Phil Upchurch On Bass

[xsogol]

I've read that John Paul Jones was influenced by Phil Upchurch, who I've seen as mainly a guitarist....what songs does Phil Upchurch play bass on? If anyone can fill me (us) in, it would be greatly appreciated!!!

[DaveBeny]

I think that Phil Upchurch plays bass on some of George Benson's albums on the CTI label from the early '70s. JimK may know which ones.

[JimK]

Originally Posted by David Benyahia

I think that Phil Upchurch plays bass on some of George Benson's albums on the CTI label from the early '70s. JimK may know which ones.

The very 1st Jazz album I ever bought with my own money was CTI's Bad Benson by George Benson. Upchurch's rhythm guitar on that record was killin'....Upchurch did play electric bass on Side 2's "Full Compass". Very cool part, though, I would not say the tone blew me away.
Regarding Breezin', I always think of Stanley Banks as the primary bassist. Could be possible that Upchurch plays bass on "6 to 4"...maybe?

[leanne]

Originally Posted by BSR6P-Bob

Phil Upchurch plays Bass on " Breezin' " and "Six To Four".

No kidding? I had no idea, that's great!

Upchurch also plays bass on a Buddy Guy tune called "Keep it to Myself." It sounded so cool to me when I first heard it, I ran out and bought flatwound strings that same day!

He's recorded bass on Muddy Waters albums, (I think) Howlin Wolf, and Grover Washington--I am pretty sure he is on Mister Magic.

[DaveBeny]

Originally Posted by leanne

He's recorded bass on Muddy Waters albums, (I think) Howlin Wolf...[/i].

Upchurch was part of the "house band" at Chess Records in the late '60s, but was one of the two guitarists (Pete Cosey being the other). Louis Satterfield was the bassist on those psychadelic Muddy Waters and Howlin Wolf albums etc.

[JimK]

I pulled out "Full Compass" this morning...man.

Here's what I have for the 1st phrase-
(All Triplets, start on the "&" of Beat 1)
l-&a 2&a 3&a 4&al1&a 2&a 3&a 4_-l

l-BD C#FAb GBD C#AbFlF#A#C# CEG F#F#EF#_-l


This can be practiced as an etude-
"Easier" to maybe see it & finger it as clusters of 3 notes-
B-D-C# Played on the E & A strings using a 4-2-1 pattern with the fretting hand
F-Ab-G Played on the A & D strings using a 4-2-1
B-D-C# Played on the D & G strings using a 4-2-1

The initial B is on the 7th fret/E-string; the D & C# are on the A string
>the 2nd group of 3 notes are 1 fret up using the A & D
>>the 3rd group of 3 notes are 1 fret up using the D & G

So it moves from B-F-B...tritones?

Same goes for the triads-
F#-A#-C# uses the A & D strings
>F# is played at the 9th fret/A string(fretting hand fingers = 2-1-4)

C-E-G uses the D & G strings
>C is played 1 fret up at the 10th fret(fretting hand fingers = 2-1-4)

Moves from F#/Gb to C

...and the tempo is, uh, quick-quick!

[xsogol]

Thanks for the tips guys! I figured I'd re-open this thread as I'm still curious which recordings I can find Mr. Upchurch playing a 4 string.

[brianrost]

Upchurch played bass in the studio with many Chicago acts outside the Chess roster...I have some old LPs by folksinger Bonnie Koloc that he's on.

[Mojo-Man]

Phil's on Howl'n Wolf's London Sessions.
Fine groove player.

[Lo.]

Go to Allmusic.com, search him out and check his credits - Lot's of great blues albums in the 60's and 70's.

There's also Bill Upchurch - a Motown session player - I wonder if it's the same guy, or related...

[Lo.]

"Cold Sweat" on "Darkness, Darkness" album - Phil Upchurch

Harvey Mason & Chuck Rainey

Just heard for first time.

Jaw
on
floor.

[nolaguy]

Check out his work with Little Milton on Chess Records- Jamerson on steroids.