By DF (24.90.11.4) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 05:27 pm:

Everyone and their mother's gonna pick Jamerson. And should!

I've got some others

Ronnie Baker: I hear that he buttered his strings for a deader sound on his P-Basses. Doesn't that butter stink up after a while (Maybe Eli can answer that question)? It worked, though.

Bernard Edwards's bubbly, sixteenth-note octaves on his MusicMan Bass.

Louis Johnson's MusicMan.

Mark Adam's stop-start grooves and nasty fret slides.

Any sound from Marcus Miller (77 Jazz Bass).

Freddie Washington's 72 P-Bass (was his signature before he started playing Ken Smith).

I know there are more.

By soulman (212.159.54.20) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 05:37 pm:

Stu 'BASS' Miller
on that awesome intro to
Gwen Owens
Wanted and Needed.
Right-On Stu(andthensome)
regards
guess-who?

By Eli (172.155.185.125) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 05:39 pm:

I have played with Ronnie from the beginning until the end and I have NEVER known him to butter his strings.
He did not change them until one popped and never cleaned them but butter....nah!!!

Also some of my other faves were in no particular order:
Nathan East in L.A.
Gordon Edwards in NYC.
Anthony Jackson in NYC and Philly
Babbitt.. in Detroit and Philly
Wally Osborne in Philly
Jimmy Grant in Philly
Jimmy Williams in Philly
Michael "Sugar Bear" Forman in Philly
Willy Weeks in NYC
Tommy Cogbill in Memphis and NYC
David Hood in Muscle Shoals
Chuck Rainey in NYC
Ralph Downs in Philly
Joe Osborne in L.A.
Ray Pohlmann in L.A.
Bernard Reed Chicago
Sidney Syms Chicago

By Steve Litos (209.100.86.4) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 05:43 pm:

Whoever plays on Curtis Mayfield's "Miss Black America" - great fills at the end of the song!

"Voice Your Choice" by the Radiants has a couple of tasty slides on it. Very odd for 1964.

"It's All Over Now" - Valentinos - Great feel &
slightly overdriven sound.

"You Don't Have To Be A Star" McCoo & Davis - One of Jamerson's final hits shows that he still had the tone and it rivals his work at Motown.

"Everybody Plays The Fool" - Main Ingredient - I have no idea who played on this or where it was recorded? Anyone?

Being a bass player, I think I could go on all day on this thread!

By Eli (172.155.185.125) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 05:47 pm:

Everybody plays.... was Babbitt in NYC with Bert De Coteaux

Also I forgot the great Keni Burke and Doug Wimbish.

By STUBASS (152.163.252.68) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 05:47 pm:

THANKS SOULMAN!!!...I GUESS THATS MY "CLAIM TO FAME"...BUT IT WAS A NICE PART THAT TONY WILSON ARRANGED!!!...I ALSO BELIEVE THAT MY BROTHER...BRUCE MILLER...WAS THE ARRANGER ON "YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A STAR"...NICE ARRANGEMENT...ALTHOUGH I DIDN'T KNOW THAT JAMERSON DID THE BASS PART...COULD IT POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN JAMERSON JR.???...I'M NOT SURE!!!...STUBASS

By Eli (172.155.185.125) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 05:48 pm:

Whoever played bass on Watusi by the Vibrations.

By Steve Litos (209.100.86.4) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 06:00 pm:

Thanks Eli...I kinda knew you would know.

THANKS FOR THE PLAYING BABBITT!

STUBASS - Bruce did "You Don't Have To Be A Star" that's cool! "You Don't Have To Be A Star" is listed in SITSOM (the book) as Jamerson. In Billboard's Book Of #1 Hits (Written 1985), Don Davis(? I think it was him, could be wrong) gives kudos to Jamerson as the bass player on the cut.

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 06:05 pm:

STEVE: COULD HAVE BEEN JAMERSON SR...BUT I KNOW THAT BRUCE WORKED WITH JR. MORE THAN SR. BACK THEN!!!...AS ARRANGER HOWEVER...THE RHYTHM TRACK WAS PROBABLY ALREADY CUT BEFORE BRUCE GOT INVOLVED !!!...STU

By DF (24.90.11.4) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 06:21 pm:

Eli,

(Hope I'm not starting something, but...)

Anthony Jackson has gone on record (Bass Player, Jan 91) as saying that Ronnie Baker used to coat his string with butter, tune it, and leave it untouched for a year. I was suprised at your views, considering that your's and Anthony's are complete opposite opinions.

You were with him more than Anthony, so your views should have more sway. I'm NOT commenting on Anthony's credibility. You guys were there, so you know more than I do. And what do I know, anyway? Peace.

By john c (12.2.233.107) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 06:23 pm:

I second Bernard Edward's Music Man.

McCartney's Rickenbacker. Never liked the Hofner sound though nor Squire's Rick sound.

By DF (24.90.11.4) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 06:23 pm:

Oh, yeah, Eli, if anyone had differing opinions from Anthony Jackson, how come no one responded to his BP article in Jan 91? Did anyone see the article? Peace.

By Caleb (171.75.84.115) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 06:28 pm:

Correction on Everybody Plays The Fool-that was Gordon Edwards on that one-Big B was on Just Don't Want To Be Lonely.

By TD (68.70.126.246) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 06:58 pm:

Don't forget Duck Dunn. The M.G.'s would not have been the same without him.

TD

By brown8644 (166.107.73.180) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 07:06 pm:

In the Book and CD of Standing in the Shadows of
Motown. Jr Says it's his dad. Who played on You don't have to be a star by Marilyn & Bill, not him.

By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 07:08 pm:

I second Eli's pick of David Hood from Muscle Shoals. Also original Funkadelic Billy Bass Nelson; Pfunk's had flashier bassists but no one who ever served the song any better. He also wrote some of their strongest stuff.


SteveK

By mhc (172.130.171.236) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 08:18 pm:

Apart from Jamerson (I heard "Pride and Joy" on the radio today..), I like Louis Satterfield's sound on '60s Chicago stuff like "No Particular Place to Go" by Chuck Berry, especially when Louis starts bending the strings at the end, playing chords, and generally going wild. I also like the fade-out of "Rescue Me" where he plays by himself with the vocalists. It seems like a lot of the R&B bassists in Chicago at the time played with a pick. Speaking of which, I'm not trying to be tasteless, but I've always loved Carol Kaye's sound on the "Pet Sounds" record, and still do. I liked it better before I knew that it was her, though.. For contemporary guys, I like Flea of the RHCPs; he's got a great sound and feel..

By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (152.163.252.68) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 08:26 pm:

Well hey... you know I always loved that lead 'bass' kickin' it in... heard in the intro to Fontella Bass' (1965) R&B smash hit, "Rescue Me".

Also, does anyone ever noted in how close Fontella Bass's vocals (then) resembled that of Aretha Franklin's in "Rescue Me"?

Actually, in my opinion, that particular number was one that Aretha Franklin could have done herself, because I think they both sounded so similar (Aretha and Fontella), or if not, they both sounded very close to each other, and that is to say if you listen closely to the vocals in "Rescue Me".

At least I think so.

By Rich (162.33.235.233) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 08:34 am:

Larry Graham on "Thank-You" was the best bass sound I'd ever heard. Only to be replaced by the sound of Billy Nelson's bass on the Commodores "I Feel Sanctified" as the best bass sound I ever heard. That was until I heard Billy's bass on The Temptations "Happy People" & "Shakey Ground", shortly after. Mark Adams of Slave (As mentioned by DF) laid-down so much great bass I hardly know where to begin - "Slide", Stellar Funk", "Stone Jam" just to name a few. Incredible sound, up high in the mix. Don't know who Mark has ever credited as influences but if you fused Larry Graham & Billy Nelson into one bass player ... you'd get Mark Adams, fret slides & all.

