Topic: Bass Advice / Compressor Pedals ????

Hi Luke! Yes I totally remember you! For live, it doesn’t take a hugely high-end compressor. You’re on the right track wanting some compression coming out of your rig though. In my studio I’ve fallen in love with the UA 1176 “limiting amplifier”. It’s basically a compressor and it gets that magic sound on the bass. For live though, I’m only recently discovering the joys of bass compression and I have been hearing about two “stars” in the live bass world: the Symetrix 501 and this guy: http://www.robertkeeley.com/product.php?id=8 I plan on getting one of the Robert Keeleys blind…just from reading the great write-ups. Let me know how your search goes – Matt

Topic: Bass Advice / Compressor Pedals ????

Hi Matt,

Wondered what advice you could give me on compressor pedals for live playing.
I am a fan of McCartney Wings era bass sound, and I play Ric basses through Ashdown Amps, mainly use a pick and sometime flatwound strings.
I am a fan of all your CC work especially the “I wish I was a girl” bass sound. (which I have asked you about before on this forum).

Would I achieve a more classic / vintage tone by going through a compressor – I want good sustain, warmth but while still maintaining some clang and to really cut through the mix.

Not asking too much hey. – just wondered what your views on compressors are?

Luke

Topic: Main Chat Room / Looking For Michael Neighbor

Dorian!! Brilliant to hear from you – last time I saw you was at the art supply store on University?? You were part of one of Mike’s greatest incarnations and I still have a song or two of your stuff…”The Sinner and the Priest” – genius songs!! Email me at info@mattmalley.com and I’ll shoot over MIke’s phone number and email – Matt

Topic: Main Chat Room / Looking For Michael Neighbor

I’m always glad to see things seem good for you. I’ve been in LA for a spell now and I got interested in finding Mr. Christian or Michael Neighbor as we know him. I even searched out Paul Schlimmer but couldn’t get anywhere. Do you have Michael’s contact info? Well best to you and keep up the good work. I like what you’re doing these days.
Kind Regards
Dorian Rimsin (Thomas)

Topic: Band Talk / An Island In The Pacific

That’s where I want to retire. Whenever I’m browsing around on “Google Earth”, the place where I always end up is in the Pacific looking at all of those “Atoll” islands. Go about 1000 miles due South of Hawaii and you’ll find “Palmyra Atoll”. I would REALLY like to see that place in person sometime in my life.

Topic: Main Chat Room / Hi Matt

Hi Paul – good question! Well, we’d usually know our schedule a few months in advance, maybe 3 or 4 months. A tour would normally be 1.5 – 2 years long and that would usually entail being out for 2 – 3 months at a time, then home for a week or two for a break. There’s a moment in the Led Zeppelin movie, “The Song Remains the Same” where the bassist, John Paul Jones is in his quaint hobbit-like house and he’s opening his mail and it’s apparently a tour “notice” and he freezes, looks up and says, “That’s tomorrow!”. It’s such a great moment but I believe it’s got a fantasy element to it…still it changed my life when I saw it in highschool and I wanted to be in a touring rock band so I could get notes in the mail telling me to pack my bags! Just like life though…it didn’t happen like that. Practices meant renting out a “rehearsal room” in a facility designed for bands – in the Los Angeles area where Adam lived at the time – and we would go there for 2 or 3 weeks before a tour began to work out our songs. In the next room you’d hear a horrible heavy metal band…and you would smell the puddles of day-old alcohol on the floors and the despair in the hallways of these horrible Los Angeles rehearsal spaces! These tour rehearsals would be at the end of a year in Los Angeles recording a record, (the new one was made in New York since Adam lives there now), and between the end of a record and beginning of a tour, and we needed to get the kinks out of the material that we hadn’t played in a year or more to get ready for our first few shows. Of course after a week out on the road, we were in shape and didn’t need any rehearsals after that. We did soundcheck every day though because that was a good time to compose together or for us to get the feel of the days’ venue. Pleasure to talk with you Paul – write any time and don’t be shy!! Matt

Topic: Main Chat Room / Hi Matt

You are very welcome Matt. Thank you very much for taking the time to reply.

I’m really glad I came to your site to see what you were up to these days.

Haha, it’s cool that you remember the ice cream incident! I remember that night really clearly because I was on still on cloud nine from meeting all you guys and there was a feeling of such excitment about the shows.

Thanks again Matt for everything. Many great shows, and even though I was a complete stranger to you, you chatted and joked as if we’d been friends for years. It is really appreciated!

One question I’ve wondered about and if you have a spare few minutes to answer is :

When you guys weren’t on tour for a while would you one day out of the blue get a call from Adam or whoever to say “pack your bags, we’re going on tour in a few weeks”? And what was band practice like—I mean would you guys get together in a rehersal room or would you work out new songs during soundcheck?

If you ever bring your music to Belfast or Dublin I will certainly be there to see you.

