Ian Allison hears Blood, Sweat & Tears for the FIRST time

In today’s video, we asked Ian Martin Allison to listen to Blood, Sweat & Tears for the very first time and try to play along. Sounds terrifying, right? Even Ian – resident bassist for SBL – had never heard one of THE biggest Karaoke songs of the 20th century until we showed him. And what he did with it is amazing!

We’re also giving you a downloadable workbook with the tab and notation of Ian’s version as well as his original, hand-written chart.

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Video Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction
00:39 - First Listen
02:32 - The Bass Choice (1967 Guild Starfire)
03:08 - Writing a Chart
07:41 - Try The SBL Academy!
08:14 - Writing a Chart (continued...)
09:34 - Ian's Guesses
10:13 - Ian's Take(s)
14:10 - The Reveal
15:34 - The Original Recording
17:39 - Analysis

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[conorlarkin]

Ian’s multiple takes with the Law and Order sound had me CRACKING up

[timseguine]

Sharon and Ian have a great dynamic together.

[SamBrockmann]

When Ian says, "I hate you, Sharon" in that weary tone, you know it's gonna be good. ❤😂

[peteyk]

I can’t believe a young woman, the same age as my daughter, knows the lyrics. What a joy to see you mouthing the words. Well done, Sharon! Gotta love the classics!

[LeStraTele]

I was a kid in the 70's. My Dad had Blood Sweat & Tears greatest hits on 8 track. This was my favorite song on the tape.

[Crabbyoldbass]

Sharon’s laugh just completely changed my crabby mood today.
BST/ grew up with it, phenomenal!

Fine job Allison!
Playing a full song never heard before, very nicely at that- no wonder he’s a first call bassist

[karlvanbeckum]

One of the best Jazz/Rock, Rock/Jazz bands of that period.

[milton_roza]

Wow, Ian...that was brilliant, bro! and Sharon, what a great choice... Cheers guys

[mlinderict]

I've been listening to this since I was a child. Jim Fielder was so, so wonderful! The 1st runthrough was AMAZINGLY close! Love this so much, and that a "younger person" gets to share this with an "older person."

[juanpallautapulido]

Ok, this is a Good reminder that music supposed to be fun.

[davidwinokur]

This is a totally beloved classic. I love everything from BST.

[fernandoperdomomusic]

Sent to Jim and Bobby from BST (Bobby produced Jaco's first album)

[mhlevy]

The Guild Starfire bass was very popular in the San Francisco rock scene, used by both Jack Cassidy (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) and Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead, ) and in fact, the company Alembic (known for their custom basses & guitars, but originally more involved with recording & live sound) got their their start with instruments, modifying guitars and basses with low impedance pickups and active electronics, especially those based on those Guild Starfire basses in the late 1960e. This was before Alembic actually began building their own basses and guitars.

[ShredTrek]

I honestly smiled through the whole video. Haven't touched my bass in 3 years as I just don't feel it. Used to play for 20 years and this makes me think if I should get back to my bass.

[Mat_Gomez]

Jim Fielder actually used a P Bass on the recording but that Guild Starfire is just GORGEOUS

[matto]

That is surely the most fun and educating collab of you 2 wizards hands down. First I LOVE Blood Sweat & Tears - they always surprise us with their changes and arrangements -> Brass section and I don´t think of them being late 60s b/c their music is so timeless! Ian, hats off... you nailed it! And thank you Sharon for that pick - just epic.

[wrekintaichi]

Bet Ian wishes he'd used a bigger sheet of paper for the chart.
Very gratified to hear him say he'd walk over that one section - I thought the same only seconds before, I too would have walked like a crazy idiot.
Nice work!
Sharon, you're a monster.
Very entertaining, great job both of you.

[claytonflanders]

This song came out in 1968 and I was five years old. I am a bit older now and it still makes me sing along with all the "Air instruments" required.

[CharlieBass]

Poor Ian. You need to hear "You've Made So Very Happy"!!!

[billwells]

That was such a blast to watch! Thanks!