Just learned that one of my musical idols passed away today--Jack Bruce, the bassist and vocalist of Cream. Over the years his contribution to rock has been diminished. We remember the names John Paul Jones and John Entwistle and certainly Paul McCartney, but I rarely hear anyone talk of Bruce. That’s a shame, because his influence on rock music, and my life, has been significant. I know that sounds a bit ridiculous to say, but were it not for Jack, I never would have picked up the bass, and had I never done that, I would have never met many of the people I did or had any of the experiences I had while gigging with Seven Arrows, Old King Sun and Incense. Before encountering Bruce’s playing I’d always wanted to be a guitar player, but after watching him play I understood that the bass was as vital a voice as any other. I immediately bought a short-scale bass, as close as I could find to the one he played, and learned near every Cream bassline. Jack’s playing has been a major cornerstone of mine--his rubbery, mid-rangey tone, his counterpoint lines and the ever-changing free-wheeling nature of his improvisations. I know that creating a Facebook post to immortalize someone is rather facile. But I wanted to share the impact that Jack Bruce had on my life. If only one person is turned on to his work, or Cream’s, by this post, I’ll be happy. Below is a video of Jack in all his Dionysian glory, wailing along in operatic splendor, and playing the electric bass the way the damn thing is meant to be played. youtu.be/1qbRV2j3Ls4?list=PL8037C25F71827BAD
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 17:15:38 +0000
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