How Ben Williams and Nate Smith Shape the Pulse of ‘UNDEFEATED’ at KEXP

We do not usually share drummer-focused videos on No Treble. That is not really our lane. But Nate Smith is one of the few exceptions. He is the drummer every bass player hopes to lock in with. His time feels alive. His touch sits right in that sweet spot where the bass can settle in and really speak.

In this performance of UNDEFEATED for KEXP, Ben Williams is playing what looks like a CallowHill bass and he sounds incredible. He sits right in the center of Nate’s pulse and gives the tune a low end that feels warm and intentional.  It is all feel. He listens and responds. He gives the band this steady, grounded presence that makes the whole tune breathe.

There is an entire set from Nate’s KEXP session and it is worth watching from top to bottom. Ben’s work throughout the performance is a reminder of how good a rhythm section can feel when the drummer and bassist are completely tuned into one another.