Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I saw Bruce play with his new band The Casbah Club last night. He was absolutely incredible. They did a number of Jam songs and his playing/sound was 1st class. Songs that were recorded with a 4001 were played on a P-bass last night and they sounded very Ric-like. If I had closed my eyes I wouldnt have been able to tell it wasnt a Ric I dont think. He really attacks the strings and I think its that aggression that gives it the growl. He handled the vocals on The Jam songs as well. Excellent !

He was a HUGE influence on my playing when I was starting out, and on my choice of bass.

Believe me Ronn the guy doesnt look that great physically. Hes too thin and a bit gaunt looking. That aside, his playing was just the best. I really had forgotten just how great he is. Thunderous tone but playing with accuracy and speed. I swear his right picking hand was literally a blur on Town Called Malice and I was stood 15 feet away. I have seen him play with his other band Stiff Little Fingers a number of times but his playing is always a little understated. This was the 1st time I have seen him play Jam material since I saw The Jam in 79. It was a rare treat. This new band The Casbah Club has an interesting lineup. The lead guitar/voc is by Simon Townshend Petes younger brother. The drummer and 2nd guitar player are Mark Brzizicki and Bruce Watson from Big Country. All 1st rate players. Townshend was extremely arrogant and very offensive at times though which did take the shine off the event for me. It would have been nice to see Bruce play a Ric but he abandoned them 20+ years ago.

Interesting choice of names for a band as well Keith - The Casbah Club.

Thanks for the review Keith, I actually have a Friday night off, I think I'll watch the Jam DVD tonight. That were a great time in my life and for music.

Ronn,If I had a Jam DVD I reckon I would put it on tonight as well. I would sit there green with envy at his awesome ability. His vocals really surprised me as well. He sang all of the Jam numbers with relative ease. I was a little disappointed they didnt play his own Smithers-Jones though. Peter - I agree it is an unusual choice of name, I wouldnt know where it comes from ? Does it mean anything to you or Ronn ? Am I being thick or naive here and "not getting it" I dont know, would be interested to know though.
I think there is every chance that they might tour in the States as they played a lot of brand new material which to be honest would probably go better there than in the UK. If you got the chance go and see them, then go....although dont make a request to Townshend to play a Who song (not unreasonable) cos you might get a shock at his reaction. To be honest it is unbelievable that he wasnt wearing his guitar round his neck after the tirade he launched at the innocent guy stood near me. He spoiled himself with his smart mouth. I would like to add that the others and in particular Bruce were true gents.

Ask Simon Townshend to play "I'm The Answer", probably his only "semi-hit", going back to circa 1983.

Then ask Foxton to play "Freak", his rather lame solo single from around the same era.

Then run.

Mick, I have heard of the track by Townshend but never actually heard it. The Freak was lame I agree. Bruce probably realises that his solo career wasnt going to take off in a big way which is why he went into production and management for some years. It was SLF that really got him going again I think. He is extremely busy these days.

If and when you hear it, the Townshend track you would recognize for its Pete Townshend flourishes and vocal phrasing...hey, they are brothers. Not a bad song overall, but not a classic either.

What songs would you suggest to someome wanted to become familiar with the Jam's sound?

"Snap" is a first-rate compilation of their work, some insist it's the best album they never made. If not that, "All Mod Cons" is a classic and "Sound Affects" is great too. But they were an incredible singles band, so my first choice would still be "Snap."

Ted, I agree with Seth, Snap was a superb Best of album. Down in the tubestation at midnight, When you're young, Going underground, Eton Rifles. These are all good tracks although I suspect 79 was the changeover year to the P-bass when Eton Rifles came out. I am not certain of this, so best take a listen and see what you think. I do know that he got tired of the thin sound of his 4001 and even bought an Ibanez copy at one point in the hope that it had more bottom. That was not the answer hence the move to using the P. His recorded bass always sounded good whatever in my opinion.

As far as I know he used a 4001 for recording Eton Rifles as it was auctioned off with a load of other Jam memorabilia in the early 90's. Wonder who has it now.

I was always of the opinion that he had the Ibanez before he got the Ric. I've seen early promo shots of them and he's holding the Ibanez while Weller has a Ric. If he had a Ric wouldn't he pose with it? As image-consious as they were. I also seem to remember the "In The City" album showing him with the Ibanez. Live footage from a few months after the release of that album shows him playing a Ric with the Ibanez on a stand by his amp.