Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 270 - Anthony Jackson In Memoriam: The Master Who Supported Countless Artists!

The Sound That First Made Me Conscious of the Bass

World-renowned bassist Anthony Jackson passed away on October 19 at the age of 73. I offer my heartfelt condolences.

Anthony Jackson was born in 1952 in the United States. He participated in countless sessions as a bassist. His field of work was wide-ranging from jazz, fusion, Latin, to rock, and he was a first-call bassist trusted by many musicians.
In particular, he frequently received offers from technically demanding musicians such as Quincy Jones, Steely Dan, Lee Ritenour, and Michel Petrucciani. I still vividly remember watching him skillfully play the 6-string Fodera bass. In Japan, he collaborated with artists like Sadao Watanabe, Akiko Yano, and Hiromi Uehara, leaving behind numerous recorded tracks.

Anthony Jackson was the musician who first made me truly aware of the bass as an instrument. After 2017, he apparently suffered from a stroke and Parkinson’s disease, and in recent years his name no longer appeared in music credits. It is extremely unfortunate that we will no longer be able to hear that iconic sound.

■ Recommended Album: Quincy Jones – Stuff Like That (1978)

Quincy Jones’ masterpiece released in 1978. On this album, Anthony Jackson also plays a major role and he demonstrates his presence.

Recommended Track: “I’m Gonna Miss You in the Morning”

For me, this track showcases Anthony Jackson at his absolute best. This is a gorgeous ballad composed by Quincy Jones. What makes it so gorgeous? The key lies in Anthony Jackson.

Unlike many bassists who center their performance around the flashy slap (chopper) bass, Anthony rarely uses it. Technically, slap bass is a showy playing style for bassists, allowing them to display their technique, and it often becomes a highlight during solos. However, Anthony is a bassist who wins through the use of space and timing, not flashiness. Even in this track, he plays a relatively sparse number of notes, using the space within the song to maximum effect. That very space elevates this exquisite ballad to new heights. Anthony’s excellent sense is concentrated in the intro of “I’m Gonna Miss You in the Morning”.
Steve Gadd’s hi-hat rhythm, Eric Gale’s simple guitar cutting, and Anthony Jackson’s understated bassline all interact. Even though the bassline is simple, he builds a stunning intro by adding just a few notes to the minimal root notes that interlock with the guitar and hi-hat. I remember being amazed at how the choice of notes and the use of space could transform the music so profoundly. Anthony is a magician of space, and his song constructions that make use of this space make him an exquisite bassist.

In the A melody section, Richard Tee’s Rhodes piano joins the three-piece ensemble. His note choices blend with the Rhodes, creating a unique sense of floating. From the chorus onward, Tom Scott’s lyricon solo comes in, and the bassline is a common one built on the root and fifth notes, yet the groove is phenomenal. It seems to prove that slap bass is not necessary.

■ Recommended Album: Steely Dan – Gaucho (1980)

One of Steely Dan’s greatest works, released in 1980. (Some prefer Aja or The Royal Scam…) You can hear the band at its sharpest during this period. That said, Steely Dan was not a traditional band, but a unit consisting of keyboardist Donald Fagen and bassist Walter Becker. This duo would select musicians for each song to create their unique sound; a very specialized unit. Among the top-tier musicians they called upon, Anthony Jackson was one of their first choices.

Recommended Track: “Glamour Profession”

Amid Donald Fagen’s Rhodes piano and poly-synth intro, Anthony Jackson’s zigzagging bassline stands out brilliantly. One of his characteristics is his sense of rhythm by placing notes at the very end of the bar. Playing at the very end of a measure is challenging even for professionals, but Anthony’s timing is truly one-of-a-kind. That space creates a uniquely elegant feel.

■ Recommended Album: Simon & Garfunkel – The Concert in Central Park (1981)

The Simon & Garfunkel reunion concert was held in September 1981 at New York’s Central Park. The lineup included Steve Gadd on drums, Anthony Jackson on bass, Richard Tee on piano/electric piano (Rhodes), and Rob Mounsey on synthesizer, an exceptionally strong ensemble.

Recommended Track: “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”

A folk duo, yet why use Steve Gadd, Anthony Jackson, and Richard Tee? Honestly, that was my first thought when listening to this live performance. Anyone might wonder if such top-tier musicians were really necessary, but once you hear the performance, it makes perfect sense. Especially for songs like this, the ensemble is simple: drums, bass, Rhodes piano with synth pads, guitar, and Paul Simon’s Ovation guitar (electro-acoustic). Brass enters a little during the chorus, but the four-piece rhythm section is central. In this context, the rhythm instruments become critically important.

In the A melody section, only acoustic guitar and drums play. After Steve Gadd’s drum solo, Paul Simon’s acoustic guitar comes in, but the timing is slightly off, which is amusing. By the second chorus, Richard Tee’s Rhodes piano and Anthony Jackson’s bass enter, and when the Rhodes and bass merge, the entire song feels like it’s floating. It’s hard to tell whether this effect comes from the timing of the notes, the choice of notes, or the tone. You can hear Anthony Jackson’s skill in creating space even in moments like this. When the chorus hits, everything tightens dramatically, and it no longer feels like a folk duo performance. This live performance provides many moments where you can fully understand why Paul Simon chose such top-tier musicians.

Musicians, Albums, and Recommended Tracks Featured This Time

• Artists: Anthony Jackson, Steve Gadd, Quincy Jones, Richard Tee, Simon & Garfunkel, etc.
• Albums: Stuff Like That, Gaucho, The Concert in Central Park
• Recommended Tracks: “I’m Gonna Miss You in the Morning”, “Glamour Profession”, “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”

⇒ Bass List

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