Behind the Beats: Mani Unveils the Gear and Groove That Shaped Stone Roses' Timeless Classics
0 reactions
8 months ago
Beatbounty
Groove and Gear: Mani’s Journey Through the Stone Roses’ Musical Legacy
“Dancing is essential,” jazz icon Ray Brown famously remarked. “wiht so many musicians out there, not everyone needs to strive for greatness as soloists. Some should focus on playing in jazz bands to reignite the dance floor. If the audience enjoys it enough to move, then the musicians will find joy in playing.”
Having collaborated with legends like Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, and Charlie Parker, Ray’s insights remain relevant. The bass community frequently enough idolizes soloists-musicians who play primarily for other musicians-while the broader audience simply craves the chance to dance.
Enter Gary “Mani” Mounfield.
The Rise of Bass in the Late ’80s and Early ’90s
During Mani’s ascent in the late 1980s and early 1990s,bass became a dominant force in music.genres like acid house, techno, drum and bass, and hip-hop thrived on bass-heavy sounds, yet few featured a conventional bass player. Alongside fellow Mancunians the Happy Mondays, the Stone Roses brought the thrill of dance music and club culture to a new generation of rock enthusiasts.
The Stone Roses’ sound was a vibrant fusion of 1960s psychedelic pop-characterized by jangly guitars and rich melodies-and a groove that resonated with the acid house movement, captivating both indie fans and club-goers alike, all underpinned by one of the decade’s finest rhythm sections.
Creating Danceable Music
When asked if he and drummer Reni intentionally aimed to get audiences dancing, Mani responds incredulously: “Isn’t that the purpose of bass and drums?” he chuckles, a mix of amusement and seriousness in his tone. “That’s exactly what they’re for.”
Bassist Mani (left) and vocalist Ian Brown performing with the Stone Roses, 1995. (Image credit: Michel Linssen/Redferns/Getty Images)
This conversation with Mani took place in March 2000, coinciding with the release of XTRMNTR, his second album with Primal Scream-a band he joined in 1996 and remained with until 2011. We reflected on his career up to that point.
From Rhythm Guitar to Bass
Initially a rhythm guitarist, Mani transitioned to bass while playing for a band called The Waterfront, which included John Squire on guitar and occasionally Ian Brown on vocals. He was thrilled with his decision.
“Playing bass was far more fulfilling than strumming rhythm,” he recalls. “I’ve always been drawn to the grooves of Northern Soul and funk, and it felt like I had found my calling.”
Self-taught by ear-“If you put sheet music in front of me, I’d be lost,” he admits-Mani joined the Stone Roses with Ian Brown, Squire, and the remarkable drummer Alan Wren, known as Reni.
This interview originally appeared in Bassist magazine, March 2000 (Image credit: Future)
“That period was exhilarating,” he reflects. “Being locked in with a drummer like Reni, who I consider the best I’ve ever seen, was a learning experience. I was still relatively inexperienced when I joined the Roses,and I gained so much from Reni,John,and Ian. It propelled my growth as a musician.”
“Playing alongside a phenomenal drummer enhances your style. Reni taught me countless techniques,and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Influences and Inspirations
The band emerged from a new indie-pop movement, characterized by a rejection of macho psychedelic rock, drawing inspiration from bands like Love and The Byrds. They were initially influenced by a lesser-known Scottish indie pop group, Primal Scream.
“There are many similarities between the Stone Roses and Primal Scream,” Mani notes. “We all aspired to be like Roger McGuinn or Chris Hillman of The Byrds. Our styles were quite alike.”
While alternative music in the 1980s often leaned towards the angular and dark, the Stone Roses offered a melodic, vibrant, and groovy sound.
“it was inevitable,” Mani explains. “Ian and John were both huge fans of Sly Stone and Northern Soul,so our influences were always apparent. We were constantly-let’s say-recycling our favorite grooves.” He chuckles, “We were eco-friendly about it, you know?”
The Stone Roses – Fools Gold (Official Video) – YouTube
On tracks that became their anthems-like I Am the Resurrection, fools Gold, and one Love-the rhythm section provided a solid foundation, allowing Squire to layer abstract, funky riffs on top.
