KNOW YOUR BASS PLAYER REMEMBERS GLENN CORNICK (#111): He was a founding member of one of the most innovative and influential rock ensembles of any generation. To my ears, Glenn Douglas Bernard Cornick was Jethro Tull’s most musically charismatic bassist – with all due respect to David Pegg. The first in a long line of bass players who worked under the auspices of Ian Anderson, Cornick contributed his distinct artistry to what I consider to be Tull’s three best and most enduring collections: This Was (1968), Stand Up (1969), and Benefit (1970). Judging from the photographs I’ve seen over the years, Glenn utilized a wide array of basses, ranging from a battered graffiti laden reverse neck ’62 Fender Jazz to various Gibson instruments (Thunderbird, EB-3). Regardless of his tools, Glenn’s lines were simultaneously supportive and melodic – and didn’t require substantial chops to replicate, which was a relief when this bassist was starting out in his bedroom playing along to records! Glenn and drummer Clive Bunker were the driving force in Tull’s astounding, organic meld of blues, jazz and progressive rock – these cats could swing and rock at the same time. My favorite performances from Cornick include “My Sunday Feeling,” “Back to the Family,” “A New Day Yesterday,” “Bouree” – which features an intriguing bass solo which quotes composer J.S. Bach, “Teacher,” and “To Cry You A Song.” The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame’s exclusion of Jethro Tull in all their incarnations is absurd beyond discussion – so I won’t!
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 02:07:15 +0000
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