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Meet Andreas Farmakalidis –
We are well into the 21st century and “Thrust”, by Headhunters, still impresses the new generations of musicians. This Jazz fusion album was released in 1974 by Columbia records. On this album, we can perceive influences of jazz, rock,funk, soul as well as African Rhythms. Hopefully, after a few years we can see the same innovation, modernism and creativity taking place in this century!
“Spank-A-Lee”: I can only describe this track with only one word. Groove. Mike Clark and Paul Jackson create a steady polymetric funk beat. This beat, is supported by Herbie Hancocks’ funky keyboard comping, as well as, simple, straightforward melodic lines.
Paul Jackson’s Jaco Pastorius-like bass playing and the cooperation with Mike Clark and Herbie Hancock create an inspiring solo base for Bennie Maupin’s tenor saxophone. The rhythm, improvisation and feeling inspire many young musicians nowadays and hopefully will do the same in the future.
The transcription is the main groove of the track. Enjoy!
Download-Spank-A-Lee-Transcription
Andreas Farmakalidis has written 18 articles in BMM.
Andreas Farmakalidis is a freelance acoustic & electric bass player based in CA. Since graduating -magna cum laude- from the esteemed Berklee College of Music (BMus) as well as from Brandeis University (MA) has gained wide ranging international experience as a performer as well as educator focusing on music analysis. Andreas has shared the stage with many national acts such as:
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Esitmado Andreas y Raul, la verdad impresionate la revista onlie, me sirve mucho para mejorar como bajista. MUCHAS GRACIAS y sigan asi. Aver cuando se vienen para la Argentina!!!! Abrazos y que Dios los bendiga.
Hi Andreas ,
I’d like to thank you. This is amazing. Everyone nowadays is too caught up with the ” guitaresque” if I may say bass playing & they forget the fundamentals.
You are right. This is a bass line that everyone should go through.
I guess I should get my p bass , put my funky hat on and start!
Hi Andreas
Great bass line choice,
I am just starting bass and my teacher introduced me to headhunters.
Thanks for the transcription. I will try and learn it.
Nice job!!
I was looking for headhunters basslines for a long time!
If you can do more headhunters will be greatly Appreciated!
Hi from Greece
Thanks Neo!
Hi Andreas
Great Work!
Thank you!