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What's so special about Larry Graham?
- Thread starter diegom
- Start date
James Jameson overrated? 
Although taste is subjective, I would say that just by that statement, me giving an opinion on Larry Graham would also be lost on the OP. There's nothing wrong with personal taste. But you if you feel Jameson is overrated, you probably won't be convinced what's special about Graham.
Although taste is subjective, I would say that just by that statement, me giving an opinion on Larry Graham would also be lost on the OP. There's nothing wrong with personal taste. But you if you feel Jameson is overrated, you probably won't be convinced what's special about Graham.
That's someone else's job!
Diego
Jazz is wrong notes made to sound interesting, sometimes. Discuss.
Did anybody know Larry Graham is Drake’s uncle? (The Canadian rapper)
He is one of the first ones to slap a bass (If not the first one) plus you have to take in mind that these bassists are praised based in a specific time context where bassist would just be nonexistent to the general public, they made the bass the main instrument
He is one of the first ones to slap a bass (If not the first one) plus you have to take in mind that these bassists are praised based in a specific time context where bassist would just be nonexistent to the general public, they made the bass the main instrument
I think it's okay to create a thread based on a somewhat absurd premise as long as the ensuing discussion is positive. It doesn't really matter if the OP intended to troll LG fans—we will all live longer if we simply assume that all questions asked are posed innocently.
Personally, I think LG is fabulous. I love his joyful approach to music, his warmth, his sense of humor, and of course his musicianship.
Personally, I think LG is fabulous. I love his joyful approach to music, his warmth, his sense of humor, and of course his musicianship.
Seems to be a lot of 'Who's best' type threads appearing recently, not a fan.
There are levels of trolling. This was a relatively good-natured troll to make a point. I don't think anyone saw it as mean.
For all these "Xxxx vs Yyyy, who is the greatest bass player" or similar things, this one not being that much different, consider each bass player in turn and ask yourself one of these two basic questions. How much different would music overall be today if they had not existed? Or from a personal perspective, how much different would your playing be today had they not existed? Someone may have been really the greatest in their own wheelhouse, but can hardly be called "The Worlds Greatest" or "The Best" period. "Biggest influence" isn't quite the same thing, either. In this case it's just "what's so special?"
For L.G. I gotta say, even though he had only moderate influence on how/what I play, for the first question he stands out as being pretty darned iconic in almost any form of modern music.
For L.G. I gotta say, even though he had only moderate influence on how/what I play, for the first question he stands out as being pretty darned iconic in almost any form of modern music.
It’s all about their groove and feel. The way they sit in the pocket and make the songs what they are. I don’t know a lot about Graham but what I do know is the guy invented that slap bass sound that become the mark of a “good” bass player in popular YouTube bassist culture, not that it really is. Also the guy grooves like nobody else. People talk about Jamerson and the likes because they did things in new and novel ways, played on hundreds, if not thousands, of hit songs and were hired for this reason. Still, most of these players died or still live in obscurity, they aren’t known much outside musicians circles in my view and that makes them even greater in my mind. They weren’t looking for fame, just looking to get paid.
It's not just about the slapping; how about taste and simplicity? 'Everyday People' is just one note through the whole song .... and it's perfect!
That "thumping" was the progenitor of ALL the slapping bassists! Flea, Stanley Clark; ANY bassist who snaps/slaps the bass owes it to Larry Graham's unique style. May I ask what YOU look for in a bassist? Who do YOU like/admire?
Plus, and I can't believe nobody's mentioned this (or I missed it) he invented those excellent crackers. I like the ones with cinnamon and honey. 
Plus, and I can't believe nobody's mentioned this (or I missed it) he invented those excellent crackers. I like the ones with cinnamon and honey.
Listen to Release your self, Graham central station and sly live at Woodstock. Might not mean much to a 20 year old bass player though.
