The Funkiest Bass Line (You've Probably Never Heard)

#bass #groove #basshistory #analysis #tutorial #modal #paulthompson
From the record crates comes one of my all-time favorite bass lines from the 1977 Roy Ayers Ubiquity album, LIFELINE (Polydor). I dig into what makes this line special, what gives the song that juicy sound, and who the unsung bassist was that played this unforgettable groove. #runningaway #williamallen #funk #soul #jazz #rnb

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[funkytweak]

This bassist is the late William Allen. He was my roommate and I remember when he made up this pattern. I’m playing electric piano on this track. It was made up in the studio, and was originally purposed for a spoken word album.

[shay]

My uncle William Henry Allen did co-production and played bass on this album. He was my grandmother's only brother. We called him Hank. RIP Uncle Hank.

[scarab]

It's staggering how many of these jams came around in the 70s with ridiculous rhythms and lines. The fact that there's a genre called "rare groove" highlights how many amazing songs came fro that time period that have (almost) been lost to time. Thanks for mining these gems and showcasing their brilliance with us, Paul.

[kevinmsmith]

So many of my musical/entertainment icons are transitioning on to rest with the angels.

Brother Roy Ayers left this world March 4, 2025. His music mixed with all of the flavors styles and rhythms of music I was blessed to be immersed in during my youth. They are still as iconic to today's youth. 🫶🏿✌🏿✊🏿

[scottfree]

RIP Mr Ayers. This is my favorite song! I saw him about 12 years ago at Governor State University in Illinois and he was fantastic! He left behind some great memories!

[iceewhaturdoin]

The music from this era will never disappear. The orchestration is unrivaled.

[MarcG]

Running Away and Everybody Loves the Sunshine can still be heard on R&B and Jazz stations to this day they have held up exceptionally

[dagthewog]

He is in his 80's... and still playing. That is wonderful and amazing. Thank you, Mr. Ayers.

[drixc]

I'm a 43yo french guy and of course me and my friends know this bassline😉.
When living in Paris we never missed a Roy Ayers concert, liquid love, searching, sunshine, and running away were our favorite songs
"""Choubidou....run run run...."""

[calvinwalton]

I've been a huge fan of this tune since it came out in the 1970s, but I've NEVER heard a musician break down the structure of the bassline and the tune like this. Paul Thompson, this is outstanding sir! Thank you for explaining this to the average music fan.

[mwandishi]

Props for giving Roy Ayers credit. He’s extremely underrated!!

[kannon]

Roy Ayers is one of my favorite musicians. I love his minor jazzy chords. Geez! Very emotional. Especially on "I am your mind part 2"

[ericward]

I played with one of the girls singing on that track. She also sang on Everybody Loves the Sunshine- the lead vocal. We were in a band in Baltimore that eventually did an opening act for the Jackson 5 on 1971.

[DroneUpp]

Always loved Roy Ayers! For many years! Finally got to meet him at Delaware State University about 8 years ago. Got to hang out with him with my son and family. Incredible man!

[daniellemeyer]

Half the time you are featuring a bass line or musician I've known and loved for a long time, and then the rest is inspiring new (new to me) sounds to explore. This bass line is super stuck in my head now.
I love this channel Paul, thanks for doing these.

[voiceaddict]

Finally someone is given Allen his props. Thank you for doing that.

[ellisparrish]

You already know! 🙌🏻

I had the privilege of engineering a long weekend of sessions with Mr. Ayers, about 12 years ago now, as he recorded Afrobeat versions of a bunch of his hits. Then he headlined the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, where I got to sit side stage at the invitation of the project’s producer, Mausiki Scales. Roy brought the fire every step of the way. Mr. Ayers exuded class and skill every moment I was around him; a joyous gentleman to be around indeed. I imagine his recorded works will be enjoyed for a very long time from now by those who enjoy good music.
✌🏻❤️🙏🏻

[consciouscool]

Man, the raw talent mixed with those 70s psychedelics make the funkiest grooves ever.

[jamesbondjr.]

Was 18 when this came out in'77 summer Joined Army that fall. Played for my 3 y.o. G-daughter recently. She LOVED it!!!! " Shooo-Beee-Dooo, Run-Run, -Run." We had so much fun.

[synchro]

Ahhh... Those chord voicings. Makes a wonderful vibe for that epic bass line!