Search - Fred Baker :: Missing Link

Segovia of the Bass

Robert Carlberg | Seattle | 10/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Freddie Baker is nothing less than "the Segovia of bass-playing," with extravagant technique to spare. Not only can he play "lead bass" as fast as anybody alive, but he has mastered all of the arcana associated, including fingerpicking (on a bass!), hammer-offs, stopped strings, popping, octaves, simultaneous "one-man band" lead & accompaniment -- to say nothing of all of the pedals and electronic manipulations.



Unlike somebody like Stu Hamm however, Baker's technique is always in service of the music. He's more likely to be found playing "sweet and low" than showing off, especially in a band configuration (he plays with In Cahoots, Bash, and several others). This solo album is somewhat out-of-character for him because it is a true SOLO album where he plays everything, and I think(?) without overdubbing. As such it's a bit more showy and "up-front" than he usually gets.



Nevertheless the variety of bass sounds and techniques he pulls up defy credence. He also plays acoustic guitar on one track and proves himself a mini-Segovia there too!"

Fred T Baker - Bass Master

Andrew J Derrick | Birmingham, United Kingdom | 11/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a compilation of live and studio work from fretless bass player, Britisher, Fred T Baker. Some great Pastorius influenced work using pedals and effects are mixed with his party piece solo bass efforts (see Chickin' Pickin' Good) and one lovely track which he plays on solo acoustic guitar. If you are a fan of Pastorius, Pattitucci or Bass Guitar generally, this is an album to check out."