The Leland Sklar Interview
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- Опубліковано 22 тра 2024
- In this episode I interview bass legend Leland Sklar about 50 years as a studio musician and live performer. Besides appearing as the backing band on numerous recordings by artists such as Jackson Browne, Carole King, Phil Collins, and James Taylor, the Section also released three solo albums of instrumental rock. Both in The Section and separately, Sklar has contributed to over 2,000 albums as a session musician. He also has toured with James Taylor, Toto, Phil Collins and other major rock and pop acts, and recorded many soundtracks to films and television shows.
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Leland Sklar - UA-cam / @lelandsklar6363
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I am a 54 year old bass player. When I grow up I want to be Leland Sklar.
If you start this year, recording on some great albums and you'll keep recording for 50 years, you'll be 104 years old before you could get to the point he's at right now.
I suggest you just stick with doing what you're good at and you'll be just fine. :-)
I'm 61 old Bass player ..me too wannabe Leland,.. when I'm 64 !!
I think he has done over 2600 albums! If I remember correctly, I say that because it seems like an impossible number.
I told my dad, "When I grow up, I want to be a guitarist." He said, "Son, you can't have it both ways."
Ditto. Both to Leland and 54 (in about a week)
"A bass player is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.”
Bingo!
and if he is late.. it's fashionably
But the drummer is always right. Ask Nicko McBrain
I see what you did there with the comment nice one
Gandolf😊
Brilliant interview Rick! Now THIS is how a musician should be interviewed!
👍👍👍
couldn't agree more. Rick is both knowledgeable and generous as an interviewer.
I love that Leland right out of the gate says ""I'm such a fan of your channel and it's such a pleasure to be able to hang with you..."" Rick you are officially next level...
I love this
Get Todd Rundgren
Of course.
When I saw the video of Vinnie Caliauta visibly excited about talking to his "old friend, Rick," that did it for me. I thought, Man! This guy really is legit! But, yeah, when Leland Sklar says he's a fan, that's definitely "next level!"
I had that happen after awhile on my radio show doing interviews. It was nice when say Mark Farner would be on and he already knew who I was and what we were doing. Such a thrill - truly pinch yourself stuff
@@garybackstrom183 Todd was on Daryls' House.
Leland is such a wonderful, humble person.
You're right. Humble = wonderful. A breath of fresh air in a world where everything is about ego... or ego is everything?
Such a bright guy with a great memory and awesome storytelling.
ditto ...
And the best beard ever!
And too funneh! :)
Leland SKlar is the bass players -bass player. My one bucket list wish is to play drums with the great Leland Sklar , 1st time I heard him I realized this bass player has something more, and the more is his melody style bass playing who always came up with the most interessting bass lines . God love that guy Leland , one of the best. Fabulous interview Rick , I just wish it was significantly longer !!!
23:07. . That is so true about Phil Collins. . he is so unassuming.
In the 1980's I was staying in a hotel in Melbourne, Australia. early one evening I went out to the front of the hotel to get a taxi to a restaurant to go meet my wife.
As I stood there, Phil Collins came out of the same hotel, stood next to me and said "Hello". . We chatted like regular people. . about the weather, things in the news at the time etc. he asked me about the restaurant I was going to and what I thought of it. .
Then his limo arrived (to take him to his gig). . he said "Cheers, mate!". . shook my hand and left. .
We were there for only 3 minutes. . But it really showed to me just how down-to earth and non-'celebrity' he was.
A “What Makes This Song Great” episode of a Phil Collins tune with Lee providing inside commentary would be amazing!!!
I second that suggestion. Please make it happen, Rick.
Pleeeasee
Great idea. Congrats
@@rikkousa Great idea! Doctor My Eyes - that's the song to do.
I vote Ssudio!
It wasn't by accident he got to record with so many music legends. In addition to his technical prowess, Leland seems so congenial, adaptive and a great team player.
Sorry to reply to such an old comment, but you have to be a team player as a studio player. You’re not necessarily a part of them, or their name, in my opinion you probably feel like a payed guest for your first couple times doing it before it feels even real and like a real professional. Not to mention, im sure if you’re nice, flow well, and respect the fellow artists off the bat and you realize it helps land you gigs with bigger work and you build true relationships with legends you’re my likely to continue doing that. Hence why he’s the definition of a studio great!! Fantastic talent and incredible amount of albums he played on.
That was a great interview. Rick asked the questions and then let Leland talk, and take the story wherever it needed to go. There are so many people out there who could learn a lesson from watching the way Rick did this.
felt like it was not a remote arrangement ... brilliant interview !
