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.
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes…
It is always great to meet a super busy bassist who simply exudes a love for music and his instrument. Erick “Jesus” Coomes fits this description exactly. Hailing from Southern California, “Jesus” co-founded and plays bass for Lettuce and has found his groove playing with numerous other musicians.
Join us as we hear of his musical journey, how he gets his sound, his ongoing projects, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Bob Forte
Featured Videos
Visit Online
www.lettucefunk.com
IG @jesuscsuperstar
FB@jesuscoomes
FB @lettucefunk
Bass Videos
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
“These stories from the front are with real-life, day-to-day musicians who deal with work life and gigging and how they make it work out. Each month, topics may include… the kind of gigs you get, the money, dealing with less-than-ideal rooms, as well as the gear you need to get the job done… and the list goes on from there.” – Steve the Bass Guy and Shawn Cav
Bass Videos
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
Ian Allison Bassist extreme…
Most recently Ian has spent the last seven years touring nationally as part of Eric Hutchinson and The Believers, sharing stages with acts like Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Rachel Platten, Matt Nathanson, Phillip Phillips, and Cory Wong playing venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Staples Center and The Xcel Center in St. Paul, MN.
I had a chance to meet up with him at the Sellersville Theater in Eastern Pennsylvania to catch up on everything bass. Visit online at ianmartinallison.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
Spector Launches Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II…
Spector Musical Instruments expands their celebrated Woodstock Custom Collection with the Volume II series – a breathtaking series of 12 handcrafted, one-of-a-kind bass guitars, each one masterfully designed by members of the Spector team. Crafted in the Spector USA Custom Shop in Woodstock, New York, these works of art go beyond musical instruments and expand the boundaries of Spector Bass design.
Spector’s iconic design lays the foundation for the Volume II collection. Each bass showcases a unique vision, including the selection of tonewoods, electronics, captivating finishes, and intricate design details. The collection highlights Spector’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistry and the individual people and stories that make up the team.
“The Woodstock Custom Collection was such a huge success, and we had so much fun with it that we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said John Stippell, Director – Korg Bass Division. “With Volume II, we’re expanding on everything we learned from the first collection, as well as pushing our design and Custom Shop team even further. These basses are a testament to the inspiring talent, creativity, and skill of every person on the Spector team. I’m excited for all of these basses and love how they tell the unique stories of all involved.”
Visit online at spectorbass.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: The Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model
Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model…
After playing a limited edition Dingwall live with Duran Duran, John Taylor has launched his
Dingwall Guitars production model, loaded with a Rupert Neve Designs preamp and
Rio-inspired graphics.
Dingwall’s major launch for 2023 was the limited edition Rio Dream Bass, featuring an
innovative Rupert Neve Designs onboard preamp. A year later, the range has been bolstered
with the Canadian company now offering unlimited access to its continued collaboration with
John Taylor of Duran Duran.
Dingwall CEO Sheldon Dingwall says the basses are a response to Taylor’s upfront bass style.
“John’s bass playing with Duran Duran really imprinted on me how a bass should fit into a band mix. The combination of tastefully busy syncopation, his punchy tone, and tight performance immediately drew my ear. His basslines have always had a special combination of energy and elegance.”
The John Taylor Signature model follows the formula of the limited edition Rio Dream Bass,
combining a lightweight Nyatoh body with three neodymium pickups to produce what Dingwall deems “wonderful playability and tones that display a rare clarity and refinement.” The JT Signature model also updates the Rio Dream Bass with a range of new colors; Metallic Black, Primrose, Cranberry and Seafoam Green, as well as a new 5-string variant.
Other specs include a bolt-on Maple neck, a Pau Ferro multi-scale fingerboard with the ‘Rio Eye’ inlaid at the 12th fret, and Dingwall’s new ‘Minimalist’ bridge. The headstock sports lightweight tuners and a Rio-inspired graphic that complements the body stripes, designed by longtime Duran Duran collaborator, Patty Palazzo.
Finally, an onboard preamp designed and configured in collaboration with Rupert Neve Designs, whose studio consoles have long represented the pinnacle of high-end audio engineering, promises a clear voice that balances punch and sustain. “Duran’s breakthrough single, the title track from 1982’s Rio, was originally recorded on a Neve console, so the history was already there,” says Sheldon. “But the team at Rupert Neve Designs absolutely nailed the tone.”
Like the Rio Dream Bass, the JT Signature has also been configured to Taylor’s own personal
specifications. “It all started when I was in Toronto about six years ago,” says Taylor. “A friend
showed me a Dingwall bass on his phone. I loved how it looked and immediately said to my
tech, ‘You’ve got to reach out to these guys!’”
For further information on the range options, head to dingwallguitars.com
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
New Gear: The Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
New Gear: Esopus Guitars Launches New Acoustic/Electric Bass
Debut Album: Nate Sabat, Bass Fiddler
