From the Bottom - Page 4
From the Bottom: Why Charlie Parker’s Music Will Change Your Life
In this episode of From the Bottom, Paul Thompson digs into the music of Charlie Parker, aka “Bird.” Bird’s library of music is essential for all musicians, including the five specific aspects that make his compositions exceptional.
From the Bottom: Meshell Ndegeocello’s Perfect Groove
In this episode of From the Bottom, Paul Thompson breaks down his favorite track from Meshell Ndegeocello’s 1993 debut album, “Plantation Lullabies,” and the three ways she makes a perfect groove on three different instruments in one song.
From the Bottom: The DAZZling Bass Line Behind “Let It Whip”
In this “From the Bottom” episode, Paul Thompson revisits one of the great R&B/funk groups of the 1980s. Check out his breakdown of The Dazz Band and their iconic hit, “Let It Whip,” and why Michael Wiley is a name you should know.
From the Bottom: Breaking Down the Work of Raymond Jackson
In this episode of “From the Bottom”, Paul Thompson digs into one of the most iconic bass lines ever - “Juicy” by the Notorious B.I.G., aka “Juicy Fruit” by Mtume - and the work of Raymond Jackson.
From the Bottom: My Favorite Bass Line in 17/16
In his latest episode of “From the Bottom”, Paul Thompson explores one of his favorite tracks from one of his favorite albums: King Crimson’s “Discipline.” Paul discusses Tony Levin’s bass line and how to play in 17/16 with GROOVE!!
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.”