Strawberry Letter 23 - The Brothers Johnson (Louis Johnson) bass cover

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  • Опубликовано: 29 ноя 2024
  • One of the reasons I love Stingrays so much was because of Louis Johnson. Done on my 91 Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray and ran through my Boss GT-10b for compression and EQ.. Thanks for watching :)

Комментарии • 452

  • @Rescue162
    @Rescue162 Месяц назад +3

    It was great to have been alive when this song first came out in 77. Like so many other 1977 classics ("Stayin Alive", "I"m Your Boogie Man", "Hotel California"), we all knew "Strawberry Letter 23" was a classic the first time we heard it.

  • @Stig10001
    @Stig10001 4 года назад +74

    It's only when you isolate the bass to see just what is being played that you realise just how intricate the bass line in this song really is. Louis Johnson was so good he had that defining characteristic of all the best musicians - they made it sound so easy and natural that you just didn't realise what was really going on.
    Top marks for nailing it perfectly.

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  4 года назад +3

      You sir are 100% correct and thank you so much.

  • @MrStwill23
    @MrStwill23 8 месяцев назад +9

    I'm a beginner. I love the bass guitar. This song is one of the greatest. I can't wait to learn how to play this song.

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  8 месяцев назад +1

      Good luck and thanks for watching!

  • @JuanHernandez-dz3lh
    @JuanHernandez-dz3lh 2 года назад +33

    This must be one of the most beautiful bass lines of all time, in my opinion. Great job.

  • @WTFlux-lh2tf
    @WTFlux-lh2tf 3 года назад +30

    It's blows my mind that this video doesn't have like a million views. The articulate level of playing here is nearly Stanleyesque. Certainly, it was Louis and Larry that made lap slap a thing. I truly wish I knew how such a bass (and indeed, musical) masterpiece can be made to look and sound so smooth and easy.

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  3 года назад +1

      Thank you so much!!

  • @harrystrong7093
    @harrystrong7093 Месяц назад +3

    You got it brother.

  • @mcdaddie77
    @mcdaddie77 3 года назад +23

    I can tell you're good because you look like you were playing in slow motion. I'm a bass player and that's one of my all-time favorite songs and I listen see if you were hitting all the accent and you were even playing in "slow motion". You got the FUNK brother! Besides being one of the greatest bass lines of all time, even George Johnson AKA lightning licks to the heck of a job on his solo definitely a top 25 songs of all time 👍

  • @lawrenceroland5780
    @lawrenceroland5780 6 месяцев назад +4

    You are superbad my man. The Brothers Johnson is one of my favorite groups. Louis would be proud of you. Jam on brother.

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  6 месяцев назад

      Thank you so much Lawrence!

  • @leonardpeters3266
    @leonardpeters3266 6 лет назад +58

    There was no phoning it in on that one. Nailed it right down. Sweeeeeeeeeeeet.

  • @jimdep6542
    @jimdep6542 8 месяцев назад +2

    This is my favorite BJ tune. Great job on the bass lines !

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks a lot!

  • @simonphoenix9475
    @simonphoenix9475 6 месяцев назад +2

    Very nice!
    Cheers and Well Done.

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  6 месяцев назад

      Thank you Simon!

  • @cymbo1
    @cymbo1 5 месяцев назад +2

    Really nice work here !

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  5 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks a lot!

  • @ssgoifvet
    @ssgoifvet 3 месяца назад +2

    Perfect!!!!

  • @jefferystanfield3284
    @jefferystanfield3284 6 лет назад +18

    Man you nailed this song perfect !!! I wish I could get to this level of playing. Thunder Thumbs was outstanding on bass !!!

  • @raymondgonzalez5535
    @raymondgonzalez5535 4 года назад +6

    Wow you kicked ass on that bass ! You nailed it 👍👍

  • @agrippa234
    @agrippa234 6 лет назад +5

    This has to be the most seamless bassline ever. Kudos to you Todd, RIP Brother Johnson

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  4 года назад

      Thank you Andrew!

