Booker T. and the M.G's - Melting Pot
Melting Pot
My love for organ based bands with a guitar soloist starts with this band. If I had to pick a favorite song of theirs, its this one. There used to be a french website that had a large number of Stax Record bass transcriptions, but unfortunately it's no longer available. I couldn't find another transcription of the song so here you go. The album version clocks in at over 8 minutes (why do I always pick long songs?) but I was able to find a single version. There is only one real difference between the 2 versions and I included that at the end of the transcription.
Like a lot of songs he plays on it includes what I call the Duck Dunn "hiccup" . In a 2 bar phrase he will offset the rhythm of one of the notes. look at beat 3 of each measure. Hip Hug her is a classic example
Betty Davis - Your Mama Wants Ya Back - Bass Transcription
Your Mama Wants Ya Back
What can I say, I like guitar based funk music. The ex- Mrs Miles Davis didn't get the attention and recognition she deserved, until much later. Larry Johnson plays bass. Check out the many different ways he plays a 1/16 note pattern under a C#m chord. You owe it to yourself to check her out.
Aretha Franklin - Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)
Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)
Another great song and bass line, played by Tommy Cogbill. He has crafted some legendary bass lines including Funky Broadway, Memphis Soul Stew and Chain of Fools. He left us way to soon.
Betty Harris - There's A Break In The Road
There's A Break In The Road
If you're a fan of The Meter's, you get 1/2 of them on this track. George Porter Jr. on bass and Leo Nocentelli on guitar. This song is classic New Orleans funk with a 60's psychedelic edge.
Bettie Lavette - Soul Tambourine - Bass Transcription
Soul Tambourine
I first heard Bettie in 2010 , via her album Interpretations: The British Rock Song Book.and 2012's Thankful N' Thoughtful. This song released as the B side of Your Turn to Cry in 1972 wasn't released on an album until the 2006 Rhino Records album release Child of Seventies. I don't know who the bass player on this album but its classic Detroit R&B. Check out the chorus and the following instrumental break. For you sight readers out there , watch towards the end for the modulation from F to F#. What can I say I heard this the other day and thought that's well crafted bass line.
Maceo Parker - Come By and See - Bass Transcription
Come By and See
This popped up while listening to a "James Brown" music channel. Basically 3 parts Sections B D J I would pick section H (a cooler version of D) Songs like this are great for practicing holding a consistent grove for extended periods of time.
A Bird in the Hand (Is Worth..) - The VelveletTES
A Bird in the Hand (Is Worth Two in the Bush)
It seems every time I hear a cool James Jamerson bass line, it's already be transcribed. So I was pleasantly surprised when I came across this song and a transcription didn't exist. Nothing too fancy, but I found the bass under the G chord to be interesting. He switches from an 1/8 note groove to a Dotted 1/8 and 1/16 note groove over the G Chord. Check out the the variations in the transition from the G to the F chord, classic Jamerson.