I would Have to say:

1. Bernard Edwards
2. Bootsy
3. Larry Graham

Man, there are way too many to mention. Those were some good years for many musicians. Bernard Edwards was definitely on top of the list. Louis Johnson was another. The cat who played for "Brainstorm" was a monster! The cat from Lakeside! The cat in Frankie Beverly's Maze was pretty damn good too. It's just too many to mention and many many of them probably aren't even playing anymore except maybe in church or something!

Man, there are way too many to mention. Those were some good years for many musicians. Bernard Edwards was definitely on top of the list. Louis Johnson was another. The cat who played for "Brainstorm" was a monster! The cat from Lakeside! The cat in Frankie Beverly's Maze was pretty damn good too. It's just too many to mention and many many of them probably aren't even playing anymore except maybe in church or something! I feel ya Bro,because there wre so manty cats in that era who were just plain "OFF THE HEEZIE ! that it's just immpossible to remember there names of course the names that have been mention were obviously in the forefront just by recognition alone,and rightfully so.But like yourself I also dug" the cats that you mention Marvin Craig from :Lakeside:Robin Duhe from Maze I also don't know who the bass player was for Brainstorm(I have the album and they don't mention him there either) I'm sure Pryohr would proably know but I would like to add Mark Adams of Slave/Steve Arrington was a brother whos' Funk was heavy and different.I guess that you could go on& on on this topic

I'll go with Verdine White, Larry Graham and Bootsy

Bernard Edwards. Verdine White, Louis Johnson and Mark Adams (slave)

Bernard Edwards. Verdine White, Louis Johnson and Mark Adams (slave)Man, Mark Adams was my 'teacher'!! I learned all my funkyness from him. I loved the way he used his chorus effect and when he plucked, he'd use double stops! He made that Alembic sing! Deon Estus (yes, the singing cat supposed discovered by George Michael) was the bassist for Brainstorm. Not sure if it was him that layed down that intro to 'We're On Our Way Home' though!

Speaking of funk bassists.......a cat who's name doesn't get mentioned very often but probably was one of the baddest slappers back then..........Dexter Redding!! The writer of the famous bass and drum only song, "The Awakening". A tune a lot of folks associate with Les Claypool! I hope everytime Les performs it, he cuts Dexter a check! :mad:

Man, Mark Adams was my 'teacher'!! I learned all my funkyness from him. I loved the way he used his chorus effect and when he plucked, he'd use double stops! He made that Alembic sing! Deon Estus (yes, the singing cat supposed discovered by George Michael) was the bassist for Brainstorm. Not sure if it was him that layed down that intro to 'We're On Our Way Home' though!DW,Mark actually used a Jazz on just about all the recordings that Slave did especially the " Stone Jam lp.I did see him use the Alembic briefly while they were on tour promoting there 2nd lp "Hardness of the World.As to Deon Estus (thats right the bass player for Wham and George Michael who BTW wrote damn'er all the tunes for them)did play for Brainstorm on the Journeyto Love lp.

David Shields,Nathan Watts,and Nathaniel Philipps "FaSho" The ultimate Funk Masters if there is any justice in this tiltle that has been IMHO used very loosely.

.....as a side note:Major props to the drummer who has acompany the bass player mention above.Mr.Bruce Carter....It don't get no better.

DW,Mark actually used a Jazz on just about all the recordings that Slave did especially the " Stone Jam lp.I did see him use the Alembic briefly while they were on tour promoting there 2nd lp "Hardness of the World.As to Deon Estus (thats right the bass player for Wham and George Michael who BTW wrote damn'er all the tunes for them)did play for Brainstorm on the Journeyto Love lp.Mark used a Jazz? I guess it was so heavily effected, I couldn't tell. Although "Slide" definitely has that signature Jazz bass growl. He definitely liked a deep ballsy sound! I loved those 'jazzy' chords their keyboardist used. It was sad to see that band fall off. I have every one of their LP's and a cd compilation. Great stuff. Man, cats don't funk out like they used to back in the day! Sigh! :bawl:

Michael Henderson was a guy from the seventies that I still study to this day. Many people did not appreciate him during his prime because of his image as a balladeer and sex symbol, but he played incredible bass lines in so many styles. Of course, he could play in Jamerson/Motown style because that was where he got his start, but he was also great at fusion style lines, and he was a great slapper too. Finally, he played alot of fretless bass. I think he used a fretless bass called an Alex Axe that a split pickup with two round halves. Henderson had a really dark fretless that really contrasted the brighter Jaco sound. Most of the Henderson solo albums are out on CD now.

Anthoer great bassist was lamont Johnson who played in Brainstorm before Deon Estus. He also played fretless. He had a nice solo album that probably can't be found anywhere now. Finally Fernado Saunders who played for Hamilton Bohannon was another 70s funk guy who played fretless. He later played with Lou Reed.

Well...you learn something new everyday...i always associated the awakening as claypools...i even played it for my final music exam at school...1 of the 4 pieces...it was my opening peice...it was rather amusing to see the look on my examiners faces (3 of them) considering they were all jazz pianists.. :confused: :eek: it was a mix of those two..lol....i got full marks for it though

cheers

Well...you learn something new everyday...i always associated the awakening as claypools...i even played it for my final music exam at school...1 of the 4 pieces...it was my opening peice...it was rather amusing to see the look on my examiners faces (3 of them) considering they were all jazz pianists.. :confused: :eek: it was a mix of those two..lol....i got full marks for it though

cheersYeah! You really need to hear Dexter's original version! Les is a good bassist but he plays it very sloppy!

Mark used a Jazz? I guess it was so heavily effected, I couldn't tell. Although "Slide" definitely has that signature Jazz bass growl. He definitely liked a deep ballsy sound! I loved those 'jazzy' chords their keyboardist used. It was sad to see that band fall off. I have every one of their LP's and a cd compilation. Great stuff. Man, cats don't funk out like they used to back in the day! Sigh! :bawl: THA'S REAL !

Yeah! You really need to hear Dexter's original version! Les is a good bassist but he plays it very sloppy!,...and with no type of feel.

Another fave...... The guy from Ozone/ teena Marie. "Gigollette was one of my favorite songs of the time.

Anyone know who played
"Must be the Music" by Secret Weapon?

Michael Henderson was a guy from the seventies that I still study to this day. Many people did not appreciate him during his prime because of his image as a balladeer and sex symbol, but he played incredible bass lines in so many styles. Of course, he could play in Jamerson/Motown style because that was where he got his start, but he was also great at fusion style lines, and he was a great slapper too. Finally, he played alot of fretless bass. I think he used a fretless bass called an Alex Axe that a split pickup with two round halves. Henderson had a really dark fretless that really contrasted the brighter Jaco sound. Most of the Henderson solo albums are out on CD now.

Anthoer great bassist was lamont Johnson who played in Brainstorm before Deon Estus. He also played fretless. He had a nice solo album that probably can't be found anywhere now. Finally Fernado Saunders who played for Hamilton Bohannon was another 70s funk guy who played fretless. He later played with Lou Reed. Man!Mike was as Raw as you could get in a bass player.Cheese check this out.I had a friend that was station in Germany sent me a tape of Norman Conors "Live and Mike was just 'Stupid ! Unfourtanantley it was lost in a house fire a couple of years back.I saw Lamont Johnson years back before he even started with Brainstorm. I will also mention another cat,your "Royal Badness-Prince ( just listen to the Time 1st 2 lps : trust me it was not Terry Lewis playing on those tracks)I've yet to hear anyone play 777-93-11 like he did.

As I've said b4 "The Mothership has landed

Don't forget Prince playing on "Let's Work." When everybody else was slapping octaves, he killed that song playing fifths and sevenths.

Michael Henderson was a guy from the seventies that I still study to this day. Many people did not appreciate him during his prime because of his image as a balladeer and sex symbol, but he played incredible bass lines in so many styles. Of course, he could play in Jamerson/Motown style because that was where he got his start, but he was also great at fusion style lines, and he was a great slapper too.
How 'bout Henderson's stint with Miles?
Two favourite anecdotes regarding Henderson...
1)Theme From Jack Johnson, Side A: McLaughlin begins with a boogie guitar thing in "E", Henderson grooves in "E". Eventually, McLaughlin modulates to "Bb"...Henderson stays in "E".
Miles does not stop the groove...Miles plays a "C#/Db" note which nudges Henderson into a "Bb". For years, I just assumed Henderson was playing an "E" under McLaughlin's "Bb"; I read Paul Tingen's Miles Beyond a couple years back & yes, it was a mistake. It worked out, though. ;)
2)Keith Jarrett told Miles, "...Henderson doesn't know Jazz; he's from Motown".
Miles told Henderson "...don't follow Keith when he starts playin' that Catholic school ****".

Supposedly, Henderson(I think) is involved in a project called Children Of Agartha...there's some more great Henderson to be had on Agartha, Panagea, & Live At The Philharmonic.

...I always liked Henderson's line on Connors' "You Are My Starship".
(I think it's Henderson).
;)

Another fave...... The guy from Ozone/ teena Marie. "Gigollette was one of my favorite songs of the time.

Anyone know who played
"Must be the Music" by Secret Weapon?
I know for sure that Charles Glenn Jr. was the bass player for the group Ozone and did sub for Oscar Austin when Oscar was not playing with Lady T.

