Posted by Michael Munson on June 25, 2001 at 14:38:49:
In Reply to: Re: Edgar Meyer posted by DAN PLISKOW on April 09, 2001 at 21:10:58:
: : : Does anybody out there know what this guy uses for amplification? Anything for that matter in regards to how he gets that incredible tone. I am a jazz player and really don't listen to any bluegrass (though I do like some). I have tried so many things to find the tone that he has and can't even come close. I am sure he is a far superior player than I but I can play alright too. It can't all be technique can it? That tone is keeping me up at night. I simply must have it!!! Somebody help me! Michael
: : He discusses a bit about it in this writeup. Hope it helps.
: : Mark
: : http://www.bassfrontiers.com/articles/edgar/
:
: Take my word for it - it's him - it's his technique - It's his exceptional talent -
: it's his bass, it's his pick-up. He's the best classical player in the world or as good as anyone else and he plays good bluegrass and Jazz and who else can do that? I spent four days with him at an ISB convention in "93"
: and he plays that great with no pick-up. Go watch him live one day and you'll see the same thing.
I saw him perform live in Kansas City. He performed his bass concerto and all he had for a pic up was a mic in front of his bass. His concerto, like most of his music, had a strong bluegrass and jazz influence. Even his quintet that he composed and performed with the Emerson string quartet has a heavy bluegrass feel. I wish I could have a storage bank in my mind from that concert(or I wish I could get a video tape of it). His concerto had everything from Romantic like sweeping melodies to his jazzy pizzicato style. After his concerto, we (the small audience on a Sunday afternoon) gave him a standing ovation. He then played a great encore. From hearing his encore, you could tell it was all skill. He played "Pickles" from his first compilation with Yo-Yo Ma and Mark O'Connor, Appalachian Waltz. Since it was a solo encore, he played the introductory funky bass line then some improvisitory stuff. It was amazing! His intonation was flawless and his sound filled the hall even when he played a softer pizz. I suppose some of that might have been his instrument and mic also, but it was still very impressive. If you have a chance, go see him play his concerto. He might still be on tour playing it at various places. His ability, technique, and compositional talent is an eye openner for any bassist.
Mike