“having a tight rhythm section is invaluable,” Mani states. “It liberates the guitarist or vocalist to express themselves freely. John didn’t have to worry about rhythm guitar as the groove was already established. it was a huge advantage for him.”
“I’m always critiquing, but I feel One Love could have had a bit more swing. It feels somewhat rigid. Still, it was a solid idea at the time.”
“As rare as rocking horse shit”: Mani with his Rickenbacker 3000 bass in 1990 (Image credit: Steve Catlin/Redferns/Getty)
Mani’s Gear: The Instruments Behind the Sound
“I’ve been using a unique 3/4 scale Rickenbacker, possibly a 3000 or an Eldorado. It’s incredibly rare. I’ve had it for about five years, but it’s starting to show wear-there’s hardly anything left on the truss rod. I recently found another one. And remember my colorful 4005 Rickenbacker semi-acoustic? I’ve got a sleek black version of that too…”
What draws you to Rickenbacker?
“I can’t quite explain it-I just love the tone and attack they deliver. it’s a real man’s bass![[[[laughs]I also have a Gibson EB-0, which has that Angus Young shape. I’ve got a couple of those, along with a few Precision basses and a nice Jazz bass that I hardly touch anymore…”
“I’m passionate about guitars, man. You can never have too many! I also have this quirky Danelectro model with a classic 60s shape. If you put flatwound strings on it and crank up the reverb, you’re instantly transported to Scott Walker territory! It’s amazing.”
“With Fools gold, it was initially intended to be the b-side for What The World Is Waiting For.I started experimenting with keyboards, trying to lay down a keyboard bass line, and we grabbed a funky drum loop from Reni. It was my first real dive into sampling, and that’s how the bass line came together. Then john added his signature wah-wah guitar, and the rest is history,” he laughs. “Just kidding.”
Following the massive success of Fools Gold and their debut album, the band retreated from the spotlight for five years, embroiled in legal battles with their record label, Silvertone, while working on their follow-up album, The Second Coming. Longtime producer John Leckie departed during the recording process, feeling they lacked sufficient material, according to his replacement, Simon Dawson. The album was pieced together from extended jam sessions.
As NME reviewer John Harris noted, giving it a 6/10, “anything less than a stone-cold classic that sounded like it was beamed in from another dimension would be a jarring letdown.”
More influenced by Led Zeppelin than love, the album was met with disappointment-despite some standout tracks like Ten Storey Love Song, which could have fit on their debut, and Your Star Will Shine, which showcased a Beatles influence. An emerging band named Oasis would soon take that baton and run with it.
“I’m really into The Second Coming right now,” mani shares. “Many people dismissed it without giving it a fair chance. They expected us to recreate our earlier sound, but we were never going to produce another Herman’s Hermits album and be lovable mop-tops. We had matured and improved our skills, and we were always going to explore something different.”
“It’s very guitar-centric. I’m sure if John Squire had the chance to revisit it, he’d strip back a lot of the guitar and return to the groove. But I believe it holds up well today.”
The Stone Roses – One Love (Official Video) – youtube
Mani’s Musical Evolution: From Stone Roses to primal Scream
As the Stone Roses faced mounting expectations and saw their audience shift to Oasis, Primal Scream emerged as the leading force in the dance-rock fusion scene. Their iconic third album, Screamadelica, released in 1991, showcased a willingness to collaborate with diverse talents, from Rolling Stones producer Jimmy Miller to innovative dance producer Andy Weatherall. They also worked with notable figures like George Clinton, Jah Wobble, and reggae icon Augustus Pablo, creating a perfect synergy with Mani.
Groundbreaking Collaborations
With Mani joining the band, Primal Scream finally realized their potential for creating truly revolutionary music. Their first album featuring Mani, Vanishing Point, was a unique blend of dub, funk, rock, and ethereal pop. Following that, XTRMNTR took their sound even further, delivering an intense, aggressive, and uncompromising album driven by powerful beats and bass lines.
strings and Things
What strings do you prefer?
