Mick Grøndahl's Bass on Jeff Buckley's 'Last Goodbye': A Masterclass in Eclectic Music
Mick Grøndahl, the Danish bassist, joined Jeff Buckley's band after a chance encounter and a shared jam session on 'Mojo Pin'. The duo went on to record the iconic song 'Last Goodbye', which showcased Buckley's unique musical style and Grøndahl's skill on his cream '66 Fender Jazz Bass Special Edition.
The recording process for 'Last Goodbye' was meticulous, taking 19 takes to perfect. The trio, consisting of Jeff Buckley, Mick Grøndahl, and Matt Johnson, rehearsed extensively in the East Village for six weeks to solidify their parts and chemistry. The final product, an atypical song with no chorus, incorporated various musical styles and techniques, reflecting Buckley's eclectic influences, which ranged from Nina Simone to qawwali music.
Buckley's talent was widely recognised, with legendary musicians like Bob Dylan, Jimmy Page, and Paul McCartney counting themselves as fans. Grøndahl, who switched from drums to bass at 16, found playing music therapeutic in coping with Buckley's untimely death. After Buckley's passing, Grøndahl played with various artists, including Thomas Dybdahl and Ane Brun, before eventually moving back to Denmark.
Mick Grøndahl's bass playing on 'Last Goodbye' was a significant contribution to Jeff Buckley's seminal album 'Grace'. The song's unique structure and diverse musical influences continue to captivate listeners, a testament to both Buckley's genius and Grøndahl's skill.
