The Marcus Miller Interview: The Man, The Myth, The Legend

[@devinebass]

*PLEASE READ* - It's come to our attention that there are some commenters on our videos who are trying to scam our subscribers with offers of free gifts and message requests. None of these comments are official or from us. We will never reach out via the comments of a social media channel. We're doing our best to remove the comments and flag the accounts in question!

[@GabrieleChiusano]

I didn't fall for it, but happened to me minutes ago.

[@JohnB.6251]

Scott, I just got a weird comment in response to my praise for the interview yesterday. Did not go for it either.

[@MrConfo]

The reply i just received just above "I got something for you/Text on Telegram" looks like this also.

[@Darko7274]

What free gifts they offering? I like free gifts

[@kasunmaduwage2316]

Yes, this is not the first time, these guys have been doing this miserable game for last several months, unfortunately officials of you tube don't take any action to eradicate such misleading. Brandon Acker faced the same issue. How ever it's better to be informed in advance to your fans through your all social media.

[@szeifertbalint]

I would love to see Pino Palladino in this series🙏

[@SoundmanCH]

Yes, fully second that! Love Pino’s playing!

[@theoriginalderhythm]

Yes!!!

[@yenneferalvarez7122]

Why? He didn't even play on neon.

[@vincentpowell1774]

yes he is doing outstanding work

[@szeifertbalint]

@@yenneferalvarez7122 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pino_Palladino#Discography that's why ;)

[@adamadeptus3686]

I love Marcus' Miller's humility. Scott tries to play a part showing off his bass skills and his first comment is "go to the trumpet solo." Highlighting and celebrating his fellow musicians. Not only a masterful musician, but like Victor Wooten, an incredible human being.

[@rogerringold616]

Yep. You want to claim him as family.

[@adamadeptus3686]

@@rogerringold616 Amen. Bass family. 🙏

[@johnmcaleese8459]

@@adamadeptus3686 Yeah, Marcus was laying down some killer bass on that record at what 19 yrs old, the show is about bass players and he says go back, go back to that solo, the horn man, the horn !!! Man he knows music and in my opinion, easily one of if not THE best. I love listening to him. Speaking and playing and I just play guitar.

[@nipperinshorts]

To hear him turn to talk about the trumpet near immediately was absolutely incredible. What a guy.

[@itsantone8262]

Yeah, he's a musician's musician it would seem. Knows all the theory, has an unlimited discography and experience on multiple instruments. Really made music his life and it's impressive to watch.

[@peterdvideos]

Thank God Marcus’s mother got him a second and third bass! It would have been reasonable for a parent not to, but her heart was all there.

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@rogerringold616]

You aint lying....my God...3 basses...before 15yr

[@ronfleming5488]

Literally the GOAT of bass playing - left his bass in a car in NYC and had it stolen. It's such proof that we are all actually human! WOW!

[@hardlightme]

Yes! Real faithfulness!

[@JanilGarciaJr]

I thank HIS MOTHER. Believing in her kid gave us EVERYTHING Marcus created.

[@BobbyLong-xt6ng]

Scott this has to be one of the best interviews you have done. Marcus Miller is a treasure to hear the backstory on some of my favorites musicians. Marcus you are the man.

[@devinebass]

Yes dude! Thanks for watchin' !

[@RC32Smiths01]

Marcus has got to be one of my biggest influences on the bass, I probably wouldn't be playing without him. What a great guy he is, and what a great way to cap off the year.

[@alfonzo9]

That was amazing!! Thx u so much for all the inspiration u And this channels inspires🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@janvanderheijden3733]

Bullshit

[@sugatoroy1254]

Jaco, Marcus & Wooten ... these three have revolutionized the bass like no other.

[@devinebass]

🔥🔥🔥

[@markrobinson8410]

Stanley Clarke too

[@SimpleSimonUTubeUser]

Yeah, but plus Stanley!!!

[@gimmeagig]

Marcus for over an hour? Are you kidding me? I loved Marcus for close to 40 years it seems. He's been my main man forever. Thank you for making this interview happen

[@philiphughes5412]

I totally agree! I hardly ever look at anything that is over 6 minutes ... but this just absorbed me from the beginning!

