From the Bottom: Breaking Down Robbie Shakespeare’s Bass Line on “Pull Up to the Bumper”

In this episode, I’m breaking down the hit that made Grace Jones a pop star.

The iconic bass line that kicks off “Pull Up to the Bumper” is an all-time groove by the late, great Robbie Shakespeare of Sly and Robbie.

We also get into the how important drummer Sly Dunbar and Robbie were to the Compass Point All-Stars during this time.

Let’s dig in!

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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