Aqualung Bass Cover HD

HEY!

Happy Birthday to Ian Anderson who was born on this date in 1947.

While it probably needs no introduction, this is the title track off of the “Aqualung” album by “Jethro Tull” which came out in 1971 and featured Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond on bass…or Glenn Cornick even.

I’m playing the early 80’s Guild SB-202 that I had fitted with a Babicz 3 Point Bridge. I’m using just the bridge pick-up and had the tone rolled back a bit.

I’m really a bit fond of my original Aqualung cover. I think the mix was pretty good, considering the way I was recording back then - a small amp, computer speakers, and a desktop microphone. It’s a bit strange to see it and reflect back upon the time it was recorded, as I was around 3-4 weeks into radiation treatments for throat cancer. That’s why the lower half of my face and down my neck is a bright red. I don’t think I was very physically uncomfortable at this point, but the real pain was not far off. It was a pretty stressful time as well as it was preceded by months of doctors appointments, scans, procedures, a surgery, more scans, and culminated if a leave of absence from work. Probably what I like most about the video is how our favorite cat of all-time paid me a visit at the end. I don’t do it as often these days, but I used look up the video and go to the end just to see him. Lynn and I have six cats and love them all, even the ones with severe personality disorders (which is most of them). And we’ve loved the ones we’ve lost over the years as well, but Mr. Butter was truly something special and we were blessed to have had him for the time we did. Everybody loved Butter. If you’re interested, the link to my original Aqualung cover (and Mr. Butter) is below -

[joedub]

Damn...If I'm looking for a bass cover I always come to you because I know it's right note for note. You are the best!

[jeant]

I saw this upload and I'm like, what? Didn't he upload this before? Man I remember back in high school when I watched you post the original Aqualung cover back in 2011. Seeing Mr. Butter at the end of the video I thought it was a cool touch at the end. I would've never imagined at the time you were going through such a horrible thing like throat cancer. I hope you've beaten that horrible cancer and even if you're fighting it now; I truly wish you nothing but the best.

Seeing this reupload with better camera and audio quality, I think all of us long time followers would love to see you possibly do newer covers of songs you've already done; just food for thought. Seeing you look at the camera and do the "Hey!" again made me happy; I remember loving that part of the video. Hope you have an incredible one!

[warrengauthier]

Hearing this takes me back to my old job. This song was played on the radio on EVERY graveyard shift.

This song is difficult to play.
You are the bass master.

[joeemick]

Nailed at always. RIP Glenn Cornick very underrated bass player

[RCAvhstape]

That guitar solo section is one of the great moments in prog rock history, the interaction between the walking bass and the guitar. Kind of a preview of what Geddy and Alex would bring us a few years later. What's that weird beep at 5:33, though? I thought it was my doorbell at first, until I ran the video back over it to check.

[joeshmoe]

Listening with headphones in 2023...thought the chime at 5:33 was MY email....LOL....
Awesome cover. Just finished learning the guitar bits, not the solo...yet, but watching this has me thinking I should learn the bass part. Always one of my favourites.

[FierceBassLady]

Only somebody this good can casually take a sip of coffee in the middle of playing Aqualung ... !

[MyBlueZed]

Thank you for helping me see how the base is part of my favourite songs. I hear it but I don’t really appreciate it. 😘👍🏻

[movinginstereo]

Nice wake up call. Great vid of a timeless classic. Saw Tull multiple times during the late seventies and into the eighties. What a privilege to see this band live. Never a Tull moment. Thanks, have a safe weekend. Curtis

[ricklee]

Another Jethro Tull masterpiece! Thank you for figuring this one out, quite intricate without being show-offish. Ian Anderson used to choose his bass players wisely!

[MrJibby]

Again! My go to guy for bass lines! Great job, as always!

[tomdecuca]

Excellent!!! Love this Bass line!! Always thought the Bass moved the song along in this tune. I heard two different stories about who played it. I thought it was Jeffrey Hammond, but he didn't know how to play and had to be taught. Then I had heard it might of actually been Glenn Cornick, it was just recorded before he was let go. Any info on that?

[thestarwarsgeneration]

An awesome cover of an awesome bass line! Aqualung is my favorite Tull album, with Songs from the Wood coming in at a close second!

[Bob-hbqb]

Dude! not sure it matters but, Playing 40 plus years i've gotten lazy when I have to learn a song for a gig, You have been my GO TO guy, for on the mark no nonsense bass song lessons.. Thanks for your work. Fantastic job! and GREAT BASS collection!!!

[walterjunovich]

Looked like it was fun to play, especially when the guitar solo kicked in ! 👍👍

[jerzia]

So I just received my new custom IEM's. Ironically I was talking with someone today about my "Vinyl Weekends" when my wife goes out of town and I break out all my old vinyl for a love fest. He asked what is the first tune you play and I replied always Aqualung. Anyway I searched for Aqualung on YouTube to tryout my new IEM's and I figured pick one with some bass. I have to admit, your rendition was stellar!!!! I honestly could not stop smiling. I got so wrapped up in your playing, I even forgot to critique my new investment. VERY well done!

[zacharystokes]

This was so damn fun to watch. Thank you!

[GrimrDirge]

That Hammond-Hammond baseline is my favorite element of the song.

[rixpix]

The big, pink, cyclops looking dude to center right.... That's probably how I look when I'm watching you play. 😆. Have a good weekend man!

[seamusforever]

Most of the time I listen to this rather than the original song because I love the sound of the bass, lol.
I love your covers. Would love if you made a full cover of Thick as a Brick Pt. 1. The bass parts during the guitar solo and the "come on you childhood heroes..." section are my favourite bass moments ever.