This is a terrific article about bass players who have backed Michael in concert or on albums, focusing primarily on Alex Al, who played for Michael at his 30th Anniversary shows at Madison Square Garden in 2001 and was in the This Is It band. He explains the process of working on the music with Michael and finally gives his reflections on the experience. Writer Chris Jisi asks Alex: CJ: “How do you reflect on the experience? AA: “It was an unbelievable blessing on every level. Musically, I learned so much from Michael’s acute state of awareness and preparedness, I feel ready to take on any gig in the world. I’m honored that he called on me over the last nine years; many of my favorite bassists worked with him, so it’s thrilling to be a part of that history and lineage. Personally, we’re talking about someone who would come in each day and ask me if it was okay to put his towel on my keyboard rack! I was one of the last people to leave rehearsal the night before he died, and he thanked me for my love and support. The next day I started getting texts on my way to the Staples Center; I got there and waited with everyone, and when his passing was confirmed, we all lost it. A month later we were doing the memorial concert on the same stage, with the same gear. It was so sad. The only way I can describe it is we lost an angel on earth—a musical angel.” The full article is well worth reading and sharing… cms.bassplayer/article.aspx?articleid=25998&categoryid=1171 - Kerry
Posted on: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 08:45:51 +0000
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