From the Bottom: Someday We’ll All Be Free

In this episode, I’m breaking down Donny Hathaway’s greatest song, “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” from 1973’s Extension of a Man.

I’ll dig in on why it sounds so amazing, and, of course, check out that amazing bass fill by Willie Weeks before the end!

Segments:

  • 00:00: Intro
  • 01:16: Analysis
  • 05:32: Trumpet Solo
  • 06:20: That Bass Fill
  • 07:27: Outro

Paul Thompson has been playing bass professionally for over 30 years, including recording and touring stints with trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. Recent playing credits include Bob Reynolds, John Pizzarelli, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, and Bob James, among others. Currently, he can be seen playing in and around the Pittsburgh, PA area with the THOTH Trio, the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, and many other musicians in the city's rich Jazz community. An educator of over 25 years, Paul currently teaches Jazz Bass at Duquesne University, West Virginia University, and his alma mater, Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 Performing Arts School.

Connect with Paul on Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and his website.

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Share your thoughts

  1. Bob Sled

    Paul, thanks so much for shining a light on this incredible song; especially when paired with the opening songs on the (vinyl) album “I Love The Lord, He Heard My Cry Pts.1&2”, it’s such an emotional and inspirational piece of music. If people aren’t familiar with Donny, a great start is the amazing DONNY HATHAWAY LIVE also featuring Willie Weeks on bass.