Yes! Drives me crazy when I'm trying to watch an interview and the host doesn't let them talk. The late night TV guys are the freakin worst. "Oh - let me interrupt Sir Paul discussing him and John working on A Day in the Life to tell a joke about farts, cause that's really why everyone is here".
"There was rarely a chart. ... Jackson Browne ... would sit down and sing Doctor My Eyes, and we would figure out what the song needed." That speaks volumes about how important his contribution was to the many successful artists who hired him. He shaped those songs. Imagine Doctor My Eyes without that bass line.
When Leland annouced he was about to have a chat with Rick Beato for a video, I knew the result was going to be entertaining and informative. Thank you, Rick.
new series: "what makes this musician great"
sam powell great idea!
Great idea!!!
Wow. Really great idea, Sam. Although Rick has done that showing us Pat Metheny and Allan Holdsworth styles, that particular approach with Rick powerful and thoughtful insight would be really great. Hope he reads your comment, Sam
@@ThePeperambao yes and i would say the frampton episode was the first installment, now sklar....who might be next? stay tuned i guess!
and i just remembered he did an episode singing the praises of larry carlton as well. and probably others i've forgotten. oh, yes victor wooten. they're popping into my brain as i type.
Leland Sklar is quite simply a national treasure. He's just awesome.
Not just a studio musician - a Sussudio musician.
Lol
I see what you did there lol.
Not just a s s Studio musician- a s s sudio musician.
su su su ssssssuuuudiooooooo!!
Clever. I like that!
The most laid back bassist in the business . . . Genius.
Yes, laid back, but never drags the pocket.
I’m a 69 year old drummer. Non-professional but have played all these years. I always loved playing with a good bassist. I grew up with all this great music made by great musicians. Great people like this guy. I so appreciate these looks into the past of real great music. Today’s music lacks so, so much.
Rick, you should give lessons on interviewing. One of my hates is interviewers who want to be bigger then the interviewee. Constantly interrupting, talking over and making their own points, pushing the interviewee in directions they didn't want to go.
Super job.
And Lee.... Thanks for being so spontaneous. Loving following your channel and anecdotes (sneaked in a Scrabble word for you). Don't stop.
@@mattrogers1946 and I concur!! And Rick, as mentioned within a prior comment, with additional "What makes this Musician Great" posts, man you have an opportunity to even deepen our fanaticism with your channel!!
Also, I did get the Beato book a few days ago! Suffice it to say that I'm totally entrenched it at the moment!!
A_N
@kevgermany I thought you were only allowed 7 tiles in scrabble?
I agree! Rick is the best at interviews.
Such a wonderful, humble man. And an absolute legend. I've seen him so many times on concerts videos from the best artists and now, through his channel, he is with all of us at our homes. Amazing. Thank you, Leland. Thank you, Rick.
Sklar a living legend indeed. Listen to James Taylor's One Man Dog, my first exposure to him as a bass player. Some of the most tasteful and incredible bass lines are on that record, still my favorite JT record.
How many of the top musicians are hooked on Beato?. Really. The content is amazing.
I'm hooked on Leland
@@dennisgraham9444 I guess now I am too! great interview
A successful musician with an open nature is a great thing ... Rick also seems to bring out the best in his interviews ...
Same with guitarists and That Pedal Show.
All of them
This one is pure gold, Rick. Really. You truly seized the opportunity and posed the perfect questions to this legend of a musician. Thank you.
I could not agree more. Superb interview.
At the 15 minute mark where Leland talked about the band creating together. This is why music from the 70's holds up so well and has much more depth.
Everyone should know that Lee has his own UA-cam channel under Leland Sklar.
I just viewed his channel 15 min ago
Yes thanks for the redundancy.
Yes... And it's brilliant, especially the stories he tells. Amazing.
Lee Sklar is a legend. Have seen him many times but the most memorable was several years ago at The Baked Potato playing with Steve Lukather. The playing was exceptional and let’s just say the jokes were beyond colorful. Awesome 😎
Leland Sklar is the 'every man's' bass player. He's kind, humble and an extremely talented musician. I love listening to his stories.
Here I am..down a Lee Sklar rabbit hole again..I just love listening to the guy. Saw him play with JT during his "Never Die Young" tour..he was standing outside the venue hangin with the roadies before the show..hard to miss him. Don't know him personally, but he just seems like a guy who would rather hang with the crew than hobnob with the beautiful people backstage.
I'll never forget this big birthday party with Lee there, he was like a giant in the room. Delighted everyone with pipe smoke rings that would take the shape of sailing ships, and dragons, and surprised everybody with an unforgettable fireworks show. Best night of my life!
