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The Greatest Bass Doubler (You Probably Don't Know)
Рет қаралды 75,967
Күн бұрын#bass #history #analysis #transcription #studiobass #paulthompson
Deep diving on the great saxophonist/bassist Wilton Felder (of the Jazz Crusaders), his extensive recorded catalogue on bass (including records with Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Billy Joel, Joni Mitchell, Donald Byrd, Jimmy Smith, Grant Green, Love Unlimited, Steely Dan, and many others), and his notable and unique style on the bass guitar. An underrated, great bassist!
Many thanks to @jakefeinbergshow for allowing me to use audio from one of the last interviews given my Mr. Felder in 2012. Check out Jake's amazing oral history online at open.spotify.c...
Website: www.paulthompso...
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@Below-Average_Joe Жыл бұрын
Nobody else comes close to what you do for the history of the bass. Thank you so much for this Wilton Felder video and everything else you do.
@jiujitsu344 Жыл бұрын
Haven't seen anything compared to this channel for bass history.
@Hafize-q8n Жыл бұрын
You didn't name me .Iam still here.
@PastorRCH Жыл бұрын
The great saxophonist Wilton Felder blew my mind a long time ago, when I found out how accomplished he was on the bass guitar. It ain’t fair, I tell ya! 😆
@WilDBeestMF 5 ай бұрын
Our dude basically took the mentality of the sax and brought it to the bass..
@bullet1218 Жыл бұрын
I've learned so much about bass players and musicians that played on records from this channel.....the history behind the scenes at its best...💯👍
@roberthearn6080 Жыл бұрын
Wilton Felder also played on my favorite Donald Byrd song Flight Time!
@brendonmurley8276 Жыл бұрын
That was fantastic - and what a range of people to have played with - on his SECOND instrument! Your channel is a treasure - thanks so much, pdbass.
@lundsweden Жыл бұрын
I've heard Wilton Felder's playing many times, without knowing his name. Thank you for this deep dive, this channel just keeps delivering!
@petertrotman7708 Жыл бұрын
Many thanks for this. My father got me into The Crusaders so I was already a fan of his big Texas sax sound. What a surprise to hear that he played bass in the band before the great 'Pops' Popwell joined, but the bigger shock was the number of sessions he did without me knowing. "Edith And The Kingpin" being one of my most loved. A superb musician and this was a fitting tribute. "We All Have a Star" is my favourite solo album of Wilton, incidentally with James Jamerson Jr, the son of JJ on bass and he kills on it. Cheers and hope you're well.
@bustabass9025 Жыл бұрын
A God gifted and talented musician, and an even greater person. I attended his funeral out in Long Beach a few years ago. Although no longer with us, his musical influences will be forever admired, and hopefully accurately accredited. Rest in peace Brother Felder. ✝️
@pine3737 Жыл бұрын
I'm an older bass player and you just solved a big mystery for me! I could never find out forsure if the sax and the bass player was the same guy. I love your post, I put them on when working at home with my bass. I take a break and know I am hearing the real deal that keeps the vibe I want that is my working environment
@MamaRii73 Жыл бұрын
I learn something new every episode. Thanks for sharing.
@circa1907czec Жыл бұрын
Don’t forget his work with Michael Franks albums, Sleeping Gypsy and The Art of Tea.
@no_guarantees Жыл бұрын
Found Wilton Felder through Bobby Womack early 80s albums. Great Tribute 🙏🏾
@bobbachelor5930 Жыл бұрын
Wilton Felder is also the bassist on Michael Frank's classic "The Lady Wants To Know".
@mikehudsonrocks9585 11 ай бұрын
Classic!! Perfection!!
@Vicnsi Жыл бұрын
Always a Jazz Crusaders fan since the early days of the group, and being a bass/sax player as well myself, Wilton Felder has been one of my greatest musical inspirations 👍🏽. RIP Legend.
@kodykindhart5644 Жыл бұрын
Check out Jay si proof from Pdx They are the horn section for super secret band
@tommymandel3326 Жыл бұрын
Walkin' In the Rain!!!! ---- Thank you, pd for teaching me who played my favorite bass part of all time! ---
@bigtimelakersfan5836 Жыл бұрын
Thanks again Paul for another great gem regarding bassist Wilton Felder who is also a masterful saxophonist!!! I always wondered who played bass on Walking In The Rain. Thank you for bringing us fans such priceless information and background checks on all of these wonderful musicians. Stay healthy and blessed my friend 💙❤️
@matthw633 Жыл бұрын
I didn’t know about him playing bass until a bassist buddy schooled me on the Jackson Five “ Love you save “ track. I was amazed. Paul I never knew that was Wilton on “ Walking in the rain “ ! That’s a great song. He was a phenomenal player. But I experienced this Sax/Bass combo when I saw Anita Baker on tour when her second album dropped. I’m looking for the sax player for the solo on “ You give me joy “. I’m shocked to see the bassist playing tenor. Cat named Gerald Albright. To my knowledge he’s more known for Sax. Paul thanks for the knowledge. I don’t know how you do it. But I’m glad you do. Glad you’re feeling better brother. Blessings.
