Thursday, September 13, 2007

Why the blues?

I'm a 31 year old white guy. So why do I want to play a form of music that, frankly, doesn't connect to my target demographic at all?

It has to do with the role of a blues bassist. Solid. Locked in. Supportive. Essential. It is who I want to be in and out of music.

I just don't want to be the front man. If I was on the cover of the CD case, you'd turn it over and put your beer on it. I lack the looks and the flash needed to be the face of band. But I can be the backbone.

So what is the root of me? What is it that makes me important to the people I love? I think it's that I provide something solid in a pretty transient world.

The Black Crows, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers. Solid, based in blues, and except for Flea, can you name the bassists? Probably not. But turn on an album and cut the bass on the EQ. Is it as good?

Would you miss me if I wasn't playing in your band? If I am living my life right, the answer is yes.

3 comments:

FTWinsor said...

Anyone with more than a passing interest in music knows that the bassist and the drummer are the true engine in every band. It's better to be respected than glorified.

hideehogal said...

I totally get it. Being the power behind the flash and glam is far more gratifying.

Mama Jacque said...

You put the "boom" in my music pretty much every day . . . Wouldn't do without you.