Dee Murray

His playing on the entire Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album is incredible. He had a wonderful knack for playing what was needed, and nothing more.

 

There was a big thread on Dee on here a little while back.

 

I started playing his stuff from the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album on an old guitar my sister had back in 1974 before I even picked up a bass.

 

Great player. May he rest in peace:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dee_Murray

 

I searched & found 6 pages of old Dee Murray stuff. Great player, of course.

 

You'll find that Dee is well loved and respected on this forum.

 

Well said. He was my inspiration to take up the bass in the 70s.

 

Hi I'm new here. Was just searching anything on Dee Murray and this "Talk BASS" page came up, so I've joined.

Pretty much all of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is excellent, but for me the one song that stands out completely in regard to Dee is his sweet, melting, lilting, smooth as silk, gorgeous bass line in "The Ballard Of Danny Bailey"
Is that a Ricky Bass he is playing for that tune?? I am not sure, but would love to know.

Thanks
John (New Zealand)

 

I love his playing on "Love Lies Bleeding" from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Great bass work and I'm instantly tranported back to the 70s when I hear that tune.

A TBer, can't remember his name at the moment, owns a Steinberger that was previously played by Dee on some of Elton's recordings.

 

Ok, I just went and listened to this song and, yes, what wonderful bass playing! Somewhat Beatles-like. Sounds like he is using a pick getting those nice chunky thumpy notes.

Did he play on Honky Cat?

 

Tho' Dee did own a Ric, the song was probably recorded with a Fender Jazz. In the Classic Album DVD of GYBR (late) producer Gus Dudgeon isolates Dee's bass part on this song. Its a cool section of the DVD but too short.

 

Yes to pick and Honky Cat.

 

See signature. The bass was used to record the EJ album "Too Low For Zero" and its single "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues".

 

Ooops, do I ever feel foolish. What a great thing to have. Must be a cool feeling to put on the album and know it's your bass you're hearing.

What bass did Dee play on Love Lies Bleeding? It sure sounds like a Rickenbacker.

 

Dee Murray & Davey Johnstone with Alice Cooper-
http://concerts.wolfgangsvault.com/dt/alice-cooper-concert/20049611-227.html

...pretty cool.

 

I got to see Alice back then, he introduced Dee and Davey as "they play with that fat piano player from England".

"What bass did Dee play on Love Lies Bleeding? It sure sounds like a Rickenbacker."

Fender Jazz.

I've posted this before, a Dee bio is in the works, lots of research is being done, I've been asked to be involved, the author would love to hear any thoughts you may have on Dee; his influence on your playing, etc.
Email me and I'll forward your comments:

[email protected]

 

I'm a big fan of his work with the Mirage in the 1960's.