Latest from Paul:
Two Bass Tracks, One Groove: The Secret Behind This 1975 Funk Classic
Inside the 1975 Pointer Sisters track that delivered one of funk's greatest bass grooves, featuring a hidden gem of a bassist and a killer rhythm section.
1991’s Greatest Bass Lines: 10 Iconic Grooves That Shaped the Year
Discover the greatest bass lines of 1991 featuring Flea, Les Claypool, Victor Wooten, and more. From jazz to grunge to hip hop, these grooves defined an era.
Is This Paul McCartney’s Funkiest Bass Line? Inside “Goodnight Tonight”
Paul McCartney's "Goodnight Tonight" features one of his funkiest bass lines. Paul Thompson dives into the groove, tone, and story behind the track.
How “Love Will Keep Us Together” Delivered One of the Best Bass Lines of the ’70s
Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield wrote it, Captain & Tennille made it a hit. But did you know "Love Will Keep Us Together" had one of the best bass lines of the '70s?
What Every Bassist Can Learn from Wilbur Ware’s Legendary Solo
Wilbur Ware's legendary bass solo on "Softly" is a masterclass in phrasing. Discover how his rhythm, space, and storytelling elevate a great solo.
Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain”: The Legendary Bass Line That Still Inspires Bassists Today
Fleetwood Mac’s "The Chain" features one of the most iconic bass lines in rock history. Discover how John McVie’s legendary fretless bass, unique playing style, and the song’s rich harmonic structure came together to create a timeless classic that continues to inspire bassists today.
Exploring the Mystery Behind the Bass Line in Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do for Love”
Discover the story behind the smooth, timeless bass line in Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do for Love” as Paul Thompson breaks down the groove, jazz influences, and lasting impact of this classic hit.
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”: How Deon Estus’ Genius Bass Line Powered Wham! to #1
In this episode of "From the Bottom," Paul Thompson digs into Deon Estus’ genius bass line that powered Wham! to #1.
12 Bass Lines That Made These Christmas Classics Groove: From Guaraldi to Stevie Wonder
In this episode of "From the Bottom," Paul Thompson brings in the holiday season with his take on 12 amazing bass lines that anchor CLASSIC Christmas songs you might know (or not).
State of Independence: The Story Behind the Song and the Controversy Surrounding Its Bass Line
In this episode, I’m digging into Donna Summer’s song “State of Independence.” We’ll get into the amazing story of how it set up “We Are the World,” and try to figure out if Michael Jackson ripped off Louis Johnson’s bass line.
Is This the Greatest Walking Bass Line Ever? Breaking Down “Killer Joe” from Quincy Jones’s “Walking In Space”
In this episode, I’m focusing on the music of the late, great Quincy Jones and his iconic album "Walking In Space" (1969). Ray Brown's bass work on Benny Golson’s jazz standard “Killer Joe” just might be the best walking bass line you’ve ever heard.
“Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)”: The Legendary Motown Bass Line That’s Actually Two Bass Parts
In this episode, we’re diving into an amazing song from Marvin Gaye’s 1971 masterpiece, “What’s Going On?,” and Bob Babbitt’s bass lines from that iconic album: “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler).”