2011 Readers’ Favorite Bassists – #5: Bootsy Collins
Bootsy Collins is one busy bassist. 2011 saw the release of his first studio album in five years, Tha Funk Capital of the World, a new transcription book of Bootsy’s Legendary Licks, the two year anniversary of the bassist’s Funk University and an appearance on Sly Stone’s first album in over 25 years, I’m Back! Family & Friends.
One of the highlights for us was when Bootsy sent us a video of him playing with James Brown, back in 1971 (see the top five list below). Bootsy was 18 years old at the time, and already laying it down for the The Godfather of Soul.
Check out our complete Bootsy Collins archive.
2011 Top 5 Most Viewed Bootsy Collins-Focused Features:
1. Bootsy Collins with James Brown Live (1971)
Bootsy Collins sent us this video, saying “see 18 yr old Bootsy with James Brown”. The video was shot in April 1971, live in Bologna, Italy.
2. Unsung: The Story of Bootsy Collins
Here’s TV One‘s documentary on Bootsy Collins, sharing the highs and lows of the funk legend’s life. There’s so much great stuff here, from Bootsy’s start with a guitar strung as a bass, to James Brown and more. Interesting to hear the difference between “Bootsy”, the funk legend, William Collins, the regular guy.
3. Bootsy Collins: Legendary Licks
If you’re looking to brush up on your Bootsy Collins licks, Hal Leonard has just made life a little easier. Bootsy Collins Legendary Licks is a new sheet music book covering twelve classic Bootsy tunes in standard notation and tab. The note-for-note transcriptions cover all the licks, fills and solos by the legendary funkster, along…
4. Bootsy Collins: JB – Still the Man (Ft. Rev. Al Sharpton)
Bootsy Collins has released a video for the track “JB – Still the Man,” from his latest album, Tha Funk Capital of the World. The uber-funky groove pays homage to the “Godfather of Soul” with a voice-over of Reverend Al Sharpton while rolling great footage of the “Hardest Working Man in Show Business” doing his…
5. Sly Stone Releases “I’m Back! Family & Friends”, with Some Help from Bootsy Collins
It has been more than a quarter of a century since Sly and the Family Stone frontman Sly Stone has released a complete album of new recordings. All that changed with the release of I’m Back! Family & Friends, a first since his 1982 effort, Ain’t But the One Way. The album features many familiar…
These are All great bass players. But, I vote for Jack Bruce. Truly one of the very best.