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.
@@mrflynn01 He definitely sounds like it. Which makes sense, as he was the leader of the session and the bassline would have been a foundational element in what I understand was a focused studio improvisation done late in the sessions to go with the music already made. All those musicians (and Toni) would have been taking direction because it's studio time.
I enjoyed this incredibly! It is so powerful to hear the history behind a song you grew up listening to! Hearing how each part was formed and came together gives me chills and to go back and listen to the finished product is pure fire! Thank you for this amazing presentation!
Hey pdBass, I enjoy your content. I am a new subscriber. I am a amateur bass player. Request, could you analyze theoretically, a song for many, whom I'm sure has admired this particular bassline. Michael Henderson's, Take Me I'm Yours. Awesome, awesome bassline.
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.
Bernard I just learned who he was and found out he was Roberta Flack's God son. Way ahead of his time. Brother was blessed by God. Ferocious Talent ! RIP BERNARD WRIGHT !
@@kingbey3480 Did you know a family with the last name wainwright? My families been there for years and used to go by Bernard’s friend house while he was recording, we just moved out of Jamaica.
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!
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.
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 sooooo much genius in him! I wish he had been recognized more for his talent. R.I.P. Bernard Wright.
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
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
@@7777Lace I remember my uncle bought a 87 or 88 Monte brand new back in the day. It was all white and decked out. Beautiful car. It got stolen from in front of his house some time in the 90’s.
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
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 me!!!!! I love you all and thank you so much for the music! This song is timeless!!!!!!!
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.
Wow I had no idea there was so much going on to make this deceptively simple tune jam so hard. Expertly broken down and explained, my man. Also your enthusiasm for these masterworks is really something…If you know the tracks it makes you feel delighted to hear it explained, and if you don’t it makes you want learn more.
That’s the beauty of Black musicians from that era, they were so accomplished that they made very complex music seem very simple. Until you sat down to learn or analyze it, Funk would appeared to be simple vamping on one chord! But it’s rhythmic and harmonic complexity is mind blowing! “Funking for Jamaica” is an example of that kind of musical genius!
I took lessons in Dallas from nard he was the kindest person I ever met had his record as well as Toto with miles and Marcus I will always remember what a gental beautiful soul he was just being in the space with him he gave me a lot so with love and appreciation thank you nard you won’t be forgotten peace
These jams still hold as stables of what great music is to this very day and are still getting played! Now that’s what a classic is! I loved it then and still do now! 👍🏽
Hey Pd, once again your documentation of Bernard Wright is off the charts. I grew up in Jamaica,Queens and knew Nard. As a musician, we all admired Nard’s exceptional talent. We were blessed to see Nard, Marcus, Lenny, Omar and Donald Blackman create a legendary mark on the music world. Rest In Peace brother Bernard Wright. We will miss you. Pd you are a treasure to the bass world.
I grew up in Jamaica Queens also.. spent my first 15yrs there .( 1951-66).. I lived on 139th Street.. few blocks from Archer avenue..my family is from Italy and this is where they moved to when they first came here.. I remember playing stickball against a huge wall I think was part of the Long Island railroad.( I think that was Archer Ave). have some great memories. my older brother graduated from Jamaica high School way back when . he was also a great bass player played with a lot of folks..he was alot older than the players you named of course .. a lot of exceptional talent came out of that area over the years.. well have a good day and God bless
Yo i am 68 and from NY. Listened to this song nuumerous times, brother i will be listening with new appreciation. Break it down my brother, all info here was mind blowing. PEACE.
have listened to this tune countless times and somehow never checked the credits. had absolutely no idea nard, marcus miller, AND bobby broom played on it. foolish! incredible video as always. RIP to nard and condolences to his family. one of the greatest to ever do it
no matter where you were.....no matter what you was doing......no matter who you were with......no matter the time of day or whatever.......that lone trumpet note was the call. I'm 63 now and I still get goosebumps when I hear that note. So now I gotta go get funky I'm from the UK and thaaaaaat was an anthem to beat ALL tunes Thanks for the memory, thank you so very much, I'm a kid dancing again
These were young geniuses. If I’m not mistaken, Marcus , Bernard,and Gruisin played on Thighs High. That was one of my favorite jams. I also loved the song Chillin Out from Bernard’s solo album. Awesome track!
