Fretless Monster hears VULFPECK for the First Time

[@gavinjones3637]

I love the way Tony keeps saying "too much, that's too much" and reigning himself back, to serve the track.

[@docabj8097]

It's the wisdom, humility and restraint that comes with doing it long enough to become a true black belt.

[@nyobunknown6983]

A true professional!

[@baseballfan4877]

Definitely such an important skill that bassists need to learn.

[@jamesmacdonaldjr.3594]

That really stood out for me as well. A great reminder!

[@hamishsummers8585]

Yeah, that really stuck out to me

[@eringabrielle8932]

"I SURRENDER TO THE FUNK" is the quote of the day.

[@chrisbrenner4598]

I absolutely love how that fretless sounds. And he got the sliding harmonic in.

[@JerehmiaBoaz]

Agreed, Tony might give in to the funk but he does not give in to the urge to sound like Jaco Pastorius (aka the boring fretless bass disease).

[@big-smoke-rc]

@@JerehmiaBoazsomeone sounds bitter

[@JerehmiaBoaz]

@@big-smoke-rc Yeah, it's hard for sound engineers to pretend they're interested in a musician's sound if they recorded the exact same sound a 100 times before.

[@ardakeremoglu1]

@@big-smoke-rc yeah lol someone def seeks attention

[@Frank-w8q3f]

Fretless is a interesting thing, now.

[@adamwalker6420]

This is fascinating. This format is still going strong.

[@JoeMama410]

I was bummed that he wasn't hitting three quarter notes on E whenever it said "Three on E", but when he hit it on the very last bar, it felt like he was finally giving us what we were waiting for.

[@GuyManley]

Totally.

[@prestachuck2867]

#pro

[@robotgurney3222]

My guess is he's paying zero attention to the lyrics. He'd not even have noticed the phrase.

[@aakkoin]

I too was like "he's telling you what to play!" 3 on E :D Maybe he didn't listen to the lyrics, and there's one lesson, don't ignore the lyrics, of course the lyrics can tell you what the song is about and what to play.

[@emoedison]

Playing three quarter notes on E is absolutely a contemporary learned-the-bass-online everything-is-a-nerd-puzzle-to-be-solved approach. Thank goodness. Tony's less flashy and obvious approach is markedly better than what was originally recorded. I know these "first time listening" videos aren't about competition and comparison, but given that most 21st Century chops-forward pseudofunk makes me want to die, this video was refreshing and instructive.

[@SwoffBass]

Man... I love this. Tony is the reason I started playing bass after seeing him with The Firm in 8th grade. Just wow. Then saw him in a smaller venue with Blue Murder years later and that's why my fretless was my main bass for so long. So inspiring! I love hearing his thoughts and his take on music. So much fun in this vid. Thank you!

[@HeyRavil]

That's it. He convinced me. I need a fretless

[@jasonharris2291]

Those Squires are killer for well under 500

[@germatrix]

couldn't stop thinking about that during the entire video.

[@almendratlilkouatl]

go for an ibanez instead of a fender, less buzzy, more punch, great ergonomics

[@nate_4594]

@@almendratlilkouatlI second this^

[@jonchines]

Feel free to try a G&L Kiloton as a wicked outside option. A beast as fretless. (Also, yes, you need a fretless - tons of fun).

[@McThumpenstein]

I do believe Ian was a bit star-struck, which I totally get. Tony is fretless royalty. I liked hearing Tony play some funk. I would love to hear him do more.

[@SrBridges]

I LOVE the way Tony allows that GROOVE to breathe. I mean, I REALLY like Joe's sense of groove with those 16ths, but I think that, sooometimes, is good to leave that job to the hats and reach the beat with a more "silent" approach. SILENCE plays a HUGE role in "Da Groove" too 😎👌

[@sbdeluxe2088]

An awesome example of space with chops is Garrett Sayers from the Motet

[@benoitm9199]

So true

[@1chaka]

That’s why I kind of like their second project The Fearless Flyers as they play much tighter and a little faster, building around Nate Smith’s drums and Joe’s chugging bass. Check them out, it fits the sound much much better.

[@craighill3715]

Tony’s playing just makes me smile! I love Dart but Tony has a that burly, English funk that trips my trigger. And he’s just the nicest guy! And yes! Call James LoMenzo! I’ve been a fan of his forever and he’s another one of those can do it all guys! Keep’em coming guys!

[@Reptile8740]

6:28 I love Ian's excitement lmaooooo his pocket is so satisfying in its own way

[@WebProductions23]

Tony Franklin is one of those underrated bassists but his playing is so solid. The more I listen to Tony's work the more respect I have for him. And he seems such a down to earth person and would be so cool to hang with him whether basses in hand or sitting by a fire and talking.