[@lallytshabalala3678]

And it still didn't feel enough...

[@BUTGOD-j1x]

Glad I see someone knows good musice when they hear it. Mr Miller is the best bassist and songwriter of our time in my opinion. and that's saying alot.

[@ganttv]

This has to be the hippest interview I’ve ever heard on Marcus Miller’s career. Scott you asked pertinent questions we bass players wanted know, such as when did he get the preamp in his 77’ Jazz bass. I know a lot about Marcus(I grew up in Jamaica, Queens, NY), but the candor of this interview gets 5 stars. Keep it going Scott, the Bass community truly appreciates you and SBL!!

[@explosionof9]

I would absolutely love to see Meshell Ndegeocello and Esperanza Spalding in this interview series 🙏🏾

[@tulak90]

+1 for Esperanza Spalding

[@LowendNate]

@@tulak90 you can make that a +2 id love to see her on here as well!

[@grindguz]

Those 2 women are fenomenal

[@6minus3minus2]

Absolutely! Both are incredible players and songwriters. Would love to hear both talk about songwriting as bassists. The textures their songs have are just incredible.

[@ronaldburns3083]

Mehell ndegeocello is baddest and funkiest bassist on the planet for those who don't know , you need to get hip!

[@palepa15]

…and his break down of Luther Vandross teaching him and breaking down vocalists was AMAZING!

[@ScottWozniak]

I met Marcus while I was recording at The Power Station during the fall of '91. Tony Bongiovi introduced me to him. He was a class act then and he absolutely still is. I grew up roller skating to jams like "Never Too Much." This guy's sound is embedded into my brain. Much love for having him on! ❤

[@pauldavis6356]

In interviews with Marcus, he always comes across as a humble, down to earth person, and this interview just reinforces that opinion. I like the stories about his early days. His history is mind-boggling. Nicely done Scott.

[@marklowe7431]

It's not just his bass skills it's his approach to music which is a gift to anyone willing to learn.

[@Jason5818UI]

been a Marcus fan almost 30rys and this is a great interview showing Marcus millers knowledge and range as a musician and bass player...far more to his style than just slap...he's extremely well rounded and knowledgeable ...before he went solo he was one of the top session bassist ...theres a reason he played on over 500 albums

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

I love these interviews with guys often described as the “shy bloke fiddling around at the back of the band”. Foundations are often unseen but nothing works without them 😎

[@cesarvaldez112975]

The Anthony Jackson Interview: The Man, The Myth, The Legend!!!

[@franckbass]

Oh yes

[@theoforde-stiegler]

Yeahs Lawd!!

[@jahbrae]

I really enjoy the geeking out and actually playing the music alongside. Thank you

[@Sharing13]

Dude I’m a drummer I loved all of these stories!!!! I learn drums by watching and listening to bass players

[@bassferkud4171]

Funny because as a bass player to improve my playing I listen to drummers ,from Elvin Jones to Dennis Chambers hahahaha

[@jimmoore8951]

I’m with you. I could be wrong, but I don’t think anyone appreciates a good bass player like a drummer.

[@buddywilliams9876]

Thanks For Playing this Video with US ‼️ Buddy Wms 💜

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

Pure GOLD!!! An undisputed LEGEND!!! A MASTER of his craft!!! ❤❤❤

[@boger5060]

He never gets old

[@yohankim5041]

When I was studying music over 10yrs ago, I had to copy all his music. which I liked, but when I met him in person at Blue Note NY, and talked lit, then just realized what a wonderful, and humble he is. Can't stop loving him. 100% respect.

[@norsangkelsang7939]

the best interview I have heard with Marcus.

[@ClarenceP11-B]

Marcus Miller one of my all time favorite bass player he's on a another planet I have all of his CDs very wonderful person !!!

[@devinebass]

🔥🔥🔥

[@reginalawson2860]

Hey Marcus. This is Regina Lawson, Ricky Lawson's sister and Paul Riser's niece. I'm so glad to see you doing well and looking GREAT. You played a lot of gigs and played a lot of tours with Ricky. I wish he was here but GOD had a better plan. ❤️❤️❤️

[@toyetoyetoye]

Ricky Lawson! One of the greatest! May his soul rest in peace!

