The Dazz Band's Master of FUNK

#bass #funk #history #dazzband #transcription #analysis #paulthompson
Revisiting one of the great R&B/funk groups of the 1980s - the DAZZ BAND and their iconic, Grammy-winning hit "Let It Whip" from their 1981 album "Keep It Live" (Motown Records). I'll dig into the Jazz ties to this record (NDUGU), what makes this bass line so good and why Michael Wiley is a name you should know!!

This dude can play ;-)

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[RevivalHouseNetwork]

Thanks so much for giving props to my Dazz brother Mike Wiley. This is Eric Fearman guitarist on that record. When we played that song live in the studio Mike blew me away with that Bass Track!

[RonMarcus]

Dude, I think you’re my favorite music analysis channel on YouTube. Everything from your narrative style to your erudition to your awesome chops and your passion for the bass and pure musicianship…you had me at the string plucks in your intro. Thank you for always making my day. -Ron

[dwtn]

My brother, a bass player, was a HUGE Dazz Band fan. Rest Easy, Chris.

[aronlee]

YOU ARE AN INCREDIBLE BASSIST, MUSICIAN and EDUCATOR!!! I have been trying to DISECT that bridge since the SONG DROPPED. Now I know how to play it! THANK YOU for the ELEVATION of the RISING TIDE YOU'VE BUILT!!!

[drwood]

I actually know Ike Wiley, R.I.P. Mike. I lived around the corner from them in the late 60's early 70's in Cleveland. My band Spellbound looked up to them and we got to know the Dazz Band pretty well.

[willisratcliff]

Anyone who doesn't like this song doesn't like good music period. This is great. This brother is a true student of what he does. I love it. The best on YouTube.

[dagobertkrikelin]

I like how the bass slides up together with the synth to the "yo-hoo".

[lorenharris]

Once again your musical tastes and knowledge of theory is spot on! As a bassist, I really appreciate your in-depth info. I’m betting our music libraries look the same!

[dr.garynelson]

It's always a great day when I get a notification that here's a new video by Paul. Thanks for the beat breakdown. The Dazz Band was an underrated group and it's good to see them get some love here.

[davidlopez-white]

"This Dude can play" lol you said it right @pdbass! I agree, and so can you 🏆
Thanks for making this fun musical tribute and bass lesson for us 🙏

[treadkins]

Ah yes. Middle school memories. Thanks to the Wiley brothers and the Dazz Band for bringing the funk.

[mistersample]

I've always loved this bass performance. I stop people to give it a listen.

[nicholastotoro]

Just when I was wondering when the next video would be... 😂

I absolutely love how you find and geek out on the stuff most people musically take for granted, but would totally notice if it were missing.

[delatkins]

Thank you for another great tribute! If I may add Reggie Andrews the co-producer and co-writer with Ndugu, put his spirit on this hit record. Reggie was my high school music teacher and mentor. Ndugu was a mentor, and we worked on many sessions and gigs together. Reggie had a group in the 1970's and early 80's called KARMA signed to A&M records, I think their sound was a precursor to "Let it Whip". We were all so proud of Reggie and Ndugu's work on Let it Whip. Reggie was still teaching at the time, then he became an executive at Motown and then went back to teaching helping new talent such as, Kamasi Washington, Terrence Martin, Tyrese Gibson, and many others.

[Gregor]

Those is one of the first tunes that woke me up to music when I was a kid. What a bass line!

[josephromano]

This has always been one of my favorites !!!!

[leroywilliams]

Paul again, your breakdown of this bassline regarding its intricacies of slapping and fingering helps me to appreciate what always hooks me to a funkin

[chachabooom]

This brings me right back to my childhood, love this song, used to roller skate to this….

[pitchandmodmusic]

Always insightful analysis from the bottom! Thank you. I see Eric Fearman was here. I'm Steve Cox and I played the synth bass on this record. It was done on my MiniMoog along with Michael's electric. We tracked together but Mike went back later to re-record his bass. He was the most intuitive and natural player I knew and I still miss him and Isaac.

[tonygohagan]

I've got 'Let The Music Play' - one of my favourite Albums - just had to get it when I heard 'Freaky Lovin'!