1986 was the year that I started on Electric Bass. In September of that year, me and some friends went to the Ozzy Osbourne concert, not to hear Ozzy per say, but to hear our new favorite band - Metallica. I was fully aware of the great Cliff Burton and the influence that he was having on me, seeing him live at the front of the stage was even more impactful. This tour was the "Master Of Puppets" tour and it would be within a few short weeks that Cliff Burton would tragically pass away. Cliff was only 24 years old...

His bass number "(Anesthesia) - Pulling Teeth" was a true hallmark. I've since seen many video performances online and it's worth searching out and watching several different performances of Cliff playing "Anesthesia". Cliff had a genius side to him and he was a great improviser, musical, rhythmic, had incredible energy, played with his fingers (not with a pick - another discussion), had good tone and many more positive attributes.

In the history of Metallica, it is an incredible story...Despite many set backs, the band has continued and even flourished. I'm personally a fan of Jason Newsted, and Robert Trujillo and the band as a whole. The spirit of Cliff continues to live on...

I've selected a few of my favorite tracks from the three albums that Cliff was apart of.
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Enjoy!
Joseph Patrick Moore

A Master Playlist has been created and will be updated everytime there is a new post in this category (LISTEN). Follow this Playlist and listen below.

Musicians, #BassPlayers and friends often ask what I'm listening to. So I've decided to make a playlist of what I'm currently checking out (updated as needed). I have an eclectic taste in music and you'll find this on full display in my personal curated playlist, simply titled "2019 Playlist". Give it a spin! Cheers - Joseph

Photo credit by Chris Ozment Photography

Victor Wooten’s album “A Show of Hands” released in 1996, is a historic album in my opinion. This album is truly a “solo bass” album that features the incredible gifts of this extraordinary artist and amazing person. This album specifically showed all bass players (and musicians for that matter) what is possible with two hands and your instrument. Making the ultimate connection between heart, mind, spirit, soul = to the ears of each listener. Additionally, there are some beautiful songs with positive messages. The song “More Love” specifically had an impact on me.

As a whole, this album was a huge inspiration for my attempt at a similar vision and approach with my recording, “Alone Together” in 2002.

In closing, Victor’s album is a must for any aspiring musician and especially bass players. Add this album to your collection!

Released in 2005, this certainly isn't the first solo album from Marcus, but it is one in which I enjoy a lot. Marcus is a deep cat on many levels (playing/compositions/production/arranging). The stand out tracks for me on this album are: "Power Soul", "Sophisticated Lady", "Frankenstein", "Boogie On Reggae Woman", "Silver Rain" "Bruce Lee". Add this to your collection!

Jaco Pastorius - Jaco Pastorius

In the 1976, the bass and music world was never the same after the release of this incredible landmark album from Jaco on Epic Records. It's impossible to express just how revolutionary this album was (and still is). This album is quintessential for all aspiring bassists.

One of my all-time favorite albums and one which should absolutely be in your music collection! Miles and the band (featuring Paul Chambers on bass) is revolutionary. The compositions, the interplay, the improvisations and the classic bass melody on "So What" is a blueprint for anyone striving to make an album with integrity (hard to believe this was recorded in 1959). Many things to comment on here, but my goal was to keep these comments brief. If you would like to learn more about the inter-workings and insight into this album, there is an excellent book by Ashley Kahn titled, "Kind Of Blue: The making of Kind of the Miles Davis Masterpiece".

One of my all time favorite basslines is James Jamerson's "What's Going On (the song)". Additionally, the entire album is a masterpiece that features James and Bob Babbitt. This is a classic album and a must addition to your collection!