Ha! That took me a second.
Yeah but that scratching a symbol in my freshly painted door........
What ring?
First the Gray, then the White, and ultimately Gandalf the Baaaaaad
First the Gray, then the White, and ultimately Gandalf the Baaaaaad
The part where Leeland says the best producers are the one who orders pizza when the band is hungry and then see Rick's face haha. Such a cool interview!
Alexandre Gingras Working on a project, we'd been working for 5 hours, I told the band to take a break and we'd all go to dinner on my dime. To this day, those guys always answer my calls.
“Etched in Mud” ..... my new favorite saying..... stealing that... just like I stole so many of his bass lines
Oh thank you mate! I'm Italian, I understand almost everything they say, but I couldn't get what he said before "mud" and even the automatic subtitle didn't help me... 😅
Plus, the saying is hilarious! 🤣
@@filuferru - etched ≈ scratched. like hydroflouric acid can etch, or dissolve, glass. Lee was using that expression to say studio players have to be flexible and cooperate with whoever is the boss of the session.
I hope that helps.
@@rb032682 Oh yes, yes, i know the meaning of "etched". Problem was that I wasn't able to understand that he was pronouncing that word. 😅
I'm good enough at reading English, but I still miss some words when I hear spoken English.
That's the reason why I usually set automatic subtitles on: so if I can't get the spelling of some spoken word, I can read them in the subtitles.
Unfortunately in this case even the automatic subtitles aren't of any help since they transcribe "a chicken mud" instead of "etched in mud"...
And I was pretty sure that no rooster was involved in what Lee was saying... 🤣🤣
@@filuferru - LOL. "a chicken mud" ! LOL! No roosters!
This is my idea of life!! I've got Rick beato, Adam Neely, signals music studios, theory for guitar, and now Mr sklar!!! Can't get any better than this..
What a great clip. The mutual respect and admiration between you two is palpable, and Sklar's endlessly engaging storytelling is just a joy.
I've known Lee for years, he lives in Pasadena too, mostly seeing him at the NAMM show every year and catching up, but a couple years ago I got to sit next to him playing guitar for Harry Shearer's Christmas show in LA and we had the best time. Laughing all day and night. And what a pocket! Also met Fred Willard (RIP) that night. What a sweet guy he was.
What a cool mix of people to be around!
@@rhythmdroid It was pretty darn cool. I was subbing for Lukather, one of my idols.
@@TomStrahle I just got through reading Lukather's book and it was great. I liked it so much I thought about writing Luke a letter. That's how I learned about Lee. Both Lee and Luke seem like great dudes.
Please I beg you Leland, write a book, lots of pics if you have em, would end up best seller list, no problem. I bet you have stories you have not even thought about yet..When I hear you talk, I get flooded with beautiful music memories from my teenage years. And Rick too, love both you guys, so fascinating listening to living legends. Had a great laugh when he questioned what a producer does, my first thought was, hey Isnt Rick a Producer? lol:)
Great advice - these older guys (like me) aren't getting any younger and the stories would be a treasure trove...
He's planning a book for all the pictures he's taken of people 'flipping him off 🖕'
Yes!!
A 6 volume anthology would be nice!
Leland seems like the kind of guy you'd see on an arena stage on a Saturday and Tuesday you'd run into him at a hardware store looking for new garden shears and potting soil. Just a real person who happens to be an amazing musician.
...or meet him on the street, walking his hounds! 😊
Best interview ever. The exchange between two people who have a genuine knowledge of music, a love for music, and what it stands for is absolutely fantastic. Thank you.
Every newest Beato interview is the best interview ever!
Very well said, and I feel the same way!
What a joy of an interview. Leland is so coherent and well-spoken. I could listen to you and him talk forever.
Watching Mr S play the bass line to Billie Don’t Lose that Number and Sussudio is a joy. What a great dude. Humbling.
I follow both Rick and Leland, separately. Very cool to see them come together. (When I watched Leland's recent rant toward WMG and UA-cam blocking, I kind of knew they'd be on the same wavelength.)
Me too and I totally agree.
When we normally think of the best bass players it is usually based on their skill set or ability to create the perfect bass line in a song. Leland Sklar obviously checks both of those boxes having played on over 2400 recording sessions. And what a humble guy considering is amazing success!
Rick, you take out the best of musicians in the interviews. This one is gold. Congrats 👏
Lee can play any genre. From jazz to heavy metal. He's a hard working dude and loves his fans.
And he played in Nashville, too.