@rudyzulkarnaen1633 Жыл бұрын
Again and again, you delivered very informative videos about great players that often less noticed by us. Of course I'm familiar with "I Want You Back", but I'm not really that familiar with Mr Felder's other works. So, thank you👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
@Joeh1154 Жыл бұрын
What a fantastic tribute to Wilton Felder. Much respect to your channel and the knowledge and history of the players you showcase. Keep it going.
@davidallanhardin Жыл бұрын
You played with Maynard!? He was an institution in my household. Always had great musicians.
@theeadultsymphonychannel4090 Жыл бұрын
This awesome video is MUCH appreciated and long overdue for Crusader's fans to see. I'm very familiar with Wilton Felder because my late dad/guitarist loved The Crusaders. Few of us had knowledge of Wilton's abilities on bass next to his well known skills on Saxophone. Thank you a million Paul 💯💯 For highlighting Wilton Felder's bass playing on "Walking In The Rain With The One I Love" by Love Unlimited. I truly did not know this. Wow!!!
@marcuswarren1320 Жыл бұрын
I always wanted Felder and Gerald Albright to record together, since they were/are excellent sax players who double as accomplished bass guitar players. R I.P. Wilton.
@jamesagnew5872 Жыл бұрын
I have been a Wilton Felder fan for a few years now and always looking out for tracks he recorded on bass. The breadth of his recordings is stunning. And then you throw in The Crusaders and I have always been stunned at the lack of acknowledgement for him. Thank you for this recognition of a giant of the bass.
@geraldcalhoun314 Жыл бұрын
I am a bassist also from Houston, born in 5 Ward where he was raised and had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wilton a few times, and close to some of his life long friends. I can’t thank you enough for this. There has been some great talent coming out of our city for years and thank you for this recognition of Mr. Wilton. There are many direct connections to my high school band director Conrad Johnson of Kashmere High school from the Jamie Fox documentary Thunder Soul. I will be reposting
@vinsharrelson2246 Жыл бұрын
I've always loved Wilton's bass playing, but was more enamored by his horn playing! (His sense of melody is killer, but that's what made his basslines classic, he knew how to contrast himself to the melody, but not play against it!) Thanks making me aware of the depth of Wilton's session work!
@pbasswil Жыл бұрын
Another under-known bass doubler: Ron Carter! In the '60s he did quite a few albums as a side-man on electric. And imho he was darn good at it! Great tone, great feel (of course!) - and he was fully hip to the R&B/rock/pop styles of the era.
@The_JoeyGunz Жыл бұрын
Great breakdown as always. Thanks for this! ☝🏾🖤👑
@joshuahenderson5023 11 ай бұрын
I love your channel. I'm not a musician, but anything that expands and deepens my appreciation of music earns my love. Educational, entertaining, and eye-opening. Thank you!!
@johnschofield3940 Жыл бұрын
That Bassline on Tidal Wave (Ronnie Laws) is a bit of a classic too...
@lavellmm1 Жыл бұрын
Another great video. I would just add that Felder, Ed Greene, Joe Sample and David T Walker were the backbone of the Barry White sound. Just adding Barry to that list of greats Felder has played with.
@chaplainmattsanders4884 Жыл бұрын
What?! The great Wilton also played bass? Dang. Amazing musician. Great vid, man, thanx!
@Iconoplastt Жыл бұрын
This channel is so great, the depth of your knowledge and understanding of bass is a real boon to the whole community!
@andre257 Жыл бұрын
Wow, I love that two minute solo. I was a Young bass player back when this song came out the whole song is great what a way to end it. Thank you again for your great insight.
@garyt7855 Жыл бұрын
Wilton is definitely underrated. I'm surprised you didn't mention Ronnie Law's "Tidal Wave", from Ronnie's "Pressure Sensitive" album.