[@brianschoner3350]

The fill at 6:57 KILLS me. Great to hear a fascinating take from the master/monster!

[@johnhmaloney]

Tony Franklin is one of my longtime musical heroes and the reason I play fretless. It was great get some insight into his process and see him play something that funky.

[@abject_ladder]

He's just gold. I'd love if you were able to get him on the channel semi-regularly

[@Tracks85]

Had the chance to meet Tony in 2013, he is a great guy,such an inspiring person.

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@vrednychomik2488]

Fretless Monster plays Vulfpeck, I never clicked so fast!

[@shannonmcmackin4665]

I had the pleasure of meeting Tony at a Rock Camp a couple years ago and this is a mashup made in heaven. Thank you!!! Ian, you have the best job if you consider this work,

[@3020AlexA]

That was cool. I enjoyed that onr the most out of this entire series. Great track to jam over. I loved his groove

[@jamesmelton7637]

omg Joe Dart "just a little bit safe" haha I love that

[@CinhoKnows]

Scott's excitement makes him a great host! Love it!

[@GeoTriantafyllakos]

Amazing! Keeping the E even on the parts where the song changes to A makes a whole different but also amazing song!

[@lockharthorsburgh8601]

In a word, wow. Showing what a fretless can do in the hands of a real expert, while still serving the song. This whole series continues to deliver real gems.

[@mngroove]

This might be my favorite one of these. I wasn't familiar with his work, but what a genuine person with such a great vibe. I like his blend of confidence and humility and that he gave an honest assessment of the original bassline that was critical but didn't come off as unkind, just constructive.

[@jmkqfnvyl87]

Tony has some of my favorite fretless tones. Def glad for this collab I play a lot of Tony inspired stuff as a fretless player who lives in the rock idiom mostly. I studied Rocco for my intro into funk playing, but I couldn’t do funky fretless without reaching for some jaco vocab-love that tony managed to keep his own unique flavor throughout. 😊

[@nachomagallanico]

wooooooow....Tony giving some flowers to James Lomernzo.....what a hell of a player he is!

[@prestachuck2867]

This song in its original form is totally a tribute to Tower of Power and the bass style of Rocco Prestia is all over it. Tony did a great job with it. This interview video has two big key lessons. 1. Ear training is vital. You won’t always receive proper charts, or any charts at all at every session or gig. 2. Anything that can played on a fretted bass, can also be played and sound just as great (or better) on a fretless bass…if you have the ears and the feel for it. Keep up the great work, SBL! (Edited for punctuation and spacing)

[@yisafps]

Antwan constantly telling him to hit 3 on e and him not doing it was kind of frustrating

[@IAmWorseThanYou]

Antwaun will be loving the Al Green/Prince comparisons though. Dudes incredible and deserves some love

[@bobthomas8342]

It wasn't frustrating at all. I liked what Tony came up with much better. I do wish that Ian would have pointed out that the "safe" 3 on E that Joe played was intentional.

[@DonovanFite]

Bahahaha FACTS. This dude is a master but musicians gotta pay attention to lyrics. So much context clues in there!

[@kingdeedee]

I was thinking the same thing haha, the instructions are literally in the name of the song 😂

[@KlintonSilvey]

It'll really frustrate you to realize that when Antwaun says "Three on E" you actually have to hit three on A...

[@scottpitner4298]

I love Giddy Lee’s excitement during his playing :)

[@wpcouch]

"I need a little bit of *DANGER*" lol love Tony!

[@devinebass]

🤣🤣🤣

[@EltonPereiraMusic]

Some bassists can play fretless so naturally, others seems like trying to adjust their playing. Tony definitely is one of the guys who make it sounds so much natural.

[@AdamJHMusic]

“It’s safe” and “it’s going right where it needs to be”. Given that the songs called 3 on E, he’s nailed that summary and Joe has nailed that bass line 😂

[@neoLover23]

❤ the fearless fretless monster

[@urbanadventurer5]

This is so cool to watch happen in real time. For someone that is learning and near the beginning of their bass guitar journey like me, this is freaking magical. Thank you! 👏🏾👌🏾

[@kotzy210]

also side note: James Lomenzo was the original bassist for White Lion. So I'm looking forward to that episode. And also, Hi Sharon 😎

[@pulserato5922]

Love this. To hear different musicians take on a song shows you what their influences are, and how to express what they hear. Awesome.

