Photos provided by Angelina Saris
Bias - Being biased is kind of lopsided too: a biased person favors one side or issue over another. While biased can just mean preferring one thing over another, it also is synonymous with "prejudiced," and that prejudice can be taken to the extreme.
It is interesting how bias can affect how we view artists and not just cultural or nationalities. Unfortunately, a lack of education has divided people on many levels of society.
My focus today is about the art of bass playing versus other forms of instruments. I know it might seem straight forward. Either you do, or you don’t. However, the caution is the why? What are the reasons for bias among artists. I have heard too often that bass players shouldn’t receive the same amount of praise as other members in a band. I don’t get it. Because each person has their own desires and talents for different instruments. Consider specifically the number of popular bass players throughout history. Who would have ever said that Geddy Lee wasn’t a talented bass player. What about Paul McCartney or Victor Wooten. There is Flea from Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Larry Graham, and John Paul Jones. The list of talented bass players are endless.
However, the topic will never fizzle out. Yes, it is possible that even this interview will stir up controversy and continue to heat up the conversation. It is important to clear the air about bass players. They are focused and dedicated to their craft. Especially the artist that I will be chatting with today. Her name is Angeline Saris.
ABOUT ANGELINE SARIS
“Angeline is brilliant! I met her when she was 16 and she was bad then. you know she’s magnificent now! Grounded and funky. Flair and bottom. Beauty and the beast!”
— Narada Michael Walden, Grammy award-winning producer (Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston), acclaimed drummer (Jeff Beck, Aretha Franklin,MahavishnuOrchestra)
One minute of Angeline’s low-end thumping coming at you and you’ll know she is just as much beast as beauty. She is a monstrous talent and has the schedule to prove it. Her credits include her decade-spanning work with Narada Michael Walden Band, Ernest Ranglin, Zepparella, and most recently Todd Rundgren, Adrian Belew (King Crimson, Bowie, Zappa), Royston Langdon (Spacehog), and Angelo Moore (Fishbone) on the Celebration of Bowie tour. Additionally, she’s shared the stage with legendary musicians such as Carlos Santana, Ronnie Spector, Dionne Warwick, Steve Vai, Steve Morse, Richie Sambora, Orianthi, Steven Adler, Thomas Dolby, Joe Bonamassa, Lisa Fischer, and Neal Schon.
Angeline is a bass player who understands and celebrates the instrument. Her playing pulls from some of her favorites such as Pino Palladino, John Paul Jones, Willie Weeks, Larry Graham, and James Jamerson, yet she brings a quality and sound that is uniquely her own. An admirer wrote a single word on the back of a set list during a show and tossed it back on stage. “Filthy!” it said. Angeline maintains it is one of the best compliments she ever received.
INTERVIEW WITH ANGELINE SARIS AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: Hello Angeline. Thank you for joining us today. I believe it was several years ago when we first interviewed you. You were still with Zepparella at the time.
Has the topic of bias towards bass players come up during the years of your professional bass playing career?
Angeline: Thankfully, most people I have worked with understand the importance of a skilled bass player.
Guitar Thrills: I have read the articles and listened to the instantiated claims. I just don’t understand how a player could themselves above another just because of the instrument that they play.
How do you view yourself as a proven bass player? Have you been treated differently by other band members because of your ability as a bassist?
Angeline: Honestly, I don’t concern myself with those types of self-critiques. I just do my best to learn the music, show up prepared and be on point. Other people‘s opinions of me are not really my business.
Guitar Thrills: Do you feel that you have received the recognition that you deserve as a bass player?
Angeline: I’m thankful for any recognition and coverage I have received throughout my life from band mates, fans, or press; however, my focus has always been and continues to be honing my skillset and continuing to grow as a bass player and a musician.
Guitar Thrills: What would be your suggestion to bridge the divide between artists with preference for one instrument over another?
Angeline: I don’t think there’s any inherent problem in having a preference for one instrument over another as long as one understands that the greatness of a band comes not from one person, but the magic between each musician and their contribution. For example, take a band like the Beatles. John, Paul, George, and Ringo each had a unique gift that made the Beatles sound the way they did. If you hypothetically remove one person from the equation, it wouldn’t be the same.