    • @litchqueenasenath5995
      @litchqueenasenath5995 4 года назад

      Not going to thumb down but I must disagree. It's definitely one of the most seamless but I think that distinction might have to go to something like Tommy the Cat.
      But then again including Les Claypool in a bass oriented situation is almost cheating

  • @Carnold_YT
    @Carnold_YT 10 месяцев назад +2

    Glad this video showed up in my recommedations. Very well played, I have it on repeat for a while now. Keep up the good work!

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  10 месяцев назад +1

      Thank you very much!

  • @shadidmack
    @shadidmack 3 года назад +5

    You are a kick azz bass player sir! This is the best cover version of this historic bassline that I've heard on the youtubes! I salute you!

  • @DaveRucci
    @DaveRucci 2 года назад +5

    This kicks ass. Great job dude. Definitely one of the best basslines from the 70s!

  • @chriskowalik5275
    @chriskowalik5275 4 года назад +6

    Great job Todd,, you nailed it. One of my all time favorites. Amazing tone !

  • @cedriclashar8905
    @cedriclashar8905 3 года назад +6

    Head noddn... with a stink face this is sooooooo damn funky!!!!....you're a GREAT bassist...you've covered MANY of my all time favorite bass players 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @felixlee4563
    @felixlee4563 6 лет назад +4

    Wow!! Awesome! The pluck solo in the middle and toward the ending of the song Louis dubbed over to get the that unusual syncopated pops. Awesome playing my friend.

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  6 лет назад

      thank you so much Felix :)

  • @paulagrace498
    @paulagrace498 3 года назад +3

    I wish I had a cd copy of this to play in my show car! Well done. it's nice to see this song loved by others.

  • @oldtank66
    @oldtank66 7 лет назад +25

    Great job playing and excellent tone Todd! I love The Brothers Johnson, thanks.

  • @robertgardner1498
    @robertgardner1498 4 года назад +3

    I still have and still play the red vinyl 12" single I snagged from the roller rink I DJd at back in the day. REALLY loved hearing the bass punched out front like this. Great job and thank you for sharing.

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  4 года назад

      Thank you for the kind words Robert!

  • @stuckinchaselandia6427
    @stuckinchaselandia6427 2 года назад +5

    So smooth brother! Great job.

  • @TheMeditationSpaLounge2024
    @TheMeditationSpaLounge2024 7 лет назад +23

    NIIIIICE!!! Thats one of my faves by the Brothers Johnson besides "Stomp"...wish i could do slap bass but im too damn lazy to put the effort into it..LOL!!...GREAT JOB TODD👍👍👊👊

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  7 лет назад +2

      Thank you Marla! :)

    • @PassionJo777
      @PassionJo777 4 года назад

      Lmao that’s honesty for ya😎and yeah I am a slacker too

  • @javorissweeten6892
    @javorissweeten6892 2 года назад +4

    Loved it my brother.... you do it so gracefully......very nice😎

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  2 года назад

      Thank you so much 😀

  • @MrNathan791
    @MrNathan791 Год назад +1

    Bro. that was so smooth slappin' and poppin'. Great rendition. Bro. Louis would be so proud. Those bro. Johnsons was some baaaad players. This happens to be one of my favorite basslines. Louis playing was so smooth and easy, yet it gave this tune a steady and bold bottom.

  • @BlessedMe11
    @BlessedMe11 3 года назад +2

    Excellent note for note! Nice Technique, hammer ons, pul loffs, etc. Wonderful oldie from way back, when Music was Great. I really enjoyed the video, thank you!

  • @mothernaturesapothecary
    @mothernaturesapothecary 7 месяцев назад +1

    Wow! This is one of the most exciting bass covers I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen many!❤

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  7 месяцев назад

      Thank you so much!!

  • @johnnyboy3217
    @johnnyboy3217 4 года назад +3

    VERY NICE

  • @beatrocka5
    @beatrocka5 10 месяцев назад +1

    That tone is everything!! Very slick!!