[@Ion_Ciumasu]

I love how honest he is about Joe's bass line

[@austerityclause]

Yep... Boomers gotta boom. It's all about social position. 😂

[@brentmadden789]

@@Ion_Ciumasu I much preferred Joe's bass line. To criticize after a subpar performance is pretty laughable

[@AbcDef-rs5po]

Definitely yes! He nailed what I feel about Vulfpeck: safe and dull, high skill but no creation, funk without funk, no edge. To be clear this is all subjective; he was only giving his opinion.

[@austerityclause]

@AbcDef-rs5po total bullshit, but u do u man ...

[@kennet7837]

@AbcDef-rs5po They've taken a minimalist approach on this track, but there are other Vulf tracks that I can think of which certainly contains more adventurous bass playing, like on "The Birdwatcher" for example.

[@liamgaliano]

Love the original bass line but also really dug Tony’s space on the verse. Fun stuff!

[@devinebass]

👍👍👍

[@ratmfanpage5695]

Please bring Tim Commerford to SBL!

[@MikeyHachey]

Tony Franklin is just the best. Had the pleasure of meeting him over the phone many years ago when he was the artist rep at Fender. He really helped me a lot with my first Jazz Bass and was just the sweetest human being to me. Killer player too! Cheers and great video here!

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks guys that was great, love Tony's style : The 3 F's - Fretless Funky Fun !

[@Skorpp13]

Every single time when I see/hear Tony Franklin I HAVE to take my fretless, every single time without any exception ;)

[@ragsna1630]

Great nomination with James Lomenzo

[@jamieperdue8663]

I've always loved Tony's tone.

[@zotake]

Tony is HUGE! What a funk he did! Love it!

[@oststadtseuche]

I love this "First Time" episode. Tony Franklin is such a great guy and great inspiration.

[@paramourcat]

I mean it's what he's known for, but it's wild to watch someone absolutely nail fretless bass like that, and improvise on an unfamiliar song, just crazy. I wish I sounded half that good haha

[@thomasfioriglio]

This was fantastic!!! I am not familiar with this song, though I have heard of the band and Joe Dart. I love the way Tony plays and have taken his online course, as well as owning one of his fretless basses. This was very cool to see how the process played out. And so much cooler to hear him play a fretless over this. Thanks so much for having Tony on and for this bass challenge. OK, time to go grab my fretless and get grooving!

[@bartgelin]

It reminds me heavily of Pulp Culture by Thomas Dolby - the vocal line especially :)

[@Frank-w8q3f]

This guy is the best. His mistakes, he even knows when he makes them. His second go is so funky, those harmonics are sick. He was trying to play that slide bass, he said this is too much funk. 8:57 this is a good pattern, sounds like funk. Ian needs botox to remove the smile from his face now. I agree with Ian, I like when he is leaving this open with more space. Joe could use some space, be more funky he's a pretty busy player, it's harder to play out of space. Tony is very honest and very knowledgeable. We all consider Joe like a young wizard and it's different to hear any criticism.

[@fundymentalism]

He's so crazy talented. Great interview

[@edfernandez2595]

Love Tony. That was awesome and he’s such a great person too. SBL should get Rudy Sarzo to do one of these videos. He has a large pallet of different genres from playing in the South Florida scene before he went to LA and hit it big.

[@smegulate9826]

such a privilege to witness a true conduit for music

[@joshuaowens5228]

Merry Fxxn! Holidays to us !! Thank you Tony and the SBL team for bringing the funk!

[@Push_Start_Nova]

Calling out the OJ bass line! So bold! In my eyes Joe can do no wrong, but fascinating to see a legend go after another rising legends bass line.

[@jimbo85]

This was glorious to behold! Don't we all 'surrender to the funk'? And I Iove the idea of danger.. very English 😂

[@photocat37]

His tone is amazing and that man can play.

[@MadeOnTape]

this format is always fascinating 🙏

[@Oeilsurtoi]

What we need now, is a Tony and Joe discussion

[@veintiocho.28]

L O V E the bass line and analysis of the Fretless Monster 😍...And thank you Scott...Great Vid🙏🏼

[@studiogerk]

Tony is such a monster, fretless or not! Super nice guy too. And his bass is killer. I own the exact model he is playing here (his signature bass) and it lives up to it!

[@nicktucker4916]

YES!!!! That was awesome.. I'm a huge Tony fan :)

[@milton_roza]

Wow, Tony!!! That was absolutely incredible

[@theprisonier]

So many albums got home he plays on. This guy is fretless monster absolutely

[@nachobassman]

Mr. Tony Franklin, what a great player.