@@pdbass Thank you for the lessons and your knowledge of music. Really enjoyed the "Yachat Music" video. One of my favorite songs because of Loggins lead and McDonald's background vocals. You just put the cherry on top with note compositions.
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".
I know little to nothing about music other than what moves my heart and my body. I was able to follow the content of this video and these divine artist who spread their inborn gift of music with me and the world. RIPower Brother Bernard Wright - pure music divinity.
This gave me chills!!! Thank you for this break down of one of my favorite songs of all times. Glad this video came up in my recommendations!!!!!🙏🏾🙌🏾❤️
Without a doubt. Tom Brown Jamaica Funk is one the Best Funk songs of all times. They are 3 of my favorite musicians of all times. Blessings to you Bernard Wright.
I grew up on Blue note records and learned to appreciate the excellence of great music and committed musicians. Great to discover your channel and see music from a technical perspective. Your channel makes learning about music date night for me and Mrs. TY
A simply brilliant description and analysis of this eternally contagious song. It's still irresistible in its good time thump, gospel foot tap and soulful vocals. Didn't know Bernard had recently passed. Gone way too soon. Nonetheless this made my day and thank you for this delicious flashback and the enlightening story behind it! 😇
This is a great video on the history of this song. Had you never made this, I would've never known how significant it was for all of those great musicians to have met up and laid a foundational record.
As a none professional musician, when listening to some of my favorite songs or just songs that make me listen intently, I often wonder what the vibe was like in the room. This was explained beautifully and I get it. Everyone heres differently but what we all can agree on is that we heard something special and oh so beautiful. Thank you to all those involved on the project. #musicgivesmelife
Paul’s genius breakdown of a genius song w amazing piano chord stacks, & amazing everything else. Thx for taking your followers deep into these songs we either know & love, or wonder how we didn’t already!
Nard and I were friends at 12 years old. Normally I never write on these things, but seeing someone paying homage to all these Jamaica, New York musicians warms my heart. Nard and I would loose connection from time to time. The Jamaica Kats
I was from the Bronx & and I'll never forget waiting for a bus on the Grand Concourse outside of Alexander's and Jamaica Funk being blasted outside the giant speakers outside the store.. we were poor but the music at that time was like a huge gift to us. I know Bernard is playing music in heaven
Thanks for this tribute! Nard was an influential teacher and friend to many of us in Dallas, and bands like Snarky Puppy, Funky Knuckles, and Ghost Note all spawn from his tutelage. The year of weekly residency we had was better than all my music education before or since. We sat and talked just a couple days before he passed. He was always the teacher, even as frustrating as a true zen master sometimes. I mean, listen to the lyrics to "Just Chillin' Out" or "Music Is The Key"..
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to one of the most appropriate and innovative artist I've ever had the honor to know! May God bless him, and I thank God for allowing me to experience Bernards beauty musically!
Thank you for the history and breakdown! Nard was one of my all time favorite musicians. I was blessed to hear him many times out in the Dallas area over the years. RIP Nard!
Thanks for breaking each part down. I found this song a couple of years ago and love everything about it. The piano part is especially outstanding. Minimoog for the bassline, it's a timeless track full of essential music culture
Thank you Sir, for doing this video. I always like the way you break it down! Nice tribute to Nard and to that legendary funk track, Funking for Jamaica. RIP Bernard Wright 🙏🏽
RIP Bernard Wright . As a kid in high school student in the late 70's early 80's i loved loved loved funk & funky bass tunes. I'm glad to know the origin & history.
Great music. Nard was one of my teachers even though he was so young. Did not matter to Nard. So helpful and comfort to a singer. Blessed to have known and loved Nard. RIP Maestro!!
