Overview
This hands-on survey course covers the signature bass lines and techniques of funk and r&b from the 60s to the present. Material covered ranges from the early funk pioneers of the James Brown rhythm sections and Motown to the innovators of the 70s, 80s and beyond including Verdine White, Larry Graham, Rocco Prestia, Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller and others. Prerequisites: functional electric bass technique.
Thursdays 4:45 – 6:15 pm
4/6 – 6/8 (10 weeks)
$395
Registration
DEPARTMENT: Bass
COURSE TITLE: Funk Bass
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This hands-on survey course covers the signature bass lines and techniques of funk and
R&B from the 60s to the present. Material covered ranges from the early funk pioneers of the James Brown rhythm sections and Motown to the innovators of the 70s, 80s and
beyond including Verdine White, Larry Graham, Rocco Prestia, Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller and others.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisites: functional electric bass technique.
REQUIRED READING/MATERIALS: none
RECOMMENDED READING/MATERIALS:
James Brown: A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Styles and Techniques of James Brown’s Bassists, by Glenn Letsch
The Funkmasters — The Great James Brown Rhythm Sections 1960-1973: For Guitar, Bass and Drums, by Allan “Dr. Licks” Slutsky
Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson, by Dr. Licks
COURSE OUTLINE:
Week 1
Introductions, listening appreciation, what makes a great bass line.
Week 2 & 3
The bassists of James Brown
Bernard Odum, Tim Drummond, Fred Thomas, Bootsy Collins
Week 4 & 5
Detroit (The Motown Sound)
James Jamerson, Bob Babbitt
Week 6
New York style
Chuck Rainey, Jerry Jemmott, Anthony Jackson
Week 7
Special guest: drummer from Tower of Power David Garibaldi
Week 8
New York style – continued
Chuck Rainey, Jerry Jemmott, Anthony Jackson
Week 9 & 10
Bay Area Funk
Larry Graham
Francis “Rocco” Prestia
Paul Jackson
San Francisco Bay Area electric bassist and recording artist specializing in funk, Latin and jazz. Performed with Diane Reeves, Tower of Power, Pee Wee Ellis/Maceo Parker, Steve Smith, Stan Getz,George Duke, Francisco Aquabella, Pete Escovedo, Eddie Marshall, Sheila E. and the E. Train and Andy Narell among others. Recorded with Steve Winwood, Sheila E., Tom Grant, David Garibaldi, Pete Escovedo, Ray Obiedo, Linda Tillery, Cornelius Bumpus and Teresa Trull and Barbara Higby. Served as house band member for The Wayne Brady Show, But Can They Sing and The One. Marc has a debut recording out under the VW Brothers name titled Muziekon Patois Records.
vwbrothers.com
