When you look back at the world’s great singer/musicians – there aren’t that many bass player/singers – sure there’s Jack Bruce – Paul McCartney – Phil Lynott but popular music seems to favor the singer who’s prepared to strap on a six string rather than those that fill out the low end of the spectrum – however with the recent announcement that The Police look set to reform (they are defiantly playing at 2007’s Grammy’s) the music world can once again conclude that the bass is a worthy instrument for a front man.

As most are probably aware already – Sting originally found fame with the 70/80’s band the Police – their music was an eclectic mix of reggae pop and punk and Sting’s relaxed but resourceful playing style came to prominence – most notably on their 1984 record Synchronicity. However given Sting’s superstardom, it’s often forgotten that he’s a great Bass Player.

Despite comments that he’s influnced by Stax/Motown and the Beatles (he’s quoted on McCartney as saying ““It’s hard to seperate McCartney’s influence on my bass playing
from his influence on everything else–singing, songwriting, even becoming
a musician in the frst place. As a child, I would play my Beatles albums
at 45 r.p.m so I could hear the bass better. He’s the Guv’nor.”) Stings playing is also developed from a love of Jazz.

Sting’s love of Jazz develops a texture and musical direction that is not present in too many other acts - in an interview regarding how he plays bass he states that the dynamic of a chord is that it isn’t a chord until “the bass player has put his note in”. That’s really refreshing in a world of root notes that Sting sees the bass as taking the musical direction of the band. Check out “An Englishman in New York” as an evidence of this.

Sting (as with many bass players) has had his fair share of classic riffs – both during his years with the Police and as a solo artist, for our favorite check out the reggae influenced “Walking on the Moon” perfectly balanced against the percussion and the vocal - simple but equally brilliant.

Gear wise Sting has favored Fender bass’s over the years most prominently a 1962 Fender Jazz and ’57 and ‘55 Fender Precisions (These days’ mostly favoring the P-Basses). Though over the years he’s featured a range of instruments (including uprights) – amps wise – he’s used the likes of Carver over the years amongst others. His playing style is pretty standard and he’s moved between pick and fingerstyle over the years (more predominantly finger style)

Whilst neither Sting’s tone or technique are that unique – he’s inventive enough to be highly regarded – his jazz leanings make him different from many other pop or soft rock bassists - There’s also a simplicity in his playing take tracks such as Field of Gold, “Every Breath you take”. Which although simple are beautifully constructed to support the composition. Favoring the song over technical virtuosity – a theme of Sting’s style is allowing space for other band members (in the case of Police leaving room for Andy Summers Guitar)

Like Jack Bruce with Cream – Sting also sings when playing bass – Sting’s been quoted in the past saying that his playing style tends to be simpler when singing – indeed he’s also employed a second bass player when touring – and he’s also been noted to pick up other instruments notably guitar and keyboards.

As the reformation of the Police will no doubt prove – Sting has an enduring appeal both as a songwriter and musician – his ability to develop simple yet effective songs with beguiling influences ensures that there’s more depth to him than initially meets the eye.