“I’ve always been a fan of roundwound Rotosound strings, typically medium gauge.Though, [Andrew] Innes from Primal Scream has introduced me to flatwounds, which offer a different tonal quality, especially for songs that require a softer touch.”
Do you use a pick or your fingers?
“I primarily use my fingers now. In the early days with the Roses, I relied on a pick because my technique wasn’t as developed. Over time, I’ve transitioned to fingerstyle playing, which allows for a deeper connection to the music. On the first Roses album, I might have used my fingers on Waterfall, but I mostly used a pick. Now, I let my fingers do the talking.”
What about your amps?
“I started with Ampeg SVTs and later switched to Mesa Boogie 400 Plus amps. They really deliver a powerful sound. I’ve also experimented with Ashdown amps, but my go-to remains Rickenbacker and Mesa Boogie.”
Do you use many effects?
“I keep it simple with just a Colourtone Fuzz pedal for a couple of tracks. I’ve always preferred a straightforward approach.My roadie has an easy job on tour!”
Do you use alternate tunings?
“I occasionally tune the E string down to D for certain songs to achieve a heavier sound. For the Primal Scream track star, I tune it to F#-it saves me from having to figure it out elsewhere!”
The Rise of Bass in Dance Music
Interestingly, while some musicians criticized the dance music revolution for its synthetic nature, the role of bass in this genre-weather programmed or played-grew considerably. Hip-hop pulsated from car speakers, techno producers dedicated hours to perfecting bass sounds, and classic dub and soul bass lines found their way into ambient and trip-hop. Meanwhile, rock music saw a decline in bass prominence.
“Dance music is inherently bass-driven,” Mani explains. “In rock, you often have a flashy guitarist overshadowing everything else. Bass is crucial-anyone with a sense of rhythm understands that.”
Primal Scream occasionally incorporates programmed bass into their tracks. could technology ever replace live bass playing? “I hope not,” Mani laughs. “If that happens, I might find myself out of work! There’s definitely room for both, but nothing compares to the excitement of seeing a live musician with a guitar.”
The Unique Qualities of Live Performance
What can a live bass bring to a performance that a sampler cannot? “I think it’s all about the visual appeal,” Mani responds. “There’s something undeniably captivating about a person playing a bass guitar compared to a sampler. People want to see me on stage, moving and engaging with the audience.”
Mani recalls a challenging period when Primal Scream toured with a drum machine after drummer Paul Mulreaney left. “That was tough because, as they say, it doesn’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing. Now that I have Darrin Mooney as our drummer, it’s a game-changer.He’s fantastic, and it makes my bass playing feel so much more impactful.”
Primal Scream – Star (Live from Later… with Jools Holland 1997) - YouTube
Shifting Perspectives on Music
With the Stone Roses,Mani’s playing was characterized by fluidity and melody,while with Primal Scream,his bass style has evolved to be more distorted and driven. “I’ve always enjoyed that style,” he reflects. “in the Roses, I felt pressure to showcase my skills more as John and Reni were both exceptional musicians. With Primal Scream, I can focus on creating space and making the notes count. I wasn’t consciously changing, but now that you mention it…”
“I always wanted to be at the forefront, but in my previous band, I had to compete with three other incredibly talented musicians. It was challenging. With Primal Scream, we all have our own space to express ourselves. They’re not overly concerned with technology; if a programmed bass fits a song better,then that’s what we use.”
Mani has a progressive view on sampling as well. His bass lines have been sampled in various tracks, including Tunes Splits the Atom by Manchester rapper MC Tunes, which reached the UK top 20 in 1990 and borrowed from his iconic I Am The Resurrection riff. “I know Tunes well, and I told him to use it without any financial expectations. I’m glad he did. Being sampled is a huge compliment.”
“When Fools Gold was sampled by Run DMC, I thought, ‘Here’s a white guy from Manchester being sampled by some legendary hip-hop artists!’ That was an incredible feeling. I’ve always loved that genre, and to be recognized by one of the biggest hip-hop groups was surreal.”
