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Articles by Ryan Madora - Page 17


Bass Players to Know: Gail Ann Dorsey
Bass Players To Know

Bass Players to Know: Gail Ann Dorsey

To quote one of my favorite musical guilty pleasures, it’s time to throw a little girl power into the mix. As a stellar vocalist and compelling player, Gail has had a reputable solo career and has recorded and toured with artists including David Bowie, Tears for Fears, Lenny Kravitz, Dar Williams, The Indigo Girls, and Gwen Stefani. With impeccable style,...

Bass Players to Know: Oteil Burbridge
Bass Players To Know

Bass Players to Know: Oteil Burbridge

Each time I embark on a new column, I find myself humbled and overwhelmed by the talent and contributions of the chosen “Bass Player to Know.” There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll discover new music, recognize the birth of different styles, and become more in tune with the virtuosity of the player. As I wade into the pool...

Bass Players to Know: Richard Davis
Bass Players To Know

Bass Players to Know: Richard Davis

As a college student, I spent many an afternoon roaming the streets of New York City, finding new routes to take me from my hole-in-the-wall apartment to the halls of academia, and creating new musical playlists along the way. I developed a healthy obsession to certain songwriters… Van Morrison, Janis Ian, Paul Simon, and even dabbled in some West Village...

Bass Players To Know: George Porter Jr.
Bass Players To Know

Bass Players To Know: George Porter Jr.

It should be no surprise that George Porter, Jr.’s picture was used to feature our announcement of the Bass Players to Know series, because frankly, he’s one of the funkiest men out there. Devilishly hiding behind an old, authentically road worn Fender P-bass, he can speak volumes with a single note played in just the right place. So, for all...

Bass Players to Know: Willie Dixon
Bass Players To Know

Bass Players to Know: Willie Dixon

There comes a point in every bassist’s life when it’s time to play the blues. Perhaps it’s in a garage, where you’re jamming with some friends for the first time and with rudimentary technical skill and limited song knowledge, someone suggests playing a “Blues in E.” Or perhaps it’s during a lesson, where your teacher writes out the 12 bar...

Bass Players To Know: Ray Brown
Bass Players To Know

Bass Players To Know: Ray Brown

It’s about time to spread the love a little for the double bass, and today we’re focusing on the superbly classy and undeniably classic, Ray Brown. So who is Ray Brown? A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Brown grew up playing piano and made the transition to bass while in high school. Like many Pennsylvanian-born bass players, he began playing local...

Bass Players To Know: Rick Danko
Bass Players To Know

Bass Players To Know: Rick Danko

As a solo artist, folk legend accompanist, and low-end driver of The Band, Rick Danko made an indelible mark on roots, blues, and rock music. Born in Ontario, Canada, Danko began playing at an early age and was inspired by country, rhythm and blues, and gospel. As a teenager, he left school to pursue music and quickly joined Ronnie Hawkins’...

Bass Players to Know: Bakithi Kumalo
Bass Players To Know

Bass Players to Know: Bakithi Kumalo

Of all the great moments in bass history, one of my favorites is the short and sweet solo on the Paul Simon tune, “You Can Call Me Al.” If you’re unfamiliar with this musical snippet (or the entirety of the Graceland record), it’s high time to give it a listen. With a career as diverse as his musical heritage, Bakithi...

Bass Players to Know: Jack Bruce
Bass Players To Know

Bass Players to Know: Jack Bruce

Time to throw a little rock and roll into the series! This column features Jack Bruce, the classically influenced singing bass player from across the pond. So who is Jack Bruce? Widely known for his work with Cream, Bruce has had an amazing career both as a band member and solo artist. Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, Bruce grew up in...

Bass Players To Know: Bob Babbitt
Bass Players To Know

Bass Players To Know: Bob Babbitt

While the first bassist featured in our Bass Players You Should Know series was Southern soul master Duck Dunn, this one takes us above the Mason Dixon line to the industrial city of Detroit. Commonly recognized for his work at Motown’s Hitsville Studio A, Bob Babbitt’s career as a session player took him to a wide range of places, including...

Bass Players To Know: Donald “Duck” Dunn
Bass Players To Know

Bass Players To Know: Donald “Duck” Dunn

For the official launch of our Bass Players to Know series, we’re starting with the man, the legend, the ’fro: Donald “Duck” Dunn. Lets cover some of the need-to-know facts, an examination of his style, and a few key listening examples… So who is Duck Dunn, anyway? Dunn was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and is best known for...

Kicking Off a New Series: Bass Players You Need To Know
Bass Players To Know

Kicking Off a New Series: Bass Players You Need To Know

Over the past year, I’ve dug deep into the nether-regions of my brain, week after week, to figure out all of those things I wish I knew. Lucky for me, the crazy turmoil that is life as a professional musician has been inspiration enough. My goal in writing this series was to highlight those things I’ve learned the hard way…...