By Horse (159.53.238.241) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 08:56 am:

I have had the pleasure of playing with some great bass players from Greg Arama of the Amboy Dukes to Louis Johnson, Freddie Washington and Jimmy Earl. All are great players with excellent sounds. If you could get Louis' foot pumping, then you knew you were on the groove as well as Jimmy Earl's concept of "Space IS The Place". I can personally say that as I drummer I have learned more from working with great bass players than I have from other drummers. Especially growing up with Babbitt as my introduction to bass players. Thanks Mr. Bass Man.

By Livonia Ken (136.2.1.101) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 10:06 am:

What about Bootsy's "mutron" sound. That's a pretty interesting bass sound. Two other P-Funk bass players who don't get enough credit are Cordell "Boogie" Mosson and Rodney "Skeet" Curtis. Mosson played on a lot of stuff that people probably assumed was Bootsy, and he was the main bass player in concert during their mid-late 70s run. Curtis came in later and has a jazzier style and a very distinctive sound.

I like the sound of the bass on Pet Sounds, too. My favorite example is in "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)" where Brian Wilson sings "listen to my heart beat" and then the "heart beat" bass comes in followed by the "Listen Listen" vocals. Not necessarily complicated, but a great sound in the middle of a very pretty arrangement.

Regards,
Ken

By Eli (172.174.3.88) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 11:51 am:

DF..

I played in the studio with Ronnie Baker from the beginning until the very end.
Ronnie had ONE bass, a 1963 Fender precision.
The comment about him putting butter on his strings and leaving it sit for a year......
pure BULLSHIT, so bag it already.
Anthony was a great bassist in his own right but he had his day in the sun and Ronnie had his.
Ronnie was like family to us and was a natural, as was Jamerson in Detroit..they will NEVER be replaced.

So many of you folks claim to be know it alls, but dont forger...I WAS THERE, OK????

By 1Wicked (24.126.64.120) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 11:56 am:

Rich..."all" of the Slave/Aurra bass players were great...but after seeing Stevie Washington (with them and with P-Funk), how can you tell their recorded output apart ?? Not doubting...just asking. (LOL)

Livonia Ken..."Boogie" Mosson played some nice licks, but any true fan would know the difference between his playing and anyone else's...."Boogie" played with a pick quite frequently. Bootsy's Mutron/non-Mutron bass licks and drumming are probably the easiest to differentiate from any other P-Funk player. His drumming is like Ernie Isley's....tasteful but somewhat simplistic. (But damn good for a secondary instrument !)

By DF (208.27.111.121) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 12:48 pm:

Eli,

I apologize and take responsibility for any misunderstanding (or clashes) I may have created. I know and understand that you were there, and I appreciate the vast knowledge you have given us about the history of music coming from the City Of Brotherly Love.

Could I ask: What WAS Ronnie Baker's true setup (amp, strings, sound, etc)? If that is a secret, I will respect that.

Also, if possible, I would love to see more of you guys who played at Sigma on this board (musicians, producers, engineers, or families of them). Only so that we could get firsthand, true accounts of what went on and how it was done, something the mainstream media fails to do (or fails to do accurately)! Peace.

By Rich (162.33.234.72) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 01:38 pm:

Ken - thanks for mentioning Skeet. Boogie played on fewer studio recordings than the typical; P-Funkadelic fan realizes. In essence, Boogie has seemingly accepted a lot of credit for Billy, Bootsy & Skeets's work. George often listed the live band instead of the studio musicians on the album credits. Although by the end, I think he was listing everybody he'd known since the barbershop. Best place to hear Boogie is on the Live on the P-Funk Earth Tour album, but not the studio cuts.

Wicked1 - I KNOW you're joking. Steve Washington played trumpet and developed a clinical bass synth sound for Aurra (not my favorite) which he used on a few cuts for three of Clinton's mid-80's albums & the JImmy G & The Tackheads project. Slave was MARK ADAMS!! If you're not kidding, 'spain yo'sef dawg - LOL.

DF, The strings & butter thing was mentioned on this forum over a year ago, so it a story that's been going around. At the time, I printed-out the thread and gave it to my son, who plays bass. I suppose its somewhere in the archives.

Peace

By Livonia Ken (136.2.1.101) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 02:14 pm:

Boogie was the main bass player in the live band during their most successful years and held it down well regardless of the style of the P-Funk track on which he was playing as numerous live recordings legitimate and otherwise can attest. Those were mostly the ones I was thinking of when I mentioned people thinking it was Bootsy. He usually plays rhythm guitar when he ventures out with the All-Stars anymore. With the ever-rotating drum chair, Skeet is more the kind of guy you want laying it down to keep things from flying off of the handle.

I've said before that the best Bootsy bass line ever played by someone else was Bernie Worrell's synth bass on Flashlight. It may have played a part in the near-death of bass guitar in the following years, but it wasn't Bernie's fault that other synth-heads couldn't play with his feel and sound.

Regards,
Ken

By drums (155.91.6.71) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 02:58 pm:

Tony Levin - I watched him play with Peter Gabriel and I am still recovering from all of the different textures!! And didnt pluck once!!

Pino Palladino - Unbelievable player and great technician

Melvin Lee Davis - 7 strings? (But he played the crap out of it!! )

Marcus Miller, nuff said....

Daren Metz

These are off the top of my head!

By Kdubya (206.126.224.7) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 03:38 pm:

Excuse me? may I butt in here, all the bassists mentioned here are great and I love em but at this point in time please check:

Victor Wooten-Live In America

I have seen him perform several times, up close and personal (yes I was sitting on the stage) and I have never seen anyone master an instrument like he does. I give the brother big Props...

Kdubya

By Philysoulman (151.197.219.220) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 08:55 pm:

DF:
Apology accepted! It's just that all of the guys in our little band were and are steadfastly protective of one another and we had and have a bond like no other.
It is a shame that some people, for what ever reason take it upon themselves to conjure up unfounded such as the one that someone placed on this forum regarding drummer Charles Collins.

If Anthony Jackson wrote an article about "the butter incident" he may have been envious of Ronnie's stature on the studio scene at the time
or some other nonsense.
Anthony only played on a handful of sessionswith us the first one being For the love of money which was Anthony AND Ronnie and Anthony was barely nineteen at the time.

Not to toot my own horn, but when it comes to the Sound Of Philly on this forum, I AM the only authority on the subject and you have it right from the source.

I will be glad to answer any question put upon me and my answers will be totally factual.
Just remember as I have said before, I was there from the beginning of our regime until the end, and I am STILL there.

Thanks.
B.E.

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 09:26 pm:

And the fact that Bobby truly was there is what gives Soulful Detroit it's credibility.
Bobby definitely tells it as it really was.

By Caleb (209.244.233.225) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 09:39 pm:

Not to throw fuel on the fire but I read one time in Bass player magazine where Ronnie Baker would soak his strings in lemon juice,he'd let it sit there for a long period of time-6 months supposedly to bring a hardened effect to the strings.I also read here Babbitt making reference to this about Baker as well.Maybe it's just not true.

By Phillysoulman (151.197.219.220) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 09:39 pm:

Let me say that it is actually BOTH myself AND Weldon!!!!!! He was there BEFORE I was!!!!
So we have TWO authorities and you can bet that what we tell you is the real story!!

By Eli (151.197.219.220) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 09:47 pm:

My apology to Weldon for the omission the first time. He is THE authority!!!!!

By 1Wicked (24.126.64.120) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 10:26 pm:

Rich: WRT Stevie Washington...Man...I could be wrong (probably am)...but I swear I saw he AND Mark Adams play bass on the Slave/Aurra show I attended....and I later saw Stevie with GC...laying down some heavy FUNK & it was NO synth.

Oh...and WRT Ronnie Baker...*I* heard he took his axe down ta 'Nawlins...down to tha voodoo lady name Miss. Rudolph (named her after that reindeer see). She took out this ole wash tub & said "Here Junior...stick ya frets in this" I'm sure you know the rest of the story...but that's how he got that sound....that "ole strong ammonia #@**"

(Pardon the rip-off R.P.)

