An Investigation of the Electric Bass Guitar in Twentieth Century Popular Music and Jazz
An investigation of the electric bass guitar in Twentieth Century popular music and jazz. A thesis presented by David Stratton in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree, Master of Arts (Honours). School of Contemporary Arts College of Arts, Education, and Social Sciences University of Western Sydney April 2005 i Abstract The acoustic bass played mostly an accompanying role in popular music during the first half of the Twentieth Century, whereas the arrival of the electric bass guitar in the early 1950s presented new opportunities for acoustic bassists and musicians, composers, producers, engineers, the recording industry and the listening public. The distinctive sound of the electric bass guitar encouraged musicians to explore new timbres. The musicians who embraced the electric bass guitar developed its language, discovering and employing different techniques. The instrument became a catalyst for change and took on a more prominent role, forever changing the sonic landscape of popular music and jazz in the Twentieth Century. ii Acknowledgements I am indebted to the following people for their assistance during the period of my candidature: For technical support I thank Karl Lindbom, Paul Tilley, Clive Lendich, Benjamin Huie, Gary Fredericks and Brendan Read. The musicians who performed with me - Michael Bartolomei, Graham Jesse, Andrew Gander, Craig Naughton, Gordon Rytmeister, Nicholas McBride, Paul Panichi and Matthew Doyle. Kerrie Lester and Nikki Mortimer for granting permission to reproduce the paintings and etching. The musicians with whom I discussed my project, including Herbie Flowers, Carol Kaye, Max Bennett, Steve Hunter, Cameron Undy, Bruce Cale and Sandy Evans who have willingly encouraged me to quote.
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