Man when that song came out, I'll never forget, I was cruisin 42nd street with a friend and the song hit, stereo system turned up and we debated, Jazz, Funk, Pop. I did not have it figured to be a keyboard bass, and could not determine the strum i was hearing. Man that song is epic, I am still DJing and that song is still in my lineup when it gets funky.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥
Every body outside of Queens believed this song was titled after Jamaica the country. We love it no less for it being about an area of NY. I miss my youth, (wipes tear)
Wow, Greatness like this is what it's all about. RIP🙏🏽 Thank you for the Funkiest Bass in classic that will never die. This joint will rock from east to west along with all the best, That horn intro, then that bass drops in, Whooooooo!
I subsequently lived in NYC for 25 years and loved skating to this in Central Park, but it never occurred to me that this was about Jamaica *Queens.* Derp. Also didn’t know Marcus Miller was involved. Wicked. // Listening to this breakdown, it’s clear why it’s so difficult to repeat or duplicate ‘genius’ like this, because crafting music like this involves such brilliantly arbitrary elements. The song is unique, and you can’t make a formula from it. It’s like the phrase “catching lightning in a bottle.” Ephemeral intelligence.
A lot of people didn't know it was jamaica queens I knew because I was raised there 40projects alvin fly the lead vocal lead trumpet player no one mentioned him we grew up in same building I played drums he would be practicei trumpet wake everybody up alvin flythe peace to you
Very nice tribute to an amazing composition and these amazing legendary artists who blessed us with the musical gifts and expressions. Your break down of music is also legendary. Please keep up the great work.
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.
Man, that thing hit the spot! Wasn't a fete without thatJamaica Funk! It was irresistable. Everybody on the floor feeling it. Much love from the Caribbean. I'm still loving it. Every part of it. Every second of it.
I must say your videos are so informative. Things that I never would have known otherwise. I’m a young guy, so learning about these great musicians is an eye opener. Thank you.
To this day, I believe "Funkin For Jamaica" is one of the top 3 bass lines of ALL TIME Since the beginning of the funk era. It's so amazing, that the Clark Sisters give hints of it in the intro to their 2007 "Livin'". And am I the only person who was surprised that it was Toni Smith and NOT Chaka Khan singing the lead?! Thanks for the break down of this classic head bouncing memory, "pdbass". It's PERFECTION! Thanks Tom Browne, Marcus, Bobby, Bernard and Toni!
Greetings from Finland! Soundtrack of my youth... Bobby Broom's Clean Sweep is another classic album from those days. Your analysis always opens up various tracks and bassists even to non-musician like me 🙂👍
Just had to visit this one for the 20th time at least. It's just as thrilling as ever. I'm able now to credit your style of arrangements more and more. Were this not you, your flourishes, your touches, many may miss what's exactly going on here. This is so alive. Thanks pdbass.
When I saw the Thomas Brown album picture the first person I thought of was Marcus Miller. I saw Marcus being interviewed about his playing on one of T. Brown's songs. As great as Marcus is he asked the interviewer to "play the horn solo" redirecting the attention away from himself and putting it on the artist he was working for. Marcus proceeded to air trumpet through the solo hitting each "note" 40+ years after it was recorded. Marcus started on clarinet and then moved to sax, he could sight read, but remembering that particular song out of the 1,000s of songs he's written and played on just blows my mind. Speaking of session players that blazed, guys like Marcus and Ray Parker Jr. were playing & standing side by side with the greatest session musicians, and greatest musicians period when the were still teenagers and putting out incredible performances over and over again is just beyond comprehension ( it just blows my mind thinking of a 21 year old Marcus playing with Miles Davis).
Thank you for this breakdown. I'm going back to give it another listen... AND... Bobby Broom shouts out to Lenny White's Astral Pirates! Finally someone gives it props! Thanks again
I've been a Lenny White fan for a while, and I hadn't even heard about that particular record until i stumbled across him promoting it in an old Sci-Fi magazine lol. Awesome music and a cool sci-fi concept with accompanying story and artwork!