  • @jefferystanfield3284
    @jefferystanfield3284 6 лет назад +3

    I've said it before and I'll say it again ... Man I wish I had half the talent you've got for Bass Bro !!! Wonderful cover man !!!

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  6 лет назад

      I appreciate that! I just am fascinated by how the bass fits into songs :)

  • @nineonine961
    @nineonine961 2 года назад +2

    Very nice Dude...
    You've taught me a lot about this song. I'm still learning how to play it. Great work!

  • @mercyrn35
    @mercyrn35 Год назад +1

    I listened to this too many times and still its not enough. I love it!🔥

  • @dianasaboor1194
    @dianasaboor1194 4 года назад +2

    Holy crap!!!! You absolutely rock!! That was awesome! Happy I found this.✊🏽

  • @andyestrada229
    @andyestrada229 3 года назад +2

    That Music Man Sound love love it! nice job Bro

  • @jfkcomspiracyfact
    @jfkcomspiracyfact 2 года назад +1

    Oh man! Very tasty! Nice, shiny, polished! Thank you, sir.

  • @youknowmeright228
    @youknowmeright228 3 года назад +1

    I hope my practice can get me to your level in about 50 years. So people just have a gift plus the discipline and you're one of those people. Next level

  • @jamestoa8372
    @jamestoa8372 3 года назад +2

    Awesome job man, inspiring me to practice more after a 33 year break lol. Never too old, im retired so have time lol.

  • @stookeyslaughter
    @stookeyslaughter 6 лет назад +2

    Excellent playing this song! I love this song!

  • @thunderbolts2438
    @thunderbolts2438 5 лет назад +12

    I had no idea how complicated this song was on bass. Amazing job Todd! And it looks like fun to learn and play.

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  5 лет назад

      thank you thunderbolts!!!

  • @marakabob
    @marakabob 7 лет назад +1

    After a night of flooding and tornadoes due to the hurricane all it took was this to make me relax and smile! Thanks Todd!!!

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  7 лет назад +1

      thank you so much! I sure pray that y'all are ok

    • @dariuskool1998
      @dariuskool1998 6 лет назад +1

      it's funny how Harvey and great bass playing brought us here

  • @johnpaulclarkson4671
    @johnpaulclarkson4671 6 лет назад +6

    Love the tone you got for this. Binge watching to try and learn it. Cheers

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  6 лет назад +1

      Thank you so much John! Good luck with it brother :)

  • @gavinpatterson1478
    @gavinpatterson1478 Год назад +1

    Your video really helped me learn how to play this song! Thank You!

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  Год назад

      Great! That made my day!

  • @nicktubach2652
    @nicktubach2652 3 года назад +2

    Really amazing job, Todd.

  • @tomwhaley3335
    @tomwhaley3335 4 года назад +10

    Wow just seeing how this bass line actually works makes so much sense!!!!!! Slidey octaves lolololol

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  4 года назад +1

      Hahahaha!!! That’s exactly what they are!!! Slides octaves :) thanks for watching.

  • @mattwilkinson5605
    @mattwilkinson5605 Год назад +1

    As smooth as a creamy eel! Loved it

  • @gadgetbass9175
    @gadgetbass9175 4 года назад +2

    Well done, always liked that song. Dig the Bass too, I have the Sterling Stingray version. Love the way it sounds.

  • @kristi94
    @kristi94 5 лет назад +3

    Playing on point! Sweet. Also what a beautiful bass

  • @ZaBryceMan
    @ZaBryceMan 2 года назад +2

    Killin It man! dig that color on your MM too, hadn't seen that one before. I'm revisiting this song recently, and this came up after watching one of their actual performances. Great work, it's such an intricate line with so much that sounds so easy, but just flat out isn't (But then again, that's just Louis Johnson for ya! hahaha) and you pretty much got it all down dude!