@bkkersey93 Жыл бұрын
Well that credit can go to you🤙🏾🤙🏾
@EddioPinaR Жыл бұрын
What a nice surprise to know the bass player in "walking in the rain" is the great Wilton Felder! Thank you very much. This is pop culture at its best
@tonydialsr7190 Жыл бұрын
He was on the JACKSON FIVE tunes at MOTOWN . Thanks so much for spot lighting Wilton Felder. I had the opportunity to meet him in Cleveland Ohio. Great Brother thank you for this.
@mklcolvin Жыл бұрын
Wow! I've been a HUGE fan of Wilton Felder & The Crusaders since my college days in the mid-70's (had most of their albums). I NEVER knew this about Wilton! Man, I love your videos - I learn SO much from you. Keep up the great work!
@ronaldclark8174 Жыл бұрын
Fan since college days in the 70's. ✅. Had most of the Jazz Crusaders albums ✅. Never knew this about Wilton Felder ✅. I'm blown away also!!
@jdaz5462 Жыл бұрын
I had to pause the video and play the Jackson 5, I want you back, bass track! Ok, back to the video :)
@osodelcity Жыл бұрын
Another great video! Wilton Felder was a influence on my bass playing, I just didn’t know his name, I do now.
@russelljohnson8576 Жыл бұрын
He's absolutely right. Talented
@BassPlayerNcl Жыл бұрын
Wilton’s tone is incredible. From the first few notes, you know who is laying down the groove. Thank you so much for another video, Bassman 😊🎶🎵✌️❤️
@mgreene888 Жыл бұрын
You got me on this one! I had no idea. I saw the Crusaders many times in the 70's and 80's - Pops Popwell with the big Acoustic folded bass cab, yall! But I dont ever recall hearing that Wilton Felder was even a bass player much less having played lines that I had always assumed were played by James Jamerson. Great video.
@joaoserraribeiro Жыл бұрын
Great as always, and thank you for what you are doing. I have loved Wilton's work for years in The (Jazz) Crusaders and knew just a little about his work as a bassist. But The Crusaders' music has been so important in my life, just the mention of his work puts a smile on my face. Thank you for paying tribute to such a wonderful and criminally overlooked musician.
@FunkOsax Жыл бұрын
As a sax player, I basically learnt funk/soul sax by listening to Wilton Felder, in the 70’s, and I knew he was a good bass player, but I had absolutely no idea how good and who he’d played with until I watched this video. Thank you.
@bassvibasics479 Жыл бұрын
YES!! Felder is so under-acknowledged it's criminal! Thank you Paul- keep up your excellent work. Seriously one of the best bass channels on KZfaq.
@travisbarney3591 2 ай бұрын
WOW! I had no idea of Felder's "other life"! Thank you SO much for making this video. Despite not being a bassist, I've actually enjoyed some of your other videos, as well, Paul. And now that I'm finding out that you're an alumnus of the greatest big band leader in history, I hope you'll also consider doing a video about what it was like to play with "the Boss", who was my introduction into being led down the path of loving Jazz!
@Trey7105 Жыл бұрын
I noticed opening notes of Root Down immediately when I opened this video. What a legend!
@kenroberts34 Жыл бұрын
Wilton was an enormously talented and generous musician. He'd play with anyone- even someone as musically limited as me! I had occasion to jam with him a couple of times. Apart from his musical talents, Wilton was a wonderful person. I miss my friend.
@eyeknowzz Жыл бұрын
I’m so glad that you used ‘The Emperor’. I love that song and the bass that’s played on that record. Then you also focused on ‘Root Down’ too. This is a great video.
@evanedwar Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your video . I knew Wilton fielder also played bass but didn’t know on so many hits
@juanbcn83 Жыл бұрын
Thank your for that video, starting with the first notes of Root down...simply perfect!!! Wilton Felder is one of my main influences. Listening in Root Down and the Grant Green live album "live at the lighthouse" it blew my mind. 2 albums for learn how to groooooooooove!!!!!!
@kbsquare Жыл бұрын
I'm a huge and longtime Crusader's fan and thoroughly appreciate what Wilton Felder provided for their music. I dug him when he harmonized with Wayne Henderson on horns and especially the bass solos he delivered on the Crusader's 1 and the 2nd Crusade albums. Simply some of the best bass solos ever. Check them out for yourself.
@s3hooligan Жыл бұрын
Another wonderfully educational video. Thanks for researching and sharing!
@WillyFranklinOnBass Жыл бұрын
Love it man!!!!! Keep ‘em coming!!
@dr.garynelson4687 Жыл бұрын
Your best episode yet! LOVE Wilton Felder, both as a saxophonist and a bass player. "Inherit the Wind" and "Gentle Fire" are two of my favorite albums by Mr. Felder. Great video!