Don't forget Prince playing on "Let's Work." When everybody else was slapping octaves, he killed that song playing fifths and sevenths. But check this out.I saw Prince on tour during this album,and at the time he still had his 1st band Dez Dickerson- (a real serious guitar player) Matt Fink-keys Bobby Z-drummer (eehh :hmm: ) Lisa keys,and Andre Cymone-bass. Well when they went into the tune 'lets Work,Andre played it note for note plus with double stops,and tripplits.

DW, hands5:

I thought that I was missing a Brainstorm album in my collection. "Journey to the Light" is the album with "We're On Our Way Home" on it.

Some excellent bassists mentioned so far. I'll add George Porter, Jr. to the list, too.

bernard edwards....leaves them all for dead

bernard edwards....leaves them all for deadI would have loved to hear Bernard outside of the disco music context. I'd like to hear what he truly woulda been capable of!

Man, Mark Adams was my 'teacher'!! I learned all my funkyness from him. I loved the way he used his chorus effect and when he plucked, he'd use double stops! He made that Alembic sing! Deon Estus (yes, the singing cat supposed discovered by George Michael) was the bassist for Brainstorm. Not sure if it was him that layed down that intro to 'We're On Our Way Home' though!
Yes that was Deon on that cut, Check out stormin and wake up and be somebody on the first album with Brainstorm.

70's disco and funk bassist, lets see
Micheal "sugarbear" Foreman of first choice fame
Keni Burke- Stairsteps, Invisable mans band
Ray Ranson-Brick
John "Flip" Flippin- Fatback band
"Muki" Wilson-Crown Heights Affair
Wilbur Bascomb-Idris muhammed
James "Knuck" Alexander- The Barkay's
Tinker- Roberta Flack, Luther
B.B. Dickerson- War

Honerable mention- the cat from T-Connection

Mark used a Jazz? I guess it was so heavily effected, I couldn't tell. Although "Slide" definitely has that signature Jazz bass growl. He definitely liked a deep ballsy sound! I loved those 'jazzy' chords their keyboardist used. It was sad to see that band fall off. I have every one of their LP's and a cd compilation. Great stuff. Man, cats don't funk out like they used to back in the day! Sigh! :bawl:

Yes Mark used a Jazz bass on the early stuff. He did have the alembic but could not control it in the studio nor could the sound man record him correctly with that particular bass. active basses were pretty new on the scene and Mark's playing (he was still in high school) wasn't sharp enough to record him cleanly. He was handed a jazz and told "use this"
In the end it all worked out
I saw slave live a couple of years ago and was totally uninpressed
:(
As a matter of fact I was very disappointed :( :(

Some excellent bassists mentioned so far. I'll add George Porter, Jr. to the list, too. HELL YEAH !

Yes Mark used a Jazz bass on the early stuff. He did have the alembic but could not control it in the studio nor could the sound man record him correctly with that particular bass. active basses were pretty new on the scene and Mark's playing (he was still in high school) wasn't sharp enough to record him cleanly. He was handed a jazz and told "use this"
In the end it all worked out
I saw slave live a couple of years ago and was totally uninpressed
:(
As a matter of fact I was very disappointed :( :( I also saw that show in N.C. around this same time and I myself was very disappointed.1st of all it was hardly the group that had the orignal presonnel,and the "blasphemouse" of it all Mark Adams wasn't playing bass they had some other cat who was using of all things an EB/SR5 which was totally not the Mark Adams tone that he put a stamp on for that band.

Pyrohr my man there was a bass player that I did ge to see during this era that I was impressed with,and no one has mentioned his name. The bass player for the group RollsRoyce;LaQuint Jobe.This brother had "Mad skills" ( forget about some of the stuff on there 1st lp) The single off there 2nd lp "Do your Dance to the Rythm the intro this cat was playing was "hellafied and I've yet to hear a person get that type of tone out of a Alembic like he did,except this cat out of N.C by the name of Quintin Berry..

Supposedly, Henderson(I think) is involved in a project called Children Of Agartha...there's some more great Henderson to be had on Agartha, Panagea, & Live At The Philharmonic. ;)Do you mean Michael Henderson & Children on the Corner? Henderson, Badal Roy, Ndugu Chancler, Sonny Fortune, Barry Finnerty, and Michael Wolff (only member not to play with Miles.) I saw that group live. Damn right.

70's disco and funk bassist, lets see
Micheal "sugarbear" Foreman of first choice fame
Keni Burke- Stairsteps, Invisable mans band
Ray Ranson-Brick
John "Flip" Flippin- Fatback band
"Muki" Wilson-Crown Heights Affair
Wilbur Bascomb-Idris muhammed
James "Knuck" Alexander- The Barkay's
Tinker- Roberta Flack, Luther
B.B. Dickerson- War

Honerable mention- the cat from T-ConnectionI met 'Muki' back in the 70's in Mount Vernon, NY where I grew up. The cats in Crown Heights Affair helped some folks in the band I was in back then reform (long story short, I sucked compared to the new guy and did not have any 'pro' gear to speak of back then) and get a record deal. They were called Unlimited Touch and featured Tony Cintron on drums and a badass named Sandy Anderson on bass. Keni Burke was a monster! The cat in T-Connection was also a monster. Yo, there were some cats with mad skillz back in those days. Deon Estus had to be a teenager back in those Brainstorm days!

The bass player for the group RollsRoyce;LaQuint Jobe.This brother had "Mad skills" ( forget about some of the stuff on there 1st lp)

Yes linquent(sp) was on my mind I just could not remember who he played with. we must also remeber EVERY bassist in Parlifunkedelicment's organization! they ALL had sick skills!

Hey DW, I jammed with Ajax From Crown Heights Affair last sunday night. He's still killin em and spinnin his horn!

Has anybody ever heard of Val burke? N.Y.C. bassist with Mother Night (send you roaches to Julie Nixon, say brother, scuffle)?

Do you mean Michael Henderson & Children on the Corner? Henderson, Badal Roy, Ndugu Chancler, Sonny Fortune, Barry Finnerty, and Michael Wolff (only member not to play with Miles.) I saw that group live. Damn right.
PoT-
...yes, thanks. Maybe it's Cosey doin' the 'other' Miles project.
I think.
(Dave B is up on this stuff!).
;)

On a tangent-
I picked up the Earth, Wind, & Fire In Concert DVD today(all I've heard is great things about this DVD)...anyway, it's a bit weird-
The tunes are up tempo & the bass is extremely active, busy, & funky...what I'm hearing isn't what Verdine's hands are doing(?).
There's a lot of popped bass goin' on, there's some funky doubletimed chromatic climbs &, yet, it seems his fretting hand is always in 1/2 position(around the nut).
Any ideas?

I would have loved to hear Bernard outside of the disco music context. I'd like to hear what he truly woulda been capable of!

list of Nard's credits-

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=UIDMISS70311071744262557&sql=R17248#APPEAR

On a tangent-
I picked up the Earth, Wind, & Fire In Concert DVD today(all I've heard is great things about this DVD)...anyway, it's a bit weird-
The tunes are up tempo & the bass is extremely active, busy, & funky...what I'm hearing isn't what Verdine's hands are doing(?).
There's a lot of popped bass goin' on, there's some funky doubletimed chromatic climbs &, yet, it seems his fretting hand is always in 1/2 position(around the nut).
Any ideas?I have the EW&F Live In Japan DVD (same one?) and it is very clear that he is not playing. There's no way in hell anyone can dance around that frikkin' much and play accurate as well! I agree too that his hands stay in the same position throughout the concert(no higher than 2nd-3rd fret)!

Does Rick James count? Very underappreciated, he played a RIC during his career, at least for a while.

Does Rick James count? Very underappreciated, he played a RIC during his career, at least for a while.Not doubting his playing skills but in his videos his hand movements never matched the bass track. He may have played on the recording though. I've never seen him live so I cannot comment whether he can actually play. Anyone here know?

I have the EW&F Live In Japan DVD (same one?) and it is very clear that he is not playing. There's no way in hell anyone can dance around that frikkin' much and play accurate as well! I agree too that his hands stay in the same position throughout the concert(no higher than 2nd-3rd fret)!
DW...
According to the back cover's notes-
This DVD concert was recorded in Oakland in 12/81.

Gotta say, I'm more than a little disappointed if...

Not doubting his playing skills but in his videos his hand movements never matched the bass track. He may have played on the recording though. I've never seen him live so I cannot comment whether he can actually play. Anyone here know?

It is possible that with lip-synching in videos, he just didn't feel the need to articulate every movement, since he was usually doing something else. I, too, would like to know if he was as good as he sounded on the records.

i bought street songs the deluxe edition (Wooooooo) not long ago....origional lp and live in long beach july 81, and the book says that on the lp Rick James and Oscar Alston are the bassists (doesnt specify which songs though) Stevie Wonder makes an appearance as well..Harmonica on Mr Policeman...

And on the live disc Oscar Alston is the bassist...

BTW: this is a (&^$*^&* great album, even my neighbours (dont) think so :D

Cheers
Heath

PoT-
...yes, thanks. Maybe it's Cosey doin' the 'other' Miles project.
I think.
(Dave B is up on this stuff!).
;)
Hey Hey- Look at that! You know you're developing a record collection when you can inform Jim on a music group!

