Discover and enjoy That 1 Guy’s bass eccentricity
Genius and eccentricity often go hand in hand. Whether it be Einstein’s mess of hair or Michael Jackson’s, well, weirdness, we’ve come to expect a certain degree of oddity in brilliance. That’s the first tip-off that That 1 Guy has a good thing going.
Mike Silverman (a.k.a. ‘That 1 Guy’) is a classically trained bassist. Having studied upright bass at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and as a winner of the Dave Brubeck Jazz Scholarship, That 1 Guy isn’t lacking in talent. A listen through his debut album, ‘Songs in the Key of Beotch,’ is evidence that he isn’t lacking in eccentricity either.
Eschewing the traditional career path – and instrument – of the jazz bassist, That 1 Guy is a musical oddity. He is a one man band whose instrumentation has come to include even a cowboy boot (I know what you’re thinking, and no I’m not quite sure what it does either), but his primary instrument of choice is what he calls the Magic Pipe.
A fairly intimidating thing, the Magic Pipe is seven feet of galvanized steel, a handful of assorted hardware store knick-knacks, a single bass string and enough electronic gadgetry to throw a lifetime’s worth of techno-dance parties. The result is a post-modern drums and bass hoedown. Nonsensical lyrics, simple melodies, and a bouncy groove are That 1 Guy’s trademark, and they create a unique, if not downright weird, listening experience.
Songs with names like ‘It’s Raining Meat’ and ‘Forgotten Whales’ will probably never see a Top 40 list, but fans of Les Claypool, Ween and even Phish, should make sure that That 1 Guy finds his way to their iPod. And, while you’re at it, go check him out live. I really am curious as to what that cowboy boot is for.
Zach Pendleton is a music critic for the Statesman. Comments can be sent to
zachpendleton@cc.usu.edu