Bernard Purdie, Chuck Rainey, David T. Walker and More: Tighten Up

Today is bass legend Chuck Rainey’s birthday, and we’re celebrating with a jam of epic proportions. Here’s Rainey jamming the 1968 Archie Bell and the Drells song “Tighten Up,” from the 1993 “Coolin’ ’N Groovin’” performance in Japan.

The session includes a who’s who of R&B session players, including drummer Bernard Purdie, guitarist David T. Walker, organist Sonny Phillips, saxophonist Bill Bivens, trumpeter Virgil Jones, percussionist Pancho Morales, and alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson.

Rainey kicks off the groove and holds it down for the nearly twenty minute jam. The way he locks in the bass line yet changes it up to follow and support the soloists is just one of the many reasons we love his style.

Happy birthday Mr. Rainey!

Part 1:

Part 2:

Get the Daily Bass Video in your inbox.

Sign up to get the daily bass video delivered to you.

Share your thoughts

  1. that bass looks tiny in his hands

  2. DH Bennett

    Thank god for Bernard “Pretty” Purdie…..

  3. Alixe

    What a class act.

  4. Here are Chuck Rainey and Bernard Purdie, doin what they do best.: http://youtu.be/aAPlSFOyCCU
    Enjoy!