Bass Videos
The Bass Players of James Brown: Bass Videos With Mark von Bergen
James Brown was the Godfather of Soul and Soul Brother No. 1. While everyone in his band contributed to his unique sound, it was the bass players – OK, and the drummers – who provided the foundation of the funk. William “Bootsy” Collins, who has been featured here before, is the most well-known of those who held the bass chair in the various incarnations of Mr. Brown’s band. But others contributed mightily as well, including “Sweet” Charles Sherrell, Bernard Odum, Tim Drummond, and Fred Thomas.
There are two excellent instructional books that feature Mr. Brown’s bassists: Glenn Letsch, “James Brown: A Step-By-Step Breakdown of the Styles and Techniques of James Brown’s Bassists” (Hal Leonard, 2009), and Allan “Dr. Licks” Slutsky and Chuck Silverman, “The Funkmasters: The Great James Brown Rhythm Sections: 1960-1973” (Manhattan Music, 1996). These books break down the bass parts of some of Mr. Brown’s most famous songs, including “Cold Sweat (Bernard Odum on bass) , “Licking-Stick Licking- Stick” (Tim Drummond), “Get Up (I Feel Like Being) a Sex Machine” (Bootsy Collins), “Give it Up or Turnit a Loose” (Bootsy), “Soul Power” (Bootsy again), “There It Is” (Fred Thomas), and “I Don’t Want Nobody to Give Me Nothing” (Charles Sherrell). We highly recommend both books.
Bootsy Collins
Bootsy joined Mr. Brown’s band when he was a mere 18 and left less than a year later. In that short period of time, he revolutionized the funk. Here he is seen playing in Paris in 1971 at the Olympia in Paris. This concert was released on CD as “Love Power Peace.” Everything is perfectly executed on this tune, but note in particular at 3:42 when the band turns on a dime, segueing from “Brother Rapp” into “Ain’t It Funky Now,” and then at 7:21 when Bootsy takes a short solo that was inexplicably – and inexcusably – edited out of the recording. You can feel the platform shoes under your feet as you listen to Bootsy’s ingenious, heavily syncopated lines. Many feel that this is as good as it ever got.
Bernard Odum
Bernard was with the band from 1956 to 1969 when he left over a pay dispute and other issues, opening the door for Bootsy’s arrival. He played on such hits as “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” (1964), “I Got You (I Feel Good)” (1965), and “Cold Sweat” (1967). Here he is heard playing “I Can’t Stand It” in 1968, including a solo at 0:45. Tim Drummond, who later became Bob Dylan’s long-time bassist, played on the original recording.
Fred Thomas
Fred held the the bass chair in Mr. Brown’s band for more than 30 years, sometimes playing with a second bass player. In this video, the band plays a medley of “Get Involved” and “Soul Power.” It is difficult to identify the bass player but it is likely Fred.
Dance Lesson from the Man Himself
Here is a very special treat: a rare dance lesson from Mr. Brown himself. In case you have forgotten how to do the Boogaloo, the Funky Chicken, the Mashed Potatoes, the Robot, or the James Brown, check this out.
This month, we discuss right-hand techniques to minimize injury while playing bass.
Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!
View More Bass Health Articles
Adam Russell, bassist for Story of the Year, hasn’t slowed down for a second.
With the band’s latest album A.R.S.O.N. dropping on February 13, 2026, they’ve not only delivered new music but also pushed their creativity further through a series of visually striking videos, several of which Adam himself co-directed and edited.
In this interview, we dive into the making of the new record, explore how Adam shapes his signature bass sound, and get the inside scoop on the band’s upcoming Camp Screamo Tour with Silverstein and Origami Angel.
Here’s Adam Russell.
Photo: Ryan Stephens
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
IG @storyoftheyear
TT @storyoftheyear
FB @storyoftheyear
X @StoryoftheYear
Get ready for a conversation with one of Southern rock’s enduring forces, Tim Neilsen. For over 35 years, Drivin N Cryin has been delivering a powerful blend of grit, melody, and heart, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. With their brand-new album “Crushing Flowers” set to drop on April 10th, the band is gearing up for another exciting chapter.
At the core of that signature sound is bassist Tim Nielsen, whose driving grooves have helped define the band’s identity and earned them a place in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
In this interview, we sit down with Tim to talk about the new album, the secrets behind his unmistakable tone, and what lies ahead for Drivin N Cryin.
Here is Tim Nielsen.
Photos: Chris Neilsen, Carlton Freeman, Ted Lanthangue, and courtesy Tim Neilsen
Featured Videos
Visit Online
www.drivinncryin.com
FB & IG @drivinncryin
Oteil Burbridge & Lamar Williams Jr. Champion Love Over Hate in New Single “Hush” | New Album ‘The Offering’ Out May 1.
Bassist Oteil Burbridge and vocalist Lamar Williams Jr. continue the rollout of their forthcoming collaborative album The Offering, with the release of its second single, “Hush”. A slow-burning Southern soul meditation rooted in love, peace, and emotional clarity, the track is a centerpiece on the album with a potent, thematic statement, in Williams’ words to “block out all of that nonsense” and “remember that there is more love in the world than hate.” The full-length album arrives May 1 via Flóki Studios, recorded on Iceland’s northern coast and produced by drummer, engineer, and Soulive co-founder Alan Evans.
While much of The Offering grew out of Burbridge’s banjo-based writing, “Hush” emerged from he and Williams’ shaping a deliberate sonic vision. Burbridge says they were “trying to capture a more old school Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals vibe,” leaning into a Southern soul feel that fits Williams’s phrasing. The end result is a song that is unhurried with a deep pocket that allows the groove and the song’s message breathe and stand at the forefront.
The album features an all-star lineup of drummer John Morgan Kimock, percussionist Weedie Braimah, organist Melvin Seals of the Jerry Garcia Band, pianist and violinist Jason Crosby, guitarists Tom Guarna and Jaden Lehman — musicians whose overlapping histories connect the Allman Brothers Band, Dead & Company, the Jerry Garcia Band, Soulive, and West African percussion traditions.
CONNECT WITH OTEIL BURBRIDGE
Website // YouTube // Instagram // Facebook
When I heard that American Vanity, formerly known as Burn the Jukebox, was gearing up to release a new album this summer, it felt like the perfect moment to catch up with bassist and vocalist Virginia Franks.
With a fresh name unveiled just this past January and a clear shift in musical direction, the band is entering an exciting new chapter, one defined by both sonic evolution and a deeper, more focused message.
In this conversation, Virginia opens up about the inspiration behind the upcoming record, how she crafts her distinctive bass tone, what fans can expect from their upcoming tour, and where she sees both herself and the band heading next.
Join me as we dive into it all.
Here is Virginia Franks.
Photo, Devin Kasparian
Featured Videos:
Follow Online:
thisisamericanvanity.com
IG @thisisamericanvanity
IG @virginiagracefranks/
TikTok @thisisamericanvanity
YouTube @thisisamericanvanity
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585585599800
Right Hand Technique Strategies with Dr. Randy Kertz
New Music: Golden Flower, Are You Even Awake?
Interview With Bassist Adam Russell
Interview With Bassist Tim Neilsen
Gear News: Fender Unveils Highly Anticipated Vintera III Series
Right Hand Technique Strategies with Dr. Randy Kertz
Mar 16 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Mar 23 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Mar 30 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram