Orleans - Dance With Me

[KayCee]

Just getting a little nostalgic today, so I'm listening to this track from 30 years ago this spring.

"Dance With Me" by Orleans was a big AM radio hit in 1976, and features what I've always considered to be a beautifully crafted melodic bass part that builds as the song progresses.

For those of you that might be too young to remember the tune, I encourage you to check it out.

BTW, sounds like a P bass to me.

[JimK]

Honestly, I never thought that line 'fit' that tune.
I like it...just never thought it 'fit'.

[Mojo-Man]

John Troy played bass with Orleans.
I believe he used 60's Jazz Bass.

[KayCee]

Originally Posted by Mojo-Man

John Troy played bass with Orleans.
I believe he used 60's Jazz Bass.

Thanks for the info!

[P. Aaron]

Orleans=Pablo Cruise

[jerry]

I dug Orleans! I was a fan of John Hall's rhythm guitar work with Taj Mahal and Bonnie Raitt. The credits on my vinyl say Lance Hoppen on bass. A excellent player!!

[KayCee]

Originally Posted by jerry

I dug Orleans! I was a fan of John Hall's rhythm guitar work with Taj Mahal and Bonnie Raitt. The credits on my vinyl say Lance Hoppen on bass. A excellent player!!

Lance Hoppen appears to be the correct answer here, according to my research. He's the only person to have played bass in Orleans, and is still with the band.

http://www.orleansonline.com/
has some photos which show him playing a pretty worn-looking Precision bass:

http://www.orleansonline.com/images/Lance9.JPG

From another web site:

"In between ORLEANS projects, Lance has been bassist and musical director for many Nashville- based artists, including Ballie And The Boys, CMA Horizon Award winner Suzy Bogguss and, most recently, rising Country star Andy Griggs. He is a regular on the Nashville session and showcase scene. "

[Lazylion]

Orleans was a great band! John Hall and the Hoppen brothers! I'll always love them for "Dance With Me" and "Still The One".
I saw John Hall solo, in post-Orleans mode, years ago. I remember he opened on sax, with an instrumental cover of "Ode To Billy Joe". Interesting choice!