Mike Gordon
Mike Gordon
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Michael Ephraim "Mike" Gordon is the bass guitarist and backing vocalist of the American rock band Phish.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: June 3, 1965 (age 58)
No death dates listed
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American musician and songwriter
Early Life and Background
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Mike Gordon was born on June 3, 1965, in Sudbury, Massachusetts. He grew up in a musical family and began playing the guitar at a young age. Gordon's early interests in music included jazz, classical, and folk.
Growing up in a small town in Massachusetts, Gordon attended high school and later enrolled at Hampshire College, where he studied photography and environmental studies. During his college years, he developed an interest in rock music, particularly the Grateful Dead.
Major Accomplishments
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As the bassist for Phish, Gordon's accomplishments include:
Collaborating on numerous albums with Phish, including their self-titled debut (1988) and 'Round Room (2009)
Touring extensively with Phish, performing over 2,000 shows worldwide
Releasing several solo albums, showcasing his skills as a singer-songwriterNotable Works or Actions
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Some notable works and actions of Mike Gordon's include:
The development of his signature bass playing style, which blends elements of rock, jazz, and folk
Collaborations with other musicians, such as Trey Anastasio (Phish guitarist) and Leo Kottke (American folk singer-songwriter)
Work on environmental projects, including a documentary film about the environment
Impact and Legacy
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As a member of Phish, Gordon's contributions to the band have helped shape their unique sound. His bass playing has been praised for its versatility and creativity.
Gordon's solo work has also received critical acclaim, showcasing his ability as a singer-songwriter. He continues to tour and record music with Phish and on his own, inspiring fans around the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Mike Gordon is widely quoted or remembered for his innovative approach to bass playing and his role in shaping the sound of Phish. His commitment to environmental causes and his dedication to his craft have earned him a reputation as a respected musician and artist.
Gordon's influence can be seen in the work of other musicians, who continue to draw inspiration from his unique style. As a member of one of the most beloved jam bands of all time, Mike Gordon remains an important figure in the music world today.
Quotes by Mike Gordon
Mike Gordon's insights on:
I haven’t written enough songs to be able to say that I have a system. I’ve only written a handful.
Usually I don’t think much in terms of interesting sounds. Although I think I want to get one of those whammy pedals, I forget what it’s called and who makes it. It’s got a whole bunch of different settings. You can play a note and it will raise the pitch when you push the pedal.
We have access to more resources in general, and they are not going to force a situation on us, whether its the producer, or the cover, or what songs we have to play. And it’s a small enough company that it seems like the people there care about music and not just about business.
Actually, it’s great to play with someone who tries to come up with interesting drum beats because it pushes the music in different directions.
I feel like I want to write some songs and I don’t know how to go about doing it. Usually it’s the lyrics that are a problem, and I think I am not really cut out to be a lyricist.
As long as we keep learning new music and getting better musically, there’s a good chance that the record deal won’t change anything.
I’m always interested in mixing technology and music. You know, maybe I’ll have a MIDI bass pickup at some point, I don’t really think that’s the direction I would want to go.
I don’t really have a favorite bass player. I listen to a lot of bluegrass. But then again, I’m not a typical bluegrass bass player. I was really into the Grateful Dead, and I still am – I don’t listen to them too much, but for me they are a big influence.