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From The Bottom: Digging Into the Bass Line on “Groove Is In the Heart”

From The Bottom: Digging Into the Bass Line on “Groove Is In the Heart”

In this episode of “From The Bottom,” Paul Thompson digs into the 1990’s #1 Billboard Dance hit “Groove Is In the Heart” by Deee-Lite (with Bootsy Collins and Q-Tip) and one of the most recognizable bass lines from the last 35 years.

Marta (Smile): Is This Brazil’s Funkiest Bass Line?

Marta (Smile): Is This Brazil’s Funkiest Bass Line?

Paul Thompson just discovered the great Brazilian singer/musician/producer Ed Motta, and his library of incredible bass lines. In this episode of “From The Bottom,” Paul breaks down the bass line on “Marta” (aka “Smile”), performed by Robinho Tavares.

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From The Bottom: The Lost Ark of Bass Solos: John Patitucci

From The Bottom: The Lost Ark of Bass Solos: John Patitucci

Paul Thompson recently discovered a gem of a bass solo played by (then) 21-year-old John Patitucci in 1981. In this episode of “From The Bottom,” he breaks down that solo - and more.

Breaking Down The Most Famous Bass Break In Popular Music: Bakithi Kumalo’s Work on “You Can Call Me Al”

Breaking Down The Most Famous Bass Break In Popular Music: Bakithi Kumalo’s Work on “You Can Call Me Al”

In this episode of “From The Bottom,” Paul Thompson digs into the 1987 Album of the Year, Paul Simon’s “Graceland,” the amazing Bakithi Kumalo, and the hit song that introduced the rest of the world to Mbaqanga music: “You Can Call Me Al.”

Elements of the Universe: Verdine White’s Bass Line That Started a Dynasty

Elements of the Universe: Verdine White’s Bass Line That Started a Dynasty

In this episode of “From the Bottom,” Paul Thompson talks about Earth, Wind & Fire and their legendary bassist, Verdine White. Paul breaks down three favorite EWF bass lines.

David Hungate: TOTO’s Secret Weapon

David Hungate: TOTO’s Secret Weapon

In this episode of “From the Bottom,” Paul Thompson dives into the work of the great (and unsung) David Hungate - TOTO’s first bassist. He breaks down his favorite TOTO groove, discusses the “Bump” Groove, and more.

Breaking Down “Summer Madness” by Kool & the Gang

Breaking Down “Summer Madness” by Kool & the Gang

In this episode of “From The Bottom,” Paul Thompson breaks down Kool & the Gang’s iconic “Summer Madness” groove from 1974, including Robert “Kool” Bell’s “magic” bass note, and what exactly is going on during those solos!

From the Bottom: The Top 10 Greatest TV Theme Bass Lines

From the Bottom: The Top 10 Greatest TV Theme Bass Lines

In this episode, Paul Thompson lays down his (extremely subjective) list of his top 10 favorite bass lines (plus three honorable mentions) from iconic television shows from the 1970s-2000s.

Breaking Down Ramsey Lewis’ “Summer Breeze” (and Cleveland Eaton’s Bass Work)

Breaking Down Ramsey Lewis’ “Summer Breeze” (and Cleveland Eaton’s Bass Work)

You've seen the video. (It's one of the most viewed Jazz performance videos of the past few years.) Paul Thompson breaks down Ramsey Lewis’ “Summer Breeze” and Cleveland Eaton’s bass work.

Instant Funk and the Bass Line That Survived Disco

Instant Funk and the Bass Line That Survived Disco

In this new “From the Bottom” episode, Paul Thompson dives into the work of Instant Funk. This one focuses on Raymond Earl’s work on Evelyn “Champagne” King’s “Shame.”

Life On Mars: The Funkiest Bass Line From Outer Space

Life On Mars: The Funkiest Bass Line From Outer Space

In this episode of “From The Bottom,” Paul Thompson digs into a classic funk track by Dexter Wansel. He gets into why the bass line to “Life On Mars” is one of the most unique you’ll ever hear.

From the Bottom: Digging Into Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love” Bass Line

From the Bottom: Digging Into Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love” Bass Line

Who actually played Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love" bass line? Tina Weymouth wrote it, but she didn’t record it. Paul Thompson digs in on this and more in this episode.