Скачать или смотреть Carol Kaye - Her Legendary Career as Session Bassist Extraordinaire

Max and Tana On Carol Kaye and Her Legendary Career as Session Bassist Extraordinaire
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Carol Kay is a legendary American session musician who is widely recognized as one of the most prolific recorded bass guitarists in rock and pop music, having played on an estimated 10,000 recordings in a career spanning over 65 years. Kay began her career as a guitarist, transitioning to bass in the 1960s and becoming a vital part of the Wrecking Crew, a group of studio musicians who played on countless hit records in Los Angeles during that era. She worked with prominent producers like Phil Spector, Brian Wilson, and Quincy Jones, playing on numerous iconic songs and soundtracks, and her contributions have been praised by musicians like Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, and Dr. John. While Kay initially became disillusioned with session work, she continued to perform, teach, and record throughout her career, earning recognition as a pioneering female bassist and a true legend in the music industry.


Carol Kay: The Unsung Backbone of Popular Music
This briefing document reviews the life and career of Carol Kay, one of the most prolific bassists in history, drawing from excerpts of her biography. It highlights her musical journey, contributions, and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born in 1935 to musician parents, Kay's childhood was steeped in music. However, her family life was troubled by her father's violence. She found solace in music, learning guitar at 13 and playing in jazz clubs around Los Angeles. As a teenager, she gave birth to a child with her guitar instructor, Horace Hatchett.

Kay's career took a turn in 1957 when she discovered the lucrative world of session work. Initially playing guitar, a chance opportunity in 1963 led her to the bass, an instrument she quickly mastered and embraced.

"She quickly discovered she preferred playing bass, and found it was a key component of a backing track and allowed her to play more inventively than the relatively simpler guitar parts she had been playing until then."

This marked the beginning of her rise as one of the most sought-after session bassists in Los Angeles.

The Wrecking Crew and Defining an Era's Sound

Kay became a core member of the renowned "Wrecking Crew," a group of highly skilled studio musicians who played on countless hits in the 1960s. This group, although largely unknown to the public at the time, shaped the sound of popular music. Kay, the sole female regular in this group, contributed to an estimated 10,000 recording sessions. Her bass lines graced recordings by iconic artists such as:

Frank Sinatra
Simon & Garfunkel
Stevie Wonder
Barbra Streisand
The Supremes
The Temptations
The Four Tops
The Monkees

Kay's work with producers Phil Spector and Brian Wilson stands out as particularly significant. Her bass line in Spector's production of "River Deep, Mountain High," became a defining element of his "Wall of Sound" technique. Her collaboration with Wilson on Beach Boys albums like Pet Sounds and Smile pushed musical boundaries and influenced musicians like Paul McCartney.

"Paul McCartney has said that his bass playing on the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was inspired by her work on Pet Sounds."

Beyond Pop: Soundtracks, Tutoring and Later Career

By the late 1960s, Kay sought new challenges, moving into soundtrack work and becoming a respected author and instructor. She composed music for popular TV series and collaborated with renowned composers like Quincy Jones and Lalo Schifrin.

A car accident in 1976 led to a period of semi-retirement, but Kay returned to music in the 1990s, continuing to record and perform. She collaborated with Fender to design a bass that accommodated physical challenges from her accident.

Playing Style and Legacy

Known for her melodic and syncopated bass lines, Kay's use of a pick and felt muting created a distinctive sound. She often played in the upper register, complementing the double bass on the lower end.

Carol Kay's legacy as a pioneering bassist is undeniable. Despite the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, she carved a unique path, becoming one of the most respected and sought-after musicians of her time. Her contributions continue to influence and inspire generations of bassists.

"Alison Richter, writing in Bass Guitar magazine, has called Kay the 'First Lady' of bass playing, adding 'her style and influence are in your musical DNA.'"

Despite her immense contribution, Kay remains largely unsung. She is surprised by the enduring interest in the music she helped create, never expecting her work to have such longevity. Her story highlights the often invisible role of session musicians who played a crucial role in shaping the sound of popular music.



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