Guitar Thrills: I appreciate your feedback. Now, I would like to know why you particularly choose to play bass?
Angeline: I was playing clarinet my freshman year in the high school symphonic band and losing interest. My music teacher needed a bass player for the jazz band and asked if I would be interested in trying it out. I thought it sounded fun, so I started studying privately and fell in love with the instrument right away. I have been playing ever since then and have really grown to love the supportive role the bass plays in a band. I particularly love that it bridges the gap between rhythm and harmony in a way that no other instrument does.
Guitar Thrills: Did you ever consider playing any other instrument?
Angeline: Absolutely! Being a multi-instrumentalist is a great way to grow your musicianship. When I write original music, if the initial seed of the song doesn’t start on the bass, it will be on my Nord. I find the tones and sonic textures of different keyboards inspiring when writing music. And, I love the drums! If I wasn’t a bass player, I would definitely be a drummer. I often dream about playing drums in a band at some point. I think it would be a blast!
Guitar Thrills: What are the differences between a bass and a six string guitar? Besides the obvious, such as the amount of strings and sound that resonates from the bass.
Angeline: Besides the obvious, I think the biggest difference between bass and guitar is the function each one plays in a band. The bass serves as the bridge between rhythm and harmony and plays a supportive role in creating the backbone and foundation for the whole band. While rhythm guitar can contribute to that sonic foundation, it can also serve as a lead instrument which is obviously a very different role.
Guitar Thrills: What advice would you give to a student wanting to play the bass?
Angeline: Consistency and discipline in your practice routine will be the forces that help you to achieve your musical dreams. Study the greats and find the bands and people who inspire you the most! Finally, understanding chord structure and being able to play with the click on two and four are also must-haves in my book!
Guitar Thrills: What are your preferences for bass brands? Alsowhat combination of bass and amp work best for you personally?
Angeline: Fender and Aguilar are my go-to for amps. As far as basses, I have a number of Fender Jazz and P basses. I also have a Warwick electric upright I used on tour with Ernest Ranglin and Narada Michael Walden, a Marleaux Consat Soprano, and a Pedulla fretless that I use when the music call for it.
Guitar Thrills Broadcast
Guitar Thrills: In the introduction I made mention of some notable bass players. Who influenced you to become a bass player?
Angeline: So many! To name a few… Larry Graham, Pino Palladino, Carol Kaye, Jamerson, Jaco, Esperanza Spaulding, Rhonda, Tal, Ray Brown, Stanley Clark, John Paul Jones…
Guitar Thrills: How long did it take you to learn? Did you ever think about quitting?
Angeline: I am still learning! I do my best to practice every day and that time is usually my favorite part of the day. It’s like a meditation and definitely my happy place!
I don’t think I could ever quit playing bass or quit music. I realized many years back that Music chooses you - I knew that if I ignored the calling, I would never truly find my path in this life.
Guitar Thrills: What are you doing now as a professional bass player? Are you working with a specific band?
Angeline: I am playing with a number of different projects right now, including the Narada Michael Walden Band, Sgt Splendor (ft. Eric McFadden, Kate Vargas, and Paulo Baldi), Jay Lane (Dead and Co.) and I recently just got to back up Joan Osborne for a non-profit called Music Heals, which had a benefit show to raise the money for children to study music in Haiti. I believe in December I had something like 17 gigs in 20 days with 14 different bands. It was a wild month! I really am the true definition of a hired gun for tours, studio work, and local shows. It’s been a very busy last year and I feel thankful for all the great work.
Guitar Thrills: Is there any projects that are the works for you?
Angeline: I’m going back into the studio in March and April to continue working on some of my original music. I didn’t have as much time for that in 2024 as I had wished, so I’m excited to get back into the creative space and release some more original music.
Guitar Thrills: I hope you continue to succeed as a bassist. Your hugely talented and someone that many students can look to as an example. Just like the Geddy Lees, and Victor Wootens of the music industry. Before you go, will you like to make arrangements for an interview soon?
Angeline: I believe we just had an interview! Thank you so much for having me and best of luck to you and the Guitar Thrills publication.
Guitar Thrills: Sounds great. Thank you for your time today.
A RECAP OF WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