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 10:40 pm:

HEY WICKED!!!...YOU'D BETTER CUT IT OUT!!!..."YOU LANDED ON MR. *GILMORES* PROPERTY"!!!...STU(THAT WICKEDS "CRAZY")BASS

By Eli (151.197.219.220) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 10:44 pm:

DF,

Ronnie played a '63 Fender Precision bass with La Bella flatwound strings through an Ampeg B-15 miked with a Shure 57 and direct at the same time.
He changed his strings only when one snapped and never cleaned them.
A lot of his sound had to do with his touch.
He always emphasized that he played the bass and not a guitar!!
He was not into the Stanley Clarkes and Larry Grahams of the world with al their popping.
If we needed that we had Jimmy Williams.
Ronnie loved the bass player on the Al Green records and also Duck Dunn at Stax.


Early on I had a problem with the way our records were mastered.
They hated for the producer to be present and charged more if they were!!!
They never got the bass or the level right.
If you put on one of our records against any other you had to turn up the volume on ours.
I would play the kind of bottom that I liked but they balked.
Later on the NYC mastered stuff was better.

My best mastering engineer later on in life was Tony Dawsey at the Mastering Lab in NYC.

By Bassn for God (24.158.71.34) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 11:25 pm:

I must say that a lot of the masters have been mentioned and I can not add to the list. But I will say that I really enjoy the smooth sounds of the Lakeland that Mr.Babbitt plays. I love to try and copy someone else's sound just for my enjoyment at home. I constantly listen to the bass line in every song I hear. My Musicman has been a dream come true for me, her voice is at my command, and I try to treat her right. My favorite bass sound was heard about 2 weeks ago as I thumped out 'RoadRunner' the way it sounded on the vinyl. Not bragging, just saying all you guys and gals help me create my bass sound, right now I want to thank you for all the inspiration.
Keep the bass line strong and your heart in the song
Robert

By Eli (151.197.219.220) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 12:06 am:

Does ANYONE know who played the bass on Watusi by the Vibrations?? How bout you DVD Mike????
I played with them and I dont even remember who they said that it was.
It was cut in Chicago at Chess in 1961.

By Larry (69.3.129.218) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 12:15 am:

*some* of my fave rock bass treatments:

"Piggie's", The Beatles, (could be Paul, George or John)
Noel Redding, Jimi Hendrix Experience, "Wait Til Tomorrow".
Paul McCartney, "Penny Lane".
"Tin Man", America.
"We Gotta Get Out of This Place", Animals.
"M386", Brian Eno, Music for Films
Jack Bruce.
"Roundabout", Chris Squire, Yes
on Roto's, John Entwistle, "The Real Me", Quadraphenia.
"Mother of Pearl", Roxy Music, For Your Pleasure.
"Graceland", Paul Simon.
"Walk on the Wild Side", Lou Reed (double uprights)
John Paul Jones, "Good Times, Bad Times".
Tony Levin, "Watchin' The Wheels", John Lennon
"Little Green Bag", George Baker Selection
"I've Been Lonely Too Long", Young Rascals

By bad bill (166.70.26.214) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 12:36 am:

anybody knows who did that bass stuff on the tyrone davis records? that guy cooks!

By DF (24.90.11.4) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 07:00 am:

Thanks, Eli,

Although not specifying songs (other than "...Love Of Money"), many of the bass publications (not just BP) may have been giving Anthony Jackson more credit to contributions in Philly than he probably should have gotten (though I'll leave it up to you and the others at Sigma to determine that!).

I'm not starting a Philly version of Carol Kaye v. Jamerson, but that is my observation, from reading many articles on him. That's more of the media's fault than Anthony. However, there are very few referrences to Ronnie Baker. And that's a dog gone shame!!!!

Personally, I don't hear a lot of Anthony on those Philly records (other than "...Money" and Billy Paul's "War of the Gods"--you can confirm that).

Anyway, Thanks for the info on Ronnie's setup. One of the things I admire about the 60s-mid 70s bassists (Baker, Jamerson, Dunn, etc) is that they approached their instrument from a bass perspective, and not a guitar or keyboard. They knew the role of the instrument. I play gospel music (4 string), and it is astounding how 90% of all of the bass players are 5 and 6 stringers. Most of them say that they need to match the low end of the organ or synth. I personally think that argument is bull.

Anyway, more bass sounds:
Chuck Rainey's vibrato sound on those Donald Byrd Records.
Wilton Felder's vibrato sound on those Barry White records.

By RD (63.188.32.127) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 07:33 am:

That would be Bernard Reed, Bad Bill. Reed was also the guitarist for the Artistics and was often depicted with the group holding his axe. Reed played the bass on "Soulful Strut," which was credited to the Young Holt Trio. His brother, the late Danny Reed was also a session guitarist.

By DF (24.90.11.4) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 08:22 am:

John Deacon's MusicMan in Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust"

By Horse (159.53.238.241) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 09:34 am:

Just wanted to add a definite powerhouse groove player with the utmost love for what he does.....Abe Laboriel.

By Eli (141.151.75.6) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 10:04 am:

As in the Carol Kaye scenario, sometimes musicians give themselves undeserved credit because of a minor association.
Anthony did VERY FEW sessions with us. He lived in NYC and we already had Ronnie as part of the crew.
The only reason Anthony was on the "Money" session was that he came up with that intro/song figure. Ronnie and myself with an octave box, doubled the surrounding accents and then I overdubbed the wah wah part.

Its such a travesty that Ronnies name isnt mentioned along with the so called greats and in my opinion he is right up there with Jamerson.
He was only in Bass Player magazine posthomously and as a passing afterthought!!!

When it comes to the REAL Philly sound the architects of rhythm were:
EarlYoung, Ronnie Baker, Norman Harris and myself,
Vince Montana and Larry Washington and Leon Huff, and Thom Bell period!!

By yoyoshep (152.163.252.68) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 10:24 am:

That's What I'm Talking About!! Break It Down Eli!

By Horse (159.53.238.241) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 11:51 am:

Eli,

No disrespect intended toward you or Ronnie and the crew, As I would give props to all of you, But wouldn't you say that the intro to "Money" was a key element in setting up the groove and immediate song recognition? What is your feeling regarding this?

By DF (208.27.111.121) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 12:22 pm:

As we all know, Carol Kaye has been claiming more than just a "minor association" at Motown. I'll leave that one alone.

By Eli (141.151.1.101) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 03:55 pm:

Horse,
Absolutely, 1000%!!!!
Anthony was given a co-writer's credit on the song but G&H only gave him TEN percent whereby he should have been given 331/3 percent.
Yes, the figure was in integral part of the very song itself and G&H finished the song around that figure.
As far as how G&H knew Anthony , I do not remember. He may have gone to them with the idea and they expounded upon it.
He was 19 and it was the first time that we met him.

By dvdmike (68.72.88.46) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 09:26 pm:

I don't know who played bass on "The Watusi", but I will ask Tom Tom 84, he might know. I do know the session was cut at Chess on 22nd & Michigan on Record Row. I doubt if it was Bernard Reed, though. And Bobby, I did notice that a lot of Philadelphia International albums were mastered at a very low level and it used to piss me off because I had to turn the volume up on my receiver.

By 1Wicked (24.126.64.120) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 09:47 pm:

dvdmike...When ya talk to the illustrious Mr. Washington, please ask him if he worked on the song "Dirty" on the new E,W,&F release. The horns are sizzlin'...and it sounds like his work.
Thanks...

By Sly fan (64.169.106.177) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 10:05 pm:

yall have mentioned my favorites from James Jamerson to Ronnie Baker to Sir Larry...

To add on we cannot forget Nathaniel Phillips (Pleasure), Gary King (CTI/KUDU), Tim Drummond, Bootsy Collins, Fred Thomas and just about every Bass player out of the JB's camp ("Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" was way ahead of its time). Frank Blair, just to name a few.