  • @miroslavborislavov5796
    @miroslavborislavov5796 8 месяцев назад +1

    Maaaan this MAKES MY SOUL MELTING❤❤❤❤❤❤ GREAT

  • @Andyjefford
    @Andyjefford 3 года назад +1

    Excellent bass playing 👍👍

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  3 года назад

      Thank you!

    • @Andyjefford
      @Andyjefford 3 года назад

      Hi Todd,take a look at my bass covers,Andy Jefford,thanks for watching

  • @jdoe1988
    @jdoe1988 4 года назад +5

    It's interesting to see how you play it differently with your fretting hand than Louis. Loved it. Great sound.

  • @stevewoodward7850
    @stevewoodward7850 4 года назад +2

    Absolutely spot on mate...sound you have is awesome and great technique !

  • @kenniskeysmusic1134
    @kenniskeysmusic1134 5 лет назад +3

    Sounding very good very smooth playing 👍

  • @tomvitale1
    @tomvitale1 3 года назад +1

    Thank you for posting this video - I enjoyed listening to your bass playing.
    Best wishes.

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  3 года назад

      thank you so much Tom!

  • @paulcoverdale8312
    @paulcoverdale8312 8 месяцев назад +1

    Oh mate!
    I’ve forgot how great this tune was❤❤❤
    Low an growls bassy❤❤❤
    🙏🙏🪬🪬👍👍💯💯🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🥃🥃🥃

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks for listening

  • @jfbass5748
    @jfbass5748 2 года назад +1

    I have a 93 blue burst stingray. Absolutely killer color.

  • @robertbooth1395
    @robertbooth1395 3 года назад

    Thanks to you, I have a newfound respect for bass guitar.

  • @johnsouth6919
    @johnsouth6919 6 лет назад +3

    sounds awesome......very funky. Love Louis Johnson.

  • @heleneverdier1044
    @heleneverdier1044 5 лет назад +1

    Top, j'écoute et je regarde le manche, si j'y arrive cette année, ce sera grace à vous.Merci

  • @jfkcomspiracyfact
    @jfkcomspiracyfact 2 года назад +1

    Dropping by for another viewing Todd. Would you consider making a video to talk about your background and other essential knowledge like What starting off learning bass was like for you, why the bass? lessons or self-taught? Do you mainly perform or do studio work or both equally? Bands/artists you have played with, who are your personal bass influencers, which ones are your top three favorites? etc. Thanks again- a fellow bass-player-ist.

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  2 года назад

      Heck yeah! that would be fun!

  • @kevinlynch2248
    @kevinlynch2248 7 лет назад +3

    Todd, there are two songs that I wore out listening to as a kid - "Boogie Oogie Oogie", A Taste Of Honey & "Strawberry Letter 23", Brothers Johnson. I remember latching on to them because of the killer slap bass lines, even though at the time I really had no idea what that was....I just thought it sounded cool. Flash forward 40 years and well, the rest is history : ) Thanks for flawlessly covering one of my all time favorite songs from my childhood!!! Cheers my friend!!

  • @whitlow1963
    @whitlow1963 7 лет назад +2

    Your bass sound is powerful and strong......The way I like it , keep up the good work.

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  7 лет назад

      thank you so much whitlow!

  • @tornado600rrGeorgiosBizios
    @tornado600rrGeorgiosBizios Год назад +1

    OMG ... WHAT A GROOVE !!!

  • @PassionJo777
    @PassionJo777 4 года назад +2

    Todd been checking u out for a while now
    Soo 😎 cool mate
    Love Australia
    Ps we never got this music here

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  4 года назад +1

      You are too kind Joanne! Thank you so much :)

    • @PassionJo777
      @PassionJo777 4 года назад

      Thank YOU 🙏🏼

    • @PassionJo777
      @PassionJo777 4 года назад +1

      If u wanna check out my serious playing
      Joanne Philpot cello w my family orchestra 🌹🌹🌹

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  4 года назад

      @@PassionJo777I definitely will :)

  • @TERMINATORT8OO119
    @TERMINATORT8OO119 6 лет назад +1

    That's a real funky keep it real Todd you grooving !!!!!!