The bass player for the group RollsRoyce;LaQuint Jobe.This brother had "Mad skills" ( forget about some of the stuff on there 1st lp)

Yes linquent(sp) was on my mind I just could not remember who he played with. we must also remeber EVERY bassist in Parlifunkedelicment's organization! they ALL had sick skills!

Hey DW, I jammed with Ajax From Crown Heights Affair last sunday night. He's still killin em and spinnin his horn!

Has anybody ever heard of Val burke? N.Y.C. bassist with Mother Night (send you roaches to Julie Nixon, say brother, scuffle)? Pyrohr; when I station at Fort Polk la. this brother out of Queens by the name of kenny Baker had a tape with this brother Val Burke on it and I was like DAMN ! WHO IS THIS CAT ! :confused: fast foward 2 years later I was station in Fayetteville N.C. I went to go see Kurtis Blow,and Grand Master flash & The Furious Five because I wanted to see Doug Wimbish.This cat by the name of "Duke booty" came on before those 2 acts well,guess who was on bass Yo boy Val.Man this brother was so damn funky that he blew my hi that night.When we left the concert me and a couple other cats was saying to ourselves Doug who ! :eek:

Not doubting his playing skills but in his videos his hand movements never matched the bass track. He may have played on the recording though. I've never seen him live so I cannot comment whether he can actually play. Anyone here know? Rick did do some of the playing but Oscar Alston did most of the playing as with Teena Marie.

I was listening to the Average White Bands greatest hits today and I have to add Alan Gorrie to the list although on "School Boy Crush," I believe that guitarist Hamish Stuart supplied one of my all time favorite basslines.

I was listening to the Average White Bands greatest hits today and I have to add Alan Gorrie to the list although on "School Boy Crush," I believe that guitarist Hamish Stuart supplied one of my all time favorite basslines.
Hamish is also on the previous track, "Cut The Cake".
Both played bass on "Love Your Life"...pretty cool seeing 2 Music Man Stingrays on-stage at the same time(back in the '70s). ;)

I like Gorrie a lot on "If I Every Lose This Heaven" & "Why".

Hamish is also on the previous track, "Cut The Cake".
Both played bass on "Love Your Life"...pretty cool seeing 2 Music Man Stingrays on-stage at the same time(back in the '70s). ;)

I like Gorrie a lot on "If I Every Lose This Heaven" & "Why".


what bass did Gorrie use on "If I ever lose this heaven" and "pick up the pieces"? Precision?

Pyrohr; when I station at Fort Polk la. this brother out of Queens by the name of kenny Baker had a tape with this brother Val Burke on it and I was like DAMN ! WHO IS THIS CAT ! :confused: fast foward 2 years later I was station in Fayetteville N.C. I went to go see Kurtis Blow,and Grand Master flash & The Furious Five because I wanted to see Doug Wimbish.This cat by the name of "Duke booty" came on before those 2 acts well,guess who was on bass Yo boy Val.Man this brother was so damn funky that he blew my hi that night.When we left the concert me and a couple other cats was saying to ourselves Doug who ! :eek:

Val burke was a Bassist for a group called Mother night (send your roaches to Julie Nixon, scuffle, say brother) out of jamaica Queens. in the early 70's he was every bassplayers dream AND nightmare at the same time!. His skills were unmatched by anyone around him, near him or mentioned in the same breath with him. The whole group was before their time and totally awesome. He was our jaco at that time and he was playing music that we could not only listen to but dance to! I once saw him get on the stage while his group was tearin it up without him (he was late) and he took out his p-bass, leaned back, rested the bass on his chest, tuned the bass to nothing, then just jumped right in without skippin a beat. F@%*$d up evry bass player in the room, and there had to be 15 or 20!
Growing up in Jamaica Queens Marcus, myself and every bass player we knew idolized this brother and with good reason, He was also the bass player who recorded on all the Moments (stang Records) hits with a group name Willie Feaster & the mighty magnificents. The Moments are an R&B singing group (Love on a two way street) before he disappeared he joined a English group called Spooky Tooth. he was seen walking down the street wearing a ankle length leather coat, snakeskin boots and a large top hat! IT WAS AUGUST! I remember the conversations Marcus and I would have about Val and I look at Marcus's success and I partially contribute Vals
's playing to that, being the super duper, lupped te looper bassplayer Val was!

Stevie-
I recall seeing Gorrie use a P-bass...stripped down to the bare wood w/ a tortoise shell pickguard.
I hadda take my P-bass down to the natural wood, too!
;)

Just dug out a CD of mine yesterday called 'Sho Nuff Groove' by Harvey Mason. The disc (just 12 songs) features David Shields, Chuck Rainey, Louis Johnson, Verdine White, Mike Porcaro, Stanley Banks, and Deon Eustus on bass.

Enough said

Just dug out a CD of mine yesterday called 'Sho Nuff Groove' by Harvey Mason. The disc (just 12 songs) features David Shields, Chuck Rainey, Louis Johnson, Verdine White, Mike Porcaro, Stanley Banks, and Deon Eustus on bass.

Enough said Man I saw David Shields with the Emotions back in 77' and they let him cut loose on the tune Rejoice ! man this brother just shook the house.

Francis 'Rocco' Prestia
George Porter jr.

I have the EW&F Live In Japan DVD (same one?) and it is very clear that he is not playing. There's no way in hell anyone can dance around that frikkin' much and play accurate as well! I agree too that his hands stay in the same position throughout the concert(no higher than 2nd-3rd fret)!

Yes way;)

He did back in the day. I saw EWF open for Stevie Wonder back around 1974 and I'm pretty sure they weren't playing to tracks. Verdine was moving from the first note to the last.

Every recent performance I've seen has him faking it.

what bass did Gorrie use on "If I ever lose this heaven" and "pick up the pieces"? Precision?

I remember seeing a Fender Mustang, replete with racing stripe:eek: :)

Man I saw David Shields with the Emotions back in 77' and they let him cut loose on the tune Rejoice ! man this brother just shook the house.

That was some over the top bass work on that song. Had a bunch of bassists saying "Larry who?" and "Louis who?"... including me:D

My favorite from this period was and is Nathaniel Phillips. And I can't think of Nathaniel without thinking of Bruce Carter too. The two of them together... DAMN!!:D

Yes way;)

He did back in the day. I saw EWF open for Stevie Wonder back around 1974 and I'm pretty sure they weren't playing to tracks. Verdine was moving from the first note to the last.

Every recent performance I've seen has him faking it.
Brad-
Have you seen this EW&F In Concert DVD?

I remember seeing a Fender Mustang, replete with racing stripe:eek: :)
You sure you're not thinking of Danny Partridge?

...I'm trying to think back; I may recall seeing Hamish with a Mustang bass.

Brad-
Have you seen this EW&F In Concert DVD?

Nope, and if he's playing to a track... I don't think I want to;)

You sure you're not thinking of Danny Partridge?

...I'm trying to think back; I may recall seeing Hamish with a Mustang bass.

I remember the liner photos of one of their early albums (vinyl) showing a Mustang bass.

Danny played an Ovation. Always the trend-setter.

I remember the liner photos of one of their early albums (vinyl) showing a Mustang bass.

Danny played an Ovation. Always the trend-setter.
Brad-
Review your Partdige Family video tapes...he is seen playing a Red Mustang/White stripe in addition to that Ovation. I guess Ovation was a 'sponsor'; Keith played an Ovation Breadwinner. Remember that thing?

How nutty am I? This morning, as I was awaiting the alarm clock to do its bizness-
...I was thinking where did I see AWB with a Mustang. I alos concluded it was in the liners to, I think, Soul Searching. The inner sleeve was a collage of photos, IIRC. I woulda looked before I left. I forgot!

Brad-
Review your Partdige Family video tapes...he is seen playing a Red Mustang/White stripe in addition to that Ovation. I guess Ovation was a 'sponsor'; Keith played an Ovation Breadwinner. Remember that thing?

Bear in mind I didn't say he "only" played the Ovation.

OTOH for that signature Danny Partridge sound, Ovations were critical... and lots of burgundy velvet.

:D

How nutty am I? This morning, as I was awaiting the alarm clock to do its bizness-
...I was thinking where did I see AWB with a Mustang. I alos concluded it was in the liners to, I think, Soul Searching. The inner sleeve was a collage of photos, IIRC. I woulda looked before I left. I forgot!

I think it was "Soul Searching" (killer album IMO). A bunch of b&w pics including several shots with the Brecker Bros. (Randy and Mike).

PoT-
...yes, thanks. Maybe it's Cosey doin' the 'other' Miles project.
I think.
(Dave B is up on this stuff!).
;)

Ah, did I hear my name mentioned? ;)

The Michael Henderson-led project, Children on the Corner, has had a CD out for a couple of months:
www.childrenonthecorner.com - I've read some mixed reviews of the album. I've heard a couple of tracks and am steering clear.

No news on Cosey's project, Children of Agharta.

Back on topic,
One bassist I like is Leon Sylvers III - I don't recall seeing his name mentioned in this thread so far. I like his playing on Shalamar's 'Friends' album and on 'The Beat Goes On' by The Whispers. Funky playing with a plectrum.