[@andrejutel9110]

Ricky was an amazing drummer! Loved his playing with The Yellow jackets. RIP to your brother

[@reginalawson2860]

@@andrejutel9110 Thank you so much ❤️

[@kentbyron7608]

Hallelujah! Someone finally asks Marcus about his composition process. Gratitude, Scott!

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@chardbass]

Great interview Scott. I could listen to Marcus all day- he’s one of the best storytellers around and his experiences span some incredible periods in music. What I love is his willingness to talk with such detail about subjects he has discussed before re Miles, Jaco and his formative years etc. He seems like a real good guy. Those 75mins flew by.

[@lallytshabalala3678]

Very true, he's a great storyteller. I always never get enough, I still felt like there could be more, maybe a Full Marcus Miller MASTER-CLASS?

[@doug5yuiop]

Definitely a great interview. I watched the whole thing immediately I found it.

[@understanding77]

I love how passionate these guys are about bass. Seeing them smile talking about different licks motivates me as a person who just picked it up nine months ago. I strive to be as good as these two ❤

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@borntobass6452]

PINO!!! Just this morning, I listened to Vultures by John Mayer. I've heard that song 100 times, but today, I listened to only the bass. I CANNOT FREAKING BELIEVE how much his playing adds to that tune. The best part, though, is that I didn't realize JUST how good it was until I made the "effort." He somehow manages to CONSTANTLY play unbelievable licks without drawing attention to himself. On top of that, much of what makes his playing so tasty is not just the notes, but how he articulates them. He *speaks* bass like no other. I know I don't have to explain this. It's not like he's an obscure studio musician - haha. I was just SO blown away by his chops literally 12 hours ago. SO cool to have Marcus Miller on SBL! What a dream!

[@TitusB226]

Pino's playing with D'Angelo is amazing

[@glynemartin]

One of the best interviews I've seen in a long time. The everyday reality of being a musician... how you evolved and how you were influenced is properly captured here. Good job Scott!!..

[@Dave_Meunier]

You know what, kinda had a bad year, felt sad this morning and then I listened to this while drinking my coffee, and it gave me hope. I felt it's most simple than I do most of the time, just, wake up and make some music man. So, thank you, both of you.

[@3D1ofakind]

Hell yeah! Any place I can hear your music?

[@DanielFFA]

What you got, can I hear?

[@3D1ofakind]

@@DanielFFA do you produce?

[@neonstagerj]

That's one of the best stories I ever heard from a musician, because he covers all the 'Behind the scenes ' situations that happened

[@johndublyoo2553]

What a player !!!!! and he talks about every player I'm a fan of, especially Jaco but most of all the whole interview is a great insight into the life of Marcus, can't thank you enough Scott.👏👏

[@1alb]

Marcus’s gift is he knows how to compliment the artist he’s playing with. Love his work with Luther Vandross - he works so well with vocalists!

[@Jason5818UI]

That was a skill that was developed. His gift is his imagination and uncanny ability to goove its nnmatched.

[@kieferdrozario6468]

Probably one of the best bass interviews online. Having played with the artists mentioned some of which I wasn't aware of before this video, it's insane that Marcus is so chill and humble. The backstories bring out the young boy in him. Huge respect for putting this together. ❤️❤️❤️ Loved it

[@markmilner842]

This is a great development. I love Marcus. Other bassists I’d love to see interviewed like this: Ron Carter, Tony Levin, John Paul Jones.

[@JohnHulland-if5xc]

Marcus' mom is thee best mom of all time!!! Parents can really help or really hinder a kids musical dreams..

[@martinezmailbox]

Damn. best interview of our hero Marcus. Thank you Scott., this interview was decades in the making. 🙏🏼

[@patricklosiniecki8503]

Meeting this man AT MY JOB was a great and life changing experience. He's really as cool and pleasant as he appears. Such an amazing guy and musician. Complete game changer. Absolute legend.

[@ronaldburns3083]

Marcus has a sound that has just the right amount of grit and dirt fret buzz which is part of his great sound.

[@ElimanGibba]

Never heard of him until today January 14th 2023 !!! Cha ! What a Revelation !!

