Bongo on Letterman!

[MingusBASS]

While I was out of town at my parents house for christmas I was watching the Late Show and noticed that Will Lee was playing a Black Bongo 5 during a couple songs. I don't know if anyone else saw this but I thought it was pretty cool.

Andrew

 

[Bassplyr]

Wow, didn't think he would ever change from a Sadowsky! I've heard from other people in the industry that Will Lee is a gear whore (always wants stuff for free even though he can surely afford it). JonGuitarz, any truth to him wanting a free EBMM?

 

[bassmonkeee]

I think this is the 4th, or 5th time he's played a Bongo on the air.

Will Lee is also listed in the Carvin catalog as an endorser.

But, Uncle Will has earned more free gear than anyone. It's certainly a ringing endorsement if he's putting the Sadowskys down to pick up a Bongo.

 

[jongitarz]

I think I have built 2 Bongos for Will Lee, and a couple of SR5's as well

 

[cgworkman]

Am I the only one who thinks he's overrated?

 

[bovinehost]

Maybe.

He's very, very good.

 

[MingusBASS]

Am I the only one who thinks he's overrated?

I think he's a extremely solid and versatile bassist. I think he deserves any praise he gets. I would love to have that gig.

Andrew

 

[bassmonkeee]

Am I the only one who thinks he's overrated?

Over-rated how?

What are you basing this on? The 30 second clips you hear of him on the show? He might not win any double thumbing awards, but that doesn't get you gigs.

Being able to sight read 8 bars ahead of what you are playing, nailing a tune on the first take, and being able to sing as well as you play bass are what make Will the first call bass player in NYC.

How is this guy over-rated?

http://www.willlee.com/discography.php

And, you might be surprised how often you've heard him singing on commercials, too:

http://www.willlee.com/grooves_project.php?project_id=4

He isn't the flashiest player in the world (although he's got more than enough skills in that department, too) but I dare say you won't find a more talented bass player. I'd rather play like Will Lee than Victor Wooten any day of the year.

 

[bovinehost]

I had an ex-GF in the late 70s who loved Bette Midler.

I did not.

(I have since come to think that she has, in fact, done some interesting things.)

Anyway, the ex was constantly playing "Thighs and Whispers" (1979) and while I didn't care for the album, I heard it enough to realize that whoever was playing bass was KILLING.

That was Will Lee.

 

[MingusBASS]

I didn't know Will played with the Brecker Brothers. Does anyone know who played bass on the track skunk funk? Was it will?

Andrew

 

[bassmonkeee]

I didn't know Will played with the Brecker Brothers. Does anyone know who played bass on the track skunk funk? Was it will?

Andrew

It was either Will Lee, Marcus Miller, or Neil Jason. My money is on Marcus for that track, though.

Oh, and if you would like to check out a more comprehensive list of Will's underwhelming career, check out this list of credits:

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?...43&uid=MIWEB0501131206&sql=11:lf6uaknk5m3p~T4



How can a guy who played on Ace Frehley's solo album, the Animal House Soundtrack, and played with Barry Manilow in the same year not be impressive?

 

[cgworkman]

Over-rated how?

What are you basing this on? The 30 second clips you hear of him on the show? He might not win any double thumbing awards, but that doesn't get you gigs.

Being able to sight read 8 bars ahead of what you are playing, nailing a tune on the first take, and being able to sing as well as you play bass are what make Will the first call bass player in NYC.

How is this guy over-rated?

http://www.willlee.com/discography.php

And, you might be surprised how often you've heard him singing on commercials, too:

http://www.willlee.com/grooves_project.php?project_id=4

He isn't the flashiest player in the world (although he's got more than enough skills in that department, too) but I dare say you won't find a more talented bass player. I'd rather play like Will Lee than Victor Wooten any day of the year.

I'm thinking your assumption tht I'm comparing him to the likes of Victor Wooten, or someone like that is what killed your posting.

Double thumbing, or whatever else, has nothing to do with my opinion... It's just that: MHO. Take your medicine and calm down before going off on someone next time...

I'm sure there are players that I like and you don't - and vice versa. Also, I'm sure there are quite a few we can agree on too. Sometimes there's just certain nuances of a person's style that doesn't click with you. Believe it or not, it happens.

I'll agree that he has quite the extensive list - and I too would love to have his gig.

 

[TSanders]

Take your medicine and calm down before going off on someone next time...

I agree. Lets try come off less defensive. I understand where youre coming from Chris, but Will Lee is pretty smokin.

 

[bassmonkeee]

I'm thinking your assumption tht I'm comparing him to the likes of Victor Wooten, or someone like that is what killed your posting.

Double thumbing, or whatever else, has nothing to do with my opinion... It's just that: MHO. Take your medicine and calm down before going off on someone next time...

I'm sure there are players that I like and you don't - and vice versa. Also, I'm sure there are quite a few we can agree on too. Sometimes there's just certain nuances of a person's style that doesn't click with you. Believe it or not, it happens.

I'll agree that he has quite the extensive list - and I too would love to have his gig.

My medicine is simple--more cowbell. And, I wasn't going off. I was simply curious as to what made him "over-rated." I'm certainly no Will Lee aficionado who must defend his man's honor.

Can you be more specific about what nuance doesn't click and qualifies him as over-rated, then? I'm simply curious about what aspect of his playing stands out in such a way that prompted you to ask if you were the only one who thought he was over-rated enough to have that be your only comment on the player. Can you give me an example to illustrate his over-ratedness in your eyes? Too mechanical in his playing? Sits on the beat too much/not enough? Tone? Note choice? Hats? Strap length?

And, I'm sure we probably agree more than we disagree, but, you know, I give you credit for the sarcasm.

 

[bassmonkeee]

I agree. Lets try come off less defensive. I understand where youre coming from Chris, but Will Lee is pretty smokin.

Jesus--remind me to use more smiles next time I ask for further info...

 

[TSanders]

I was just stating how it came across bro.

 

[bovinehost]

Um, you guys are not going to continue to argue about Will Lee, are you?

Maybe it's time to cut down on the caffeine?

 

[Moondog]

Can you give me an example to illustrate his over-ratedness in your eyes? Too mechanical in his playing? Sits on the beat too much/not enough? Tone? Note choice? Hats? Strap length?

I hate his hats . . . and he gets paid too much.
He's quite handsome as well
A-hole

 

[cgworkman]

Maybe it's time to cut down on the caffeine?

You're kidding!









right?!?!?

 

[bovinehost]

Well, I run entirely on caffeine and Winstons and I'm okay, but you boys might want to consider some sort of half-caf thing.