Future Endeavors and Personal reflections
In 2010, Mani formed the short-lived band Freebass with former Smiths bassist Andy Rourke and Peter Hook from Joy Division/New Order. He continued with Primal Scream until the Stone Roses reunited in 2011, a moment captured in the documentary The Stone Roses: Made of Stone. The band released two singles in 2016 and performed at major festivals and venues, including Wembley Stadium and Glasgow’s Hampden Park, where they played their final show in 2017.
In a 2021 podcast with former Manchester United player Brian McClair,Mani hinted that he might be done with touring: “I don’t see myself on stage anytime soon.” He mentioned that he had made enough money and was now focused on fishing. “I love fishing. I’ve taken up fly-fishing,which is quite relaxing. It’s a great way to clear my mind and enjoy nature. Plus, it gives me a good excuse to hit the pub afterward!”
If this is true, it would be a significant loss for fans. Back in 2000, Mani was thriving in collaborative projects. “I’ve been doing some freelance work lately,” he shared. “In the Stone Roses, we weren’t into collaborations, but now I find it refreshing. There’s always something new to learn from others.”
“I’m still evolving as a musician. There’s so much to learn, and I feel like I know very little. But as they say, ignorance is bliss!”
Mani performing live,showcasing his unique style. (Image credit: Future)
Mani: The Bass Virtuoso Behind The Stone Roses and Primal scream
Mani, the iconic bassist known for his work with the Stone Roses and Primal Scream, has left an indelible mark on the music scene.His unique style and contributions have shaped the sound of British rock and dance music, making him a pivotal figure in both genres.
A Fashionable Presence
Mani at London Fashion Week,June 2018. (Image credit: Darren Gerrish/WireImage/Getty)
Musical Journey and Evolution
Mani’s journey began with The Stone Roses, where his fluid and melodic bass lines became a defining feature of their sound. However, his transition to Primal Scream marked a significant evolution in his style. With Primal Scream, his bass work became more aggressive and dub-influenced, showcasing a different side of his musicality.
“I’ve always been drawn to that style of playing,” Mani reflects. “In The Stone Roses, I felt the need to stand out more because I was surrounded by incredibly talented musicians. With Primal Scream, I can focus on creating space and letting the music breathe.”
Collaborative Spirit
Mani’s approach to music is characterized by a collaborative spirit. He embraces the use of technology in music production,recognizing that sometimes a programmed bass line can serve a song better than a live performance. ”If a programmed bass fits the track better, then that’s what we should use,” he states. “It’s all about enhancing the music.”
His open-mindedness extends to sampling as well. Mani has had his bass lines sampled in various tracks, including the UK top 20 hit Tunes Splits the Atom by MC tunes, which incorporated a riff from I Am The Resurrection. “I told him to use it without any financial expectations. Being sampled is a huge honor,” he shares.
Reflections on Performance
Mani believes that live performance holds a unique charm that technology cannot replicate. “There’s something special about seeing a person play a bass guitar live,” he explains. “It’s all about the energy and connection with the audience.”
He recalls the challenges of touring with a drum machine after the departure of drummer Paul Mulreaney. “It was tough because it lacks the swing that a live drummer brings. Now, with Darrin Mooney on board, it’s a wholly different experience. He’s an incredible drummer, and it makes my bass playing feel much more impactful.”
Future Aspirations
In 2010, Mani briefly formed the band Freebass with Andy Rourke and Peter Hook. He continued to perform with Primal Scream until the Stone Roses reunited in 2011, a moment captured in the documentary The Stone Roses: Made of Stone. The band released new music and played at major venues,including Wembley Stadium.
In a recent podcast, Mani hinted at a potential retirement from touring, expressing a newfound passion for fishing. “I love fishing. It’s a great way to clear my mind and enjoy nature,” he said.”It’s also a good excuse to visit the pub afterward!”
As he reflects on his career, Mani acknowledges the importance of continuous learning. “I’m still evolving as a musician.There’s always something new to discover, and I feel like I know very little. But that’s part of the joy of music.”