[@alexeyzavolokin]

Love Marcus! Huge thanx to all SBL crew for making it happen! Best regards!

[@mkhaynes1]

I had the opportunity to meet Marcus on two different occasions. One was Yoshi's San Francisco. We talked shop about his signature bass, which I own and the sound. At the time he was using DR strings. I mentioned I didn't really like the sound from DR strings. He was so kind as to tell me to use the strings that satisfy my sound, which at the time were GHS lites. I met him again at NAMM and mentioned we talk shop again and he told me to try the SWR preamp. He said that would wake the bass u[ even more. I just appreciated his modesty and his help. He helped me to appreciate, its not how good you are, but how you can help the next budding musician with tips and advice. Thanks my man....much appreciated!

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

Genius, one of the very few important Electric Bass Guitarists in the history of the instrument. A total Musician. 👌🏿 I KEEP telling Bassists and Musicians over here that they HAVE to get into Jazz, even if it's just to listen it, it makes one a lot more comprehensive and learned as far as Contemporary Music goes. Anthony Jackson has to be interviewed while we're still lucky to have him with us 🙏🏿 Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤

[@ReggWashBass]

I remember these early days hanging with Marcus & my big brother Kenny in my crib listening to records. I sat there & watched... & learned. Thanks big brother M!

[@airbornec7ld205]

He has to be the goat of our era on the bass. Been following him for over 40 years

[@kevinaldridge]

I’m blown away by Marcus’s incredible musical talent. But more so by his unfettered soul. ⭐️

[@kevinaldridge]

Meaning he hasn’t been consumed by the ego fuelled music business. Still down to earth despite his incredible talent. A rarity. ⭐️👍🏽

[@vinsharrelson2246]

Scott! This is your best interview EVER!!! Marcus Miller is a major inspiration to my playing, and to get a little more insight into his techniques, along with the stories on his progression as a musician is pure gold! 75 minutes went by like it was 10! Bravo!!!

[@adamguy458]

Great interview. Next up: Victor Wooten, Larry Graham, Pino Palladino, Stanley Clarke, Chuck Rainey, Abe Laboriel...these interviews are needed

[@CherryHaze86]

And here I am, on my first bass, learning where the notes are on the fretboard... Thanks for the interview!

[@michaeldavis9954]

I don’t even play the bass. I’m just here for the stories and the amazing vibe. Great stuff!!

[@mylesmcpherson8380]

Marcus Miller not only a great bassist but a great Man!!! Big Bruh, you know what I always say "JAZZ IN THE HOUSE REPRESENT, REPRESENT! FUNK IN THE HOUSE REPRESENT"!!!!!

[@clivehunte3026]

I was very fortunate to have a brief private bass session, when I looked after him and his band when they came to Manchester in early 2000 and he signed my Marcus signature Fender bass. It was a truly blessed day.

[@MikeGiusti]

Interviews with bass legends like Marcus really propel SBA to the next dimension in bass education. Thank you, Scott and team, for taking the time to sit down and allow us be flies on the wall and absorb all the rich experiences and history of all types of genres of music!

[@koool91270]

Best music interview ever, gonna listen to it every once in a while

[@marcusvolta6685]

The greatest musicologist, period. I have listened to and own many recordings of his personal albums and numerous folks that he also performed with besides checking his own gigs. A truly one of a kind.

[@NickJBravo]

This is huge. I don't even play bass (jazz saxophonist mainly) but this man has so much wisdom and listening to his stories about the greats and musicianship in general has been amazing! Thanks to the both of you!

[@RobMods]

Love these long form interviews. How about releasing them as a podcast? 30:40 the preamp is actually a Bartolini TCT that was installed by Roger Sadowsky. I didn't realise it was so early in the 80s though. I just posted a video all about the TCT with testing, frequency response, and a pedal build. Cheers Scott!

[@smagrath1]

I don't usually comment on social media - but this was a Gift! Thanks.

[@ja773r]

Absolutely fantastic interview. One of those rare gems.

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@jamesvaughn1715]

Marcus Miller is a musicians , musician. He knows when to stand out and shine, and he also knows when to just keep the groove going for the other musicians are playing, especially when recording music with other musicians. He is most definitely one of the top bass players ever.

