Marta (Smile): Is This Brazil’s Funkiest Bass Line?
I just discovered the great Brazilian singer/musician/producer Ed Motta, his brilliant music, and his library of incredible bass lines!
I’ll break down, arguably, his most famous bass line (“Marta” aka “Smile” from his 2013 release AOR), discuss the bassist (Robinho Tavares), show you how to play it, tell you why it’s so popular in Brazil, and explain how Ed himself comes up with most of the bass lines on his records.
It’s part Jazz, part Bossa Nova, part R&B, part Funk, even part Yacht Rock, and it’s incredible.
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.