What a musical education on a song my Wife’s Grandmother, who we affectionately called Gigi, used to love Funkin for Jamaica. That Jam was before it’s time. I can see Gigi dancing in Heaven to it. RIP to Who do you love Bernard Wright. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Currently Pop Music is worldwide distributed and admired, but til a recent past it had a more retricted range, then today many people don't know the roots of Pop Music in Jazz and Black Music. As bassist, this channel is a great reference for me. Congractulations.
That song is the shot. I was listening to it yesterday on my Bluetooth as I walked down the street. I can't believe they were so young. Thank you. ✊🏿✌🏿
Exceptional video. I was a 20 year old jock in ny/nj back when this came out. It blow up the air waves. The whole album was fire. They all had monster lp's. "Nard" is a certified classic from start to finish. Bobby Brooms "clean sweep" was nice also. BUT, as nice as funkin' was, "Thighs high" was Tom Browne's baddest funk kut, in my opinion
Thank you Mr. Thompson, that is an incredible educational tribute of the late, great Bernard Wright! You highlighted this song that we love beautifully..."Nard" probably could not have said it better. Thank you sir! #RIPBernardWright #JamaicaFunk #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.
THANK YOU, Tom Browne for the amazing music AND that genius bass line, sir!!
@@pdbass are you saying Tom came up with that bass line? Just asking?
@@mrflynn01 He definitely sounds like it. Which makes sense, as he was the leader of the session and the bassline would have been a foundational element in what I understand was a focused studio improvisation done late in the sessions to go with the music already made. All those musicians (and Toni) would have been taking direction because it's studio time.
I enjoyed this incredibly! It is so powerful to hear the history behind a song you grew up listening to! Hearing how each part was formed and came together gives me chills and to go back and listen to the finished product is pure fire! Thank you for this amazing presentation!
Hey pdBass, I enjoy your content. I am a new subscriber. I am a amateur bass player. Request, could you analyze theoretically, a song for many, whom I'm sure has admired this particular bassline. Michael Henderson's, Take Me I'm Yours. Awesome, awesome bassline.
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.
Yea he lived here in Dallas for a minute.
@@ORIGINALDJZERO Jamaica Queens , New York is where I met him.
Bernard I just learned who he was and found out he was Roberta Flack's God son. Way ahead of his time. Brother was blessed by God. Ferocious Talent ! RIP BERNARD WRIGHT !
@@kingbey3480 Did you know a family with the last name wainwright? My families been there for years and used to go by Bernard’s friend house while he was recording, we just moved out of Jamaica.
@@matthewpagan4644 hmm sounds familiar
RIP Benard Wright. He was a genius at 16.
Legends... Rest in Power Benard ✨🎶
Facts
🕊️
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!
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.
Yes it is one of the best pieces of music ever created. We will be listening to this tune 100s of years from now.
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 sooooo much genius in him! I wish he had been recognized more for his talent. R.I.P. Bernard Wright.
It still is THE BEST music and sound I’ve EVER listened to. Jaimaica Funk is in a class by itself! 👏🏾👏🏾
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
Funkin for Jamaica is one of THE BEST funk grooves! That bass line???? Sheesh!
Yes indeed
My big time favorite. Classic- it will never age.
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
Something about older cars and older music. I guess like the saying goes they don’t make them like they used to.🤷♂️
‘88 Monte Carlo is an INCREDIBLE WHIP!!!
@@7777Lace I remember my uncle bought a 87 or 88 Monte brand new back in the day. It was all white and decked out. Beautiful car. It got stolen from in front of his house some time in the 90’s.
@@yankees29 DAAAAAMN!!! That sucks! Awesome ride & what was the final outcome? Did the insurance compensate him??
Nard loved Cali a lot. We rolled around there a lot 93.
YES!!!!! THIS IS WHAT WE NEED!!!!! A BREAKDOWN OF HOW THE CLASSICS WERE PRODUCED AND PUT TOGETHER!!!! LOVE IT!!!!