[@joechampion4484]

GREATNESS, Scott. I don’t even play an instrument, and I still learn so much and get so much enjoyment from your videos. 🙏🏿

[@dejuan4967]

Marcus Miller is a musical treasure. He has "established" a sound for the bass that is now the standard in contemporary music. Watching this interview, I have to say that I really like him as a person. He is so humble given that he has been sought after by "giants" in the music industry to play with him. To me, he is the "bass".

[@Makewisechooses]

I am in heaven. Marcus Miller, sharing stories. Love the interview. Scott, you're the "F@ckn man

[@robobass25]

I got my USA Fender Jazz from that exact street back in the mid 90s though and I still have it today! 😁 crazy cos I live in Australia. I was lucky enough to go there with family. When I heard that they no longer had that street full of music shops a few years ago it broke my heart! I still remember it like it was yesterday! Keven Bacon walked in with his son and bought some guitar leads and looked at me and rolled his eyes and looked back cos of the huge amount of paparazzi waiting outside 🙄😵‍💫 it as a Sam Ash Music shop that only had bass guitars!!! 4 stories high! I tried as many as I could and ended up with the USA Fender Jazz bass. An experience I will NEVER forget!

[@jarettcron8894]

Marcus Miller is an absolute class act. Great job Scott and SBL team!

[@insidechocolatewithjimothy5313]

What a privilege to sit and listen to Marcus Miller throughout this interview.

[@johnhorton1532]

That was great! I love Marcus, his music , his attitude, his stories, you get the gist. I’ve been playing a Sire V-7 4 string for a couple of years now, and when our pastor first saw it, he said, “That’s the most beautiful bass I’ve ever seen “. Our guitar player, after he heard it, thought that I had bought some boutique bass for $2-3,000. Thank you Marcus for all you do for your fellow bass players, and thank you Scott for all the same reasons. Bass B’ Groovin’. ❤️👍😎

[@Whos-That-Guy]

Dude I had the American fender custom shop MM 5 string. Worth 4 times as much as the v7.... The V7 sounds better, plays just as nice.. I sold the fender and bought 3 sires..

[@yjuppa]

I was very touched by this “war stories” section where Marcus described how it felt to have played with Miles. Also, your story about coming back home after a very painful experience in a session. Wow man. Just wow. I want to rewatch every second of this talk ❤

[@heribantomas]

Pure gold 🥇 PURE GOLD !! thanks Scott for this interview and BIG THANKS TO THE Sir MARCUS HE IS AN LEGEND!! BOOOOM

[@heribantomas]

@chiderachineliwu mee too F off. 🤘😘

[@kevinwilson5711]

To me, Marcus is the best bass pattern pocket bass player of anybody I've ever heard. Good job Marcus 👍

[@eldorado5319]

Thanks for the awesome interview Scott! 🙏

[@revbharvey5046]

Oh man, I still remember the first night I heard "Straight to the Heart". A mate had it on his car stereo and turned it up real loud. AMAZING!!

[@RamaNatan]

Marcus!!! Much love for what this guy has done to the bass world

[@robertp457]

Just watched Marcus Miller play at Ronnie Scott’s in London and it was an amazing time. All the musicians playing with Marcus are world class and they put on such a good show. Their tour manager is such a nice man, too, I can tell he’s taking care of the guys. And the bass tech is awesome, too. A great group of people I hope the rest of their tour goes smoothly and they have fun and get some rest, soon!

[@bob08053]

Such a great interview! Marcus is the man

[@czipendejs]

I love Marcus, literally. Honestly, you both are great, thank you for this interview.

[@Discophonic]

Wow ! This interview is exceptional ! I devoured that in one sitting, I love listening to him he is so humble !!! 🌟🌟🌟

[@Akashic.R]

I saw Marcus Miller at the Dominion theater in London UK in the 90s . Absolutely amazing!!

[@mwoody4560]

There are too many bassists to name. I’d love to hear from any great bassist, from any genre, you can get. Love your channel.

[@kevinwilson5711]

Marcus Miller is a great bass player. A visionary musician, who plays with realistic goals in mind. His style of execution is phenomenal. He's way ahead of his time. Good job 👍 Marcus.

