Mike Rutherford – Bass

Michael John Cloete Crawford Rutherford (born 2 October 1950) is an English guitarist, bassist and songwriter, best known as co-founder, lead guitarist and bassist of the rock band Genesis. He and keyboardist Tony Banks are the group’s two continuous members. Everyone has their favourite Genesis period but, for me, the artistry of Rutherford and Banks is absolutely exceptional. Rutherford is not a bassist, he is a musician. His playing invariably serves the songs and there is no grandstanding. Yet, like Pat Metheny’s Steve Rodby, every note is perfectly placed and, when he needs it, he has chops to spare. No solos, no showcasing, just brilliant, brilliant songwriting.

‘Many Too Many’ is a track from the 1978 Genesis album, ‘And Then There Were Three’, a title that came from the resignation of guitarist Steve Hackett. Whilst I am a massive fan of Hackett (he is the only player who has ever made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up (‘Firth Of Fifth solo live at Cardiff St. David’s Hall – Genesis Revisited)), I didn’t miss him for a second on this record. This bass part is relatively simple to read and play but there are some interesting leaps so you will need to concentrate.