[@extratime4315]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGTcq62vfKqWoqssi=-ZXs1lOwLIV1YWlu 2:00

[@dmitriikilishek]

It is just weird to see people complaining about 3 on E not there… I think given the amount of time given that was an amazing bass line he came up with. And btw, this is the first time I see this bass player. It was an amazing intro for me. So thanks SBL !

[@outlawrob316]

Oh I’d love to hear James Lomenzo on this - not only the two gigs mentioned but also played with Zakk on a lot of his gigs inc the Pride & Glory stuff. Would love to hear his take on something out of left field.

[@Jo-si3ot]

These are so much funner with random great bass players reminds me of the drumeo videos that do this:)

[@juniorkong9587]

Tony is sooo cool. When myspace was a thing, I sent him a friend request and he hooked me up within an hour. That’s rock royalty to me guys. Think about the pedigree and yet completely down to Earth. Keith

[@daphonquefabricekoch1864]

great version of Tony Franklin, and i love what he said about Joe Dart, cause it's the way I see him too. :)

[@leblille4146]

13:13 Megadeth is misspelled lol tells you how familiar they are with Metal in this channel.

[@JohnnyHurbonConnections]

I like my funk funked up. Franklin funked it into orbit. “FRETLESS !!!” What The Funk ?

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Tony is absolutely amazing!! Always enjoy the Fretless Monster on SBL and can we take a moment to acknowledge the IMA Fretless!!?? AYO!!!

[@kodafixed]

"I need a little bit of daynjah" - god I love Tony

[@bbellomusic]

Lesson: sometimes musicians need to listen to lyrics. The cheat code was right in front of him the whole time.

[@gutterbones]

That's true, but on the other hand, the chorus is actually played as 3 on A.

[@kingdeedee]

“A simple bass notation beneficial to your health” lol the answer is ALL OVER the lyrics

[@prestachuck2867]

I think he was deliberately holding back on playing the obvious. It’s called a tease, and real top professionals use that tool all the time.

[@spankingmonkey53]

This is a weird choice bc it really lives in the context of the live performance, where they do all the big three on E hits as the opener for the song. Saying “I like it , I don’t love it” will 100p be a career regret, though.

[@bbellomusic]

@@prestachuck2867 nah, he just wasn’t paying attention. So many professional musicians are so caught up in the instrumental part of a song, they don’t even hear the words. Plus the dude clearly has no interest in educating himself on new music if he doesn’t know Joe Dart or Vulfpeck. That alone tells me a lot about his tunnel vision.

[@BrettKlynn]

Ah Jeebus Crist Tony Franklin is an animal. Just casually hitting a slide harmonic chord at 6:29

[@JeremyAndersonBoise]

Good gravy his tone is huge and glorious

[@Sarvasaha]

That was awesome. Now I would love to hear Pino jamming on that one.

[@nicholasbalette6354]

Absolutely digging in the bass grooves

[@music.legacyinternationali5252]

Tony, you are amazing!

[@uribetorres]

I hope you get James Lomenzo to participate in this, he is such an underrated bass player can't wait, also I can't believe you (Scott's Bass Lessons) haven't done a special or tribute to T.M. Stevens.

[@hamishsummers8585]

What the youtube bass world NEEDS is for you to get Danny Sapko doing this

[@sherlock4791]

Do not fret for tony is here!

[@nnervous]

This man is always a joy!

[@Sleepy8]

Two class act guys. Great video.

[@devinebass]

Appreciate it!

[@chrisggoodwin777]

Love this series! Tony is indeed a monster, as is Joe. That hi hat groove must also be recognized, so tight and clean. If you get Lomenzo, see if he'll play his Wyn 😁

[@GogOtHeCaT15]

He says that Joe's line was safe but I thought that besides some fret-less shenanigans, Tony's lines were much more basic and safe. Oh well

[@antwellman6135]

Love Tony's playing...

[@patrickross5509]

Brilliant! Great bass player!

[@jbookbass]

incredible Tony! So funky

[@ninjagred5888]

i love Tony's version

[@alaskan_bergwanderer]

Damn, this dude IS a monster player. Great video!

[@juanignaciogoicovic5458]

what a performance !! just missing the 3 on E

[@It_is_I_Stupid]

That TONE of his 😱🔥🔥

[@brettkester1639]

I hope I can grow up to play like Tony someday!! 🎶💜🎶

[@mrwakacorp]

Great video man! Surrender to the funk!

[@ElricX]

Too cool! Tony really is a beast!

[@RexBarca]

Great video, well done all.

[@dirkjanklijn9949]

Great to whitness a groove build from nothing, I love this ❤