Also, Anthony Jackson is good with The O'Jays, although apart from For the Love of Money, I can't recall any stand-out bass performances.

Ah, did I hear my name mentioned? ;)
Also, Anthony Jackson is good with The O'Jays, although apart from For the Love of Money, I can't recall any stand-out bass performances.
Yes, it's about time , too
...and thanks for your Children On The Corner review.
My copy should be in the mail as we speak. Can't win 'em all. ;)

I agree about whoever played on Shalamar's hits("Take That To The Bank", "Second Time Around", etc). Good stuff.

Anthony Jackson played on Gaucho(that is from the '70s); "My Rival" & "Glamour Profession" are 2 stand-out AJ tracks, IMO.

Man, I've been raving about Leon Sylvers, III since he started playing back in the 70's! One of the cleanest, tightest bassist I've ever heard! Little brother Foster Sylvers ain't too shabby either. I hear Foster has gone the religious route these days and may even be a preacher. Is Leon still hanging with Teddy Riley?

Anthony Jackson (to whom all the 6-string kidz owe a debt of gratitude) is yet another serious m-f.

In addition to the aforementioned O'Jays stuff and Steely Dan tracks, AJ was also on several of Paul Simon's early 80's records. "Slip Slidin' Away" is notable.

Does anyone have either of the two albums recorded by "Pockets"? Great Funk band, produced by Verdine White, and featuring Gary Grainger on bass. The dude was slammin!!!

Does anyone have either of the two albums recorded by "Pockets"? Great Funk band, produced by Verdine White, and featuring Gary Grainger on bass. The dude was slammin!!!
I think I remember "Come Go With Me" by Pockets.
I didn't realize Grainger was with Pockets until after he was with Scofield...a few years down the road.
;)

OTOH for that signature Danny Partridge sound, Ovations were critical... and lots of burgundy velvet.

:D

Good one!
;)



I think it was "Soul Searching" (killer album IMO). A bunch of b&w pics including several shots with the Brecker Bros. (Randy and Mike).
Bingo...Hamish is playing a (Red) Mustang/White stripe with a painted headstock. He's plugged into an Ampeg amp.
Still, I recall seeing Gorrie using a P-bass pre-Soul Searching. When I managed to see AWB live in the Summer of '76, both Hamish & Gorrie were sporting Music Man Stingrays.

Does anyone have either of the two albums recorded by "Pockets"? Great Funk band, produced by Verdine White, and featuring Gary Grainger on bass. The dude was slammin!!!


I have one of their lps, the photos are priceless. Lots of EWF-style fashion going on. I wore some stupid looking stuff back in the day but the intergalactic nautical stuff they wore (and the Commodores and most other bands like this) always looked even more stupid than my gigwear. Expensive... and stupid. Of course if I had the gig... ;)

I was supposed to go out tonight to a club where Gary sat in last week, the gridlock trip home this evening has put me off any further travel tonight.

I have to say something about Leon Sylver III. He and Foster played on just about all of those old songs for Solar records. That included groups like the Whispers, Shalamar, and leon Sylvers own band, Dynasty. A really great album was "The Look" by Shalamar. I can't remember Dynasty's records, but I really liked them. I have never seen them on CD though. I think that Leon Sylvers most famous line is "And the Beat Goes On" by the Whispers. Both the bass and the rythmn guitar on that track were great.

I should note that the title song on "The Look" by Shalamar was played by Stanley Clarke. I always enjoyed it because it was Stanley in a commerical, pop song context, no bass virtuoso stuff and he was smokin'.

Finally, if you want to hear great Anthony Jackson in a funk context, buy any of Chaka Khan's first three solo Albums: Chaka, Naughty, and Watcha' Gonna Do for Me. On Naughty and Watch' Gonna Do for Me, AJ really becomes the first guy to extensively use detuned or extended range bass in a pop setting. Also those albums feature great bass work by marcus Miller, Abraham Laboriel, Will Lee, Chaka's brother, Mark Stevens, Hamish Stuart, Willie Weeks, and others.

Anthony Jackson played on Gaucho(that is from the '70s); "My Rival" & "Glamour Profession" are 2 stand-out AJ tracks, IMO.

I think what I trying to say was that most of AJ's playing with The O'Jays is pretty low-key and doesn't leap out as being AJ.

One 70s AJ album that has some nice funk/disco grooves is Lalo Schifrin's 'Black Widow', although some of the material has not aged well (a disco version of the theme from Jaws etc :eek: )

Another thing,
does anyone know whether it's AJ on Chaka's 'Ain't Nobody'? I'd always assumed it was synth bass, but I've just listened to it again (for the first time in ages) and I notice there's a certain attack on some of the notes that suggests AJ playing with a plectrum. Any thoughts?

I suspect that cut is keyboard bass played by Dave Wolinski. "Ain't No Body" was Rufus and Chaka Khan song, not a solo piece.

I second the that.
"Ain't Nobody", for me, was a pain in the petute to get 'right' live.
(In fact, I was never satisfied with how I played that tune...thankfully, we only covered it for a short while. I guess the others weren't satisfied with me playing the part, too!).

More killer Chaka-synth bass tunes...
"We Can Work It Out"
"I Feel For You"

I would like to note that I believe the key to Leon Sylvers sound was the use of the mute on his Rickenbacker and flatwound strings. I remember that he had a black 4001 Rick when I saw him. At the time, I played a Rick 4000 (bridge pickup only, I feel like crying for selling that bass) and I set it up just like Leon/Foster Sylvers but I had to go back to roundwounds because the flatwounds just didn't feel right.

I have to say something about Leon Sylver III. He and Foster played on just about all of those old songs for Solar records. That included groups like the Whispers, Shalamar, and leon Sylvers own band, Dynasty. A really great album was "The Look" by Shalamar. I can't remember Dynasty's records, but I really liked them. I have never seen them on CD though. I think that Leon Sylvers most famous line is "And the Beat Goes On" by the Whispers. Both the bass and the rythmn guitar on that track were great.

I should note that the title song on "The Look" by Shalamar was played by Stanley Clarke. I always enjoyed it because it was Stanley in a commerical, pop song context, no bass virtuoso stuff and he was smokin'.

Finally, if you want to hear great Anthony Jackson in a funk context, buy any of Chaka Khan's first three solo Albums: Chaka, Naughty, and Watcha' Gonna Do for Me. On Naughty and Watch' Gonna Do for Me, AJ really becomes the first guy to extensively use detuned or extended range bass in a pop setting. Also those albums feature great bass work by marcus Miller, Abraham Laboriel, Will Lee, Chaka's brother, Mark Stevens, Hamish Stuart, Willie Weeks, and others. ....but believe it or not Anthony used a detuned Fender Precision on most of those cuts that are on both the Naughty/Watch'Gonna Do for Me lp because at the time the 1st 6 string that he was attempting to use (luthered by Carl Thompson) wasn't very successfull( the Ken Smith Contra Bass came well after both of these albums) However,I've yet to hear any other bass player that remotley sounds like A.J.because he just digs, and digs, digs,I mean it's kinda like -Oh yeah, well Mother F#$ker ! take this !and then he just lays down a groove that has these super-subterraining notes with incredible articulation.
If you ever get to this cat live like I have,he doesn't dissapoints'at all.

Another thing,
does anyone know whether it's AJ on Chaka's 'Ain't Nobody'? I'd always assumed it was synth bass, but I've just listened to it again (for the first time in ages) and I notice there's a certain attack on some of the notes that suggests AJ playing with a plectrum. Any thoughts? Dave "Hawk Wolinski on Keyboards,and Bobby Watson on bass,as with the other members of Rufus John J,.R.Robinson on Drums Tony Maiden on Guitar(who is now playing out of the Perfercted Praise Church of Pastor Marvin Winans) horn players on that lp were as follows Jerry Hey-trumpet,Larry Williams -sax(as well some keyboards on a couple of the studio cuts on this album)and Ernie Watts -sax

...horn players on that lp were as follows Jerry Hey-trumpet,Larry Williams -sax(as well some keyboards on a couple of the studio cuts on this album)
Hey & Williams were the core members of the Seawind horns.
Seemed like everything back then either had the TOP horns or the Seawind horns playing in the 'backing band'.
Remember the band called Seawind?

Hey & Williams were the core members of the Seawind horns.
Seemed like everything back then either had the TOP horns or the Seawind horns playing in the 'backing band'.
Remember the band called Seawind?

Sure. They were more known for their horn players work outside the group than anything else.

I second the that.
"Ain't Nobody", for me, was a pain in the petute to get 'right' live.
(In fact, I was never satisfied with how I played that tune...thankfully, we only covered it for a short while. I guess the others weren't satisfied with me playing the part, too!).

More killer Chaka-synth bass tunes...
"We Can Work It Out"
"I Feel For You"

The key for me in nailing that song is to take the James Brown approach... everything in it's place:D

Just relax and play the bassline. It actually isn't as busy as most people hear it to be. If everyone else does their part (simple drum pattern, the repeated synth fill, the other synth part, the rhythm guitar stroke) it all comes together. The other thing people seem to do is get live-itis on it... they speed up like a mofo, unfortunately also a page from the JB (Live) notebook;)

On synth bass with Chaka, Greg "Mouse" Phillinganes was the man.