By JoB (204.42.12.2) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 04:33 am:

...Being a female bass player myself, I've got to give props to Rhonda Smith, Prince's bass player...she's incredible...as a BASS player, not just a female bass player.
Anyone into funk bass should check out that "Millenium Funk Party" CD...some if not ALL of those bass lines will BLOW YOUR MIND!!!
Got that SITSOM book and CD set about Jamerson on order...

By dvdmike (65.208.234.61) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 08:24 am:

Wicked, I know he did at least one string arrangement on the LP, but I'll ask him just the same. And for "Voice Your Choice", the bass player could have been either Bernard Reed or Louis Satterfield. Lui-Lui played bass on "Selfish One" by Jackie Ross and "Rescue Me" by Fontella Bass as well as a lot of other Chicago Soul classics. He was also a member of The Pharoahs which also included the late, great saxman Don Myrick. I'm going to try to catch up with Willie Henderson, he would have a lot of knowledge of who did what.

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.5.241) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 08:45 am:

Not sure, but wohomever played Bass on:
Cool Jerk~Capitols (Babbit)
Stay~The Controllers
Let's Get It On~Marvin Gaye
I Gotta Feeling~4 Tops
Bernadette~4 Tops
Come See About Me~Supremes
Can We Try Again~Glenn Jones

By Eli (151.197.119.243) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 10:28 am:

We are forgeting Me'shell Ndegeo Cello.
Also Gerald veasley and Jamal Adeen Tacuma

By padgburyman (195.93.50.10) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 10:52 am:

Hey Guys

What about Jaco?

By Eli (151.197.119.243) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 11:23 am:

Pino Palladino on Everytime you go away by Paul Young and whoever played on Night Shift.

By dvdmike (65.208.234.61) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 02:31 pm:

Medusa, the bass player on all of the Motown stuff you named was James Jamerson

By Bob Olhsson (12.93.84.130) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 02:51 pm:

FWIW the bass "sound" on Pet Sounds is that of two basses! A Fender played with a pick was doubling an upright.

By dvdmike (68.72.160.65) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 09:35 pm:

On the "Pet Sounds" LP, the upright bass is Lyle Ritz and the electric bass is Carol Kaye. Ray Pohlman played electric bass on "I Know There's An Answer" and "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" and Danelectric bass on "God Only Knows". Chuck Berghofer played string bass on "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times".

By RD (63.188.32.39) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 10:17 pm:

My Bernard Reed reference was a reply to Bad Bill's post not Bobby Eli's. I don't know who played bass on "The Watusi."

By Horse (159.53.238.241) on Friday, June 06, 2003 - 09:23 am:

Eli,

Thanks for sharing the info regarding Anthony Jackson and Money. It's always great to get the info from a first hand source.

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.11.198) on Friday, June 06, 2003 - 10:11 am:

dvdmike,
I don't think Jamerson played 4 the Controllers, Glenn Jones or The Capitols. I mean he was one of the greatest, but there R other Bass players around.
I only named the ones I liked, that came 2 mind at the time I responded 2 the Topic. (I guess I just happen 2 like the Motown music sound).
Must I apologize???

By Conrad72 (63.97.240.1) on Friday, June 06, 2003 - 10:15 am:

John Paul Jones pretty much throughout the entire Led Zeppelin II album, particularly "The Lemon Song." Nice buttery flatwound sound on the Fender Jazz (right?). He definitely studied his Jamerson.

PS-I appreciate Anthony Jackson's playing but he always seems to come off very hostile and pompous in the interviews I have read. Disappointing.

By 1Wicked (24.126.64.120) on Friday, June 06, 2003 - 10:31 pm:

Yeah Conrad....Though I don't know either man, based on reputations alone...it seems that Anthony Jackson has become the Wynton Marsalis of bass.

By dvdmike (68.72.87.88) on Friday, June 06, 2003 - 10:35 pm:

Medusa, I said the Motown stuff. I know he played on "What's Going On" and the Four Tops stuff

By Soul Sister (65.43.150.250) on Friday, June 06, 2003 - 10:54 pm:

OK Guys & Gals;
I know this thread is about Bass Players, but what about the gituar players like our own Bobby Eli and others? Does anyone remember Jimmy Nolen who played with James Brown he was from L.A. not only a great funky gituarist but a rare sweet guy too who had a gentle and beautiful personality, not to mention a favorite of the ladies, tall, very handsome, and kind. Sadly he passed away from a heart attack in 1983 at the age of 49. He probably was the nicest man in the James Brown Band. That cat could play his a__ off too!

By MEL&THEN SOME9 (217.14.178.36) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 03:16 am:

Soulsister
Right-on to Bobby Eli(and then some)
He's The Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mel.

By mel@andthensome.mersinet.co.uk (217.14.178.10) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 04:27 am:

Does anyone know
who the Bass Guitarist is on the incredible
Record by Betty Harris
called
"trouble with my lover"
apart from the outstanding Bass in it
the whole damn record is cookin'
mel.

By Eli (151.197.33.59) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 10:45 am:

Jimmy Nolen was to me, THE James Brown guitarist
with his identifiable "chicken scratch" rhythmic style.

By Davie Gordon (193.122.21.42) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 11:25 am:

Mel, The bassist on that Betty Harris track is probably George Porter of the Meters - about time he got a name check.

Davie

By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 11:29 am:

Jim F....
....a while back, you mentioned "Rescue Me", a beautiful bass lead song. The kicker to the whole thing is the fade, where Fontalla is singing with just the bass and bongos backing her. It needs to be listened to all the way out to appreciate it. Wonderful song, good call.

By MEL&THEN SOME (217.14.178.13) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 01:54 pm:

Davie,
great stuff
thanks for that.
mel.

By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 04:28 pm:

Thanks douglasm,

You are absolutely right! You have to appreciate 'tuning in' to that 'classic' 1965 R&B take... to fully understand that it was the 'bass' and the 'horns' which took lead behind Fontella Bass' vocals, right from the get go, heard thruout, and right on thru till the very end of the song.

And as I said, (in my opinion) Fontella's vocals had pre-dated that certain, A. Franklin 'sound' (similarly almost) quite down with her own million-seller, back when.

And that was a couple of years before anyone even heard the 'sound' of "Lady Soul" which was yet to be, naturally, and A. F. wasn't prominent as of yet, at that time when "Rescue Me" was released way back in 1965.

By Kim (68.47.158.113) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 06:14 pm:

I always liked Willy Weeks when he was with Donny Hathaway, especially on the Donny Hathaway live album!
Kim

By Scratcher (65.238.127.62) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 06:21 pm:

"Rescue Me" is one of the jammiest tracks ever produced. It kicks butt from start to finish. The horns reminds you of the Stax or Memphis Horns that came into prominence later on Otis Redding recordings. The bass player is like Duck Dunn on steriods.

By Caleb (171.75.83.10) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 07:02 pm:

How about David Hungate on Rosanna-Toto and Lowdown-Boz Scaggs.Very nice!!

By dvdmike (68.72.93.248) on Sunday, June 08, 2003 - 09:36 am:

I remember reading a John Lennon interview years ago. During one of his sarcastic moments, he replied that he'd rather use Willie Weeks on bass than Paul McCartney. Hmm.

By Eli (151.197.38.58) on Sunday, June 08, 2003 - 12:24 pm:

Alphonso Johnson of Weather Report.

By countryboy (137.118.192.159) on Sunday, June 08, 2003 - 11:41 pm:

Who was the bass player on the Dramatics Stax\Volt
sessions,Great player,Great sound.

By Caleb (171.75.80.135) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 12:05 am:

Hey what about that dude who's down in Nashville now Bob Babbitt.He's had some nice sounds happening over the years.Touch Me In The Morning,Mercy,Mercy me,Then Came You to name a few.From what I've heard and read here he's still got it going there.Countryboy-know that Michael Henderson was on the Dramatics Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get.He played really good on that one.Peace

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 01:07 am:

I don't know who's on bass, but the bass lines in Billy Paul's "I Think I'll Stay Home Today" just makes my heart make flip flops.