So we’ll stated!!!
@@dporrasxtremeLS3 thank you I am a practitioner and student myself…
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
Thats how i hear music!!
I Feel Ya.
1980. What a year for R&B 🔥🔥🔥
Classic 🔥🔥🔥 I’m 55yrs old and remember when I first heard this song!! In my top 10 songs of all time!
We really need to celebrate these geniuses more. If we don’t, who will. Keep it up brah…we need this.
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 me!!!!! I love you all and thank you so much for the music! This song is timeless!!!!!!!
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.
Jamaica Boys ! I have family from Rochdale Village Jamaica Queens NYC ! D J battles origins
Absolutely bro- ps A great era of pure beautiful R and B music . Long live Black Music
I'm from MOTOWN MICHIGAN and I can't imagine what talent shows must have been like then....OMG...had to be bananas
Wow I had no idea there was so much going on to make this deceptively simple tune jam so hard. Expertly broken down and explained, my man. Also your enthusiasm for these masterworks is really something…If you know the tracks it makes you feel delighted to hear it explained, and if you don’t it makes you want learn more.
That’s the beauty of Black musicians from that era, they were so accomplished that they made very complex music seem very simple. Until you sat down to learn or analyze it, Funk would appeared to be simple vamping on one chord! But it’s rhythmic and harmonic complexity is mind blowing! “Funking for Jamaica” is an example of that kind of musical genius!
I hope you know Im going to play it right now.....Rest In Love Be Nard❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎵🎶💐
RIP Bernard - thank you for posting this! ♥
Another stellar episode by PDBASS. Thank you! RIP Mr Wright!!!!!! Thank You!!!!!!!!
I took lessons in Dallas from nard he was the kindest person I ever met had his record as well as Toto with miles and Marcus I will always remember what a gental beautiful soul he was just being in the space with him he gave me a lot so with love and appreciation thank you nard you won’t be forgotten peace
These jams still hold as stables of what great music is to this very day and are still getting played! Now that’s what a classic is! I loved it then and still do now! 👍🏽
Hey Pd, once again your
documentation of Bernard Wright is off the charts. I grew up in Jamaica,Queens and knew Nard. As a musician, we all admired Nard’s exceptional talent. We were blessed to see Nard, Marcus, Lenny, Omar and Donald Blackman create a legendary mark on the music world. Rest In Peace brother Bernard Wright. We will miss you.
Pd you are a treasure to the bass world.
Don’t forget Barry Johnson..
@@honestbrute9216 Absolutely my brother!
Barry is a beast!!!!
Omar is next level bro!!
I grew up in Jamaica Queens also.. spent my first 15yrs there .( 1951-66).. I lived on 139th Street.. few blocks from Archer avenue..my family is from Italy and this is where they moved to when they first came here.. I remember playing stickball against a huge wall I think was part of the Long Island railroad.( I think that was Archer Ave). have some great memories. my older brother graduated from Jamaica high School way back when . he was also a great bass player played with a lot of folks..he was alot older than the players you named of course .. a lot of exceptional talent came out of that area over the years.. well have a good day and God bless
@@honestbrute9216 Definitely can't forget Sonjohn/Sunjohn!
Marcus miller is a bloody legend and didn’t get the credit he deserved. Amazing bassist
As a musician on the DFW music scene, it was a pleasure to play with, sit and talk with, and get to know Nard.
Rest in peace OG
Yo i am 68 and from NY. Listened to this song nuumerous times, brother i will be listening with new appreciation. Break it down my brother, all info here was mind blowing. PEACE.
have listened to this tune countless times and somehow never checked the credits. had absolutely no idea nard, marcus miller, AND bobby broom played on it. foolish!
incredible video as always. RIP to nard and condolences to his family. one of the greatest to ever do it
no matter where you were.....no matter what you was doing......no matter who you were with......no matter the time of day or whatever.......that lone trumpet note was the call.
I'm 63 now and I still get goosebumps when I hear that note.