The key for me in nailing that song is to take the James Brown approach... everything in it's place:D

Just relax and play the bassline. It actually isn't as busy as most people hear it to be. If everyone else does their part (simple drum pattern, the repeated synth fill, the other synth part, the rhythm guitar stroke) it all comes together. The other thing people seem to do is get live-itis on it... they speed up like a mofo, unfortunately also a page from the JB (Live) notebook;)
Agree 100%.
My 'pop' chops were not there, either...+ I was playing a P-bass at the time + I had Live-itis + etc.
;)


On synth bass with Chaka, Greg "Mouse" Phillinganes was the man.
Absolutely!

The key for me in nailing that song is to take the James Brown approach... everything in it's place:D

Just relax and play the bassline. It actually isn't as busy as most people hear it to be. If everyone else does their part (simple drum pattern, the repeated synth fill, the other synth part, the rhythm guitar stroke) it all comes together. The other thing people seem to do is get live-itis on it... they speed up like a mofo, unfortunately also a page from the JB (Live) notebook;)

On synth bass with Chaka, Greg "Mouse" Phillinganes was the man.That's funny because my last NY band played that song and they played it so fast, I just could not keep up playing octave notes so I would just start playing 1/16 note riffs instead! The keyboardist had no rhythm so he couldn't do the syncopated repeating line and the drummer couldn't play that every other kick accent that is like totally required for that song to sound even remotely close to the original! In fact I hated doing it but I wasn't the bandleader so.........

Man, I thought I was the only cat that was deep into this stuff! I'm having a blast with this thread!

Will Lee, Gordon Edwards, Dan Hartman, NY session player Jim Gregory, he was my first teacher.

How 'bout Phil Chen?
I re-visited Blow By Blow yesterday; nice ensemble playing by all 4 musicians.

(Chen also did some Disco with Rod Stewart).
;)

I noticed that Leon Sylvers III is mentioned in issue 11 of Bass Guitarist magazine on page 31. Leon is mentioned as an example of a player who used pick on some excellent funk basslines.

I was a long ways from him when I saw him play live in 1980 and I can't remember if he used a pick or not. On the oldies program this evening, I heard another great Leon Sylvers bass line with his group Dynasty. The song was "I've Just Begun to Love You."

Bobby Watson(?) with Rufus

was David Shields on a Sheryll Lynn record? he was slammin!

a shout out to my boy Rick Finch from KC and the Sunshine Band- man, that cat was responsible for EVERYTHING on those hit records

Francisco Centeno

the guy from Mandrill was cool

there are so many...

was David Shields on a Cheryl Lynn record? he was slammin!I'm pretty sure Chuck Rainey played on her 1st album & its hit, "Got To Re Real".

I'm pretty sure Chuck Rainey played on her 1st album & its hit, "Got To Re Real".

I could be wrong but that really sounds like David Shield's signature licks on "Got To Be Real". Check out The Emotion's "Rejoice" album, he's tearing it up on there too.

One of my favorite Cheryl Lynn bass tracks is the Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis song "Encore".


BTW no love for Ray Ransom of Brick?;)

:bassist:

oh, HELL yeah! MUCH love for Ray- Brick was one of my favorites.

I could be wrong but that really sounds like David Shield's signature licks on "Got To Be Real". Check out The Emotion's "Rejoice" album, he's tearing it up on there too.

One of my favorite Cheryl Lynn bass tracks is the Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis song "Encore".


BTW no love for Ray Ransom of Brick?;)

:bassist:I keep forgetting about Ransom; he's a definite Funker.
Is "Dusic" a ripoff of "Dazz" or what?!
"We Ain't Gonna Sit Down"!

That "Encore" tune was another one of my bug-a-boos in my '80s cover band daze(like "Ain't Nobody").

I dunno, Brad...I'm still thinking it's Rainey on "Got To Be Real".
Not too sure where I read it(it woulda been back in the late '70s).

I'm pretty sure Chuck Rainey played on her 1st album & its hit, "Got To Re Real". No,it was David Shields on this tune.As I stated earlier in this thread,I got to see him perform with the Emotions (IMHO he was the best bass player there that night)but I also got to see him sub for Donnie Beck who was with Ronnie Laws and BOY OH BOY" did this brother ever light it up on this night.

I could be wrong but that really sounds like David Shield's signature licks on "Got To Be Real". Check out The Emotion's "Rejoice" album, he's tearing it up on there too.

One of my favorite Cheryl Lynn bass tracks is the Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis song "Encore".


BTW no love for Ray Ransom of Brick?;)

:bassist: Much love for Ray Ransom of Brick who was another Alembic alumnus,and also Ray Parker Jr. of the group "Raydio (trust me, the spelling of Raydio is not a typo in this context)

I keep forgetting about Ransom; he's a definite Funker.
Is "Dusic" a ripoff of "Dazz" or what?!

Inspired by themselves;)

"We Ain't Gonna Sit Down"!

That "Encore" tune was another one of my bug-a-boos in my '80s cover band daze(like "Ain't Nobody").

If you try to do the song like the record, with a bassline that sounds like it's comprised of doublestops, it's tough. From memory I recall it being a combination of keyboard bass and bass guitar. Like "Sledgehammer" and a few of Howard Jones' songs.

I dunno, Brad...I'm still thinking it's Rainey on "Got To Be Real".
Not too sure where I read it(it woulda been back in the late '70s).

Could be. Again, towards the end, the fills sound like Shields to me.

No,it was David Shields on this tune.As I stated earlier in this thread,I got to see him perform with the Emotions (IMHO he was the best bass player there that night)but I also got to see him sub for Donnie Beck who was with Ronnie Laws and BOY OH BOY" did this brother ever light it up on this night.
Damn; I tried to attach an e-mail reply I just received from Rainey.
He sez it's him, Bernard Purdie, & Richard Tee.
It was recorded in Criteria Recording Studios in Miami in early '78.

Hands5-
There's nuthin' wrong with my long-term memory.
...my short-term memory is having issues nowadaze.
;)

Much love for Ray Ransom of Brick who was another Alembic alumnus,and also Ray Parker Jr. of the group "Raydio (trust me, the spelling of Raydio is not a typo in this context)
The leader of my band has "Raydio" as his vanity license plate...he has had that plate for years, too.
BTW, he's a DJ for a COUNTRY station(he's known as "Jimmy Ray").
I do admit I thought of Ray Parker's band when I first saw that plate!
;)

'Sfunny, last week he had "Dusic" playing in the background in-between the Country tunes.
...and he had "Freeway Jam" playing while the newsgirl gave the local traffic report.

Attempt #2...

Jim,
that's pretty cool that you got an e-mail from Chuck Rainey. DJs spin 'Got to be Real' quite often in some of the funkier bars and clubs around here - it never fails to fill the dancefloor!

Some other funk grooves I love (don't know the bassists):

Gwen McRae - 'All This Love That I'm Giving' (my all-time favourite groove!)

Stargard - 'Wear It Out' (nothing outstanding about the bass, but the overall groove of the song is killer!)

Freeez - 'Southern Freeez'

Roy Ayers - 'Running Away'

Kurtis Blow - 'The Breaks' (early hip-hop from late '70s/early '80s - very funky - I don't know whether the music is sampled or not. If it's live - I'd love to know who's responsible).

George Duke - 'I Love You More' (I'm guessing it's Stanley Clarke on this?)

This is a very Kool thread.

Wyzard from Mothers Finest
(Mothers F.still going strong today,with 99.2% of they're shows done out side the US.they put out a new CD about 3 years ago but it was not released in the States)

And the Bass Player for Mass Production
(they're biggest hit was Fire Cracker)

p.s.
Lamont Johnson of Brainstorm put out a solo album in the late 70's playing a Fretless P Bass on the entire Disk.

I've seen George Porter Jr. already mentioned on this thread a few times.

Does anyone else here really dig his playing with Tori Amos? He dodges Tori's left hand so skillfully while still sounding groovy, and not forced. I also feel that his tradmark slides are at their best, real sleezy, almost vulgar (very cool).

I'm also a big fan of Rocco Prestia.

I tend to favor the funk bassists who didn't slap much, if at all. Just a personal taste thing.

Adios

Attempt #2...

Proof positive that it was Shields.

Just kidding, Jim;)

Apparently Shields borrowed that lick and later wore it out:D

Sadly, no mention of Robin Duhe (Maze), Marshall Jones (Ohio Players), the guy from Fatback Band, Nathaniel Phillips (Pleasure), or Bernard Wright.

Sadly, no mention of Robin Duhe (Maze), Marshall Jones (Ohio Players), the guy from Fatback Band, Nathaniel Phillips (Pleasure), or Bernard Wright.Robin Duhe is a smokin' groovin' azz bass player. Love his style. Isn't Bernard Wright a keyboardist?

Robin Duhe is a smokin' groovin' azz bass player. Love his style. Isn't Bernard Wright a keyboardist?

I know him for his basswork. He's part of the NYC funk clique from '70's which also included Marcus Miller, among others. I think Pyhor was part of that clique as well. Check out his songs "Hanging Out" & "Hobbobobboglibbin".

He's part of the NYC funk clique from '70's which also included Marcus Miller, among others.Well, that I knew but I didn't know he played bass as well!