I also give a hi-five to the horns, strings, piano, and what the heck the whole orchestra on that song.

By Wonder B (217.128.156.67) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 10:47 am:

I have to agree on all the names mentioned since the beginning of this thread... from J.Jamerson to George Porter, to Ronnie Baker etc etc... I'll even add Kirkwood Coakley from T-Connection who plays some great bass on some of the tracks they did... (Like 'Danger Zone' and a few others).
About the 'slappers', I must give Louis Johnson a special mention. I was lucky to interview some great musicians like Larry Graham who invented that style on electric bass or Marcus Miller, but I remember that afternoon at Loui's house where I thought it would last about an hour or so and I ended up with over 5hours 30minutes on tape...
He played his bass all the way through while talking, playing me and giving me examples of just about everything he had done including that awesome break from a song off Side Effect's first LP called 'What The Heck Let's Discotheque'. It was even before he associated himself with Quincy Jones and got in the spotlights. What amazed me about him was the way he would attack the strings... most (well almost everybody) stay with their right hand close to the board while Louis attacks it from 12" afar... I never understood how he could keep some accuracy while doing that... I have a concert on LD with Quincy Jones in Japan with a 60 piece orchestra and Louis playing the bass. He takes a furious solo on a couple of tracks including the 'Ironside'theme and it almost looks like he's going to break his thumb! LOL... Funnily he told me that it happened to him twice over the years...!

Rich and 1Wicked, about Steve Washington, he did play some mean bass... Do you guys have the CIVIL ATTACK LP that he did with his then wife Sheila Washington now back to Sheila Horne (singer with P-Funk) which came out on the SALSOUL label...?
On the song "On The Phone" from that album, Steve is doing some nasty bass playing during the break and frankly I wouldn't have been surprised if anyone had told me that it was Mark Adams playing on this one... but it is not... It's Steve W.... so 1Wicked I have to conccur with you!

Wonder B

By Michael/cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 12:18 pm:

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe that it is Anthony Jackson on the O'Jays' Money, Money, Money, Money and those bass licks are incredible and smoking. When I was in the Wiz on Broadway he used to sit in with orchestra occasionally and change the entire feel of the show (more funky). We loved it!!

By Eli (151.197.123.83) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 12:28 pm:

As I have previously posted, it IS Anthony on "Money" and he was given a co writers credit for it. He was 19 at the time. But we already had our section and place and quite frankly, we were more than happy with what we had.

By girlbassplayer1961 (208.8.159.217) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 08:00 am:

Eli,
or any body, I dig Carol Kaye and her style. It seems that everytime her name is mentioned negativity starts, why?
Eli, said: (As we all know, Carol Kaye has been claiming more than just a "minor association" at Motown. I'll leave that one alone.)Please educate me. Didn't Kaye play on the Lewis Sisters early recordings?

By DF (24.90.11.4) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 08:19 am:

I was the one who made the comment on Carol Kaye, not Eli. Peace.

By girlbassplayer1961 (208.8.159.217) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 08:24 am:

Sorry for my mistake as to who posted but what is all the fuse when Carol Kaye is mentioned???

By Eli (141.151.83.102) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 08:44 am:

It is because Kaye taks credit for a lot of the work that Jamerson did. She has enough credits of her own. Nuff said.

By DF (208.27.111.121) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 11:10 am:

I believe that this is a Motown appreciation board (though other styles of back in the day are appreciated as well). I believe that there are many cats on this board who were there during the glory days of Hitsville (in one capacity or another).

I believe that "negativity starts" because just the mention of Kaye reopens old wounds. I'll leave it up to the cats who were at Hitsville to confirm this. Peace.

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 11:20 am:

DF,
Bobby said it all in a nut shell. This is an old issue though so let's not go there again.

By countryboy (137.118.192.153) on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 01:07 am:

Does anyone know who the bass player on Ester Phillips album, From A Whisper To A Scream.

If you get a chance to listen to it you would not be sorry

By WaltBaby (152.163.252.68) on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 03:15 pm:

After reading all the names of bassists in this thread, I thought there might be one or two names that were left out. Robert Wilson of the Gap Band comes to mind as one of them. Also could anyone clear up just who played bass on "I Was Made To, Love Her" by Stevie Wonder? I had originally thought that it was James Jamerson, bur read somewhere that it was Carole Kaye.

By WaltBaby (152.163.252.68) on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 03:16 pm:

After reading all the names of bassists in this thread, I thought there might be one or two names that were left out. Robert Wilson of the Gap Band comes to mind as one of them. Also could anyone clear up just who played bass on "I Was Made To, Love Her" by Stevie Wonder? I had originally thought that it was James Jamerson, but read somewhere that it was Carole Kaye.

By Eli (151.197.61.149) on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 04:14 pm:

Walt...bag the Carol Kaye thing please!!!

By Steve Litos (209.100.86.4) on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 04:23 pm:

WaltBaby - Go to Bob Lee's www.bassland.net for all the information and evidence on this topic. Bob & Allan Slutsky did major research on the recording of this particular song. Read it and then form your own opinion on the subject.
-Steve

By ronni (65.238.91.73) on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 09:25 pm:

Who played bass on "You Can't Hurry Love"?

By Eli (151.197.61.149) on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 09:26 pm:

Jamerson

By girlbassplayer1961 (208.8.159.219) on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 11:06 pm:

WaltBaby, its only fair that you have Carol Kayes site as well as Bob Lee's or BassLand, then you can decide as you wish!
www.carolkaye.com

By all bassed out!! (151.197.61.149) on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 11:30 pm:

Girlbassplayer,
Once again for the (hopefull) last time, Miss Kaye did NOT play on any of the Motown hits.
She may have played on some TV specials which featured thos e tunes but NOT on the original recording sessions.
Now...bag it PLEASE!!!

By girlbassplayer1961 (208.8.159.231) on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 12:28 am:

Who gives "all bassed out" the power to decide who did what? I didn't come here to change this thread, yet I will not let BassLand to the educating. Jamerson is the innovator of the motown bass sound and I love every cut he played on, I even dig Bob Babbits style, the man rocks on Mercy mercy me and I love his work on the Bonnie Raitt recordings. I believe Ms Kaye did play on some Motown and I applaud her style too!

By moetttte (172.154.153.195) on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 01:19 am:

Carole K rocks she's sooooo soulful ain't that her on Stevie wonders songs in the keys of lifes..

By girlbassplayer1961 (208.8.159.231) on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 01:52 am:

I thought that was Nathan Watts on Songs in the keys of Life??He is great too!

By Caleb (171.75.81.97) on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 02:20 am:

Carol Kaye,according to her website,claims she played on "Bernadette"-Four Tops amongst many other Motown classics.What The Hell?I'm gettin' pissed off here.Get in on this here Ralph.

By all based out (141.151.14.207) on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 02:15 pm:

Once again..do I make myself clear..Carol Kaye is a blatant liar. Now please bag it already!!

By BassLand (63.207.60.69) on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 03:24 pm:

I have been watching this thread with some interest as GBP... has tried this stuff over at a forum called Talk Bass. She has become a one woman crusader for CK. She even wrote me personally saying "I know CK side of this. What is your side"... I finally had to tell her that I did nto wnat to communicate with her.

She is a regular poster (as Treena) on the CK site and has IMO made this issue sort of a feminist thing saying that CK doesn't get recognition because she is a woman. CK Doesn't get the recognition for something she did not do period.

Bernadette, IWMTLH, Baby Love, I Can't Help Myself, Reach Out... which are all Jamerson's signature performances.

Treena came to me as though all she had was Carols side and it was brought out at TalkBass.com that she had the DVD, The book and still she makes assertions like she has here. I felt set up when I was dealing with her. I am posting now because she brings my name up to facilitate her latest ruse. She and her teacher ought to get a life...