So now I gotta go get funky
I'm from the UK and thaaaaaat was an anthem to beat ALL tunes
Thanks for the memory, thank you so very much, I'm a kid dancing again
These were young geniuses. If I’m not mistaken, Marcus , Bernard,and Gruisin played on Thighs High. That was one of my favorite jams. I also loved the song Chillin Out from Bernard’s solo album. Awesome track!
Thanks!
Thanks for the super!!
@@pdbass
Thank you for the lessons and your knowledge of music. Really enjoyed the "Yachat Music" video. One of my favorite songs because of Loggins lead and McDonald's background vocals. You just put the cherry on top with note compositions.
Thank you for this informative piece! I am very glad I grew up during that beautiful time period - late 70's, early to mid 80's! Great time in music!
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".
Beautiful breakdown! Funkin for Jamaica is one of my all time favorite jamz! 😍 RIP Bernard 🙏🏽❤
I know little to nothing about music other than what moves my heart and my body. I was able to follow the content of this video and these divine artist who spread their inborn gift of music with me and the world. RIPower Brother Bernard Wright - pure music divinity.
This gave me chills!!! Thank you for this break down of one of my favorite songs of all times. Glad this video came up in my recommendations!!!!!🙏🏾🙌🏾❤️
Without a doubt. Tom Brown Jamaica Funk is one the Best Funk songs of all times.
They are 3 of my favorite musicians of all times. Blessings to you Bernard Wright.
This break down is one of my fave tracks. I never want it to end. That synth bass is just too dirty 👌🏾
I grew up on Blue note records and learned to appreciate the excellence of great music and committed musicians. Great to discover your channel and see music from a technical perspective. Your channel makes learning about music date night for me and Mrs. TY
A simply brilliant description and analysis of this eternally contagious song. It's still irresistible in its good time thump, gospel foot tap and soulful vocals. Didn't know Bernard had recently passed. Gone way too soon. Nonetheless this made my day and thank you for this delicious flashback and the enlightening story behind it! 😇
absolute rollerskate jam. The block party, the BBQ, the hot sun of that summer and this song...if you know, you KNOW.
This is a great video on the history of this song. Had you never made this, I would've never known how significant it was for all of those great musicians to have met up and laid a foundational record.
Makes sense now why I always gets goosebumps with this particular song. Bernard’s playing was so on point and colourful. RIP
As a none professional musician, when listening to some of my favorite songs or just songs that make me listen intently, I often wonder what the vibe was like in the room. This was explained beautifully and I get it. Everyone heres differently but what we all can agree on is that we heard something special and oh so beautiful. Thank you to all those involved on the project. #musicgivesmelife
Paul’s genius breakdown of a genius song w amazing piano chord stacks, & amazing everything else. Thx for taking your followers deep into these songs we either know & love, or wonder how we didn’t already!
Track has so much spirit and soul. One of my favorite dance songs PERIOD !!!
Nard and I were friends at 12 years old. Normally I never write on these things, but seeing someone paying homage to all these Jamaica, New York musicians warms my heart. Nard and I would loose connection from time to time. The Jamaica Kats
I was from the Bronx & and I'll never forget waiting for a bus on the Grand Concourse outside of Alexander's and Jamaica Funk being blasted outside the giant speakers outside the store.. we were poor but the music at that time was like a huge gift to us. I know Bernard is playing music in heaven
Thanks for this tribute! Nard was an influential teacher and friend to many of us in Dallas, and bands like Snarky Puppy, Funky Knuckles, and Ghost Note all spawn from his tutelage. The year of weekly residency we had was better than all my music education before or since. We sat and talked just a couple days before he passed. He was always the teacher, even as frustrating as a true zen master sometimes. I mean, listen to the lyrics to "Just Chillin' Out" or "Music Is The Key"..
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to one of the most appropriate and innovative artist I've ever had the honor to know! May God bless him, and I thank God for allowing me to experience Bernards beauty musically!
Thank you for the history and breakdown! Nard was one of my all time favorite musicians. I was blessed to hear him many times out in the Dallas area over the years. RIP Nard!