Marshall Jones of the Ohio Players
The Drummer (Diamond Williams) is a killer as well

I fogot to metion these guys before,
Bernard Edwards
Fernando Saunders on Jan Hammer's OH YEAH album
anything Louis Johnson touched
Robert Bell, Kool and the Gang
Pops Popwell
Randy Jackson
Stanley Butler NYC bassist now living in San Diego
Nathan Watts
Honorable Mention: Stevie Wonder
There were so many!!!!!
Later

Damn; I tried to attach an e-mail reply I just received from Rainey.
He sez it's him, Bernard Purdie, & Richard Tee.
It was recorded in Criteria Recording Studios in Miami in early '78.

Hands5-
There's nuthin' wrong with my long-term memory.
...my short-term memory is having issues nowadaze.
;) Hey Jim I read the attachment but as Brad says listen to Rejoice on the Emotions album and if I can find it I actually have David Shields playing with Ronnie Laws Live in Europe ( a bootleg"no less).I 've had the chance to see both of them and after awhile you can destinguish a players tone if you've heard them enough no doubt that Chucks is an awesome bass player who had a very clean and distinctive tone but with that being said if you heard David Shields enough you would know right away that was him because Davids' tone had some bite to it.Chucks tone ws very smooth even when he did thump just listen to the Sanford&Son theme and the tune Peg he did with Steely dan and you will hear to what I'm referring to.

Well it's obvious that some of you (DWbass,Brad,Pryorh,Woodchuck and couple of others) cats as I were bless to be apart of a musical era that was truly special which makes me appreciate my ability to mix it up with the younger cats because I can relate to there style of playing i.e the Victor Wooten type playing and a couple of others however when they mention old school a lot of my younger students are shocked to hear how different bass players were back during our time mainly due to the different style most of them had but yet could bring the Funk at anytime and solo when needed.
Now that I've got that out of the way there are 2 bass players that I would like to mention that were nice
1st Bobby Debarge (the older brother of El,Chico,and James Debarge;who BTW was the former husband of Janet Jackson-for those that are in the know) of the group Switch was a very tight bass player
2.B.B Dickerson of the group War (if you are a George Porter fan,then I'm quite sure that you can relate) this was a New Orleans type Funk at its best because it was different.

Well it's obvious that some of you (DWbass,Brad,Pryorh,Woodchuck and couple of others) cats as I were bless to be apart of a musical era that was truly special which makes me appreciate my ability to mix it up with the younger cats because I can relate to there style of playing i.e the Victor Wooten type playing and a couple of others however when they mention old school a lot of my younger students are shocked to hear how different bass players were back during our time mainly due to the different style most of them had but yet could bring the Funk at anytime and solo when needed.
Now that I've got that out of the way there are 2 bass players that I would like to mention that were nice
1st Bobby Debarge (the older brother of El,Chico,and James Debarge;who BTW was the former husband of Janet Jackson-for those that are in the know) of the group Switch was a very tight bass player
2.B.B Dickerson of the group War (if you are a George Porter fan,then I'm quite sure that you can relate) this was a New Orleans type Funk at its best because it was different.

Dickerson's playing on "Outlaw" was amazing. Very solid. Also, El DeBarge ain't no slouch either.

Hey Jim I read the attachment but as Brad says listen to Rejoice on the Emotions album I think I may still have that LP...I'll check it out when I get home.


Chucks tone ws very smooth even when he did thump just listen to the Sanford&Son theme and the tune Peg he did with Steely Dan and you will hear to what I'm referring to.Yes, I'm pretty familiar with those tunes. "Got To Be Real', to me, evokes memories of Grey & Hanks' "You Fooled Me". To me, it's a similiar groove, same player. ;)
Anybody have that Cheryl Lynn album?
...or do I have to buy that one, too!
;)

Rainey's tone can get dirty...Eye To Eye's "Nice Girls"(produced by the Dan's Gary Katz).

Yes, I'm pretty familiar with those tunes. "Got To Be Real', to me, evokes memories of Grey & Hanks' "You Fooled Me".

Blasphemy!!!!!!!!! "You Fooled Me" - LTD. :spit: :D

Blasphemy!!!!!!!!! "You Fooled Me" - LTD. :spit: :DOK, I forgot it first appeared on LTD's Togetherness album(the album with "Holding On" & "Jam", right?).

Grey & Hanks had a hit with "You Fooled Me" in the late '70s, too!
Rainey & Wilbur Bascomb were on that album(according to the liners, IIRC).
;)

whatever happened to Wilbur Bascomb? man, he was smoking on Jeff Beck's "WIRED" !!

Who played bass on "Must Be The Music"??

OK, I forgot it first appeared on LTD's Togetherness album(the album with "Holding On" & "Jam", right?).

Grey & Hanks had a hit with "You Fooled Me" in the late '70s, too!
Rainey & Wilbur Bascomb were on that album(according to the liners, IIRC).
;) ,but LTD'S bass player Henry Davis was as tight as they come.

My God! Did anyone mention Marvin Isley? That man made that Alembic say his name! He lives here in Atlanta. I met him about 3 years ago. He lost his legs to diabetes.

My God, that's terrible.
Diabetes is nothing to fool around with.

,but LTD'S bass player Henry Davis was as tight as they come.
Davis actually makes the list as a '70s Fusioneer.
He's on Mouzon's Fusion piece Mind Transplant
(IIRC...I'll be using that a lot 'cause youse guys are blowin' my mind!)
;)

Who played bass on "Must Be The Music"??
I'll say it-

I don't know.

I'll say it-

I don't know.Well, it's one happenin' bassline but of course you know that! :D

Who played bass on "Must Be The Music"??

Im gonna go out on a limb and say his name is Jerome Peaster. I remember something of that nature. I had the oppurtunity (sp) to play with Keith the keyboardplayer and lead voice on "must be the music" back in the 80's. Real funny dude! Secret weapon came from the same projects in Brooklyn that im from. Darren Stewart (conga player) was my sisters Godson. He is currently in prison for killing his wife (so sad) I grew up with her brothers.

Im gonna go out on a limb and say his name is Jerome Peaster. I remember something of that nature. I had the oppurtunity (sp) to play with Keith the keyboardplayer and lead voice on "must be the music" back in the 80's. Real funny dude! Secret weapon came from the same projects in Brooklyn that im from. Darren Stewart (conga player) was my sisters Godson. He is currently in prison for killing his wife (so sad) I grew up with her brothers.I knew one of y'all would know. :hyper:

,but LTD'S bass player Henry Davis was as tight as they come.

Yep, he played on Thelma Houston's big disco hit too. Henry was a very solid player, LTD was an excellent band. "When We Party"'s bassline has what's best described as a greasy feel. I still play like that sometimes, if it ain't broke..;)

Speaking of solid, Ronald LaPread's early work with the Commodores (pre-Lionel blowing up) was outstanding, especially for that era. Killer tone, excellent recording quality IMO.


And don't sleep on Francisco Centeno of Ashford and Simpson fame either. "Don't Cost You Nothing" is killer basswork.

Im gonna go out on a limb and say his name is Jerome Peaster. I remember something of that nature. I had the oppurtunity (sp) to play with Keith the keyboardplayer and lead voice on "must be the music" back in the 80's. Real funny dude! Secret weapon came from the same projects in Brooklyn that im from. Darren Stewart (conga player) was my sisters Godson. He is currently in prison for killing his wife (so sad) I grew up with her brothers.

That was one tight bassline.

I'm so glad I came up when and where I did:D

Dickerson's playing on "Outlaw" was amazing. Very solid. Also, El DeBarge ain't no slouch either. I wasn't talking about El ( who does play) I was talking about the older brother Bobby !

My God! Did anyone mention Marvin Isley? That man made that Alembic say his name! He lives here in Atlanta. I met him about 3 years ago. He lost his legs to diabetes. it is quite unfourtanant that marvin has lost his legs to diabetes and on a serious note I hope most of you guys are taking care of yourselves and watching your sugar intake this is to include you 'Newjacks (young players)also.Anyway Marvin did the most of the majority of the Isley Brothers recordings with a Jazz but he did use the Alembic on a few cuts.

I wasn't talking about El ( who does play) I was talking about the older brother Bobby !

I know, but I was just mentioning that El was also a pretty good bassist.

Here's a couple of names that havn't been mentioned:

Gerald Lebon of Skyy.
Raymond Jackson of Mtume

Anyone know who played on Gwen McCrae's "Funky Sensation"?

Anyone know who played on Gwen McCrae's "Funky Sensation"?

OMG!!! That is one of the best ones of all time.

How about this one! Who played that almost freakish bassline to McFadden & Whitehead's "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now"?? Whoever it was, he must have been insane to come up with something like that! :eek:

How about this one! Who played that almost freakish bassline to McFadden & Whitehead's "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now"?? Whoever it was, he must have been insane to come up with something like that! :eek:
great bass line! i had to get a grip when i had to play it the first time!
also, "Bad Luck" by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes-
and "Disco Nights" ( i forget the group) had a cool bass line
the one that still gets me is the bridge in " I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5 ... wow!