@cathridge Жыл бұрын
I learned so much from Wilton. My father was a Crusaders fan and played their music a lot. Before I even knew I'd be a musician, I was already getting a music education right at home.
@bmdumas49 Жыл бұрын
I recognized Wilton Felder’s face but had no idea he was such a badass bass player after many years of listening to his saxophone playing. This is why I love your videos because I learn so much. I’m not a musician but was hooked on bass since I was a little girl. I had no idea that was him on Walking In The Rain With The One I Love. Hope you are feeling well and keep these videos coming 🎸
@ronaldclark8174 Жыл бұрын
When I saw his picture, I said to myself: they captioned the wrong artist. Wow! Wasn't I schooled!!!
@anneolivier2317 Жыл бұрын
The pure joy of bass-loving ! Thanks from France.
@halcop Жыл бұрын
Great video of Wilton Felder on bass. I know he played on the "I want you" album by Marvin Gaye. I could be wrong but I think Wilton is the bass player on "All the way around", one of my favorite bass lines on the album.
@NorthAnchor Жыл бұрын
I love your channel! Thank you and God bless!
@ShelleyAndKeith Жыл бұрын
This is a little off topic, but I want to mention the 2 hour documentary on Ron Carter, “Finding the right notes” streaming on PBS video app. It’s well done, very revealing. Thanks so much.
@pdbass Жыл бұрын
LOVED it. Thx.
@wdwilson Жыл бұрын
I have ALL the crusaders AND Wilton’s recordings. He was great on both instruments
@linkert810 Жыл бұрын
Love your stuff, refreshingly digging through and showcasing something other than the usual tracks! Finding many gems on here, thanks 😊
@MrChilensko Жыл бұрын
Great job as usual!!! Greetings from Spain.
@Becker333 Жыл бұрын
And happened to be one of the smoothest sax players in history…Crusaders…all unsung heroes
@darylorage Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this history. "Way Back Home" is actually my 6:30am alarm. I have greater appreciation, thanks to this video.
@vaughnmiller4371 Жыл бұрын
pdbass thank you for your post and all the work that you put in. Bless you bro.
@marioguarini Жыл бұрын
Thank you Paul absolutely a video that had to be done to give justice to a great musician, many songs i don't knew. Yes we listened a million times i want you back, but the bass part is so brilliant i never get tired of it, thank you so much as always for your precious work.
@Igor_Vinicius Жыл бұрын
Amazing content, amazing music, amazing bassist, amazing video. Thank you.
@hillaryallen8423 Жыл бұрын
His playing on So Far Away by the Crusaders still knocks me out 50 years later.
@shasha-muse6054 Жыл бұрын
I love that one too Hillary...I listen to it often when I'm traveling home from work, east on the Belt Parkway from Brooklyn. when I'm sitting in traffic overlooking the water and this is playing, no amount of traffic annoys me....its very calming.
@bropeace2061 Жыл бұрын
Ask me I will tell you. They are still the best to me.
@Shira2 Жыл бұрын
He wrote the great song Way Back Home! He’s my man!
@oliverlarsen7725 Жыл бұрын
Wilton was such great player, his music will live on to the end of time.
@kevgamble Жыл бұрын
Just when it seems like your videos can't get any better, they keep getting better. Thank you!
@paulnicolosi4792 Жыл бұрын
I did a session with Ed Green, back in the late 70’s
@sidaartha1 Жыл бұрын
Without a doubt! One the greatest underrated bassists of our time in addition to being a great sax player. Groovewise, tonewise, spacing, overall execution. Love this cat! Thank you for paying tribute to him by making this video and educating folks. I really enjoyed it.
@dexocube Жыл бұрын
Embarrassed to say, I've been listening to this guys bass lines for years and didn't even know. Thanks for the lesson.
@hamacus Жыл бұрын
One of my favorite artist of all time! Thank you for honoring another great!
@davidwood351 Жыл бұрын
I’m the world’s greatest Crusaders fan. Saw them at The Greek in LA in the 70’s. As a sax player, Wilton is my idol...
@omarthompson3957 Жыл бұрын
I called out his name ....... Just by looking at his face ..... I didn't know however his history of musical collaborations ........ His self taught brilliance only comes from one source ..... Jehovah God......... My late father loved him (Wilton Felder) in the Jazz Crusaders as well as myself growing up....... He was highly underrated........... A phenomenal artist he was indeed .......... Glad I grew up in the 60s ...... In a musical era of brilliance & excellence ........ ✌🏿
@thomasanderson3892 Жыл бұрын
Wilton Fielder is super brilliant. Smooth rhythm.