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  6 лет назад

      thank you brother Carlos!

  • @MonkeyKillSquad
    @MonkeyKillSquad Год назад +1

    Wow, unbelievable. Nothing I can say...

  • @hahabass
    @hahabass 4 года назад +1

    Yes sir. Hats off! Top job!

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  4 года назад +1

      Thank you so much hahabass! What a fun bass line :)

  • @paul24w
    @paul24w 4 года назад +1

    Just subscribed !!! Man you are awesome

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  4 года назад +1

      Thanks man! You made my day!

  • @bringdabass1
    @bringdabass1 3 года назад

    Man.... that was X O Lent.... very good , 2 thumbs up for you n your skillies.

  • @donvape336
    @donvape336 4 года назад +1

    Man I enjoyed that. Awesome playing

  • @johnnymccaleb6620
    @johnnymccaleb6620 5 лет назад +1

    Yes damn good job and like I said before Louis Johnson will be missed very beautiful Bass

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  5 лет назад

      thank you so much Johnny!

  • @pfmaple2176
    @pfmaple2176 7 лет назад +1

    YOU are a joy to watch! Many thanks from a Dad and his teenage muso son!! Love your selection of tunes (Lipstick Vogue,, Josie. etc.)... . Nice slapping here too - Mark King eat your heart out :)!

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  7 лет назад

      Thank you so much Pf! You just made my morning and thank you for the kind words :)

    • @pfmaple2176
      @pfmaple2176 7 лет назад +2

      My pleasure Todd... I'm a Torontonian transplanted to Melbourne some years ago and being of a certain vintage, I can happily claim such experiences like seeing UB40 open for Elvis Costello at MLG in my youth! I've also seen Elvis here about 6 years ago doing a Solo tour - and he even dropped the Mic at one point and projected his song to the audience acapella - Wow!
      My early days was DJing school dances in the late 70s so I got the best of dance and funk, and hard rock classics from older Bro at home.
      While I actually struggle to play bass, I always sang and still do.. My boy was given a guitar at 9, and now has 4 including a 12 string! He regales me daily with Zep or Bowie :)...
      We really do enjoy and appreciate the likes of you (LOL)!
      Thanks again for sharing -
      BR,
      Pf
      P.S. As the world's best Dad. I took him to SEAL a few years ago for his 12th, and lately to Doobies opening for Santana - his fave - about 3 months ago...!

  • @peted9587
    @peted9587 7 лет назад +2

    Funky and smooth Todd. I picked up a used Stingray "Old Smoothie" just this week and I am loving it. Great cover of a great tune.
    Let the soul shine brother !

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  7 лет назад

      Thank you Pete! How are you liking that Old Smoothie?!?! Congrats on that and thank you as always for your encouraging words :)

    • @peted9587
      @peted9587 7 лет назад +2

      Todd Hamby I love my Stingray. I've always had Fenders and have a 76 P-bass and an American Standard now. The Stingray feels familiar but the tone is more flexible old school smooth and mellow to down and dirty. Great bass !!!

  • @sns0805
    @sns0805 2 года назад +1

    Fantastic job!!!

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  2 года назад

      Thank you!

    • @sns0805
      @sns0805 2 года назад

      @@toddhamby you're welcome.

  • @GClubb211
    @GClubb211 2 года назад +1

    Smooth as butter.

  • @ronnieharris3417
    @ronnieharris3417 2 года назад +1

    NICE MY MAN LOVE DAT BASS FEELING IT

  • @jaydoode15
    @jaydoode15 3 года назад +1

    You look like Billy Bob Thornton. Btw, thanks for the video. I looked up other covers and tutorials for this song, and yours seems much more fluid and easier to play!