[@williamhurst446]

Finally!!! What a great conversation. Ian needs to interview Justin Meldal-Johnsen. GIVE IT TO IAN ALREADY.

[@andrejutel9110]

Marcus turned me onto bass. His unique sound sent shivers down my spine when I first heard him. Let's Just Say Goodbye by David Sanborn was the first track I ever heard him on and the love affair with his playing never stopped! I might add that I don't even play the bass but his playing always takes me to a higher place. A thoroughly nice bloke and humble, does it get anybetter! Someone who really does deserve the accolade of being called a legend! Thanks Marcus 😊

[@devinebass]

Such a legend!

[@bigbronx]

Kudos to Thomann for supporting the Sire basses launch in EU. I bought mine from them, a V7 gen 2, shipped from Germany to Spain as it was the only place where they sold them.

[@lallytshabalala3678]

Yeah, Big ups to Thomann!!! I also had my V10 Shipped to South Africa through them and it took less than 2 weeks for it to arrive

[@rogerringold616]

Tom brown....I remember this tune....loved that bassplaying...never knew it was him.

[@calculus77]

OMG. The best new year's gift ever. 👍 Thank you. I started my journey on the bass in my teens mainly because of MM's influence.

[@patricklosiniecki8503]

Hearing him talk about Miles Davis is honestly what it felt like meeting him. I true honor.

[@Jazzbassjames]

Cool vid! Ideas for guests: Pino, Lee Sklar, Meshell Ndegeocello, Darryl Jones, Steve Swallow, Matthew Garrison, and many more!

[@theoforde-stiegler]

Seconding Matthew and Meshell!!

[@waynemcdaniel7405]

Marcus is simply my favourite bass player of AllTime. From Luther to Miles to his own bands.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Come to Australia Mr.Miller🙏🏾

[@zeca5150]

This guy is part of the Bass History... capital B, capital H! I would love to see Stuart Hamm being interviewed by you!

[@willsedillo8580]

Showing technique, is such a blessing for young bass playing musicians!!!

[@NLTipper]

I mean, goes without saying but a Pino interview would be incredible. Another one I don’t see mentioned much, maybe because he’s a punk rock guy, but I absolutely love Matt Freeman from Rancid/Operation Ivy.

[@cyrilschroder5394]

It tells a lot about him that he immediately draws attention to the trumpet solo. What a nice man!

[@devinebass]

💯💯💯

[@allmusic55]

Wow, what a marvelous interview, and I’m not even a bass player! But still, to see and hear ( play and talk) someone of Marcus’s stature is a real treat, his anecdotes, his personality, his simplicity as a person, it’s really inspiring, the only shame is that throughout the interview I got the distinct feeling that we were witnessing a person of times gone by…there aren’t any Miles,Jacos, Zawinuls and the like anymore…got a bitter sweet taste after all.

[@Dyshof]

What a great interview. Marcus is the boss. I got my first Fender in 77. Self earned money. Didn't loose it twice, still here with me. Interview partners, my humble proposals: Tom Kennedy, Gary Willis, Darryl Jones, Tal, Byron Miller, Mono Neon.....

[@felixoneill5162]

I'd love to see Joe dart on this sort of video. With the new vulf album out, it's perfect timing!

[@peterpedersen1641]

Marcus is just Sooooo Goooood. When I saw Marcus playing the first time. I just sat there wide eyed... The dude kicked ass from front to back, smooth as glass, rough as a mountainside. His humility is also a trait that makes him the perfect dude to have running the rythym section and front man of his bands. Love his groove. I live in Greenwich Village and have seen Marcus in a few clubs play back in the day and also with such players as Victor, Steve and the great Stanley Clarke. WTF! Right....? And when a couple of these guys gets together, watch out! Thanks for the interview, Scott! Well done, Thanks Marcus, for being there man!

[@mr.force1036]

Thanks Scott, super interesting and well done. Very cool. Big thanks to Marcus, thanks man! I learned a lot just listening to you guys…😎 James

[@Vitimk12]

Marcus was the guy because , even being a guitar player, I began studying bass. I saw him live three times. For me , he's the number one.