The “holding midfielders” of rock’n’roll
Any great football team neeeds a great “holding midfielder”. They are the unflashy, often unlauded, engine rooms of the side. They tend not to grab the headlines or the Man of the Match awards (although they often deserve them). Even their role is described in pretty demeaning terms. They “sit in front of the back four”; they “do a lot of fetching and carrying”. But without them the more eye-catching players wouldn’t get to do what they do.
I’d say the equivalent exists in rock’n’roll, i.e. people, largely unsung, without whom a record or show wouldn’t be nearly as good as it is. Eddie Grant was on the radio yesterday talking about his favourite records. One of the ones he picked was “Move On Up”. Of course he heaped praise on Curtis Mayfield, but he also pointed out the massive contribution made by the percussion player “Master” Henry Gibson. A classic example of a rock’n’roll “holding midfielder” if ever there was one. I’m sure there are plenty more.
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steve cropper
booker t & the mg's guitarist...all those stax songs
First name I thought of, Johnnie Johnson.
He is now in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame so is no longer unlauded but still, talk about an engine room...
Reputedly the co-composer of much of Chuck Berry's incredible repertoire. Reputedly the inspiration for Johnny B Goode. Was driving a bus in the 1980's.
I watched a Chuck Berry....
....DVD last night....Toronto 1969.....£2 from Zavvi sale!
Yes, you're correct about Johnnie Johnson. The fact that most of the songs are in E flat is a bit of a giveaway. Easy key for a pianist, but no guitar player would use it before using much simpler ones.
Yes, I know Hendrix and SRV played in E Flat, but their guitars were tuned down half a step which is a different thing altogether.
Al Jackson Jr
Just imagine Booker T and the MGs without that drum sound. And 90% of Stax records as well.
Steve White
Without the greatest sticksmith in the world, Weller just wouldn't be as good.
i think the whole of booker t & mg's
probably qualify.
James Jamerson
You could include many of the great Motown players, but it was James Jamerson's busy bass playing that held all those songs together. Died a peniless alcoholic.
Another bassist that influenced the sound of a band and never played too much or too little is Dougie Thompson of Supertramp. Stop sniggering at the back and listen to the bass on 'Take the Long Way Home'.
I feel duty bound to mention Charlie Watts - hardly anonymous, but the epitome of the 'feel' drummer, and is the one constant 'good bit' about Rolling Stones records, no matter how patchy.
And if you see Crowded House live, you'll see what a great utility player Mark Hart is. Plays a range of instruments, often the butt of jokes but does it all with a smile on his face. Top chap.
Graham Maby
Joe Jacksons bass player. Joe always describes him as the *real* musician in the band.
Malcolm Young
funnily enough I was thinking about the self same thing when AC/DC popped up on my ipod yesterday and I realised that it wasn't the vocals or twiddly lead breaks that make the songs so rockin' but the rock solid rhythm guitar.
Its the drummer!
Dave Mattacks, Jim Keltner, Pete Thomas, Clem Burke, The late BJ Thomas, Jaki Liebeszeit, 6 of my fave identifiable thumpers, al lwith styles that transcend the usual, and travel well out of their usual haunts.
Simon Nicol
The best rhythm guitarist in the world. Once told off by Art Garfunkel for having "A noisy guitar strap".