  • @jalilmuhammad8270
    @jalilmuhammad8270 6 месяцев назад +2

    Strawberry Letter 23 was originally written by Shuggie Otis in 1971. The Brothers Johnson refined and tweaked the song in 1977. Thus the Brothers Johnson became an immediate hit.

  • @panarecords9990
    @panarecords9990 2 года назад +1

    Wouuuuuuuu!!!!! Nice bro!!!!!.

  • @raymondgonzalez5535
    @raymondgonzalez5535 4 года назад +1

    Your bad ass on that bass.👍👍 keep on keeping on todd.

  • @richardallen32
    @richardallen32 3 года назад +1

    Sounding very good!

  • @MrMiketh12
    @MrMiketh12 3 года назад +1

    That was stankin......fantastic job! Stingray sounds sweet as always, by the way.

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  3 года назад

      Thank you so much :)

  • @tmcmurra63
    @tmcmurra63 4 года назад +1

    Well done. Nice.

  • @paggielee4906
    @paggielee4906 3 года назад +1

    Lik the way pop those octaves and slid up + down neck. Kool

  • @marcuspoole4039
    @marcuspoole4039 2 года назад +1

    Great job 👍

  • @carrielucas5672
    @carrielucas5672 2 года назад +1

    Come here to Las Vegas!!

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  2 года назад

      I wish!!! thanks for watching :)

  • @RageTVHTX
    @RageTVHTX 6 лет назад +2

    you sir are a bad ass! Beautiful work

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  6 лет назад

      You just made this old dude's day :) thank you!

  • @ArtZasadny
    @ArtZasadny 3 года назад +1

    Your videos really motivate me!

  • @groove663
    @groove663 3 года назад +1

    Smooth as butter my brotha!

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  3 года назад +1

      thank you brother G!

  • @andreswaringer1476
    @andreswaringer1476 4 года назад +1

    Bro u smashed it! Played it perfectly

  • @whipsmartchris
    @whipsmartchris 3 года назад +4

    If you were “ridin’ the line” between entry into Paradise or Limbo (sorry, can’t picture you being at risk for the eternal listening session where Big Red plays only the kid’s versions of Now That’s What I Call Music #01-273 - otherwise known as Hell), THIS IS THE CLIP I’D SHOW to prove the gift you gave to Mankind. It has to put you over the top!
    Todd, this is all kinds of perfect. YOU are the 3rd Johnson Brother!
    Chris

    • @toddhamby
      @toddhamby  3 года назад +1

      Chris thank you so much! You always give the greatest compliments and I truly appreciated it!

    • @whipsmartchris
      @whipsmartchris 3 года назад

      @@toddhamby You make it easy. Thank you.

  • @phatnana2379
    @phatnana2379 3 года назад +2

    Great cover, bud! This one of my all time favorite bass lines! You got a great list of songs covered on your channel too! A lot of the great songs you that you don't see on other channels that typically all cover the played-out stuff!
    This a pretty old vid so idk if you'll see this comment but... I'd love to see you cover Sly Stone's 'Shine It On' from the Back On the Right Track album! I got the important parts down and can BS the "fills" well enough but Kenni Burke goes WILD on that track! Think you could kill it! Def not just looking for you to do the REAL hard work so I can watch and learn it tho... Lol
    Edit: my only "issue" (if you could even call it that in this dope song) is I do wish that that funkier line after the break in the first verse was played a little more in this song! That's my favorite part of this line and I normally just start playing it after 2 measures in the first verse lol

  • @francohippo62
    @francohippo62 Год назад +1

    Grandissimo !!🎸

  • @southsideman4891
    @southsideman4891 2 года назад +1

    Great job!

  • @McNETTRECORDPRODS
    @McNETTRECORDPRODS 4 года назад +1

    Nice adaptation of the track - Peace ! ! ! 👋 👤 .

  • @gregtucker7071
    @gregtucker7071 7 лет назад +2

    You're KILLIN' THE GAME! GOOD JOB!