Curtis Mayfield “Curtis”

[chris merrill]

Anyone know who played bass on this record? It’s the studio one, not live.
His normal guy, Joseph “lucky” Scott isn’t listed. Phil Upchurch is, but I was listening to the back half of “Miss Black America” and the bass playing is really outstanding, in a jamerson fashion. I wasn’t sure if Upchurch had chops on bass like that and always thought of him as more a guitar player

 

[markjazzbassist]

upchurch and yes he has killer chops on bass and guitar.

 

[jerry]

I love Upchurch's grooves, one of the best of the cats who doubled on both bass and guitar.

 

[markjazzbassist]

I love Upchurch's grooves, one of the best of the cats who doubled on both bass and guitar.

i knew him primarily as a ripping guitarist but i gotta say i think he is equally great on both instruments. some of his bass work is just phenomenal. i love this live george benson where he's tearing it up

 

[JimK]

My 1st "Jazz" album bought with my own coin-
Bad Benson: CTI-era Benson with Gadd, Ron Carter, Kenny Barron, & Phil Upchurch.
Granted, Benson & Barron's solos are front & center...I did notice the rhythm guitarist (Upchurch) was just kickin' ass & takin' names. Upchurch also played EB on 1 track, "Full Compass"...a very good example of what I deem a bass etude.

An Upchurch composition.


A long time favourite from Breezin...another Upchurch composition with him on bass-

 

[jerry]

Phil with Grover, one of my favorite songs on the Mr Magic album: