Every
once in a while you are able to converse with a pioneer of music that
has truly changed your musical being. In this case this musician’s
talent is outweighed by what a sincere and rad person they have and
will always be.
Anyone
that has chatted musically with me knows that Berry Oakley is by whom
I rate my bass players. This is in the snarl and rumbling force of
their tone and that essential groove that make you feel like a 747
took off on your chest and you totally and utterly got off on it.
Groove
is infectious and many times is overlooked. When you find yourself
with a bop of the head, a tinge in your gut, I would like to
introduce you to a little something called the bass guitar.
The
reason I am discussing the power of the low end, the almighty thump,
and a cementing foundation is because I was lucky enough to chat with
one of my Barry Oakley’s, Mike Dean of COC.
Enjoy
my chat;
Gaff-
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat about the new album.
MD-
No problem at all, Thank you.
Gaff-
Can you talk to me about what you were going for with this album?
MD-
We really wanted the album to reflect how we sound live and I think
we achieved it.
Gaff-
What was the process.
MD-
We all had songs coming in, we set up everything, had all the mics
placed and recorded to pro-tools. A few times I would just say to the
guys let’s just play through these songs and see what the feel is.
I would not say I tricked them at all but we used some of these tunes
as the feel and performance were so good. No headphones, worrying
about bleed, just did it. Sometimes you can sabotage yourselves in
the studio by thinking too much so we just set up and did it.
MD-
Yeah, straight to pro tools with no usage of plug ins what so ever
and we mixed and recorded right in the box.
Gaff-
This album has a great groove and a nice 70’s sound quality. Were
you listening to anything in particular for influence?
MD-
Well, we referenced Paranoid a lot. For balance is it a nice
documentary piece on what a three piece in a studio can come up with;
what, or is there a right amount of bass, balance, or mid range that
can be used. Therefore, Sabbath was a nice reference.
Gaff-
For me, the bass has such a great tone, are you a Berry Oakley fan?
MD-
You shitting me, that is when my brothers record collection really
helped and also my mom could listen to the Brothers. Sure man,
Fillmore, Eat a Peach, Brothers and Sisters. Being from North
Carolina you grow up on that. Yeah, I love Barry.
Gaff-
I definitely get that vibe when I hear and see you play; especially
on the new album.
MD-
Thanks that is a nice comparison.
Gaff-
What bass gear was used?
MD-I
was using a nice old 1975 SVT head. The thing is, it is more of what
the player can do than the gear in the studio. You can have the best
tools in the world as a carpenter or a mechanic but if you do not
know what you are doing it is going to look or run like shit.
Whereas, you can have a 5 dollar screwdriver and it can come out
looking amazing. Do not get me wrong, I love using nice gear but too
many people forget it is the player that is making the music. It is
the feel and the togetherness in the studio that is what people want
to hear. Listen to the album of the 70’s, they did not have all the
gear there is today but they used what was given to them and what was
given to them was made to sound great. It is all about the song,
playing and truly enjoying it.
Gaff-
So true, can we talk about the songwriting process and is it a
democracy?
MD-
We all come in with songs written and some are already finished. Reed
will come in with stuff. Woody also, we do not argue over petty
bullshit or who get s credit or what. Sometimes it is more
consultation than democracy. We really want what is best to come out
on the album and I think this album shows that.
Gaff-I
really like everything about this album, can you talk about how it
was to record after playing with Vista Chino?
MD-Those
guys are so talented they can take you into a trance like state. It
definitely made me step up my game.
Gaff-
I talked to BA NANA in Berlin at Desertfest about how is it doing
sound for you, he told me, “I let Mike plug in, set up and go, his
tone is amazing and a great guy to work with.”
MD-
He is the man, great at what he does and so easy to work with.
Gaff-Speaking
of touring, what is in store for COC?
MD-
Well actually, right now, we are trying to put together some really
great shows but I cannot talk about them yet until they are fully
booked or I would have to kill you.
Gaff-
Truly understood. I take it many people would be happy and many
cities and countries would be happy?
MD-
Oh yes.
So,
go out and buy the new album COC IX, as you will be very
fucking pleased, see them on tour, let them show you why rock n roll
is needed. They are also doing a nice little Hands of Doom
teaser that the kids are digging these days and please support these
three bad motherfuckers.
One
thing I will say as I prefaced earlier, my interview with Mike was at
a time when I needed it and I needed to speak with a no bullshit guy.
Mike and his musical projects and his being, really help people more
than he knows. If there were more Mike Deans around, the world would
be a much better place. At least there would be better music to
listen too.
Thanks
again Mike and I will have your Cider waiting for you.
“Last
Sunday morning the sunshine felt like rain.” Gregg Allman
Words
& Interview by: Marc Gaffney
Thanks to Mike for talking to Gaff here at Sldugelord HQ.
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