Bass Freq's Podcast | Marcus Miller (Ep 28)

With his groundbreaking style and carefully cultivated sound, Marcus Miller has created a unique and massively influential musical voice. His distinguished work with everyone from Miles Davis and Luther Vandross to Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey as well as a universally acclaimed solo career have further cemented his status as the preeminent living bass player. Simply put, the man is a living legend. In this season finale of the Bass Freq’s Podcast, Marcus joins host Josh Paul for an intimate conversation with that covers not just the usual tone talk but also in-depth stories about his hardworking start in the studios and clubs of New York, his musical and life philosophies, and his journey from session back-up musician to producer, composer, and signature artist.

[@nathaniellollis3868]

This was an AWESOME presentation!!!! Thank y'all some much!!!!

[@nathaniellollis3868]

I didn't hear of Marcus until the mid-70s. I was born in '58. Came up in foster care and living on the streets of NY. But I'd first heard Marcus in the [I think] with Roberta Flack. He [Marcus] is and continues to be THE hallmark bassist to me. He's the ONLY bassist who's brought me to TEARS!!! When he recorded something on his "Tales" CD with the Roberta Flack... she was talking about love always existing or something. Then Marcus went into his solo take on what she'd said. Man, that was so beautiful and smooth that it touched me DEEPLY in my heart. Also, David Sanborn's interpretation or version of "You Are Everything"... when I'd hear that over the radio, that was the FIRST time I'd actually WEPT over a piece of music. Marcus's fretless thing on that tune with Roberta's vocal intro was the SECOND time I'd WEPT listening to it. Marcus is THE [bass] man to ME. And he's just a cool dude!

[@thefid89]

Marcus! Awesome finally, I've been following all the episodes. I hope we get a season 2.

[@nathaniellollis3868]

I think it was in the mid or late 90s that I'd met (I mean actually MET) and talked with Dean Brown. I'd seen him with Marcus at SOBs in downtown Manhattan one night. Anyway he'd (Dean) attended my brother's wedding. He'd told me (off my brother's word) that I could hang with him and work on improving my bass playing and technique. AND he'd told me that he would speak with Marcus to see if he (Marcus) would consider taking ME under his wing. Dean had given me his number and gave and open invitation to call him whenever. I got home... looked at that number... and I FROZE in fear and intimidation!!!! My thinking was "I can't hang out with THESE brothers!!! They've already become household names!!! And Marcus is my HERO!!!!" Foolishly, I proceeded to rip up Dean's card and throw it in the trash. I STILL beat myself up over that all these years later. As a matter of fact, it was at SOBs that I'd gotten Marcus to sign off on a CD that he was promoting at that time!!!! I truly LOVE those guys!!!!