Around six years ago I was experimenting with video effects and recorded this cover of Machine Messiah. Since then, YouTube’s audio and video compression capabilities improved a lot so I figured that this one could be sort of remastered both sonic and visually. As I had the green screen behind me, and although the lighting put a big shadow on it, I decided to make some different video effects, not as flashy as the first version. Most of all, I hope now the sound is better and you enjoy this cover of one of my favourite Yes compositions and basslines!
Bass: Rickenbacker 4001 CS
Strings: Warwick Red Strings (45-105, stainless steel)
I’ve been very busy for the past weeks working on my Music, also working with a few other live projects. On the top of that my regular job also requested more time, so I haven’t had the chance to upload something new. In exchange, I am uploading something old :). This is from 2002 (if I am not mislead by the files dates) when I joined efforts with Frenchman Lionel Gibaudan, working together on a set of transcriptions of Chris’ basslines, to which I added an mp3 audio file with bass only. This happened after an invitation from Chris’ former site webmaster. Eventually I was told that Chris himself suggested him to include the mp3 files along with the transcriptions online. I was really overwhelmed with that gesture of kindness from Chris. I am sure he must be an incredible person, beyond the little I know, and before the musician he is.
So, I am making a video out of the transcription really… no special effects this time :) But I will put the transcription soon available for you at miguelbass.com. The bass used was my Fiesta Red Fender Jazz – originally, Chris didn’t use the Rickenbacker, he played the song on his white MPC Electra which had the Flanger effect incorporated on the bass itself. I used my old Boss ME-6B multi-effect pedal-board. IIRC, the bass was plugged into the ME-6B, onto the Sansamp. The strings were Rotosounds and they were new – that was good cause the tone has got plenty of harmonics and it makes the Flanger shine as it should.
The transcription – Again, it’s impossible to transcribe everything – it never is enough to replace the actual hearing of the bassline, but I still think it’s the notation that works best for me. I understand a lot of you may prefer tablature. This is just me playing the bass and no original recording at all. I can try to upload the song mixed-in later, if you think it’s a good idea! I haven’t re-checked the notes all these years later, so maybe I would hear (and play) something else, so there you go… I tried to adapt the bass pedal notation using the notation for piano pedals. I know that this, formally, doesn’t exist. This with other “improvisations” doesn’t make this transcription absolutely compliant with the standard notation, so please bare with it :)
My friends, I hope you enjoy the material, that’s what I came up with for now. As I said, I’ve been busy somewhere else and you know how the title of the song says…
This was the 1st practice take with video and I decided to keep it and didn’t make subsequent takes! But I practiced a lot over the last week. Since I can’t go to the shows of the “In The Present Tour 2008”, this is my way to celebrate the comeback of the great “DRAMA” to a live Yes concert!!!!
Bass: Rickenbacker 4001 CS
Strings: Warwick Red Strings (45-105, stainless steel)
