"What do you mean by that?" - That question was asked so many times and I'm so glad it was. It's always great to see an interviewer digging deep into what the artist is trying to say, that's how you get to the juicy stuff! Enjoyed every minute of it, thanks
BEST, most real-world of these interviews yet, on the channel. The interaction between Ian & Tim, led to some great honesty. Loved Tim's "owning-up" to both musical & business "mistakes"...! More of the same, please👍.
This episode is a gem. So inspiring to listen to one of the most creative bassists of our time. Groovy, locked in but never linear or stereotypical. Lay it down and provoke. Also a shout out to Ian, being such a great interviewer.
Tim Lefebvre is a great, creative bassist, as grooving as it gets and always serving the music, the tune, the song. I probably first got acquainted with his playing in keyboardist Uri Caine's Bedrock, along w/ Zach Danziger on drums. Thanks for sharing this great interview.
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Excellent interview Ian and Sharon. For me, Tim Lefebvre is one of the most innovative and inspiring bassists around. Not only a phenomenal player, but a wonderfully creative force, with his own voice on the instrument. Constantly pushing himself and the boundaries of the music he supports/creates. He also always comes across as an authentic and humble human being, which is the most important thing. The thinking human’s bassist!!
I got to play and chat with Tim this week at Cory Wong’s summer camp. The man couldn’t be more down to earth and gracious with his time. It was an honor
Wonderful interview Ian, listening to Tim was fascinating and your questions managed to draw some excellent thoughts and anecdotes for us to enjoy. Keep up the good work.
I've heard him, but never knew the name until today. Thank you! Tim, if you're reading this, you have a fantastic attitude and should be an inpiration for musicians, not only bass players. Great to put a face to the music.
I am loving your content so much recently. You talk in depth, but aren’t gatekeepy, you talk broadly, and about specifics. It’s amazing, I love these insights into pros and their thought processes, with a nice laid back feel. Thank you!
Gatekeepy? There’s no reason why a bass guitar interview would be considered “gatekeepy”. Just because that’s popular to use now doesn’t mean it has to be squeezed into everything.
Tim is amazing and interesting, but I want to point out how natural and heartfelt the interview was because Ian is such a warm and genuinely curious person. This is a great video all around.
I think Tim's greatest asset is his feel for what is best to play in the moment, he's comfortable. Makes everyone in the band sound better. TTB in their prime, Tim laid that foundation. Without having heard Hanging On, you would think that line is a clunker. But it n the mix it is so fire.
A session ace who maintains a garage punk attitude, he's got the chops and musical sensibility to make it work. I would have hit the mute and tuned silently, but he owned his lunchbox moment and made it part of the performance. Definitely a few lines here worth picking something up from. Been a fan of Donny McCaslin since his 1998 debut album on Naxos, with the great Ugonna Okegwo on bass. I didn't recall that McCaslin's band worked with Bowie on his final project, so the initial reference confused me as to whether Tim is a pop or jazz player. Pretty cool that Tim fits well in both worlds.
Cool! Paul Jackson is the bassist, Paul Jackson Jr is Guitar, right? I think he means the Paul Jackson of Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters. Thrust and Manchild, Etc. Such great albums.
Face against the bass, is a great way to feel the bass. Also...play with the upper horn of the bass, against your sternum (low center of chest). Best way to determine a basses resonant pitch.
Great stuff! A lot of insight about playing. I really enjoyed the parts about making "mistakes" and how Tim approaches it in a live situation. It happens, but you can't let it get to you. That's a healthy approach! Awesome!
Reciently got to attend the Kennedy Center to see the tribute performance of David Bowie's "Blackstar".. Gail Ann Dorsey, David Poe and the third gentleman's name (that escapes me at the moment..).. along with all the musicians.(including the NSO).. truly could not have been ANY better..🎶❤😮🎶👍 After the show I was walking outside and got to chat with Tim (and his girlfriend) for a few minutes.. Truly, both just very nice people.. and yeah.. Tim is an AMAZING player.. A good dude..❣️👍
Ian!!! you did a great Job interviewing "the BEAST"!!!! Tim besides being a Monster player , is such a generous and authentic cat!!! I say his name in the same breath as Tony Levin for sure!!
So, a good basis must be locked in with beats in the pocket. On a serious note - an unsurprisingly great interview. Kudos to the guest and the interviewer!!!
On another level completely. His groove on the song is one of the tightest grooves I have ever heard. More pocket than Scritti Politti which was thought to be impossible.
Dave Richmond played on the well known serge gainsbourgh stuff ... and it's criminal not everyone has heard his name.. It's him on the original melodie nelson ... not HF
Great guy and great interview👍 On Bowie…..would you consider looking at Trevor Bolder’s bass playing with Bowie back in the early 70’s. Is it true he made up those melodic bass lines pretty much on the spot?….They are so amazing, take ‘Lady Grinning Soul’ for example.
I'm still killing the Uri Caine albums he played on. His understanding of what's needed for a session is unparallel. He always seems to remain humble which all top musicians should be. "Leave your ego at the door" as they say.
Regarding the "provocation" Bill Bruford had this great quote (paraphrasing) about drummers too often playing what "works" in the song and not enough of what "matters".
Saw another comment mention Sam Wilkes in regards to Knower, so I'm doubling that and asking for a Sam Wilkes interview :D Or at least some Sam Wilkes appreciation!!
Haha. I used to play along to mothers milk with my bass pressed into my bedroom door so it would resonate and make the sound a little louder! Also… note length is king!
Tim's playing in Bowie's last record is exceptional, and he is truly a legend, but to say in a title "behind Bowie" when he only played in one record kind takes away credit from the bassists who did play with Bowie live and in the studio for the longest, like Gail Ann Dorsey, Carmine Rojas, Trevor Bolder.
