A number of music industry giants refer to Will Lee as simply the best bass player in the world. He can be seen every night of the week on national television playing bass with Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra on “Late Show with David Letterman.” While that is indeed a coveted gig, Will’s “off air” credits are even more impressive. He has toured with B.J.Thomas, Horace Silver, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, The Brecker Brothers, and Herbie Mann, and his discography of over 400 titles includes recordings by David Sanborn, Boz Scaggs, Diane Schuur, Tom Scott, Neil Sedaka, Carly Simon, Frank Sinatra, Phoebe Snow, Ronnie Spector, The Spinners, Spyro Gyra, Ringo Starr, Steely Dan, Cat Stevens, and Barbra Streisand—and those are just some of the “S’s”!
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I first met Will in 1994 at the legendary Bitter End in New York City’s Greenwich Village. I played guitar in the band that he had come to see. We chatted briefly following the set, which was truly an exciting occasion for me. Not only did I think he was one of the coolest guys on TV, but his career resembled my own hopes and dreams in the music industry. I was both humbled and honored to have a few moments with this terrifically accomplished musician. We met again three years later when I played the “Letterman Show” with Hanson, and this time we exchanged phone numbers. The following year, he invited me to his lower Manhattan apartment to write a song together. “Sunflower in the Shade” was the result of that Friday session in May of 1998, and we recorded it the following year on my CD, “Beyond the Blur.” In addition to our common musical interests, we both have an affinity for French women. Whenever schedules permit, we get together socially along with our French wives. Recently, we found a little time to “talk shop.”
Ravi: Why did you choose the bass?
Lee: It was one of those deals where we were 12 years old with a band that consisted of two guitars and drums—I played drums. We wanted a fuller sound, but in 1965, 12 year olds were not yet ready for the concept of bass. The Beatles had made a huge impact on the sales of drums and guitars, but bass was a young instrument. Kids were bashing on stuff to emulate drums and grabbing tennis rackets pretending they were guitars, but most people were not doing “air bass” yet. So, I thought “let’s get another drummer and I’ll switch to bass.” What was I thinking?
Ravi: What was your first bass?
Lee: I had my heart set on beautiful white Fender Precision that was in the music store window in Coral Gables, Fla. I let my dad know just before Christmas exactly what I was hoping for. On Christmas morning there was a bass there, but it was a no-name brown one that was so ugly. I was shocked. Working gigs and errands for a couple of months allowed me to buy my dream bass for myself—a greater feeling than just receiving it. I guess I showed dad who could take care of business (or he showed me how good it felt earning that bass).
Ravi: You are the “first call” bass player for many producers and hugely successful artists. How did you earn that respect? What is your work ethic and what pivotal points in your career contributed to your reputation?
Lee: I care about the music, and I have a feel for it. I am a huge fan of pop, country, rock, soul, and other types of music. So, I basically want records to sound as good as my favorites. Pivotal points have been listening to great records and having friends get me work by hiring or recommending me. One huge break came when I was in college in Florida in 1971. A guy named Gary Campbell came down to guest lecture at school and he and I ended up jamming. He went back to New York City and told the Brecker brothers about me, and suggested they audition me for their band Dreams. It just happened that I was a huge fan of their music, so when I got to New York, I was ready.
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