Bassland

PS. If anyone here is interested I can post links to her other activities on the net on this subject but I suggest we just forget her.

By Caleb (171.75.81.114) on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 03:58 pm:

Don't tell me to bag it All Bassed Out.I'm pissed off.

By stephanie (64.63.221.201) on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 04:17 pm:

Well my brother Ronald Campbell is a good bass player and he played for the Fuzz..I Love you For All Seasons!!!
had to put a family member in....Now he plays behind Diz Russell and the Orioles...You know Crying in the Chapel the late Sonny Til may he rest in Peace....In my mind anything that Larry Graham puts his hand to is a masterpiece especially the stuff he did with SlyStone and Graham Central Station.
Stephanie

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 05:15 pm:

Caleb,
I just now saw where this thread was going. PLEASE..EVERYONE....drop the Carol Kaye issue. It is counter-productive to the good and well being of the forum. PLEASE!!!

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 05:24 pm:

Thank you Ralph.

What is the point in going on about CK?

We must drop this once and for all.

David
another bass thread throttled

By Caleb (171.75.84.37) on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 08:02 pm:

Thank you Ralph.

By Nish (170.224.224.38) on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 11:43 pm:

In addition to all the greats mentioned - Keni Burke, Anthony Jackson, Ron Baker, our own Allen and Babbitt, I have to throw in Wayne Tweed, who played the most hypnotic and beautiful bass on "Quiet Storm." Abraham Laboriel is also pretty good.

By MEL&THEN SOME (81.174.192.3) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 12:21 am:

Stephanie,
did your brother play on "I'm so glad"
by the Fuzz for Calla records by any chance.
many thanks
mel.

By girlbassplayer1961 (208.8.159.239) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 01:48 am:

BassLand its interesting to me that you would follow my "activity" on any forum! If you don't like my posts don't read them, don't respond to them. I stated before I came here to list the bass "styles" I love and this is what I have done, others have brought up who played on what not me. Yet you BassLand are trying to make this thread and me into something its not..you need to get a life beyond attacking me and others who should be allowed an opinion.
For the record,
Carol Kaye
Bob Babbitt
James Jamerson
sting
Sir Paul
"Hutch" Hutchinson
Jaco
Chuck Rainey
Are some of my favorite bass players/sounds which is what I believe the thread is titled?

By girlbassplayer1961 (208.8.159.239) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 04:51 am:

"She is a regular poster (as Treena) on the CK site and has IMO made this issue sort of a feminist thing saying that CK doesn't get recognition because she is a woman."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I never made this statement on any forum, get your facts straight Bob Lee. I have gone out of my way to explain that I don't have any feelings as to guy, girl issues, I am a musician and gender is not my issue at all. You are the one trying to twist it into gender, I could care less!
See my above post on my favorite bass sounds/players!

By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 06:00 am:

girlbassplayer1961

Take a look around this site and see the love and affection for our music.

Now read your postings.

Then take your frustration somewhere else.

By padgburyman (195.93.50.10) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 08:13 am:

Thank you David. Well said! I was starting to get a little frustrated with GBP as I had followed the thread on Bob Lee's site.

Geoff Mellor

By girlbassplayer1961 (208.8.159.204) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 10:53 am:

Once again I will ask then...is this thread just for the bassist you like or am I allowed to post who I like????
Each time one of you stray from the thread to post a flame at me you are highlighting the fact that I am even here. Just post your favorite and I will do the same and we can all play fair!
Carol Kaye
Bob Babbitt
James Jamerson
sting
Sir Paul
"Hutch" Hutchinson
Jaco
Chuck Rainey
Are some of my favorite bass players/sounds which is what I believe the thread is titled?

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 11:55 am:

Girlbassplayer,
Of course you are allowed to post the bass players you feel have merit. We all have our favorites.

By Allen (24.165.82.46) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 12:01 pm:

Gee! ... Thanks Nish!

Allen

: )

By Allen (24.165.82.46) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 12:28 pm:

P.S. It is Nathan Watts on Stevie's "Songs In The Key Of Life".

Allen

By padgburyman (195.93.50.10) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 02:09 pm:

GBP,

It is YOU who are straying from the thread, not us.

Geoff

By padgburyman (195.93.50.10) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 02:10 pm:

Who else even mentioned Carol Kaye?

By MEL&THEN SOME (217.14.178.3) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 02:25 pm:

How about Danny Kaye.
Cut the classic
Hans Christian Anderson.

By Eli (151.197.216.185) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 02:32 pm:

How about Chuck Kaye of Windswept Pacific Music.
His company always hits first base!!!

By MEL&THEN SOME (217.14.178.3) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 02:36 pm:

Stubby Kaye.

By Eli (151.197.216.185) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 02:39 pm:

How 'bout Kayo from the Deele???
Or KY Jelly??
Or Que pasa???
Better yet how 'bout Carole KING????

By K. Kaiser (209.219.207.3) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 02:39 pm:

Mel,

Please, sitdown, you're rockin' the boat!

K. Kaiser
Professor (Emeritus)
College of Musical Knowledge

By Eli (151.197.216.185) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 02:41 pm:

Kae Williams Philly radio legend.
Kae Williams JR of Breakwater.
How 'bout Calvin Klein??

By MEL&THENSOME (217.14.178.3) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 02:43 pm:

Your the man Bobby.
but were not finished matey.
mel.
back to the music,ahem!

By Vonnie (67.40.203.32) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 02:52 pm:

How about Mary Kaye, I love her make-up and those Pink Cadillacs. I also like Murray Kay the famous dj his dances were legendary.

Vonnie

By Eli (151.197.216.185) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 02:56 pm:

Vonnie, you go girl!!
How 'bout Kay Starr, 50's female singer??
How 'bout the Taco Bell Chihuahua...Que siero Taco Bell???
How about 80's female singer Brenda K. Starr???

By MEL&THEN SOME (217.14.178.3) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 03:02 pm:

Edwin Starr.
Harry Starr.
No No Starr.
Tommy Starr.
Martha Starr.
Freddy Starr.
Wishing on a Star.
I'm a Star.
Star-treks.
Starvue.
The sherriffs star.
Starry starry night.
The Sun is a Star.

The Bass Guitar is a Star.

By padgburyman (195.93.50.10) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 03:03 pm:

Thank you guys. You have restored my faith, with humour.

By MEL&THEN SOME (217.14.178.3) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 03:04 pm:

padgburyman
your a star.

By Sue (63.85.105.20) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 03:07 pm:

'K

By padgburyman (195.93.50.10) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 03:08 pm:

Wishin' on one. Mel.

Thanks


Geoff

By Eli (151.197.216.185) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 03:12 pm:

Katic Couric of the Today show on NBC
Kate Hepburn
Kate Smith
Kate Hudson
Kato Kaelin(double the pleasure)
Slo K (Potassium supplement)

By padgburyman (195.93.50.10) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 03:18 pm:

o 'K' guys.

Geoff

By melandthensome (217.14.178.3) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 03:21 pm:

The Sons of KATIE elder.
KATE o'mara.
Katey-Kin's.
Kate Bush.
Kim KATrell.
Katie Jones(steamin'an a rollin',niece to Casey)
I'll take you home again KAT-leen.

By STUBASS (152.163.252.68) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 03:33 pm:

THE TOTAL TRUTH LIES WITH "KAY KAISER"...AND YOU CAN VERIFY ALL THE FACTS AT HIS "COLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE"!!!...STU(ALUMNI)BASS

By stephanie (64.63.221.125) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 04:43 pm:

Hey Vonnie
I sell Mary Kay by the way!!!
Stephanie PS its a really good product

By Eddy Welk (152.163.252.68) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 05:02 pm:

I've bought Mary Kay before, and she was a damn fine buy too. But for a solid slap in the bass you can't beat 'Ham' Woideck, an ex-vaudevillan who worked with Jimmy Durante, later was a key player in Amway products.

