The Low Down on Daryl Stuermer
By Ed Friedland

When Genesis’ founding guitarist departed in 1977, dozens of highly qualified applicants lined up for the job – but it was Milwaukee native Daryl Stuermer who nailed the audition and got the gig. His prodigious talents on guitar were certainly a major factor, but Stuermer's ability to grasp the music and approach it authentically made the difference. Genesis bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford says of Daryl: "Daryl arrived and understood the essence of what we’re about, including the textures and the sounds. He didn’t ask, “How do you want it?” He already knew. He understood you have to play these songs with a certain sound and within a certain genre." The ability to get inside the music has also kept Stuermer in demand as a member of Phil Collins’ band since the early 1980s.

Over the years, Daryl has released several solo CDs, including his most recent, “GO!” (Urban Island, 2007). As an instrumental record, “GO!” showcases Stuermer's incendiary soloing, lyrical melody work, as well as his compositional skills. Although Stuermer has played bass on his previous solo recordings, “GO!” features the bass work of Leland Sklar and Eric Hervey. But playing bass is still a big part of Daryl Stuermer's musical world, and Lakland has become his instrument of choice. Fresh off Genesis' first tour in 15 years, Stuermer answers some questions relating to his life as a bass player in one of the most popular and influential bands in progressive rock.

EF: How much of your time onstage with Genesis is on bass?
DS: It’s at least half the time.

EF: Do you have a sense of comparison between your bass style and Mike Rutherford’s?
DS: There is a difference in our style. His playing is probably based more on a written part or arrangement - almost like an orchestral bass line. He generally uses a plectrum when he plays bass. I would compare his style to British bass players such as Chris Squire, John Entwistle, Jack Bruce…etc. My bass style is probably a little more traditional than his – maybe more of a feel thing. Since he originally played and composed the bass parts of all the songs, I base all of my parts on what he wrote but then I try to make them my own. Depending on the song, I’ll use my fingers or a plectrum.

EF: Has Mike been an influence on your bass playing?
DS: Absolutely! His bass parts are very original and interesting. His playing is very strong and aggressive as well. Having to play so many of his bass parts has rubbed off on the way I approached my own music.

EF: Do you try to emulate his playing on certain tunes?
DS: It depends on the song. Normally I don’t, but if it’s a signature bass part of a particular song I will go that way.

EF: Do you play any of his bass parts verbatim? And if so, what sort of challenges do they pose?
DS: I only play specific lines or parts that have to be there. Otherwise I can stretch out a little from the original part. As the years have gone by so many things have changed that I’m really not sure what the original part was. I sometimes go back to the recording to see what has changed.

EF: Who else has influenced your bass playing?
DS: The biggest influence on my playing has been Leland Sklar. I’ve known Lee since working with him on Phil Collins’ “No Jacket Required” album in 1984. I have worked with him in Phil Collins’ band and on some of my solo albums. His playing is so musical. He always knows the right thing to play and has a great sound. He is also a fun guy to have in the studio. You need that when you’re working closely for hours and hours. Humor is a great asset.

EF: Your brother played bass in your old band from the ‘70’s, Sweetbottom. Has he influenced your bass playing in any way?
DS: Definitely! He played bass years before I did and we have worked together in different bands for years. He has great ideas and amazing chops. Anyone that you work with will have an influence on you one way or another.

EF: Does the bass have any role in your solo work?
DS: Yes, besides playing bass on most of my solo albums it has had an effect on how I write for the bass. I have played bass on six of my seven solo albums. What happens is, prior to tracking the album I demo most everything myself. Then when it comes down to the actual recording of the album I’ll keep anything I feel is a good performance. Occasionally I’ll keep my bass performance from the demo. On “Another Side Of Genesis” I used all of my bass parts. On “Waiting In The Wings” I kept five of my bass parts and then had my bass player Eric Hervey re-cut the other five songs.

EF: What is your live doubling rig?
DS: With Genesis I use two Eden WT800 bass amps - one for the Lakland bass and the other for Moog Taurus bass pedals. I use a Boss Super Octave OC-3, Boss DL-5 Delay, Boss TU-3 tuner, and an Ernie Ball volume pedal. The Voodoo Lab Pedal Power powers all of the effects pedals.

EF: Do you change instruments a lot live, or do you program the set so you can stay on one instrument for a while?
DS: I change from guitar to bass quite often - sometimes two songs on the guitar then two on the bass. It’s a luxury when I can play three songs on one instrument. The set order doesn’t take my changing into account.