And he's got a pretty cool funky side too. Loved seeing him jamming to Rubberband Man by the Spinners on his channel.
This man is a legend, I've heard his works through my pops and it's amazing how you actually got in contact with him, Rick. Thank you for the content.
It's cool to see such a beast like Sklar just putting up his iphone and start recording stuff, no heavy production, just a cool dude who wants to share. Love it 🙂🙂🙂🙂
Thank you for interviewing Mr. Sklar. His tracks fill the soundtrack of my life. Not only is he a master bass player, but he is also a beautiful soul. Seriously, he is a wealth of knowledge, and he is so willing to share with others.
Lee is just amazing! When i was growing up, Lee was the bass player on my favorite songs. I'm not that much younger than he is (but my beard isn't nearly as cool!) I used to play bass to my buddy's guitar. I will freely admit I am no bass player! I've switched to guitar since I don't play with anyone anymore. I do get the bass out occasionally. Lee is such an inspiration and I'm really glad we've had a chance to be with him on You Tube. It's sad that a virus has made this possible! I hope he continues to post at least form time to time!
Ya know: These are TWO of my favorite people in the world! Love them both!
What a privilege to have watched this. Thank you.
Rick the Anthony Bourdain of music .. love your show it's great man !!
Nice name
Excellent analogy
Nice! That's it!
Oh, to have just an ounce of either of these men's talent, knowledge, and skill. I watch both of their channels and enjoy the things they share.
Over 2,000 albums Leland you have lived a great life.🥁😎🥁
Met him virtually at Victor Wooten’s camp back in 2011 or ‘12. He and Steve Bailey were in Germany for a Warwick event. Hilarious and talented - a bassist’s bass player. Just crazy good at playing the right notes at the right time and not playing all the other notes. Brilliant.
James Taylor with a capo....... amazing
One of the best interviews I have ever seen. Mr. Beato asked just the perfect questions and Mr. Sklar was so good and eloquent I've got to see it twice. Way to go guys!
I'd love to have Lee play with several drummers explaining how he manages to find a fit for the pocket. That would be amazingly good.
I just love Lee Sklar.
The Gandalf of rock and roll. This guy is baaaad and has played on so many legendary songs.
More like Saruman :)
More like Santa Claus :)
Very interesting. Leland has played bass on music I've loved for nearly my entire life. Seems like a great guy too
Why would anybody downvote this? This is purely awesome.
Dear Rick, I am so grateful to have found you since you started this channel. To see you growing and interviewing musical geniuses, no less!
Thank you so much for this opportunity. I would never imagine to get these kind of perspectives from people like Leland Sklar.
This is crazy!!! Your channel is a life changer.
How about using Lee on "What Makes This Song Great" to demo bass parts??
That would be a great idea 💡
This chat between Leland and Rick an absolute treasure inside knowledge and profound wisdom born of extensive experience.
Rick - must be nice to have a guest who is so generous and engaging. His youtube shoutout to you was very complimentary too. Be proud of your channel. You are in illustrious company and your content in your channel is superb.
What a couple of great guys, Lee and Rick. Thank you for all you do.
Always been a fan of Lee. A classic and humble Bassist, and I am so grateful that he is making content with covers and stories to really engage with us, especially during these times.
First of all, Rick, another great interview! Mr. Sklar, I've been following and listening to you for over 40 years. From the moment I first heard you on that JT album, I was hooked. Your stories are so meaningful to many of us. I'm also thankful you started a UA-cam channel. Please continue to share your insights on the "early days", you have a large audience that craves that information.
Really enjoyed that Rick, thanks for that! Lee's channel is a real treasure. As is yours.
Amazing, and also, you can see that the nice person he is would make anyone want to work with him on top of his great playing.
I'm so happy right now. I'm a big Sklar fan and a huge fan of Rick's! Just loved this. Thanks, Rick!
I was fortunate enough to hear Lee talking once, in Nashville, and he was a great storyteller; so when I saw his UA-cam channel I thought "Yeah, this oughtta be great!" and I subscribed - and then I thought "Man, it would be great to see him on Rick Beato's channel." So I have to say that it's as good as I expected, and I've enjoyed this video very much. I have always considered Leland to be the Superman of the bass, as he played with James Taylor about the same time that he played that spectacular record with Billy Cobham(I'm a BIG Tommy Bolin fan); and it looks like a lot of producers had their ears to the ground as well, because after that, he played with just about everybody.
I wish BOTH of you well, and I will be looking for more great stuff from you both.
Leland is a time capsule. His UA-cam channel has the perfume of an era of the past. His testimony is paramount.
