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Bruce Thomas Archives

Back To The Start: An Interview With Bruce Thomas
Interviews

Back To The Start: An Interview With Bruce Thomas

We know that many No Treble readers are big fans of Bruce Thomas of The Attractions, as the recent transcriptions of his bass lines have been popular features. So it’s good to hear that he’s been in the studio again. He has recorded a new album called in collaboration with singer-songwriter Spencer Brown, with ten new tracks and a cover...

Bass Transcription: Bruce Thomas’ Bass Line on Elvis Costello and the Attractions’ “Lipstick Vogue”
Transcriptions

Bass Transcription: Bruce Thomas’ Bass Line on Elvis Costello and the Attractions’ “Lipstick Vogue”

As there was a very positive response to last month’s transcription of “Oliver’s Army,” I thought that the No Treble readers might like another chance to have a look at Bruce Thomas’ work. This track contains a much busier bass line than “Oliver’s Army”, and Bruce tips his hat to some of his influences within the course of the song....

Bass Transcription: Bruce Thomas’ Bass Line on Elvis Costello and the Attractions’ “Oliver’s Army”
Transcriptions

Bass Transcription: Bruce Thomas’ Bass Line on Elvis Costello and the Attractions’ “Oliver’s Army”

British singer-songwriter Elvis Costello has had a long and varied career, and although his early hits were in the new wave era, with songs such as “Watching the Detectives” and “Pump it Up”, he could also create subtle ballads (“Alison”), cover jazz standards (“I Don’t know What to do With Myself”) and would later release an album of country standards...

Elvis Costello and the Attractions: Watching the Detectives, Live 1978
Bass Videos

Elvis Costello and the Attractions: Watching the Detectives, Live 1978

If you’ve ever played “Watching the Detectives,” you know it’s one of those songs that’s just fun to groove on. Originally heard on Elvis Costello’s My Aim is True, the reggae-rock tune features a mellow bass line that lays nicely on the instrument. Here’s a clip of Costello and the Attractions featuring bassist Bruce Thomas performing it live on the...