Watch Mark Sandman’s 2-String Slide Bass in This 1994 Morphine Session

Mark Sandman is instantly recognizable about the moment he walks onstage with that stripped down 2 string bass. It looks wrong until you hear it.  This 1994 session from Morphine on 2 Meter Sessions captures the band in their prime across a four song set, including “Have A Lucky Day” and “Buena”.  Bassists either love or hate Sandman’s approach to bass.  Two strings, a slide, and a style that puts the bass front and center.

“Buena,” has those unmistakable slide runs, gliding between notes with that signature growl. It is part blues, part minimalist experiment, and completely his own thing.   With Dana Colley’s baritone sax and Billy Conway’s drums, Sandman’s bass becomes both foundation and lead voice.

Listen to the whole session but if you only have time for one, Buena is where its at.