The bass guitar virtuoso and Black Sabbath legend, Geezer Butler, has recently released a box set of his solo albums, Manipulations Of The Mind. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Bass Player sat down with the pioneer of metal bass guitar to discuss his illustrious career in Sabbath.
However, Butler also delved into his musical influences, revealing the five albums that shaped him into the iconic bassist we know today. While the list unsurprisingly includes Cream and the legendary Jack Bruce, there are a few unexpected gems that have played a significant role in Butler’s musical journey.
As Butler navigates the freedom of life after Sabbath, his solo albums offer a glimpse into the artist’s evolution and the diverse influences that have shaped his unique sound.
1. The Who – My Generation (1965)
Butler has always been known for his raw and powerful sound. He attributes much of his musical style to a particular album that captivated him in his youth.
“I used to love My Generation by The Who,” Butler recalls. “Every bass player quotes the bass solo in that song. It’s an incredible-sounding bass. Really raw, really rough.” This influential album helped shape Butler’s early sound, setting the stage for the distinctive tone that would later define Black Sabbath’s music.
Despite his immense impact on the world of rock, Butler remains humble about his abilities. “My bass playing is basic and not too fancy,” he admits. “I’m an average bass player.” However, his influence on countless musicians is undeniable, and his contributions to the genre continue to inspire generations of aspiring bassists.
2. Cream – Fresh Cream (1966)
The bassist recalls a pivotal moment in his musical journey that forever altered his perception of the bass guitar. “I didn’t really know anything about bass until I went to see Cream,” Butler explains.
“I knew about Eric Clapton’s guitar playing, but Jack Bruce’s bass playing was a complete surprise.” The concert was a revelation for Butler, who at the time was primarily a guitarist. Bruce’s innovative approach to the bass, combining melodic lines with rhythmic drive, left a profound impression on Butler.
“The way he bent the notes and came down the fretboard was amazing.” Bruce’s mastery of the instrument, even on the notoriously challenging Fender VI, inspired Butler to explore the bass as a more expressive and versatile instrument.
3. The Beatles – Abbey Road (1969)
Geezer has always been a devoted fan of The Beatles. Their music, particularly the bass playing of Paul McCartney, has had a profound influence on his own musical journey.
“Paul McCartney’s bass playing is unique,” Butler says. “I learned some of his basslines, and they’re so emotional, especially on the song Something.” McCartney’s ability to infuse his basslines with emotion and melody has been a constant source of inspiration for Butler.
Butler’s admiration for The Beatles extends beyond McCartney’s bass playing. “I appreciated all of them,” he says. “Their musicianship often gets overlooked, or it did at that time, anyway.”
4. Stanley Clarke – School Days (1976)
Butler cites the work of Mingus and other jazz greats as significant influences on his playing. However, it was Stanley Clarke’s album School Days that truly left Butler in awe. “I’d never heard playing like that,” Butler recalls.
“People used to tell me that I was a reasonable bass player, but then I heard him, and I felt like just giving up.” Clarke’s virtuosity and innovation raised the bar for Butler, inspiring him to push his own playing to new heights.
Butler’s admiration for Clarke’s artistry serves as a testament to his enduring passion for music and his willingness to learn from the masters. This experience also highlights the importance of continuous growth and the pursuit of excellence, even for those who have already achieved legendary status.
5. Joni Mitchell – Mingus (1979)
The legendary bassist was open-minded enough to explore new musical horizons, and one album in particular had a profound impact on his perception of the bass guitar.
“Jaco Pastorius was so innovative,” Butler recalls. “He was such a technical player, and I suppose he was the first guy to play like that.” Pastorius’s groundbreaking style, which challenged the traditional role of the bass, caught Butler’s attention and inspired him to rethink his own approach to the instrument.
“It was amazing listening to it,” Butler says. “You knew you could never come up to his level. You know what he was doing, and at the same time you know you could never do it yourself.”