EF: What type of musical adjustments do you make when you play bass?
DS: Going from guitar to bass is an adjustment mentally as well as physically. It’s actually more comfortable going from guitar to bass – thin neck to a thick neck is an easier transition for me. It takes me a little while to adjust going the other way around. But generally after a tour has been going on for a while I don’t think about it too much.

EF: How has playing bass affected your guitar playing?
DS: I don’t think it has affected my guitar playing other than what I mentioned in the previous answer. It’s all what you get used to.

EF: Do you play with a pick or fingers? If both, what determines your choice?
DS: I play both. With Genesis, Mike Rutherford might have played the song on the album with a pick, so I probably would as well. With my own music it will depend on what effect I’m going for. When I’m in the recording process I will try using my fingers and then the pick. I then listen back to see what sound I like better. Sometimes if it’s a very fast line, riff, or groove I might have to play it with a pick.

EF: Do you practice bass much?
DS: I do play off and on during the week but I tend to practice more when I’m preparing for a tour or album project.

EF: Do you have a pre-tour workout for bass?
DS: About three weeks or so before a Genesis tour I’ll generally play along to a live recording every day. I will usually start with the guitar songs first and then end with the bass songs.

EF: How long have you been playing Lakland basses?
DS: I started playing the Lakland bass just before the Genesis tour rehearsals - which started in April 2007.

EF: What model(s) do you use?
DS: My main bass is a USA made 4-94 customized with a Hipshot D-Tuner. I use the D-Tuner on several songs on the tour. My spare bass is a Skyline 44-02.

EF: What was it about the Lakland that attracted you?
DS: My bass player Eric Hervey plays a Lakland 5-string and I always liked his sound. Then when I test-drove a 4-string it was the combination of the sound and feel. It has a beautiful woody sound. When you dig in it responds to what you’re playing. It all just came together for me as the bass for me. I also love the shape and the look of the three-tone sunburst.

EF: What type of strings are you using for bass?
DS: Ernie Ball.

EF: What is it like playing bass with drummer Chester Thompson?
DS: It’s a dream playing with Chester. We seemed to have especially clicked on this tour.

EF: Have you played with many other drummers?
DS: I have played with some great drummers – Steve Smith, the late Mark Craney, and of course Phil Collins - but mainly as a guitarist. I feel very fortunate to be playing bass and guitar with two greats like Chester Thompson and Phil Collins.

EF: Can you compare the differences between drummers and how they affect your bass playing?
DS: Each player has an original approach, which always affects how you play with him or her. The pocket is always different with each individual.

EF: Do you feel like the bass has become a creative outlet for you, or is it more of a utility thing?
DS: It’s definitely a creative outlet for me. Playing bass with Genesis or on my own solo projects isn’t utility to me. I’ve been seriously playing bass since my first Genesis tour in 1978. Over those 29 years the bass has become part of my personality. It is always in my arsenal and is a joy to play.

EF: Tell me about "GO!" your most recent solo project?
DS: My previous albums explored my more eclectic and contemporary jazz side. Sometimes I would combine my lighter nylon string guitar songs with some mid-tempo to heavier up-tempo electric compositions. This time I wanted to show the best of the edgy rock side of my guitar playing and song writing. I also want to show the direction I'll be going in on my future albums to my old fans and the new listeners. I am going back to what I feel I do best. My new album "GO!" exerts energy from the very first song. It's like saying "Ready, Set,.........GO!"........sort of coming out of the gate at full force. There are only two ballads, but even the ballads have a simmering undercurrent of energy. With each album I try to write the way I feel at the moment. I want to project a certain attitude, sound, and set up a general atmosphere. With "GO!" I wanted to let go more than I had in my passed. I felt a certain need to challenge my own guitar playing and go where I hadn't gone before. You can hear it on some earlier albums but not as consistently as on "GO!".  I believe it's my most focused album.  

EF: Why did you choose not to play bass on this one?
DS: In the past, I always played bass on certain tracks on my albums. If my bass track on the demo sounded good to me I would keep the original and put it on the album. When I was in the writing stage on "GO!" I demoed the songs playing keyboard bass. When I got to the actual recording stage I wanted to get a different perspective. I was on tour with Phil Collins and mentioned to our bassist Leland Sklar that I was going into the studio to record a new album. He said "I'd love to come to Milwaukee for a visit"! I couldn't turn down the offer of course. I decided what I would do is have him play on about half the album and my bass player Eric Hervey play on the other half. I picked songs that generally fit their style best. 

EF: What is next for you? Any new projects or tours in the upcoming future?
DS: Now that the Genesis tour is over, for the time being I want to concentrate on writing for my next album. After that I'm hoping to do some touring with my band in spring and summer.  

For more information about Daryl, and to purchase his recordings – including signed copies of “GO!” – visit his Website.