Author Topic: The Funkiest Bass Line... (Read 923 times)

rami · « **on:** September 04, 2003, 09:28:15 AM »

Although I'm not his biggest fan, I really like Stanley's Bass line in We Supply. Can't stop playing it!

What do you guys think?

Rami

echo008 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 04, 2003, 11:05:52 AM »

Stevie Wonder Another Star. Although not the funkiest line but nonetheless great! Ive been on a Stevie kick lately, I just got one of his songbook collections and I cant stop playing him...
- Tom

Manfred · « **Reply #2 on:** September 04, 2003, 03:18:49 PM »

The Funkiest? Hair by Larry Graham. I always use that bassline for soundchecks and everytime the whole band start to jam with me while playing that.

Rami, do you mean Stanley's line in we supply or Louis Johnsons opening line?

Don't forget about Bootsy. He has put the F in Funk.

Manfred

dnburgess · « **Reply #3 on:** September 04, 2003, 04:06:20 PM »

I've been putting together the set list for the Alembic Australian launch - and wanted a Level 42 piece, seeing as one of the instruments being demoed will be a Mark King Signature Deluxe - so have chosen Love Games (Track 11 on Level Best). That is wickedly funky! (And, yes, Christian Young, the official demonstrator for Alembic in Australia can nail it with ease!)

My other nomination for funkiest bass line goes to The Brothers Johnson - Strawberry Letter 23. Smoooth!

malthumb · « **Reply #4 on:** September 04, 2003, 09:32:20 PM »

Strawberry Letter 23 is one of my favorite warm up songs. I also play it when I'm just bummin' around the house.

There are too many funkiest to pick just one. Today the ones I'd lean towards are Glide by Pleasure and 100 & Rising by Incognito. On the other hand, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Gladys Knight version, is a James Jamerson classic and just exudes funk.

Peace,

Jazz

bigredbass · « **Reply #5 on:** September 04, 2003, 11:16:13 PM »

I will second malthumb:

While I can think of many funky grooves, The Mighty JJ with the Funk Brothers on Heard It Through the Grapevine is so dangerously grooved that there should be a Federal law prohibiting it from being played within earshot of cemeteries so as not to rouse the customers.

J o e y

bigredbass · « **Reply #6 on:** September 04, 2003, 11:17:37 PM »

I will second malthumb:

While I can think of many funky grooves, The Mighty JJ with the Funk Brothers on Heard It Through the Grapevine is so dangerously grooved that there should be a Federal law prohibiting it from being played within earshot of cemeteries so as not to rouse the customers. Then the law should grandfather in ANY Stevie Wonder . . .

J o e y

dnburgess · « **Reply #7 on:** September 04, 2003, 11:46:28 PM »

Funny you should mention Stevie Wonder - another song on the launch set list is Superstition - with the Clavinet line being played on a Spyder 8-string and the brass lines played on (Alembic) picolo bass with envelope follower & chorus. Now that's funky!

rami · « **Reply #8 on:** September 05, 2003, 03:26:57 AM »

I was referring to Stanley Clarke's song We Supply(all your funky needs).

Very infectious FUNK!

Rami

Manfred · « **Reply #9 on:** September 05, 2003, 04:44:45 AM »

Indeed, very infectious funk, but two basslines. First you hear Louis Johnson on his Music Man, than Stanley comes in with a wah effected Alembic. Syncopated to Louis's bassline. Somehwere I do have an old live version of the song recorded in Amsterdam 500 years ago. If I can find it, i'll make a copy of it for you. Bad quality because it is on tape, but still great to listen to.

Manfred

rami · « **Reply #10 on:** September 05, 2003, 08:59:00 AM »

Thanks Manfred,

I didn't know that. I guess It's Louis Johnson's line that I keep ooohing and aaahing over. I always thought that it was all Stanley.

Rami

Manfred · « **Reply #11 on:** September 05, 2003, 04:19:56 PM »

Hey Rami,

No, it's Louis Johnson. Do you know the Master Class bass video from Louis Johnson? Lot's of oooohs and aaaaahs on that video. It's a funny video. He starts explaining his technique and licks slowly for about two minutes, than he's thumping his way through the lessons at full speed. I really enjoyed that video years ago for practicing, now I'm just playing it to hear him put down all these funk lines. Try to get your hands on it if you don't have it, or send me an email so I can send you a copy of it. (which is illegal, but nobody is reading this, so no prob.).

Manfred

dnburgess · « **Reply #12 on:** September 05, 2003, 07:24:34 PM »

Joey

On the subject of great Jamerson lines - my votes would have to go for his work with the Four Tops - Reach Out I'll be There, Bernadette (leaving aside the Kaye controversy); or Uptight w. S.Wonder; Ain't no Mountain High Enough w. Gaye & Terrell.

I love the way the bass is somehow detached, on its own trip, but still foundational.

David

valvil · « **Reply #13 on:** September 05, 2003, 10:08:29 PM »

One of my favorite funk players is Tower Of Power's Rocco Prestia (God bless his liver donor). Almost anything in East Bay Grease really grooves; great funk lines in the pocket.
Back on Streets Again is one of my favorites.

Valentino

rami · « **Reply #14 on:** September 06, 2003, 04:29:19 AM »

God help me for saying this, but check out Michael Jackson's Off The Wall album; track #4 'Get on the floor'.
Wickedly funky line - I believe that's Louis Johnson as well. YEOW!!!

MJ sure knew how to surround himself with great musicians. No doubt a big factor in his success.

Rami