181 - Lee Sklar: The Working Bass Player
Digest
This podcast features Leland Sklar, a renowned session bassist, discussing his career and musical journey. He recounts his early musical experiences, starting with classical piano and transitioning to bass guitar. Sklar emphasizes the importance of his formal musical education in theory and harmony, contrasting it with his innate musicality. His ability to read music proved crucial for his success in session work, where adaptability and versatility are key. The podcast highlights his collaborations with artists like Phil Collins (analyzing the challenges of performing "Sussudio" live), James Taylor, and Jackson Browne. Sklar discusses his approach to choosing basses, prioritizing sonic suitability over personal preference, and his use of the Dingwall bass with fanned frets. He shares his experience filling in for Mike Porcaro of Toto, detailing his intense preparation process using a "chart-free" method. Throughout the podcast, Sklar emphasizes the importance of meticulous preparation, collaboration, and viewing each project as an opportunity for growth and exploration, showcasing his diverse musical experiences across various genres.
Outlines
Early Musical Journey and Career Beginnings
Sklar's early musical experiences, from classical piano to bass guitar, his early career successes, and eventual burnout from classical piano, leading to his embrace of bass. Includes his formal musical education and the contrast between formal training and innate musicality.
A Career in Session Work and Musical Influences
Highlights Sklar's extensive career, listing some of the artists he's worked with, and discusses the importance of reading music in session work, adaptability, and versatility.
Analyzing "Sussudio" and Musical Development
A detailed breakdown of recording and performing Phil Collins' "Sussudio," including the challenges of recreating the synthesizer-heavy original live, and a discussion of Sklar's musical development and consistent approach to supporting the song.
Collaborations and Musical Philosophy
Anecdotes about collaborations with James Taylor, Jackson Browne, and others, highlighting the creative process and collaborative spirit. Includes discussions on bass selection, prioritizing sonic suitability, and his use of the Dingwall bass and fanned frets.
Stepping In for Toto and Chart-Free Learning
Recounts filling in for Mike Porcaro of Toto, describing his intense, chart-free preparation process involving repeated listening to internalize the songs. Emphasizes meticulous preparation even when working with established artists.
A Career of Collaboration and Adaptability
Further anecdotes about his career, highlighting meticulous preparation and the importance of knowing the material thoroughly. Includes his diverse musical experiences across genres and his philosophy of viewing each new project as an opportunity for growth and exploration.
Embracing Musical Adventures and Final Thoughts
Discussion of diverse musical experiences across genres (country, Christian, Latin) and his philosophy of viewing each new project as an opportunity for growth and exploration. He values collaboration and mutual respect within the music community.
Keywords
Leland Sklar
Highly acclaimed session bassist known for his work with numerous iconic artists across various genres. Renowned for his musicality and adaptability.
Session Musician
A musician who performs on recordings for various artists, often specializing in a particular instrument. Requires versatility and adaptability across genres.
Fanned Frets
A guitar or bass design where the frets are angled, improving intonation and playability across the entire fretboard. Offers a more even string tension.
Phil Collins
Renowned singer, songwriter, drummer, and record producer, famous for his work with Genesis and his solo career. Known for his diverse musical style.
James Taylor
Highly influential singer-songwriter known for his folk-pop style and intimate performances. A key figure in the singer-songwriter movement.
Musical Collaboration
The practice of musicians working together to create music. Emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and understanding.
Chart-Free Learning
A method of learning music by listening and internalizing the song's structure and melody without relying on written sheet music or charts.
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. Mike Porcaro suffered from this disease.
Dingwall Bass
A type of bass guitar known for its fanned frets and unique design.
Q&A
What is your approach to choosing a bass for a recording session?
I prioritize the sonic needs of the song. I consider the key, the overall feel, and what will best support the other instruments. Personal preference takes a backseat to what best serves the music.
How did your classical piano background influence your bass playing?
My piano training gave me a strong foundation in music theory and harmony, and a deep understanding of rhythm and phrasing. It also helped me read music, a valuable skill in session work.
How did you manage to learn and perform Toto's set in such a short timeframe?
I used a chart-free method, listening repeatedly to the music and visualizing the songs in my head. I focused on the keys of each song and internalized the structure through repetition.
What's your approach to working with different artists and musical styles?
I view each project as a new adventure and an opportunity to expand my horizons. I'm always open to new challenges and collaborations, but I'm also honest about my limitations.
What's the most important lesson you've learned throughout your career?
The importance of thorough preparation and the value of collaboration and mutual respect within the music community. Being open to new challenges and experiences is key.
What advice would you give to aspiring session musicians?
Develop a strong foundation in music theory and ear training. Be versatile and adaptable, and always prioritize the needs of the song over personal expression. Be a good listener and collaborator.
Show Notes
What’s it like to be one of the most recorded bass players of all time?
In this episode, Scott sits down with session legend Leland Sklar, the bassist behind classic records from Carole King, Phil Collins, James Taylor, Dolly Parton, Toto, and Diana Ross—just a glimpse into a career that spans over 2,000 albums. Lee shares unforgettable studio stories, his most memorable moments, and the bass lines that have defined his legendary career.
From decades in the studio to life on the road, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
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