Breaking Down Willie Weeks’s “Voices Inside” Solo

I’ve been listening to the Donny Hathaway Live album a lot lately, focusing a lot on the last track (“Voices Inside”) and the awesome solo by Willie Weeks.

So, I was thrilled to see marlowedk breaking it down in a recent video playalong video:

Off to practice!

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Share your thoughts

  1. Clifton

    Outstanding Bass work! I love that one!!

  2. Zim

    Excellent!

  3. This solo is such a part of me. I sat with that record everyday for a long time learning and studying and enjoying it when I was just learning how to play the bass. Still love it! Great to be reminded of this groovin’ ass solo!

  4. Always loved Willie Weeks bass playing.Willie’s Solo on Donny Hathaways Voices Inside was a monster!

  5. THANKS FOR THAT! WHAT A WAY TO WIND DOWN AFTER WORK! SITTING HERE JUST GRINNING! MY DAD TURNED ME ON TO THIS. GREAT MEMORY! THANKS AGAIN.

  6. Willie Weeks confirmed the power of bass to me one late night in Nashville back in the 90s. I was hanging out at home when a friend called me to say Willie was sitting in with a great blues band in Printers Alley. I jump in my car to head down to the club where I witnessed Willie lift the entire band with his monster groove. The whole band was just smiling. It was nothing fancy per se but the pocket was so ridiculously funky. He was smiling and simply playing a root-5th pattern on “I Got My Mojo Workin.” Again it confirmed my belief on how important the role of the bass plays in a song. Play the right notes at the right time with honesty, conviction, and intention. Plus not trying to draw so much to yourself, but adding to the overall flavor/feel of the song. People will notice. Anyway, I talked with him afterwards to let him know how much of an influence he was on my playing. He was so down to earth and pleasure to talk too. I mean the guy can play in all kinds of situations. Backing up Donny Hathaway, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, John Cougar Mellencamp, Wynona Judd and many more. Pretty diverse if you ask me! :-)

  7. I think Mr. Weeks is under appreciated because his signature style is NOT slapping. I love Marcus, Graham, Wooton,etc, but there is a place among the greats for Willie Weeks. Solid, in the pocket bass play should be celebrated and appreciated, and within those parameters, Willie Weeks is one of the best ever. As a bass player I have been influenced by all of the guys I have mentioned, as well as many others, but Willie Weeks has always been one of my favorites.