Thundercat playing live at Dublin’s Vicar Street.
As a ‘professional’ bass player for over 20 years, I’ve always been a huge fan of Thundercat. Not only because he is quite possibly one of the most naturally talented bass players I’ve ever heard, but also because he seems to constantly pop up collaborating with some of my favourite artists, like Gorillaz and Mac Millar (the use of one of Mac’s songs as his intro music for the gig was pretty special).
There’s also the fact that he’s also an effortlessly cool guy, and he seems to genuinely love just making music and playing with as many like minded musicians as he can.
Anyway, enough of the fanboy gushing…
He walked on stage to the sold out crowd in Vicar St., Dublin and from start to finish, it was a masterclass in bass playing, performing, improvising, jamming, Freeform bass playing, and at times I forgot I was supposed to be taking pictures as I got mesmerised by his playing and just stood there gawking. I’ve never seen anyone be able to change the direction of a song mid note before, and I doubt I’ll see it again (unless I’m lucky enough to go to his second gig in Vicar St. on 16th April which was added due to phenomenal demand).
I felt like I wasn’t the only bass player in the room last night, and I’m pretty sure he also inspired a few more with that gig. Hmm…I know I said I’d stop gushing, but when someone is as sickeningly talented at playing an instrument you’ve loved for decades as he is, it’s difficult not to.
If you wanna see for yourself, grab a ticket to his next show. You’ll know what I mean in about 10 seconds.
Thundercat photos:
Photos & words – David McEeanery