All the best and thanks for your time,
Paul

Topic: Main Chat Room / Hi Matt

What a great note – thank you so much!! Our Ireland shows were ALWAYS good because the audiences were so amazing. Loud, fearless, music-lovers – and my heritage! (My grandfather dropped the “O” from “O’Malley” when he immigrated from Cork). I really appreciate your note and for stopping by and writing. I can remember the ice-cream incident!! It was one of those beautiful Dublin evenings with a sky full of black clouds but with the setting sun shining underneath and igniting the old brick and stucco buildings. One of my top countries to retire in if the wind blows me and my little family there! Thank you so much for this great note – Matt

Topic: Main Chat Room / Hi Matt

Hi Matt,

Just checked out your website today for the first time.

I’m seeing Counting Crows where I live in Northern Ireland this December
and it’s going to be the first show that you won’t be rocking the bass!
I’m disapointed about that.

I started listening to the Crows when I was 16 and went to Dublin to see you guys perform in The Oylmpia
for 3 nights and stayed in some crappy hostel by night and stood in line all day to ensure I was front row.

It was the first time I’d met you guys and I was really nervous about it. Adam and co went through the motions of scribbling on the CD cover and walking on (which I was happy with) and then you came out …. You were the most down to earth and cool person I had ever met.

You actually took an interest in asking about me and talked with me at length and signed, took pictures. You came out several times to meet people and I can’t tell you how happy that made me.

That night waiting at the front of the Olympia I saw you coming from across the street with a big Ice cream, wearing your black shirt with the flames on it. Everyone cheered as you ran across the street raising your ice cream up! Haha!

I flew over to London to see you guys in the Royal Albert Hall and then met you again in Killarney where once you took the time to talk and sign stuff. You were saying how much you enjoyed the RAH show.

So thank you very much Matt! You probably don’t remember me, but I will remember those times forever. It’s rare that meeting famous people turns out better than you expect but you really made those times of following Counting Crows about special because you had no ego and had time for everyone.

AND you are a fantastic player!

Hope you’re doing well and happy!

Topic: Main Chat Room / holy smoking buttcracks!!

Chris!! How nice to hear from you! I totally remember you and I’m so sorry about my insane old email addy..(a Sanskrit word: paramchi…translates into something like “God’s love – in the form of a cool breeze”). (Shows my “Stairway to Heaven” influences…) I did infact play everything on my solo record. It’s my letter to the world! I hope that there will be many more to come both solo and collaboration. I have two little boys, Tansen is 8 and Kabir is 4. They have given me purpose. Yes – send any and all folderites my way – such great memories of pre-laptop days in NYC spending afternoons in my fav cyber-bar (remember those?) and posting on the boards. You’d think I’d had better things to do being in a big rock band and all… Thank you for liking what you heard of my first solo record! A home-made album – I guess I’m my own record label these days! So great to hear from you Chris – Matt

Topic: Main Chat Room / holy smoking buttcracks!!

matt!

i’m so happy to find you “alive and well” on the internet! (through Wikipedia, if you can believe it ;)

i had no idea you had an album out. i just checked out the clips and they’re fantastic. i only spent a minute on the cdbaby.com site so i didn’t see the credits on the album, but i’m guessing “solo” means all done by you? dang. who knew you were so multi-talented?

and speaking of many talents…i just read your sister’s post and she mentions little ones – as in, you have more kids? how awesome!

the last time my brother and i saw you was when CC recorded for Soundstage in chicago. after i got home, i tried to remember how to spell that goofy email address you came up with, but couldn’t remember it for the life of me. i’ve been wondering how you’ve been ever since, so this is really great to find your site.

do not be surprised to find rogue folderite ex-patriots straggling in soon!!
all the best to you and the fam,
~chris

Topic: Main Chat Room / Hey bro!

Love to Laura!! See you soon – Matt

Topic: Main Chat Room / Hey bro!

Hi Matt,
When you come up to the Bay Area, why don’t you plan on coming to my place. I’d love to have the whole family and you will have your own room to stay in! We have fun things for the boys to do, also.

My love to Sesh and the little ones, Laura

Topic: Main Chat Room / I wish I was a girl (bass sound)

Thanks Smokey!! Wow – the Fireglow C64…now THAT is a cool bass. I played a wings bass but I’m not a fan of the satin finish…or whatever it’s called. Your Fireglow sounds awesome – early Roger Waters…psychedelic Floyd era bass! Rics are some of the best basses around – if you ever get the chance, play a Lakland. I’m sold on his basses – I have a Decade model coming as well as a hollowbody and I can’t sleep at night thinking about them…

Topic: Main Chat Room / I wish I was a girl (bass sound)

V63 and Chris Squire Sig… nice choice.
I have ‘97 4003, a C64 fireglow, and C64S wings bass. the horseshoes on the vintage style Rics are part of the actual pickup where as on the 4003 it is just a plastic cover, I have been using Rics pretty much exclusively since I got my first in 1997, and I switch between pic and fingers so I kind of like the pickup rest, but I understand why some don’t.

