Life On Mars: The Funkiest Bass Line From Outer Space

In this episode, I’m digging into a classic funk track by Dexter Wansel. “Life On Mars” is a Philadelphia International Records deep cut from 1976.

We’ll get into why the bass line is one of the most unique you’ll ever hear and what Derrick Graves is doing today (it will surprise you!!)

Apparently, you can slap a bass with flatwounds!

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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