What do you know about David Shields?

[gimmeagig]

Back in 1979 when I was starting to get serious, playing in clubs almost every night, there was an album by Bill Champlin called Single. I wore that album out. I was so inspired by the bass player David Shields. Marcus wasn't even on my radar at that time. To this day I would say that David Shields, with that one Album, has been at the top of the list of bassists who have shaped the way I play. To this day when I listen to that album, it still blows me away. And the tone he had. So different from what you hear from todays youtube pyrotechnicians.
Yet I know next to nothing about him and other recordings of him. I saw 131 CD listings that he played on.
That's an overwhelming amount of records. Can you guys recommend some Albums with him that are "Must Haves"?
Is he even still around? What kind of gear did he use? Are there any interviews of him floating around?

 

[roccobass]

Don't know myself. He's a great player. I used to play Cheryl Lynn's "Got to be Real" in a big horn band.
Just nice grooving funky baseline.

 

[gimmeagig]

I just found the David Shields Appreciation thread. I should have done a search first

 

[gimmeagig]

Still, if you know of anything that is particularly worth checking out. Maybe you can post it here?

 

[gimmeagig]

Got to be real certainly was a Killer Bass part.
The other thread has a few clips with David Shields, but to me that is pretty forgettable stuff. Nothing even close to what I was digging about him. It would have never had much of an impact in my musical life.
Here is an example of what I was listening to at the time.

 

[gimmeagig]

Here's another one. To me that's just brilliant stuff even after all this time it still grabs me.

 

[Geepers]

Thought this might be of interest:

https://www.pumpitupmagazine.com/interview-with-david-shields-motown-bass-player/

 

[ladybug]

A quick search mentions that David Hungate is on that album too.

 

[Swerve]

Here's another one. To me that's just brilliant stuff even after all this time it still grabs me.

Great tone and playing. Definitely sounds like a Jazz bass.

 

[gimmeagig]

A quick search mentions that David Hungate is on that album too.

Yes I know but I'm pretty sure that the tunes that grabbed me were not played by David Hungate.

 

[SDC1-ClickClack]

What do you know about David Shields?

I presume that they either protect Davids or keep them away.

 

[MegaSwing]

‘Got to Be Real’ is his landmark line.

 

[DaveMFM]

Thought this might be of interest:

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Great interview, and thanks for posting. He passed in 2019. What an incredible life.