It’s great to hear from you. great website.

Topic: Main Chat Room / I wish I was a girl (bass sound)

I do love the Rick as well! I actually bought one of two that I currently own back in ‘01 during the “Hard Candy” recording sessions – it’s a V63, natural finish. I love it – I’m a big fan of the unbound neck and body – but it didn’t end up on that or any other C. Crows records. The other one I have is a Chris Squire. I love them both to pieces – the V63 has a slightly bigger neck, otherwise they’re identical basses – but the Squire has a better, livelier sound. I want to get those annoying horseshoe pick-up covers off one of these days but I hear you have to buy a “replacement kit” to do it. I want a black one one of these days as well…it’s a sickness I tell you…

Topic: Main Chat Room / I wish I was a girl (bass sound)

Might of known it was a P bass, probably the most distinctive bass tone along with Rics.
I am more of a Ric man myself – have you recorded with a Rickenbacker at all on any CC tracks?

Topic: Main Chat Room / I wish I was a girl (bass sound)

Hi Smokey! Yes – it’s a ‘64 P-bass with a pick. Flatwound strings. I’m not sure what pre-amp, direct box etc was used at the time but it’s definitely that bass set up. One of my favorites for recording. Thanks for stopping by! Matt

Topic: Main Chat Room / I wish I was a girl (bass sound)

Hey Matt,

big fan of CC and your playing – one sound that really stands out for me is “I Wish I was a Girl” what bass did you use for this? Played with a pick surely?

Luke

Topic: Help / meditation through the arts

This sounds very interesting Astara – I’m thinking about helping on Indian Slide Guitar? I’ll email you right away – Matt

Topic: Help / meditation through the arts

Hi Matt,
Am in Seattle and developing a website for creative arts over next six months at www.purecreativitywe.com. It is going to be organized around the elements of nature and the qualities of the chakras. Would like to get your suggestions on how your work may be presented within such categories, if you please.

I’d like to allign what we do with the new outreach plan. This would create a space for homegrown music too, although I hope to feature multicultural exchanges – music, arts and crafts. (To hear Delhi Chaya’s angelic Raagas would be sublime…)

I was recently inspired in Togliatti by artists from Novosibirisk and Veronish who said they introduced the public to Sahaj meditation through Music Appreciation classes or events, so I am trying the same in 2009.

Am blocking out 4 “Music Appreciation” gigs in 2009 that will feature one of the 4 elements of nature and the balancing of its attendant chakre) Am looking for venues, then will put out the call to those who can fit the bill. Whatever we do here in Seattle we’ll take to Vancouver on the same gig timeframe.

Thanksgiving concert “Courage to Fly” for battered women, “Young at Heart” Winter Concert ( Valentine's Day) at university or hospital setting, "From the Well of Inspiration" ( May Day)in an artsy setting, and “All’s Well in the World” in a recreational setting in August. That’s the plan so far.

What’s your availabilty like? How might you fit in. When last we talked briefly at one of the West Coast Seminars I think you said you wouldn’t mind having a songwriter’s conference at your place, ala Sundance Festival for the pen. Any more thoughts on that.

So far Sanjay’s available for vocals – now in Victoria – and some singers in San Diego are game – Sylvia, Sergey and Lina (Russians)...

Astara
206 450-8080
purecreativitywe@gmail.com

PS I ran into some great flamenco musicians in Cabella – perfect for the uptempo summer gig – but don’t expect to leverage a loan till year end, though am getting limited matching funds from a bank so far.

Topic: Main Chat Room / Hey bro!

Hi Laura! My own sister on here – this is great!! Mom is now a proud Mac owner and is discovering the internet so I’m glad you’re helping her as well! I’m glad that aunt Margaret is doing well. We’ll come up to Oakland soon and visit her. Talk with you soon sis – Matt

Topic: Main Chat Room / Hey bro!

Hi Matt,

Laura here. Your mom and I are going to sit down to eat salmon patties and drinking white wine (it’s after 5:00). We were visiting Auntie Margaret today and making sure she is getting the care she needs.

I just heard the CD with you and Tansen….wow! You both are amazing!

This is the first time I’ve visited your website and I think it is REALLY COOL!!!!

Love, Laura (and mom)

Topic: Bass Advice / Re-entering the bass world

Hi Raj and thanks for liking “Feel”! Yes I played everything on my record – it’s my “letter to the world” and hopefully the beginning of many more! Matt

Topic: Bass Advice / Re-entering the bass world

Agreed. With all the superegos in the music scene it was good to see one of our own especially a humble dude like Matt go on to do great things. It’s great hearing the about the memories of the high school daze, I didn’t think anyone remembered us. Man we had the scarves! I thought they were bandanas!

BTW I’m feeling that track “Feel” on “The Goddess Within”, are you playing everything on that track?