RIP Mick Karn :(

[Shawn Luckman]

This is sad news even though I was not a fan of Japan, mick played on Gary Numan's Dance album in 1981 & it was the first time I'd heard a fretless bass. Whenever there was a Mick Karn interview in Bassist / bassguitar magazine, I would always read it because he had some great thoughts about playing bass & music in general. The bass world looses another legend.

 

[jackduran]

Posted in the other thread on this, but I'll echo my sentiments here anyway- RIP Mick. Gentlemen Take Polaroids is one of my favourite albums, thanks in no small part to his playing.

 

[Nickthebass]

A very sad day.

A great, instinctive player and one of few to develop a truly unique voice on the fretless bass. Tin Drum is a wonderful album that sounds fresh to me every time I come back to it.

 

[mojothumper]

The world had lost another unique and beautiful talent.... We'll miss you Mr. Karn....

 

[john_g]

RIP...I was just on the Wal bass site this morning and they have a link to his homepage so I perused that for a few minutes reading about his illness...then get this news. Sad.

 

[Huge]

I only got into his work a few months ago, but he quickly became my favorite bassist. His lines with Japan are groovy, soulful, and thick. He knew when to play, and he knew what to play once he started.

I knew this was coming, but I'm sad that we lost such a talented bassist.

 

[topcat2069]

"Sons of Pioneers" indeed




http://www.mickkarn.net/

 

[kesslari]

That is very sad. He was a really unique voice in the bass world, and was one of the inspirations for me to play fretless.
RIP Mick.

 

[MJ5150]

I recognize this name, but can't place it with a particular group or song.

-Mike

 

[SpectorDetector]

I'm ashamed to admit I never really listened to Japan. Can you guys recommend some of the best albums for me to check out? I have Rhapsody and there seems to be a good amount availible. I am listening to "Gentleman Take Polaroids" now.

 

[Triad]

Huge loss, I've read the news on his site... was talking about his book with a friend just yesterday and kept an eye on his site for news... I'm speechless.
Let's take care of his family now he's gone. Really.

 

[Skitch it!]

哀れ気 損失, 決別 Mr. Karn, 決別.

 

[Hoover]

omigod... I am crushed. A true legend & innovator, in the prime of his life. Sad day, mad day.

 

[bassbrad]

bestial cluster is cranked on the speakers,
RIP Mick, thanks for the sounds

 

[phillipkregg]

Mick was a true original. We now have one less great musician.

 

[retardedpossum]

I remember as ateenager hearing him for the first time. He has been and always will be one of my fav bassist. Gosh he was wonderful.

 

[topcat2069]

I'm ashamed to admit I never really listened to Japan. Can you guys recommend some of the best albums for me to check out? I have Rhapsody and there seems to be a good amount availible. I am listening to "Gentleman Take Polaroids" now.

Tin Drum
Exorcising Ghosts

 

[fretlesswonder]

RIP, you will be missed.

 

[JimK]

I recognize this name, but can't place it with a particular group or song.

-Mike

Mike-
Check out the '80s band, Japan...they may have looked a bit like Duran Duran...
Tin Drum is a very cool & very overlooked '80s album.

IIRC, there's a story where Karn was in a session with Bill Bruford...and he was driving Bruford crazy 'cause he was not putting his notes in the 'usual places'.

 

[Arranger]

Listen to "Artemis" for his quintessential fretless round.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SFQIBM/ref=dm_mu_dp_trk4

It is so addictive it's toxic. A true creative genius. RIP