Behind the Beats: Mani Unveils the Gear and Groove That Shaped Stone Roses’ Timeless Classics
Behind the Beats: Mani Unveils the Gear and Groove That Shaped Stone Roses’ Timeless Classics
The Essence of Mani’s Sound
Gary “Mani” mounfield, the legendary bassist of The Stone Roses, is renowned for his distinctive sound that blends funk, rock, and dance music. His approach to bass playing has not only defined the band’s music but has also influenced countless musicians across genres. Mani’s gear choices and rhythmic style are integral to understanding the timeless classics that have left an indelible mark on the music landscape.
key Gear That Shaped the Sound
Mani’s choice of instruments and equipment has played a crucial role in crafting the unique sound of The Stone Roses. Below are some of the key pieces of gear that have defined his musical journey:
Gear
Description
Impact on Sound
Rickenbacker 4001
A classic bass guitar known for its radiant, punchy tone.
Provides a distinctive melodic quality that stands out in the mix.
Ampeg SVT Amplifier
A powerful tube amplifier favored by many rock bassists.
Delivers rich,warm tones with excellent clarity and depth.
Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal
A versatile distortion pedal used for adding grit to the sound.
enhances the bass tone, giving it a more aggressive edge.
Fender Precision Bass
A staple in rock music, known for its solid construction and sound.
Offers a deep,resonant tone that complements the band’s style.
Mani’s Influences and Musical Style
Mani’s musical influences are as diverse as his gear. Growing up in Manchester, he was exposed to a variety of genres, from punk rock to funk and soul. This eclectic mix has shaped his playing style, which is characterized by:
Groove-Oriented Bass Lines: Mani’s bass lines are often syncopated and rhythmic, encouraging listeners to dance.
Melodic Hooks: He incorporates catchy melodies into his playing, making the bass an integral part of the song structure.
Funk and Soul Elements: Influenced by northern Soul and funk, his playing often features elements that add a unique flavor to the band’s sound.
Case Study: The Making of “Fools Gold”
One of The Stone Roses’ most iconic tracks,”fools Gold,” exemplifies Mani’s innovative approach to bass playing. The song features a distinctive bass line that drives the rhythm and sets the tone for the entire track. Hear’s a breakdown of how Mani contributed to its creation:
Song Structure
Intro: The song opens with a catchy bass riff that promptly grabs attention.
Verse: Mani’s bass line complements the guitar, creating a rich tapestry of sound.
Chorus: The bass becomes more pronounced, driving the energy of the song and encouraging listeners to move.
Recording Techniques
During the recording of “Fools Gold,” Mani utilized his Rickenbacker 4001 to achieve a bright and punchy sound. The use of the Ampeg SVT amplifier allowed for a warm, full-bodied tone that blended seamlessly with the other instruments. The combination of these elements created a bass line that was both melodic and rhythmic, making it a standout feature of the track.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Bassists
If you’re looking to emulate Mani’s style and incorporate his techniques into your playing, consider the following tips:
Experiment with gear: Try different bass guitars and amplifiers to find the sound that resonates with you. Don’t hesitate to explore effects pedals to add texture to your tone.
Focus on Groove: Practice playing along with a metronome or drum tracks to develop your sense of timing and rhythm. Aim to create bass lines that encourage movement.
Learn from the Masters: Study the work of influential bassists,including Mani,to understand thier techniques and incorporate them into your own style.
Benefits of Understanding Gear and Groove
Understanding the gear and groove that shape your sound can lead to important benefits:
Enhanced Creativity: Knowing how different instruments and effects work can inspire new ideas and approaches to songwriting.
Improved Performance: A solid grasp of your gear allows for more confident and expressive performances.
Stronger Musical Identity: developing a unique sound helps you stand out as a musician and can attract a dedicated audience.
Join the Beatbounty Community
Are you ready to take your music career to the next level? Create an account on the Beatbounty platform and submit an ad to connect with other musicians, find gigs, and collaborate on exciting projects. Join a community that celebrates creativity and innovation in music!