One wife’s “blabbermouth” is one of our great raconteurs! Great interview with a truly great music lover, appreciator, and maker!
Superb interview. When you have someone with the musical wisdom of Rick being able to ask the questions that just unlock a lifetime of musical experience like Leland, and then you throw in Rick's intuition just to sit back and let Leland shine as he spoke, you get the best of interviews. Free and easy, illuminating and interesting. It's like the the perfect drummer and bass player playing off each other!
I could listen to you guys chat it up for an entire afternoon.
Incredible! Thank you for featuring this modern-day legend! Cheers guys!
What a treat it has been to "get to know" Leland through UA-cam! Guys like me have known who he is and his playing for almost as long as he's recorded. Leland you are a joy to listen to, and thank you Rick for giving us musicians so much "good stuff" we can really sink our teeth into musically!
I have been fortunate enough to have Lee check me out at NAMM, he is a DUDE of the first order. If memory serves, I'm somwhere in the bird file...Thank you Rick for this and all the bass features you do.
The only problem with this interview is that it's too short.
Totally
That interview could’ve gone for hours. Rick is such a good interviewer.
According to Lee on his channel the interview lasted over an hour. So why don't we all ask Rick to play the whole thing (or at least a longer version than this?)
What, you have a problem with stuffing 50 *years* into half as many *minutes?*
Yeah, me too!
Fred
You could see the cuts in this, really wish we could have the full version!
Love Leland !!!!! Great tone, great player !!!!!! Saw Him with James Taylor back in the mid 80's. Rock on Brother !!!!!!
Hands down, this is the coolest interview. Thank you for sharing!
Leland is THE consummate professional..love this man’s playing, stories, and explanation of the music. Ty Leland and Rick!
Awesome. Your channel has been a real treat especially in these strange times.Thank you
I love that I just discovered both of you separately on youtube and now here you are together! SUCH awesome stuff, both of you! Thanks for being here!!
Another fantastic interview with the great guest. What a legend… that bass on “Sussuido” or on James Taylor songs, unforgettable …
I saw Leland in 1985 when he toured with Phil Collins on the No Jacket Required tour. Great concert!
That's the easiest flowing interview I think you have done Rick. It must have been such a pleasure for you to chat with Leland and see his passion shine. Just great.
I really enjoyed listening to him talk. And i hope you continue the conversation with him. I love hearing about the music business and different artist through someone who was right there. Stay safe
Lee is a wealth of experience and knowledge and deep understanding of music and the changes the music industry has gone through. He is so articulate and insightful in his observations it blows me away.
Rick. This is my favorite of all your videos. I’m a fan of them all. Lee is such an untapped source, that seems to be willing to reminisce and has the clarity of thought for 50 yes of rock history. You’re an excellent musician and teacher. Please do more. There’s so much that will be lost forever to those our age that know what a magical time it was. Cheers.
Rick, talking about label producers, ask Lee to tell the story of his first recording session sitting next to Tommy Tedesco. The story ends with “THE PRODUCER SWITCH” on his guitar.😉
Hey Rick! You may have seen his update yesterday but he couldn't say how cool of a dude you are. Agreed. You're both legends
Chances are if you pull up a live concert on UA-cam, Leland Sklar is playing. Legend
I found your channel by accident. I am not a musician but I have an ear and an appreciation for great contemporary and classical music. I am all in!! Thank you Rick!
I'm burning all these videos on M-DISC for prosperity. Burying them all in a time machine....
What a great interview RB. The songs he has played on, just amazing.
Rick you nailed this one. Mr Sklar has played on the soundtrack of many of our lives. It is so nice to get an insight of the man who held the foundation of so many of the tunes that shaped who I am as an adult music lover/musician. Thank you Rick and thank you Lee Sklar!! Peace!
Sklar is a great reminder that, fundamentally, bass finds its fullest expression as the foundation of a song, and not in a solo. There are many teenage and child bass players who can play impressively in the quiet of their room but to be part of the dong is the sweetest thing. He is great. I would love to meet him one day.
SONG! Not “dong”:-)
I gave this a thumbs-up before watching. Thank you, Rick, for recently recommending Lee Sklar's channel. It was nice to put a name to the face (beard) I've seen for decades. Now I'm starting to realize just how many times I'd heard him, too. Listening to some of his stories has been nice. Both your channels have been nice additions to my YT subscription list.
I’ve been waiting for this all week!
What an awesome, humble guy. Thank You Leland.
Some of the most beautiful human beings are storytellers like Mr. Sklar. Really enjoying Rick and Leland's work. Thank you for all you share.