world where many outstanding geniuses have maybe slightly uneven personalities when dealing with others, it's wonderful to see Bona continuing to be as brilliant as he is while retaining his warm personality that comes across in his playing style so well.
He is outstanding, and I completely agree with Dr. Cheese's opinion... although there are probably tends of thousands of bassists out there who aren't famous like Bona is who are equally ridiculously amazing and have similar characteristics in their playing. What Bona has as well is a wonderful appearing and somewhat unique, in the world of brilliant bassists, personality and presence which has served to bring him attention.
Tons of amazing players out there - not too many who are as memorable and, apparently, pleasant and clever and kind and authentic as he seems to be.
That's one of the biggest reasons I love him so much - because it's him, not someone else.
One of my other favorite bassists of all time is a very self confident, very opinionated, and somewhat frustrating person at times to talk to... yet I admire him immensely and try to learn from him any opportunity I get - and I believe he has at least some form of a tiny bit of mutual respect for me. However most folks when they hear his name on this forum laugh or point out his online temperamental history etc.....
So in world where many outstanding geniuses have maybe slightly uneven personalities when dealing with others, it's wonderful to see Bona continuing to be as brilliant as he is while retaining his warm personality that comes across in his playing style so well.
His playing has a spontaneity that is incredible.
Like this one, I'm pretty sure this was probably first take, absolutely unrehearsed, and that he plays it differently every time.
Some of the melodies he sings over basslines are mind boggling to think about doing both at the same time.
He is my favorite kind of jazz musician, the type that can play with harmonic sophistication yet always seems to be coming from his heart, rather than reciting something impressive that comes from a cerebral place. No surprise to learn he started with Jaco and George Benson, as both of those players also embody that soulful approach.
That said, he is much more than a jazz musician. He is a one of a kind musician.
Like this one, I'm pretty sure this was probably first take, absolutely unrehearsed, and that he plays it differently every time.
Some of the melodies he sings over basslines are mind boggling to think about doing both at the same time.
He is my favorite kind of jazz musician, the type that can play with harmonic sophistication yet always seems to be coming from his heart, rather than reciting something impressive that comes from a cerebral place. No surprise to learn he started with Jaco and George Benson, as both of those players also embody that soulful approach.
That said, he is much more than a jazz musician. He is a one of a kind musician.
hasbeen
Commercial User
- Sep 23, 2004
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Dropbox - Richard Bona Jazz Standard - Simplify your life
I recorded these two sets from 2011/2012 at jazz standard in NYC.
two amazing ,amazing, amazing sets that i'm really pleased I was able to capture.
I recorded these two sets from 2011/2012 at jazz standard in NYC.
two amazing ,amazing, amazing sets that i'm really pleased I was able to capture.
Thanks to the good doctor for posting this clip. I admit to not being familiar with Mr. Bona until encountering his name on a Markbass combo I was looking at on line. Since checking him out on line I am amazed. Looking forward to learning, and hearing more about him.
Bona's beyond amazing, but seeing Ed Friedland with a pick really blew my mind
Nothing unusual there. Ed does fingers slap pick on every one of his outstanding reviews.
- Dec 21, 2007
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