Review by Steve Bennett

Guy Pratt probably has one of the most impressive CVs of anyone performing on the Fringe this year. In his time, he has played bass (both live and in session) for Pink Floyd, Madonna and Michael Jackson among others.

This show is an introduction to the world of the bass guitar and a collection of anecdotes from his years of performing, which hold great interest for those fascinated music but very little for anyone else.

There are two main threads to Pratt’s show. Firstly, he has brought along his bass guitar, which he uses to both illustrate his stories (for example, playing the bass line to one of the bands he discusses and so forth) and make musical-based jokes.

Therefore, when he describes the perpetual regret that all bass players feel in their choice of instrument, Pratt can perfectly convey why by comparing the guitar to the bass. He is obviously ridiculously talented with the instrument, offering an introduction to several styles including disco and funk, although perhaps he does not show off his talent as much as he could.

Secondly, and often far more engagingly, Pratt also has a plethora of stories to tell, probably violating any ‘what happens on tour stays on tour’ code between musicians.

Several times he does not hold back on relating both surprising and embarrassing details about what he has witnessed in his career. Most noteworthy, he has a wonderful tale about his experiences working on Michael Jackson’s album that really has to be heard.

There isn’t really a lot one can criticise Pratt for in this hour. He is clearly an interesting man with a long history behind him, and he seems to have a natural wit with which to divulge this history.

The only real negative point is that, if someone was not interested in music or the people he was telling stories about, then they would not be converted. But, then again, with so much choice on offer in Edinburgh this August, if someone was not interested in music, why would they be attending this?

Review date: 1 Jan 2007
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett