Columns: How Tos, Advice & Lessons for Bass Players
Columns - Page 3
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.
From the Bottom: Breaking Down Flea’s Top 3 Favorite Bass Lines
Flea tweeted his top three favorite bass lines a few weeks ago, and Paul Thompson is here to share his picks and break down each one. Flea’s list includes some iconic synth, electric, and upright bass lines.
From the Bottom: Breaking Down Robbie Shakespeare’s Bass Line on “Pull Up to the Bumper”
In this episode, Paul Thompson breaks down the hit that made Grace Jones a pop star. The iconic bass line that kicks off “Pull Up to the Bumper” is an all-time groove by the late, great Robbie Shakespeare.
From the Bottom: Breaking Down Anthony Jackson’s Bass Line on “Where’s Mumphrey”
In this episode, Paul Thompson dissects his favorite Anthony Jackson track and the musical game that ensues between the genius musicians of Eyewitness.
From the Bottom: Take Your Walking Bass Lines to the Next Level
Good walking bass lines can swing the band and outline the harmony, but GREAT walking bass lines will do that and steer the direction and intensity of the music. Take your lines from “following the changes” to “directing the flow” of the music!
From the Bottom: The Bass Line That Started Disco Fever
In this episode, we’ll break down one of the most heard and underrated bassists: Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees.
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.