Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

A while ago, Brian Medway asked me if I would add some bass playing to some of his music. Knowing how great a musician Brian is and also knowing that he can handle the bass well enough himself, I was honored to do so.
The first one I've done so far, is Brian's arrangement of "Georgia On My Mind". I played bass, Brian did all else.
To record this song, I used my '75 4001FL, neck pickup only. I was getting way too much crying and mwahing from my bass that didn't fit right in this song, so I lightly touched the strings with the mute, just enough to mellow most of the mwah.
That 4001FL has a set of D'Addario ECB-80 Chromes.
The guitar you hear in the song doing the solo is a 360V64. I'll let Brian give his own details if he'd like.

I hope you enjoy.
"Georgia On My Mind"

I just LOVE THIS SONG.

Glad you guys decided to share it with everyone.

Just goes to show that MAWAH isn't the only thing Fretless can do.

Very tastefully done.

Great bass part and feel, Joey. You are right there with the accenting Brian plays. Kudos.

Sounds great guys. Why don't you come and visit?

Wow, great performances to both of you. Joey, your approach to fretless and to the bass part for the song in general is tasteful and exemplary. It's the same thing people refer to when they talk about players who are good "because they support the song". So fantastic, and I really appreciate hearing it on a 4001FL. I know I can't link it but there's a thread on TalkBass where myself and others have posted fretless Ric clips and this would be another good one to add to the pile...

I'm really impressed by the overall performance--I could hear minute things that were just barely out of sync (could also be how it's mixed regarding the drums, because that's what generally caused me to notice) but that didn't detract from it very much if at all, really. The singing, keys, guitar... all really, really good (another "stereotype breaker" with the guitar solo), and like John A. said the accents were together which is such a nice way to tighten up a groove. Joey, you deserve big props! Brian too of course! Nice!! I hope to hear more stuff like this in the future.

Sounds great, guys! I can see it now the Med-Co world tour!

Let me add my props and kudos to the others. I had heard Brian's solo version of this song which I found really wonderful, but with Joey's contribution it takes on a very solid foundation and a whole new dimension of liveliness. Brotherhood has its rewards, and this is a shining example. Congrats to you both!

What a voice! You really deliver that song superbly.
JimK

kiramdear wrote:with Joey's contribution it takes on a very solid foundation and a whole new dimension of liveliness. Brotherhood has its rewards, and this is a shining example.

Kira you hit the nail on the head. I can't think of a better person to play bass on this recording. Thank you Joey. Your fretless bass work is superb on this track. Thanks to all who have commented. I appreciate the kind words as I am sure Joey does.

jimk wrote:What a voice! You really deliver that song superbly.
JimK

I am truly humbled by your assessment Jim. Thank you.

Thank you everyone for the kind words. That bass track was a challenge to record. I had to try to add something that was equally as fine as what was already recorded by Brian. I'm used to playing loud rock music, so I really had to modify my technique as not to make string noise in the recording. I'm also in the process of learning recording software that I recently acquired.
I recorded the bass track a few times. Too much mwah going on the first time, so I used the mute to mellow it. It's not easy playing simple either. I know that sounds weird, but to me that's the way it is. A busier bass line or one with alot of fills, would have ruined the recording. Not right for that song. Besides , the chord changes made it seem busy enough!
Looking forward to doing more recordings with Brian!

jimk wrote:What a voice! You really deliver that song superbly.
JimK

+1

Cool version - one thing about bass in tunes like this is knowing when not to play a note. The feel is great here – good job to all involved…!

Great collab, guys! The bass really has a nice upright sound; nice job Joey. Great tone on the lead guitar, too. Not much I can say here that hasn't already been said! Keep up the great work!

There is great talent at work here, each complimenting the other .... a very tasteful collaboration !!

This recording has been on repeat play in my head for the last three days continuously now. How's that for testimony?