Early '70s Soul

[squidtastic]

Another thread here got me thinking about a certain period of music -- right after Motown's heyday. During a relatively brief period, say, '70 - '75, I feel like there was so much musically rich stuff coming out by artists like The Spinners, Stylistics, O'Jays, and more. The compositions were excellent, and the bass work was typically great. So, I thought I'd start a thread to post some of the great music from this period. Figured I'd start with some that have stand-out bass work, IMO. Post some of your faves!

 

[markjazzbassist]

to be honest i prefer 70's motown over 60's motown. marvin, stevie, dennis coffey, i thought it sounded better the 70's recordings.

same goes for james brown, and honestly most soul music (sly family stone, etc).

 

[DWBass]

Grew up ensconced in 60's and 70's r&b, soul and funk! To me, this was the best period for music. I'll include pop music as well. I liked rock too before it got super LOUD! The music was rich with melody and excellent songwriting.

 

[jerry]

If you can find this Gamble & Huff box set, you'll be in Philly R&B heaven.

 

[Radio]

The Sound of Philadelphia was a keystone of 70's soul, and you can't go wrong with Gamble and Huff produced artists.
The mob that recorded that music included Ronnie Baker (RIP) on bass who was also in the Trammps. My favorite from him was Don't Leave Me This Way by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, especially at the end when you can hear his ole P bass growling.
Bobby Eli, the guitarist is still around, I think, and had been active on some forums. On one of the Motown forums, Soulful Detroit, I think, he debunked that story that Ronnie used to soak his strings in butter, and never changed them.

MFSB - Wikipedia

 

[Groove Doctor]

My favorite from him was Don't Leave Me This Way by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, especially at the end when you can hear his ole P bass growling.

 

[jerry]

Ronnie Baker goodness:

 

[dtripoli]

I'm with you there.
Had the pleasure of playing bass for a great female vocalist in the early 2000's with 3 back up singers and a horn section. Here is a few of the songs we covered,

 

[Groove Doctor]

Great playlists here of Vintage Soul music.
Invalid Link Removed

 

[Mark_70]

Tower of Power..

Regards
Mark

 

[hsech]

I played in a band in the late 60's that played soul and Motown. Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, James Brown....... great fun.

 

[Ant Illington]

Ah, my wheelhouse. I shouldn't even acknowledge this thread, it's already hard enough for a white boy to find a gig playing this music without letting more of you guys know more of the goods. However, in the interest of promoting pop music with actual feeling and skill, these songs must be shared. Listen to the voices. Those are singers. Pain. Love. These are mid/late 70's but the same idea. Temptations members' solo work. It goes way deeper than this but here's a start.

 

[FatStringer52]

The Isley Brothers put out some really good music in the 60s & 70s. It's their early 70s stuff that I enjoy the most . . .

 

[Badwater]

Here's one of my favorite simple but most classic timeless bass lines of all time. From Stax records, and the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Written by Al Bell, and performed by the Staple Singers.

 

[inanimate_carb]

I'm pretty sure these are all pre-'75. Included is Anthony Jackson's powerhouse performance of "For the Love of Money" by the O'Jays.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I dig it right up until it became that horridly repetitive disco - which yes, is a different thing but are often conflated. I dislike EDM and house for the same reasons I disliked disco - monotony.

 

[slagheap]

this is a KILLER THREAD.

 

[slagheap]

I'm with you there.
Had the pleasure of playing bass for a great female vocalist in the early 2000's and here was a few
of the songs we covered,

+1.

 

[Jloch86]

In the middle of transcribing this one. Jesus, what a gorgeous song:

 

[Jloch86]

Black Ivory