Head Over Heels: New Wave’s Last Great Bass Line
In this episode, we’re checking out one of the most creative bass lines in pop music: Tears For Fears’ iconic “Head Over Heels” from the Songs From the Big Chair album (1985).
I’ll show you just how the bass makes everything work in this song, why articulation is so important in music, and how counterpoint plays a big part in the song’s arrangement. I’ll also talk about Curt Smith’s choice of bass and exactly what he used to make this bass line sound so unforgettable.
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.
