A Teenage Phenom & A Genius Bass Line

#bass #history #grp #analysis #newyork #paulthompson
Let's dive into Tom Browne's funk anthem from 1980, "Funkin' For Jamaica (N.Y.)" and the three young phenoms that made it happen: Marcus Miller, Bobby Broom, and Bernard Wright. I'll explore some history on the session and the tune with an exclusive one-on-one with the one-and-only @bobbybroom himself, break down some of the music, and take a moment to reflect on the legacy of 'Nard.

00:00 Intro
00:55 Bobby Broom joins the band
01:52 Breaking down the tune
06:33 Legacy
07:22 Remembering 'Nard

[tombrowne]

Just one omission, and I’m sure Bobby, Dave Grusin and those there will confirm; who WROTE the bass line that was given to ‘Nard when he said “oh, I dig?” TYVM.

[renstarhurst]

I was blessed to grow up with Len, Nard, Marcus and Khris Kellow as a young 15 year old So much magic on 141st ave...Thank you Len, Nard and Chris for everything you guys saved me.

[antoinerogers]

RIP Benard Wright. He was a genius at 16.

[kingbey]

I know Bernard Wright. He lived in my neighborhood and was very approachable and personable. Even when his hit song Who Do You Love was on heavy radio rotation Bernard Wright was celebrating his success with us in the hood. I love Bernard for that. He is a genious to me. I'll miss you Bernard.

[bronxkies]

Funkin for Jamaica is one of THE BEST funk grooves! That bass line???? Sheesh!

[EvanTateMusic]

Wow! I had no idea 'Nard passed. I met 'Nard back in High School along with Bobby Broom and Marcus Miller. I remember 'Nard sitting in on an impromptu Jam session in school, and he sat down and played like McCoy Tyner! He had much genius in him! I wish he had been recognized more for his talent. R.I.P. Bernard Wright.

[marsboogie]

Classic 🔥🔥🔥 I’m 55yrs old and remember when I first heard this song!! In my top 10 songs of all time!

[Tonia]

Funkin For Jamaica is an all time favorite. Learning that Bernard Wright played on this song AND created another all time fave Who Do You Love is wild!

[psychoshamrock]

absolute rollerskate jam. The block party, the BBQ, the hot sun of that summer and this song...if you know, you KNOW.

[jpilot]

THIS IS WHAT WE A BREAKDOWN OF HOW THE CLASSICS WERE PRODUCED AND PUT TOGETHER!!!! LOVE IT!!!!

[courtlaw]

Yes it is one of the best pieces of music ever created. We will be listening to this tune 100s of years from now.

[DiscoHank]

Herbie's "Chameleon" is another song where the synth bass was so prominent, the bass player, in that case Paul Jackson went way up and played a bass part that functioned more like a muted single note rhythm guitar line.

[davelle]

Great knowledge and RIP always to Bernard Wright and to singer Tonni Smith who we lost in 2020 for her voice is also the reason this record did so well

[kevinr.theodore]

This was a Golden Era for Jazz, R&B, Funk and Hip Hop music and musicians in Queens NY ! The High School Talent Shows were crazy back then .Tom Browne's Jamaica Funk was one of the records that ushered that Golden Era in. Salute to you for highlighting that song.

[mrlencho]

2022 I’m a Chicano from So. Cal and still Bang this in my 88 MC. Love the history and education you share here. To all our favorite Old School thank you all for the timeless classics. Thank you and RiP to Bernard Wright

[kellyjohnson]

It still is THE BEST music and sound I’ve EVER listened to. Jaimaica Funk is in a class by itself! 👏🏾👏🏾

[TLive-jiwf]

I could hear his genius in "Who do you love" There's a few of us that listen to music and hear every instrument separately. His voice, also. I enjoy Bernard's music. It just stood out for me. RIP

[MC-zjsr]

We really need to celebrate these geniuses more. If we don’t, who will. Keep it up brah…we need this.

[chriso]

I was going to Fairfax High in Hollywood when this dropped and every trumpet plyer in bands all over LA Unified School District played this. Also, Bernard inspired all of us young dudes, back when they had a thing called "Band Classes".

[vernonhowell]

RIP Nard! I grew up with this song. I love it to this day. I cannot "not" dance to it when I hear it. I don't care where I am, it moves I love you all and thank you so much for the music! This song is