Mel Schacher - Grand Funk

[bob...@epix.net]

Are there any "old timers" out there who are familiar
with Mel Schacher of Grand Funk Railroad? Positively
one of the best bass players of all time. Does anyone
know what he's doing these days? The last rumour I
heard was that he owned a record store in Flint,
Michigan.

[Gary L. Cunningham]

Now you're talking history!!! I'm 42 years old, still a very active bass player. Other than
the Beatles, Grand Funk was the band that turned me on to bass playing. I'm sure we'll be
getting lots of flaming, but I STILL crank my old Grand Funk records!!!
I agree, Mel Schacher was one of the most influential bass players ever, in my mind. Please
realize that I'm not talking pure technical chops, but the total feeling and energy behind his
playing. The guy had soul! My friends tell me that I still play with that Schacher sound,
slightly overdriven and loud! I admit that I love Tony Levin, Victor Wooten, Manring, Sheehan,
etc., but there was something about Grand Funk that made me shiver!
I had the pleasure of seeing a double bill at the Palace Theatre, Albany NY, ('70-71?) with
Grand Funk and Mountain!! Truly awe inspiring!!
Thanks, with all the talk on the new Bass monsters, it was nice to bring back some
memories!!

True Story: A serious girl friend once told me in my high school years that our relationship
was getting shaky because " There's more to life than Grand Funk!"

[John Deal]

No flaming from here. Although I did not start to play bass until I was 36
I was already a bass head by 1969 and "Grand Funk Live" was getting lots of
use (I can hear it now..."Mean Mistreater"(sp?)..."Are You Ready"). Still have
the record. Maybe I will play it tonight.

Girl friends and Grand Funk. A real generational moment happened when I was
playing "Grand Funk Live" and my serious girl friend's mother came in saying
"I think the record is skipping".

--

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# John Deal - jd...@xyplex.com (508) 952-4837 #
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[MT Toom]

I don't know much about Grand Funk, but in the past have mixed monitors
for Mark Farner. Actually got to play his guitar at soundcheck a few
times.

If Mel can groove anything like Mark, I'll bet they were something to
see live.

What tracks should I listen to for the correct transmission of the
vibe?

Tim Philly, PA

[MT Toom]

Dear Don,

Please e-mail me with your address or telephone number.

Tommy in Pennsylvania would like to get in touch with you and I no
longer have your direct e-mail address.

He is looking for the photos you were going to send of the NS-4.

He has a tape of the music I wrote to you about.

Hope to hear form you

Tim Bergeron Philly, PA