By Soul Sister (68.73.167.246) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 05:47 pm:

Hi Vonnie, girlfiend;
Hey! I used to go to Murray The K's shows at the Brooklyn Fox. The last one I went to there was in 1965 or '66, Little Anthony & The Imperials and Mitch Rider & The Detroit Wheels were on that show. AHHH...those were the fun days!

Mel;
How about When You Wish Upon A Star by Jimmy! (he-he).
You'alls number 1 Soul Sister!!!!!!!

By MEL&THEN SOME (212.159.53.201) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 05:55 pm:

Right-on Soulsister,
dont ever lose your sense of humour baby.
and apologies for not mentioning Mr Scott in the first place.
You are also a STAR(andthensome)
mel.
back to the Bass or I will be harshly spoken to!

By Eli (151.197.216.185) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 06:18 pm:

Hey Mel, What about the Kay bass??It actualy was a cheapo brand back in the day, and I emphasize CHEAPO...oK?????

By MEL&THEN SOME9 (217.14.178.16) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 06:29 pm:

Bobby,
dont be winding me up man,
Or I will hit you with a list so big everyone will be even more on my case.
what about kay-o-line and morphine for bad guts.
Or the Kay Sisters
or or or or
there ya go bobby
I'm biting again.

MEL.
PS
How about
Kim BASS-inger(oops)

or Kay-Tel Records
whooooooops.

By Eli (151.197.216.185) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 06:35 pm:

Mel, just incase it really sickens you you can take a swig of KAYopectate!!!

By Eli (151.197.216.185) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 06:41 pm:

After a night of heave alKhol you can then back it up with an alKseltzer.

By MEL&THEN SOME (81.174.192.80) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 07:04 pm:

Now that sounds dodgy Bobby.
I will have to consult my book of KAYopectate
references.
aah here we are,
ahem.
Kayopectate is a proprietary non-perscription suspension of the antidiarrhoeal adsorbent KA-olin,in a form suitable for dilution (the potency of the dilutemixture is retained for 14,yes thats right,14 days)before being taken orally.

Now Bobby we (and Vonnie)
must remember that during treatment the fluid intake should be increased to more than normal.

There I knew I had the info at hand,
just next to my Compass Demo in fact Bobby.

Now My talented mate,
beat that!!!!!!!!!!

Your practicing SOULFUL
M.D./MEL
Alias Marcus Welby M.D.

it aint the beat
its the KAY-motion.

By Soul Sister (68.73.167.246) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 07:08 pm:

Mel; The fun coming from you, Bobby, & Stubass brighten up my everyday. About the star treatment your embarissing me I'm no star just the woman behind the star(he-he-he-) just kiddin'!! Actually I'm more of a Moonchild, but not the kind of moonin' Stu(theangelmaster)Bass talks of!(chuckle)...And PPAALLEEEEEEESE don't apoligize. "I Apologize" that was a great record. Take Care Melandthenplentyofsome.
S.S.

By Eli (151.197.216.185) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 07:24 pm:

Hey Mel,
At least you have the Compass demo.
Now if only I can find James Bounty in the flesh!!!!

By MEL&THEN SOME (81.174.192.182) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 07:39 pm:

Bobby,
I cant better that mate.
once again you were more than
KAY-pable.

Soulsister
your A1.

NOW

about those bass sounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Eli (151.197.216.185) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 07:47 pm:

To start with, the bass player on Prove yourself a lady, At the top of the stairs, Aint nothin but a party, You didnt say a word, Let the god times roll, Cowboys to girls was none other than "Romeo" Win Wilford.

By WaltBaby (64.12.97.7) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 08:00 pm:

Did I Do That???? I always had believed that it was Jamerson, but there's something about seeing something in black and white that throws me. Anyway as far as I'm concerned the subject is bagged permanently.

By Eli (151.197.216.185) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 08:06 pm:

Walt,
What songs are you talking about??

By WaltBaby (64.12.97.7) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 08:11 pm:

Another couple of great bassists are Sekou Bunch (toured with the Isley Bros., and doing some session work out west i. e. Impromp2, Tom Browne,Rayford Griffin), and if you've recently seen Stanley Clarke's newest incarnation of his touring band, his second bassist is a young African bassist whose name escapes me from Cameroon who is absolutely phenominal. Maybe someone can help me out with his name. If not, definitely (and I cannot emphasize that enough) check out his new band when they come into your area.

By WaltBaby (64.12.97.7) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 08:15 pm:

Bobby you'll rember that all of this started when I stated the I had read that C. K. played on "I Was Made To Love Her"

By WaltBaby (64.12.97.7) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 08:17 pm:

Bobby you'll remember that all of this started when I stated the I had read that C. K. played on "I Was Made To Love Her"

By john dixon (205.188.209.109) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 08:40 pm:

A favorite bass part that I somehow just discovered recently is Jamerson on the Marvelettes "I'll Keep Holding On". Fantastic!

I would have gotten to this thread sooner but I was eating a great big bowl of Special K.

By MEL&THEN SOME (217.14.178.56) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 09:03 pm:

Okeh Bobby,
now I wouldnt dare take you on regards the music etc Bobby,
but after you mentioned Mr Wilford on those great tracks heres a personal fave of mine,
that I first heard way back in 1970 on Real Humdinger and ever since have been collecting the various rare/northern soul 45s that he has played on,
Mr Dennis Coffey
and to my knowledge played on all these rare/northern soul tracks over the years.

JJ Barnes-Real Humdinger
Day Tripper
Say It
for Ric Tic Records.

Al Kent-You gotta pay the price
Finders Keepers
Ric Tic.

Edwin Starr-S.O.S.(Stop her on Sight)
Ric Tic.

Fantastic Four-Girl have pity
As long as I love
Ric Tic.

San Remo Strings-Festival Time
Ric Tic.

Jack Montgomery-Dearly Beloved
Do you believe
Scepter Records.
Dont turn your back on me
Barracuda Records.

Danny Woods-To be loved-Smash.
Irene&Scotts-stuck on my baby-Smash.

Jr.Walker-What does it take to win your heart
Soul.

Johnny Taylor-who's makin'love-Stax.

Tobi Lark-happiness is here-Topper.

Parliaments-Testify-Revilot.
Darrell Banks-open the door/our love-Revilot.

Strides-I cant get along-M.S.Records.

Monticellos-Dont hold back
I cant wait until I see my babys face
Red Cap.

Michael&Raymond-Man without a woman-RCA.

Spyder Turner-Dont hold back
cant wait to see my babys face
M.G.M.

Freda Payne-Band of gold-Invictus.

Nabay-believe it or not-Impact.
Volumes-That old time feeling-Impact.
My kind of girl-Inferno.

Jock Mitchell-you may love the one I love-Impact.

Kris Peterson-me without you
I believe in you
Pelican Records.

Shades of Blue-Lonely Summer
how do you save a dying love
Impact.

Bobbie Smith-walk on into my heart-A/Arts.

Volumes-gotta give her love
I just cant help myself
American Arts.

Little Carl Carlton-Competition aint nothing-Backbeat.

Magnetics-Lady in green-Bonnie.

Lonette-Mind Intruder-Dearborn.
Theo-Coff invasion-Lucky day-Dearborn.

Edwin Starr-War-Gordy.

Temptations-cloud nine
ball of confusion
I wish it would rain
Gordy.

And for Golden World Records

Holidays-makin'up time
Ill love you forever
No greater love.

Parliaments-Heart Trouble.

Theresa Lindsey-I'LL Bet you
Daddy O.

Tony Michaels-I Love the life I Live
Picture me and you.

Anthony Raye-Give me one more chance-Impact.

Not all rare/northern soul but a good majority are.

mel.

