2019 Reader Favorite Bassists – #4: Nathan East
Editor’s Note: At the end of each year, we tally up all the article and video views on No Treble to come up with a list of the top 10 most popular bassists. This is entirely based on readership, not on opinions, polls, or anything else. Just having some fun.
As with the #5 entry in our annual “Reader Favorite Bassists” list, Nathan East is one busy cat. I was on a big Nathan East kick in 2019, watching tons of videos of him laying it down in multiple bands and settings, and sharing a handful of them throughout the year. These videos, along with news that he recorded on Ringo Starr’s latest album and was once again hitting the road with Eric Clapton placed Nathan at #4 on this year’s list.
My favorite still remains the clip of East performing (including handling lead vocals) with Clapton on “Can’t Find My Way Home.”
Skunk Baxter: Rikki Don’t Lose That Number
We’re gearing up for the 2020 NAMM Show and looking back at some of the cool videos from past shows. In this clip, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter performs Steely Dan’s “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” with Nathan East, live at the 2016 TEC Awards.
Saab Guitar Project: Police
This new video just hit my radar, and I’m glad it did. Here’s The Saab Guitar Project, featuring Douglas Saab, Nathan East, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Greg Phillinganes performing the tune, “Police.”
Nathan East and Paul Gilbert: Blues Jam
Recently, I’ve been on a big Nathan East kick. It started with a live performance of “Can’t Find My Way Home” with Eric Clapton. Here’s a fun clip with Nathan teaming up with Paul Gilbert on a discussion of the blues, and then a great blues jam.
Lari Basilio: Far More (with Vinnie Colaiuta, Nathan East, and Greg Phillinganes)
After we shared the video of Lari Basilio performing “Man in the Mirror” in September, I bought the album. In addition to her remarkable playing, Basilio enlisted a killer band featuring Nathan East, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Greg Phillinganes. Check out the title track from “Far More.”
Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney Reunite on “What’s My Name”
Ringo Starr is a guy that gets by with a little help from his friends. His new album, “What’s My Name,” teams him up once again with his old bandmate Paul McCartney. Nathan East, John Pierce, and Kaveh Rastegar also perform on the record.
Eric Clapton, Featuring Nathan East: Can’t Find My Way Home
In 2015, Eric Clapton celebrated his 70th birthday with a tour. In this clip, recorded at Royal Albert Hall, Nathan East kicks things off with a fantastic intro, before taking on the lead vocals while throwing down some tasty bass lines.
Lari Basilio: Man in the Mirror (Featuring Siedah Garrett, Greg Phillinganes, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Nathan East)
In October 2018, Lari Basilio hit the studio with Siedah Garrett, Greg Phillinganes, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Nathan East and recorded this excellent cover of the Michael Jackson hit, “Man in the Mirror.” Nathan’s fills are so tasty!
Eric Clapton Announces Brief Tour with Nathan East
Guitar legend Eric Clapton has announced a small run of U.S. tour dates for this fall, and he’ll be bringing along his longtime collaborator Nathan East to lay down the low end.