GQ did "Disco Nights". Heatwave also had some nice basslines.

great bass line! i had to get a grip when i had to play it the first time!
also, "Bad Luck" by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes-
and "Disco Nights" ( i forget the group) had a cool bass line
the one that still gets me is the bridge in " I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5 ... wow!Oh Man! Yeah, that intro to 'Bad Luck' was a killer! I still can't play "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" note for note. I usually put my own spin into it. What the hell! :hmm:

great bass line! i had to get a grip when i had to play it the first time!
also, "Bad Luck" by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes-
and "Disco Nights" ( i forget the group) had a cool bass line
the one that still gets me is the bridge in " I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5 ... wow!


Wilton Felder on the J5 tune. Which brings to mind Robert "Pops" Popwell of the Crusaders.

Oh Man! Yeah, that intro to 'Bad Luck' was a killer!I used to (try &)play that across 3 strings...it seems to work well on 1 string(takes the plucking hand out of the equation).


I still can't play "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" note for note. I usually put my own spin into it. What the hell! :hmm:That one isn't as 'bad'...it's just long as Hell & requires mucho endurance(that I no longer have). ;)
I think Bass Player did an article on James Williams(he's listed on my LP as the bassist on Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now)...apparently, Williams would put peanut butter on his flatwound strings, hang 'em in a closet for a year so they would 'ripen', & then use them.

GQ did "Disco Nights"."Rock-Freak"!


Heatwave also had some nice basslines.I finally got the technology to burn Hot Property onto a disc.
Derek Bramble & Roy Carter are credited on the album as bassist.
The 1st two Heatwave discs had Mario Mantese(like Johnny Wilder, Mantese was involved in a crushing auto accident) on bass...his funkier stuff like "Party Poops", "Ain't No Half Steppin'", "Central Heating", etc are nice, though IMO he excels on the ballad-type stuff like "Mind Blowing Decisions", "Happy Togetherness"(cool intro figure in 3), "All You Do Is Dial", etc.
Of course, credit for some/most/all(?) of the bass-hook stuff("Groove Line", "Boogie Nights", "Therm War", "One Night Tan", etc) goes to Rod Temperton.

OMG!!! That is one of the best ones of all time.
if it was Gwen McCrae, then it was probably my boy Rick Finch form KC and the Sunshine Band ( my old gig) - he played on a buttload of TK Records sessions- there was Chocolate Perry , too, who later played on a buch of Bee Gees stuff-
Rick Finch was one funky white boy!

if it was Gwen McCrae, then it was probably my boy Rick Finch form KC and the Sunshine Band ( my old gig) - he played on a buttload of TK Records sessions- there was Chocolate Perry , too, who later played on a buch of Bee Gees stuff-
Rick Finch was one funky white boy!


Rick slayed Jimmy "Bo" Horne's songs!

Rick slayed Jimmy "Bo" Horne's songs!
AND George , AND Gwen MacCrae, I'll be REAL politically incorrect here and say, I think it sucks that KC is a millionaire and Rick is, well, let's say NOT a millionaire,... by far... that guy WAS the KCSB sound!!

I have a question........on Manu Dibango's 'Soul Makossa', was there 2 bass players or 2 bass tracks? One really groovin tune but wierd bassline (no doubt African culture based)! Now you know I have to take y'all back! How about the bassist for The Jimmy Castor Bunch? Can you say "P_O_T_E_N_T_I_A_L" :D

AND George , AND Gwen MacCrae, I'll be REAL politically incorrect here and say, I think it sucks that KC is a millionaire and Rick is, well, let's say NOT a millionaire,... by far... that guy WAS the KCSB sound!!

Business?

Business?
well, yeah.... i guess...
there's a long story there i dont want to get into online---

but he WAS the Sunshine Sound of TK records

well, yeah.... i guess...
there's a long story there i dont want to get into online---

but he WAS the Sunshine Sound of TK records

No doubt.

Obviously most talented does not equal most successful or most rewarded. If it did I'd be ordering my Sausage McMuffin Value meal from (insert Pop star here) tomorrow morning...

from the back seat of my Rolls.

;)

I have a question........on Manu Dibango's 'Soul Makossa', was there 2 bass players or 2 bass tracks? One really groovin tune but wierd bassline (no doubt African culture based)! Now you know I have to take y'all back! How about the bassist for The Jimmy Castor Bunch? Can you say "P_O_T_E_N_T_I_A_L" :D

You be talkin bout Doug Gibson.
What about space age and E-man boogie?

OK! i got one! how about the bass solo on Dennis Coffey's "Scorpio"? what that Bob Babbitt? man, i loved that tune! i was in jr hi school then- what a magical time it was!

Since we're bringing up lost gems, don't forget about the Kay Gees and Osibida.

OK! i got one! how about the bass solo on Dennis Coffey's "Scorpio"? what that Bob Babbitt? man, i loved that tune! i was in jr hi school then- what a magical time it was!Yeah, that is a good one. I remember trying to learn that solo but gave that up real quick!

I remember the Kay-Gee's! I think they were either the younger brothers of Kool & Ronald Bell or their kids or something like that. Very funky stuff and the basslines were pretty simple. I remember the guitarists used a lot of effects (choruses and flangers).

I have a good one! Do any of y'all remember a band called 'Ingram'? How about a band called 'Quasar'? How about 'Wood, Brass & Steel' featuring Doug Winbush and Skip McDonald?

I have a good one! Do any of y'all remember a band called 'Ingram'? How about a band called 'Quasar'? How about 'Wood, Brass & Steel' featuring Doug Winbush and Skip McDonald?

I remember them, but Ingram I'm drawing a blank on. How about the guys that left Parliament and formed Mutiny? Their album was called "Mutiny on the Mommaship". They were disgrunlted ex members. Y'all remember Boosty's side project called Sweatband? They had a song called "Funk n Roll". VERY sick bassline!

I remember them, but Ingram I'm drawing a blank on. How about the guys that left Parliament and formed Mutiny? Their album was called "Mutiny on the Mommaship". They were disgrunlted ex members. Y'all remember Boosty's side project called Sweatband? They had a song called "Funk n Roll". VERY sick bassline!You mean Bootsy had another band besides Booty's Rubber Band? I missed that one or I just don't remember.

You mean Bootsy had another band besides Booty's Rubber Band? I missed that one or I just don't remember.

Yeah, they only did that one record. Also, Steve Arrington from Slave put another band together called Aurra, they had a couple of hits, but my fave was "Are You Single?" Come to think of it, there were alot of bands put together by famous groups. You had Pockets (E,W,&F), LA Connection (Cameo), don't even get me started on the bands that George Clinton formed!

Here's a couple of names that havn't been mentioned:

Gerald Lebon of Skyy.
Raymond Jackson of Mtume

Anyone know who played on Gwen McCrae's "Funky Sensation"? Man I just talked to Raymond a couple of months ago.

Yeah, that is a good one. I remember trying to learn that solo but gave that up real quick!

I remember the Kay-Gee's! I think they were either the younger brothers of Kool & Ronald Bell or their kids or something like that. Very funky stuff and the basslines were pretty simple. I remember the guitarists used a lot of effects (choruses and flangers).

I have a good one! Do any of y'all remember a band called 'Ingram'? How about a band called 'Quasar'? How about 'Wood, Brass & Steel' featuring Doug Winbush and Skip McDonald? yeah defanantley remember Doug Wimbush,Skip McDonald,and keith LaBlont rythm section:Treachous 3,Sugarhill Gang,Grandmaster& the Furious v,Sequence , in the early 90's Mark Stewart and M.A.F.I.A.and Tackhead.

There was another cat out there that was Brining it with the madness also and that was Cedric Martin with Confunk Shun.Just straight "off the hook"

Yeah, that is a good one. I remember trying to learn that solo but gave that up real quick!

I remember the Kay-Gee's! I think they were either the younger brothers of Kool & Ronald Bell or their kids or something like that. Very funky stuff and the basslines were pretty simple. I remember the guitarists used a lot of effects (choruses and flangers).

I have a good one! Do any of y'all remember a band called 'Ingram'? How about a band called 'Quasar'? How about 'Wood, Brass & Steel' featuring Doug Winbush and Skip McDonald?


While we're on the subject, how about The Reddings?
Whichever one of Otis' boys that was, he could play a mean bass!

While we're on the subject, how about The Reddings?
Whichever one of Otis' boys that was, he could play a mean bass!Dexter! One of the best slappers in that time period! Mid 70's-mid 80's.

Obviously most talented does not equal most successful or most rewarded. If it did I'd be ordering my Sausage McMuffin Value meal from (insert Pop star here) tomorrow morning...

from the back seat of my Rolls.

;)

Can I be your driver, Mr. Johnson?





;)

Yeah, they only did that one record. Also, Steve Arrington from Slave put another band together called Aurra, they had a couple of hits, but my fave was "Are You Single?" Come to think of it, there were alot of bands put together by famous groups. You had Pockets (E,W,&F), LA Connection (Cameo), don't even get me started on the bands that George Clinton formed! I knew the bass player for the LA.(louisiana)Connection Michael Burnett he would sub for Aaron Mills of Cameo on some occasions. Speaking of Cameo they had a bass who was with them before Aaron Mills who was real tight/funky by the name of Gary Dow.

Who played bass on Jesse Johnson's "I Wanna Be Your Man, Baby"?

