Bass Teacher REACTION | Cynic 'Veil Of Maya' - Sean Malone Bass Play-Through ANALYSIS

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➡️ In terms of complete and efficient control over the bass guitar in metal, I'm not sure anyone did it better than the late Sean Malone. His tenure with @cynicdocumentary will forever leave a legacy for progressive metal bass playing. In this video I react to, and analyze, a bass play-through of "Veil Of Maya" from Cynic's debut album "Focus" from 1993. It's universally agreed upon that Cynic were so ahead of their time with a record that fused technical death and jazz elements into its sound, paving the way for modern bands to follow suit - even still today. I focus on Sean's extremely efficient bass technique, his lyrical writing with bass melodies, his light fingerstyle plucking, his rhythmic choices and interplay with drummer Sean Reinert, and much more.
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Mark Michell is an internationally-touring and recording bass player known for his work with Scale the Summit, Tony MacAlpine, Tetrafusion, Watermox, and more. Michell is a published educator and author for Hal Leonard, the world's largest music publisher, and has taught bass clinics around the globe for many years. He has played on several Billboard-charting album releases and is endorsed by Jackson Basses, EMG Pickups, and Dunlop.
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of music education.

[mikeepatrick]

Also, fun fact: I asked Sean a question on his site many years ago, and he sent me, via email, a video he made to explain his right hand technique. Blew my mind. Legend.

[alexderlago]

Thanks for making this. I was Sean's student and asked so many questions about the bass lines on Focus. The "Jaco" line you refer to is indeed a direct reference to Jaco Pastorius. Also, in regards to his technique, more specifically his left hand, he was very adamant on fretting directly with his finger tips.

[dampersand]

Anybody interested in hearing more Sean Malone should check out the two albums he released under the name Gordian Knot. I can appreciate Cynic, but Gordian Knot is the Sean Malone music that really blows me away.

[theopinson]

Him and Reinert were just miles beyond everyone else on their respective instruments. Even 30 years later I am in absolute awe of their technique and feel.

[AncientEvil]

I had the honour to consider Sean was a great friend of mine (let alone a hero/inspiration). Although living 9000 miles apart, we'd chat every day online, on the phone, it was during the Gordian Knot 1-2/Aghora era.... I helped him with completing his collection of Douglas Hofstadter GEB books in all translated languages and even procuring some rare Goldberg Variations by Gould that he was raving on about so much 😂 He was adamant in supporting me moving to Oregon and study music/guitar at the college/Uni he was teaching back then.He was a certified genius. And had such sensitivity, which always translated into his phrasing and melodic choices. That has always been my fave thing of Sean's playing: his melodic lyricism. There are tons of great bass players out there, Sean's technique is indeed flawless and second to none, BUT man, the notes and phrases that Malone hit, composed and improvised were just preternatural. Perfect. I'll never forgive myself for gradually losing touch with him through the years. He's deeply, sorely missed.

[romaincassignol]

Extraordinary bassist. Back in 1993/94, i have corresponded with him by postal letter. I sent a stamped letter to Cynic (kind of fan club) address, and as he was studying french, he answered me in french ! (i'm french and bass player). Very good memories ! Cynic's Focus is one of the most important album in tech/prog metal history. Very sad him and Sean Reinert (another Amazing musician) passed away....great video.

Edit: he sent me its personnel demo on cassette on side 1 (with the Cynic demo of 1991 on side 2 !)

[k-ondoomer]

His bass solo on textures is jazz asf. That entire album is both a study in music and a spiritual journey

[stevedobak]

Sean was bass genius, no other comments required

[Garbrel]

In 1993, no one in a metal band could conceive of bass playing as intricate as Sean Malone's performance on Focus. He worked for Morrisound studios and Cynic recruited him after losing their previous bassist (the amazing Tony Choy). It was serendipitous in the sense that Cynic were increasingly going in a jazz/fusion direction when Malone came along and added that Jaco-infused touch. I don't think I would change a single note on the album. It is as close to perfect as they come. Almost 30 years later and Focus continues to be my #1 favorite album ever made. RIP to both Seans who left us way too soon. 🍺 GENIUSES. The lot of you! 🙂

[DruNature]

So deeply saddened by the passing of these two cherished heroes of death metal, these guys changed it all, as a Florida native this band is really close to my heart!
learned so much from this vid and comments!

[scottnelle]

I was fortunate to see Cynic in 2014 on the first tour when Sean Malone rejoined them on stage. I really feel lucky to have seen him performing with Sean Reinert.

[bacongl]

I saw them on the Focus tour with Cannibal Corpse back in the day and people had no idea what to make of them. They just stood there and watched. They were truly ahead of their time. Everyone in that band was staggering. Sean really turned me onto fretless.

[MrRenc]

Thanks for this video. Cynic, aghora, gordian knot and cortlandt opened the door of new world for me. Sean's bass line is unrivaled and unique in these albums... RIP

[LIQQWIDRIP]

When I saw Cynic they had Robin Zielhorst playing bass, another fantastic player. He has a great playthrough of Time and It's Changes from Exivious that would be a good candidate for an analysis video.

[nah_m]

I just went to go see Cynic yesterday and it was amazing Brandon did a great job as always playing the cynic again.

[weedeemorrison]

Had the pleasure to meet him before the Opeth Cynic gig in Dublin 11/08. Absolute gent.

[jasondavid]

R i p Sean and Sean😢
So good, cynic awezome. 😎🇬🇧

[RudyDelgado]

Great analysis and you nailed it with pointing out the "Jaco" parts and I am glad I'm not the only one who noticed that. What a revelation Cynic was when Focus came out. I grew up on prog rock and the fusion greats and eventually transitioned into extreme metal. Cynic brought those influences together like no one before them. Thanks and Cheers.

[TheGeniesis]

Eargasm, I can't describe it with different words. Fretless, sick tone, sick technic, melodic, complicated rhyms and everything fits together.

[Legion_Victrix]

I started listening at Cynic back in 1993 when Focus album came out. I was at High School back then... awesome band ahead of it's time.