@bengalinsky4300 Жыл бұрын
I would argue his self taught brilliance probably came from dedication, practice and hard work, no need to attribute it to an abstract deity
@ManCaveStudio Жыл бұрын
I recognize many of the tracks. Never knew who the bassist was. This guy is my new hero.
@allenbell3897 Жыл бұрын
I enjoy how you break everything down. I loved that Love Unlimited cut and had no idea that was Wilton on bass. As a teenager, I used to play the air bass during that song. LOL I had the opportunity to see my beloved Crusaders many times in Seattle, as Wilton was my favorite Crusader. I love your list, but a track that Wilton really sets the groove and tone for is on Ronnie Laws debut album "Pressure Sensitive" and the phenomenal cut is "Tidal Wave". Take a listen and enjoy the groove.
@kf1015 Жыл бұрын
Man this was a DeeeLight! He was a monster!!! Dont know if you did the bass players of P-Funk (billy bass, skeet, ect ) yet That would be killin’
@Guitargurrrl Жыл бұрын
Thanks for this spotlight! Reading album liner notes, I cross referenced his work years ago. So distinctive!
@jmiguelsimpkins Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing this. His bass work isn’t talked about enough
@alexgaspar7494 Жыл бұрын
Its Always a treat when you showcase musicians/artists who ive discovered along the way who are inspirational in so many ways. Thank you for doing what you do!!!
@funkrocker8011 Жыл бұрын
My God! My jaw dropped to the ground when not only when I heard he played bass but the partial list of who he played bass for. I found out about Wilton Felder when my brother brought home that Crusaders album with 'Street Life On it' and as a kid who was so in love with music always made it a point of my duty to read the credits but Wilton Felder was listed as sax player. But man..... to find out that he played bass on some mega hits for some of the biggest stars and on songs that I grew up loving. My God man... Wilt's a genius. Paul thank you so much for your video man and your analysis of some killer bass lines.
@patrickr12342 Жыл бұрын
This video is a giant wave of information. Each video is a treasure, filled with jewels of music history. Thank you , for another supreme "pdbass-show"! Take care,keep the groove and god bless.
@ericward8010 Жыл бұрын
I had lunch with Wilton in New York, the day after we played a Roy Gaines gig for the New Yorker Magazine. A great player, and a gracious gentleman.
@stannote8312 Жыл бұрын
Great tribute to Wilton Felder as a bassist. What many people don't know is the Crusaders keyboardist Joe Sample played right along side Wilton on many recording sessions, from Joni Mitchell to the Jackson 5. Beginning in the 70s, Felder and Sample did a ton of Motown sessions together.
@GreyHorse019 Жыл бұрын
Huge thanks for posting this 🙏 Great Job,
@strat0871 Жыл бұрын
I discovered Wilton 40 years ago by reading the credits on my Steely Dan records, he also recorded with Michael Franks if I'm right ? Great player, good imagination, absolutely. Cheers from France.
@jmiguelsimpkins Жыл бұрын
He did play with Michael Franks
@DanShaferMusic Жыл бұрын
Thank you Sir for sharing and introducing me to one of the greatest Bass Players behind some of the best music ever recorded! I appreciate you very much!!🤘😉
@cavery1261 Жыл бұрын
Nice one on Wilton! Thanks
@mistersample Жыл бұрын
Many thanks for sharing the story of Wilton Felder the unsung bass hero. I enjoy your videos.
@josephturner5894 Жыл бұрын
i absolutely love and enjoy your videos, thank you for doing these, so so well done !!!!
@H2R504 Жыл бұрын
One of the first basslines I ever learned was "Walking In The Rain" by Love Unlimited...never knowing that it was Wilton Felder. Also...could you check out the late George Hawkins, Jr. from Kenny Loggins band. He was such a mainstay for Kenny's first three solo albums and the "Alive" album.
@xxphactor Жыл бұрын
HA! I just finished watching a video on Louie Shelton of the Wrecking Crew who played guitar with Wilton on J5 and Seals and Croft. I'm amazed at how small the degrees of separation between hits and musicians are.
@priceconsult5880 Жыл бұрын
Love this piece man, I did not know that Felder did it like that on bass; WOW! Much respect, thanks for the reveal, and kudos to you for keeping us informed about our little known bass history!
@justsomebasslines Жыл бұрын
amazing video, Paul - much respect for not going for the low-hanging fruit of "I Want You Back" and instead shining some light on some of WF's lesser-known (but equally as funky) performances!
@thorarthur66ddz Жыл бұрын
Thank you for hipping me to Wilton Felder!