From the Bottom: Breaking Down the “Riff of the Century”
For this edition of “From the Bottom,” Paul Thompson revisits the story of how two musical giants met in 1972 and started making music together: Stevie Wonder and Jeff Beck. This is the story of how the “Riff of the Century” was born.
From the Bottom: The Greatest Synthpop Bass Line Ever
In this first “From the Bottom” column of 2023, Paul Thompson revisits an iconic bass line that has haunted him since childhood. Diving into 1983’s “Too Shy” by Kajagoogoo and the amazing bass line that made Nick Beggs a giant among men!
From the Bottom: The History of Jazz Bass (in 15 Choruses)
Using a G Blues, Paul Thompson traces the history of jazz bass playing over the last 100 years. Check out this episode as he plays in the style of 15 of his favorite bassists.
From the Bottom: An Iconic Bass Line Meets Rock Guitar Royalty
In this episode, Paul Thompson digs into a huge hit from 1983 and the iconic bass line that carried it. George Duke, Steve Ferrone, and Alphonso Johnson bring the funk on “Stay With Me Tonight” by Jeffrey Osborne.
From the Bottom: Upright, Standup, Acoustic, Double, or String Bass?
In his new “From the Bottom” episode, Paul Thompson answers the unanswerable questions - revealing the many identities of this curious instrument of ours and the curious names of the people that play it.
From the Bottom: Someday We’ll All Be Free
In this new episode of “From the Bottom,” Paul Thompson breaks down Donny Hathaway’s greatest song. Paul digs in on why it sounds so amazing, and, of course, checking out that amazing bass fill by Willie Weeks before the end!
From the Bottom: Jaco Pastorius “Solo” on “Midwestern Nights Dream”
In this episode of “From the Bottom,” Paul Thompson digs into one of his favorite and lesser-known Jaco Pastorius solos. This one focuses on “Midwestern Nights Dream” from Pat Metheny’s 1975 album, “Bright Size Life.”
From the Bottom: Wilton Felder – The Greatest Bass Doubler (You Probably Don’t Know)
Paul Thompson is kicking off a new series today on No Treble. “From the Bottom” explores the work of the great bassists in history. This one kicks off with Wilton Felder.