Yeah, they only did that one record. Also, Steve Arrington from Slave put another band together called Aurra, they had a couple of hits, but my fave was "Are You Single?" Come to think of it, there were alot of bands put together by famous groups. You had Pockets (E,W,&F), LA Connection (Cameo), don't even get me started on the bands that George Clinton formed! Steve Washington (formerly the trumpet player/leader of the group Slave who was Aurra's bass player and also did some work with George Clinton on the Do Fires Go With that Shake lp) was actually the one Who started Aurra because before Steve Arrington came he used Slaves old drummer Tim Floyd. The funny thing is that a lot of people thought that Mark Adams did all of the bass tracks
Boy ! I tell ya that Ohio music scene was something "SERIOUS back in the day Ohio Players,Slave,Sun,the group Dayton and a host of others. DAMN !

Dexter! One of the best slappers in that time period! Mid 70's-mid 80's. WELL ! although the tread was asking about the Funkateers on bass during the 70's I guess it's okay to mention the early to early mid 80's because it was a couple cats who were still trying to steer the funkateer ship.and the one that comes to mind is Orlando Philipps of the group Star Point.He was Basically out of the church but nonetheless he more than held his own.Mike Wiley (a very dear friend of mine who has gone on to be with Lord..RIP my brother) of the Dazz band was over the top also.He was as dedicated to his craft as anyone I had known.

If we're going to mention the '80's, then I gotta give props to Mikey Hay from the Culture Club. Say what you will about the band, but he was amazing! :hiding:
Back to the '70's, how about the guys that played with Zapp, People's Choice, and Brass Construction?
As for the Mike Wiley (Dazz Band), those double thump (not thumb!) octave walk ups he did in the bridge on "Let it Whip", puts him on the list. When I heard about his passing, I was totally shocked. RIP.

If we're going to mention the '80's, then I gotta give props to Mikey Hay from the Culture Club. Say what you will about the band, but he was amazing! :hiding:
Back to the '70's, how about the guys that played with Zapp, People's Choice, and Brass Construction?
As for the Mike Wiley (Dazz Band), those double thump (not thumb!) octave walk ups he did in the bridge on "Let it Whip", puts him on the list. When I heard about his passing, I was totally shocked. RIP. He sure as hell was ! If you really would like to hear a real good SR4 tone then Mikey would be the player to listen to.Now here is what was amazing to me Mike at a totally different approach to 2-hand tapping even back then (remember we are talking 79-82) that people and other players did not even know how to respond to it so much so that it would litterally "piss off the other guys in the band because they didn't know that he was doing a technique that was not new,but it was still very differen't and to most a very unorthodox way to play the instrument,now here is the shocker I asked him were did he learn that technique and of course I said Billy Sheehan ( we really didn't know of stu hamm during this period) he said no although he did get to see Billy do it he said :When we were in Va. I was looking at this cat doing this technique with incredible articulation and thump (because thats what we called slap back then) with incredible speed so I ask him who was this cat he said he is not known yet but I think he will be and so I said Mike, who ! he said his name is Bill Dickens.

Man I truly miss this Brother.

Im gonna go out on a limb and say his name is Jerome Peaster. I remember something of that nature. I had the oppurtunity (sp) to play with Keith the keyboardplayer and lead voice on "must be the music" back in the 80's. Real funny dude! Secret weapon came from the same projects in Brooklyn that im from. Darren Stewart (conga player) was my sisters Godson. He is currently in prison for killing his wife (so sad) I grew up with her brothers.

I ran into my old guitar player (also from my old projects) and he said indeed secret weapons bassist name is Jerome Peaster and he also came from Buswick Houses in Brooklyn like the rest of us!

hope this thread is still active, 'guess there are almost all cool cats mentioned in that tread, but I'm searching for the name of the bassplayer from "Mothers Freedom Band". they released only one record in the 70's "cutting the cord" on platinum. the lines are very tricky and tasty, so he fonk'd up.....
does anybody know the name oft this incredible player??

Larry Graham
Louis Johnson
Bootsy Collins
Marshall Jones (Ohio Players)
Kool Bell (Kool & The Gang)
Wyzard (Mother's Finest)

Also the bassist from the Mighty Ryeders.

Adrian Garcia - KC & The Sunshine Band
Kool Bell - Kool & The Gang
Verdine White - Earth Wind & Fire
Bootsy

Adrian Garcia - KC & The Sunshine Band
Kool Bell - Kool & The Gang
Verdine White - Earth Wind & Fire
Bootsy
LOL!!! Thanks man!! :p
but that would be Rick Finch!!
the check is in the mail, though!! :D

LOL!!! Thanks man!! :p
but that would be Rick Finch!!
the check is in the mail, though!! :D

DOH!!!

What songs/era did you play with them Adrian?

BTW, youre welcome.

Francis 'Rocco' Prestia


Thank you! Glad to know at least one other person recognizes Rocco as one of the great 70s funk bassists. In my opinion, Tower of Power was the funkiest band ever, largely thanks to Rocco and David Garibaldi

Thank you! Glad to know at least one other person recognizes Rocco as one of the great 70s funk bassists. In my opinion, Tower of Power was the funkiest band ever, largely thanks to Rocco and David Garibaldi
thats a big call over bootsy and parliament funkadelic

thats a big call over bootsy and parliament funkadelic

And Slave, Cameo, Graham Central Station, & Pleasure.

oohh yeah...cant forget gcs...like i did :ninja: ..but how good is the jam and earthquake....awesome...

cant forget...wooorrdd up!

thats a big call over bootsy and parliament funkadelic


I don't think it's such a close call, but that's just me.

Did mikey Haye play on "do you really want to hurt me?" I love that bassline. Also, did anyone mention the Meters? I love their groove, it is tight. All I did was study the old funk players like Larry Graham. I also had the pleasure to trade slap licks with some great gospel players when I was up in tallahassee fL. I had to put that stuff on the back end when i got hired to play in a rock band, it didn't fit the project, but now I have gone back to musical freedom and play all those licks again.


a little off topic...if you ever get "400 degreez" by Juvenile...that bass player (funky fingers) really kills on that album..just funky as hell.

Great thread guys, I've just discovered it today.

Some of the guys I respect the most as far as late '70s early '80s funk goes are (in no particular order, sorry if a lot have been quoted already):

Leon Sylvers III (I think he plays on The Whispers Imagination/this kind of lovin albums) just listen to the bass line of a tune like "imagination" - great slap work

Marcus Miller - he did great work with Bernard Wright on the 'Nard album and the early Tom Browne albums... in fact I prefer his early works compared to what he's doing now.

don't kow his name - the guy or guys who played with Jeff Lorber, some of the material is cheesy but there are nice tunes with great funky basslines...

Nathaniel Phillips of pleasure - IMHO "Glide" is one of the top 3 funk tune of all times ! Too bad only two CD's have been re-issued...

Bernard Edwards (CHIC, Sister Sledge...) - he's the master!

Stanley Clarke - he's more of a fusion/jazz cat but he can be quite funky as well - i.e. his works with George Duke

Louis Johnson - I learned to slap with his first video... just listen to him with George Duke, Michael Jackson or the Brothers Johson... he's one of the big names!

Paul Jackson - he is the Headhunters sound!

Rocco Prestia - I've never been a fan of the guy's tone but I really dig his playing

Sekou Bunch - just listen to the first Don Blackman album... I thought it was Marcus Miller at first but his tone is more dry and he has a different style of slapping...

Also the bass players from band like Aurra and Cameo...

Hope I'm not forgetting anyone... anyways keep the names coming.

Cameo...

aaronn mills....he also plays of a fair bit of modern hip hop..especially outkast

Great thread guys, I've just discovered it today.

Some of the guys I respect the most as far as late '70s early '80s funk goes are (in no particular order, sorry if a lot have been quoted already):

Leon Sylvers III (I think he plays on The Whispers Imagination/this kind of lovin albums) just listen to the bass line of a tune like "imagination" - great slap workLeon and his brother Foster are excellent bassists. Very clean, tight in the pocket, playing. I believe Leon did the majority of The Whispers' hits(It's A Love Thang, And The Beat Goes On, etc). Wrote a few of them as well.

+1 Larry Graham, Louis Johnson, Bootzilla, Verdine White, Marshall Jones, Kool Bell, Francis 'Rocco' Prestia :bassist:

Mark Adams, Bernard edwards, rocco prestia!!

Sekou Bunch - just listen to the first Don Blackman album... I thought it was Marcus Miller at first but his tone is more dry and he has a different style of slapping...


SCOOOORE!!!! I love that album, and he did sound like Marcus! I'm ashamed that I didn't mention him. Listen to "Loving You", and you WILL pick your bass up! Great call!

Who played bass on Jesse Johnson's "I Wanna Be Your Man, Baby"?

Gerry Hubbard is pictured on the back and in the credits (he was also in the Purple Rain version of The Time). After speaking with Mark Cardenas (keyboards) it seems like Jesse had a serious "want to be Prince" thing happening (playing everything). So maybe it was Jesse or maybe it was Gerry. It's a good bassline regardless. I really like that record by they way. I wonder if they ever played live outside of Minnesota. :bassist:

then it was probably my boy Rick Finch form KC and the Sunshine Band ( my old gig) :cool:

Hey Adrian, what was your gear with KC?