Roger as a bass player

[wburke121]

Obviously, Roger is a fantastic lyricist, a fine songwriter, a gifted composer and a master of thematic material ... but how does he compare as a bass player? Rate him purely on his ability to play that bass guitar. Be objective.

[Donny]

A good player, however not a top 10 bass player. I agree his strengths are his writing not so much his playing. Nevertheless his play is still to a high standard.

[wburke121]

I did put him in my top 10, but probably number 9 or 10 when I think about it. Obviously not even close to the likes of John Entistle or Jack Cassity, but take a listen to Money, for instance. Technically, not difficult, but one of the only rock songs in an odd time signature 7/8 time. That shows a skill of creativity that puts him up there with me. Also in some of the older numbers you can hear some bass chords ... easy to play, but not easy to incorporate into a song successfully. Anyway, I also thinking with my '70's cap on. I'm sure some younger bass players out there could handily name a dozon or more fantastic bass players that were in diapers when DSotM came out. (Flea, for one)

[lozzyjay]

I don't think he is that great a bass player, his strengths lie in his songwriting.

[Darkman]

I vote none of the above - technically he's not that great a musician, but he very nearly makes up for it by having a unique style. One of These Days, for instance, doesn't sound right without him.

[wburke121]

I can agree with that. I guess I put a greater value on style when rating musicians, than I would , say, virtuosity. But I do appreciate both. Someone whom I mentioned above, John Entwhistle of the Who, has both, but a technically good bass player with not much style may be Paul McCartney. Then again, it's really a matter of opinion. Interesting that you singled out One of these Days. I hadn't really thought of that, although I do love the song.

[Nockster]

I agree with most, I think he just played the bass just to have a spot on stage. His lyrics are great, songwriting always needed help from Dave to be really good. As you all know I am biased on the subject.

[BarryBURBs]

Originally Posted by Nockster

songwriting always needed help from Dave

woh, hold on a minute ;-) I don't think so! But let's not get into that debate, again!

[Nockster]

Hold on to what, Musically, the best songs considering by popularity are ones with co-writing help from Dave.

[Victorvil]

I've always admired the sound that Roger achives in his bass. I'ts really wonderful. He doesn't have to do "MixoDorioWTF" scales and stuff for creating a good base and atmosphere. Top 10 bass players, of course.