By Eli (151.197.216.185) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 09:22 pm:

The irony of the whole thing is that Dennis and I led very similar lives running concurrently insofar as the studio scene is concerned having both being the "soulful white boy" with all the gadgets, without ever being considered part of the Caucasian persuasion.
It has been an honour and a privelege to have been accepted by the very core of some of the greatest African-American artists ever!!

By Caleb (171.75.84.174) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 09:37 pm:

Good post Bobby.

By Eli (151.197.216.185) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 09:41 pm:

Thanks Caleb!!
I mean it from the very bottom of my heart.
I still find it difficult to believe that I was there!!
I consider myself a very blessed man.

By girlbassplayer1961 (208.8.159.210) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 11:52 pm:

You are a great group of people although I am not from or near detroit, I love the music and players who have come from all this! Great players, writters and arrangers for sure!

By Allen (24.165.82.46) on Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 12:07 pm:

Mr. Eli,

I appreciate your comments about your participation in the creation of an art form that will out live the generation that created it. That doesn't happen often. You have an insight most white Americans can't even imagine.

You have had a front row seat to the most intimate inner workings of black american culture. Blacks have always welcomed whites to share in these endeavors.

There is still work to be done so that we as a species can continue trying to get beyond our differences and fulfill our potential. It should be mentioned that there are still parts of the music business that conducts itself in a bubble based on racial exclusion.

For the life of me, I can't understand why blacks are not allowed to participate in rock. With the exceptions of Tiran Porter (Doobie Bros), Randy Jackson (Journey), Darryle Jones (The Stones) and a few others, it seems blacks have been disuaded from the genre.

As though we are genetically unable to play/create/or write it. Hell, we helped create it. To me it's just another sign post. A constant reminder that I'M not a full citizen yet.

I don't know what the Jazz radio scene is like in Philly, but here in LA, the Quiet Storm station ...The Wave, there are very few black musicians in their regular rotation. The station is full of Kenny G. and Dave Coz. I have nothing against either gentleman. I don't sit around listening thinking "1 black artist, 4 white artists". It's just very obvious.

I applaud you for doing what I'M sure was very unpopular with lots of folk. Mr. Coffey and yourself are men of character. Wish there were more like you.

Allen

By MEL&THEN SOME (81.174.193.58) on Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 12:27 pm:

Hey Bobby,
great stuff,
I am forever in Cloud Cuckoo Land every time I talk to guys like yourself,Weldon,Dennis,Ralph etc,
its the stuff you guys did that got me forever collecting to this day regards all the superb sounds that I was lucky enough to get into all those years ago.

And to just correspond to all the Legends on here is way over my head as I and my mates are totally still blown away by everyones openess and willingless to tell all about those elusive gems that were at one time totally impossible to own,
never mind actually talking to the artists and various maestros that did them.

If I said in 1972 that I would be talking to the personel involved on "prove yourself a lady"
all the great Harthon dancers or the guy that blew me away in 1970 on Real Humdinger and even the rare as hell "the Gallop" etc then
I would be in a padded cell to this day.

I know its all been said etc,etc,
but I am forever grateful to one and all and to that Scottish Wheelite that made it all possible for a guy like me.(right-on David)

Here endeth the lesson.

Brother Mel.

By dvdmike (68.72.98.3) on Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 12:27 pm:

I know Darryl Jones, who we call Munch. He's from Chicago. I first saw him play when he was a pup around 1979-80 with a local jazz artist, Ghallib Ghallab. I don't know Ghallib's Christian name, so don't ask. LOL. He later toured with Miles Davis among others. If you saw the film, "Love Jones", he was the bassist at the poetry slams. He was also in Sting's film, although I can't remember the name off the top of my head. There were some other local bass players, who weren't that well known, but who could really pluck it. Larry Kimpel and Larry Ball. Felton Crews, who also did a stint with Miles and Charles Hosch, better known as Chuck-A-Luck. Chuck was with the Emotions for several years in the late seventies and early eighties with bandmates Terry Marshall (keyboards), Joey Hutchinson and Keith Henderson (guitar) and Donzell Davis (drums).

By Eli (151.197.178.125) on Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 12:46 pm:

Allen,
Thanks so much for your wonderful post.

I have actually had "nightmares" where I was a straight up "apple pie" white guy with not one clue as to what time it was and they were quite graphic and scary to say the least.

Allen, I truly cherish every aspect of my existance and I am so blessed that my mom gave birth to at a time and place that led me to
my wonderful life experience.

Regarding the Wave..
In Philly there is a similar station 106 fm which calls itself a "smooth jazz" station.
I have NEVER heard a jazz record on that station let alone one by a Black artistexcept for Luther, who they call smooth jazz, would you believe that??
They wouldnt know who Bird was and they would think that 'Trane was something that you took to work!

In general, Philly radio sucks the big one and I find it impossible to listen to.

Anyway, you can e mail me anytime at phillysoulman.mfsb@verizon.net

Mel,
Once again thank you, thank you thank you mate.
You are truly an original and thanks for being a supporter of our music!!

By girlbassplayer1961 (208.8.159.207) on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 06:33 am:

Great Bass thread! I really learned a lot here! I wanted to add that I really, really dig James Jamersons Bass on Mary Wells - My Guy, even though its an upright it still has his sound and the song is awesome!
(There is still work to be done so that we as a species can continue trying to get beyond our differences and fulfill our potential. It should be mentioned that there are still parts of the music business that conducts itself in a bubble based on racial exclusion.)
I would like to add that yes it is true about "bubble based" on racial exclusion, this can also be said about women in music too, race and gender are a big issue in the entertainment industry. Is this why the Funk Brothers were kept a secret for so long???


Allen,

By Soul Sister (68.73.167.246) on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 08:35 am:

Bobby;
Here in Cleveland there is that same kind of radio statio the wave/smooth jazz, light jazz they call it,
I think its 107 on the dial, anyway they never play any jazz just pop like Michael Jackson, and other whitewashed music. They don't know what jazz even is man! I once saw two dj's from the station in the lobby of the palace theater when I went down there to see Blue & Gerald, the station (which had no connection to the Manhattans being there), just happened to be there to promote there station in the lobby of this theater. So I ask the dj why they don't play any of Jimmy Scott's records? He tells me they only play light jazz. (???) Dah...I asked him if he knew what jazz was? He just looked at me dumbfounded. I said this station only plays pop and furthermore I never heard a jazz record ever played on it thats why I don't listen to it! If Iam riding in the car around here I put on 93.1 the local quote un-quote R&B station, at least some of the dj's there play our music.
And as far as urban gospel goes, artists like Kirk Franklin I can't stand it, its not the beautiful/soulful gospel that we all know throughout the history of black music.
S.Sis

By DF (208.27.111.121) on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 11:59 am:

Many of you guys know better than I do that radio today is ran by the advertisers and ratings. And what do the advertisers want? Hip Hop and pop.

Sorry, but Miles, Coltrane, Marvin Gaye and the Ojays are not gonna boost ratings or go well with the advertisers (see shutdown of Jammin' 105, NYC in 2001).

I stopped listening to commercial radio 10 years ago. Peace.

By BassLand (63.207.60.252) on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 12:38 pm:

For Record Companies in the 1950-60 the sound that your musicians made was your true product base and it was jealously guarded not only at Motown but in other cities too (Philly, Nashville, NYC, Chicago). The musicians in California that made most of the surf music, for instance were just as much a secret to the general public as the Funk Brothers were. Even right now I think one would be hard pressed to tell me who the leading electric bassists are in say the Movie industry. Those who might know would be reciting names that most people would not recognize. The shear innovation of certain musicians playing during the 1960's made them that much more guarded.

By Allen (24.165.82.46) on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 06:22 pm:

GBP,

As Bassland eluded, The Funks being cloaked in secrecy was probably more a result of corporate espionage rather than racism. Motown knew a great part of their products originality came from the musicians and technicians in the snake pit.

They were like the Colonels 13 spices in Kentucky Fried Chicken. And he wasn't tellin anyone either.

Allen