Bernard Wright's 'Nard was incredible!!! I still bump it to this day!! RIP Bernard Wright
RIP 'Nard. Your sound is a huge portion of the soundtrack of my life. Thank you so much.
Awesome job brother! Jamaica funk is still in my top 5 funky dance tunes😎
I am 53 years old. This is song is a classic and is on my playlist!!! Jamaica Funk never gets old.!!!
🔥💯😎👍🏾…JF definitely was and still “Dat Jam”. A Classic Masterpiece of FUNK.. R.I.P. to Mr. Bernard Wright..Thanks for posting.
Thanks for breaking each part down. I found this song a couple of years ago and love everything about it. The piano part is especially outstanding.
Minimoog for the bassline, it's a timeless track full of essential music culture
Thank you Sir, for doing this video. I always like the way you break it down!
Nice tribute to Nard and to that legendary funk track, Funking for Jamaica.
RIP Bernard Wright 🙏🏽
RIP Bernard Wright . As a kid in high school student in the late 70's early 80's i loved loved loved funk & funky bass tunes. I'm glad to know the origin & history.
Great music. Nard was one of my teachers even though he was so young. Did not matter to Nard. So helpful and comfort to a singer. Blessed to have known and loved Nard. RIP Maestro!!
Man when that song came out, I'll never forget, I was cruisin 42nd street with a friend and the song hit, stereo system turned up and we debated, Jazz, Funk, Pop. I did not have it figured to be a keyboard bass, and could not determine the strum i was hearing. Man that song is epic, I am still DJing and that song is still in my lineup when it gets funky.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥
Hobaglobatribin was my jam. My uncle came back from Germany with all these records ....my odyssey into funk had begun.👌
Yes Sir!!!!
Wow I’m from that era my son plays the guitar. I’m always turning him on to the old school era. I enjoyed the musical break down great show brother.
Every body outside of Queens believed this song was titled after Jamaica the country. We love it no less for it being about an area of NY. I miss my youth, (wipes tear)
Wow, Greatness like this is what it's all about. RIP🙏🏽 Thank you for the Funkiest Bass in classic that will never die. This joint will rock from east to west along with all the best, That horn intro, then that bass drops in, Whooooooo!
I subsequently lived in NYC for 25 years and loved skating to this in Central Park, but it never occurred to me that this was about Jamaica *Queens.* Derp. Also didn’t know Marcus Miller was involved. Wicked. // Listening to this breakdown, it’s clear why it’s so difficult to repeat or duplicate ‘genius’ like this, because crafting music like this involves such brilliantly arbitrary elements. The song is unique, and you can’t make a formula from it. It’s like the phrase “catching lightning in a bottle.” Ephemeral intelligence.
A lot of people didn't know it was jamaica queens I knew because I was raised there 40projects alvin fly the lead vocal lead trumpet player no one mentioned him we grew up in same building I played drums he would be practicei trumpet wake everybody up alvin flythe peace to you
I probably watched you skate hundreds of times. We were always out there in Central Park especially from ‘94-‘99
Miss those days
Thank you so much for covering this history... Representing Jamaica Queens for life...
Bro, thank you for making this video!
Bernard would be much proud, in fact he would be tripping and smiling.
As a house, hip-hop and techno fan, learning how the fundamentals were created and the stories behind it was incredible.
Thanks for this
Love your content brother. Nard was amazing!! Marcus is genius as well.
We grew up dancing to this amazing tune back in the day.
Thanks for breaking down the layering by the musical giants who contributed to this classic!
I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying this channel. Dopest bass-related content. I appreciate the low-key approach, backed up by deep knowledge.
Very nice tribute to an amazing composition and these amazing legendary artists who blessed us with the musical gifts and expressions. Your break down of music is also legendary. Please keep up the great work.
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.
Man, that thing hit the spot! Wasn't a fete without thatJamaica Funk! It was irresistable. Everybody on the floor feeling it. Much love from the Caribbean. I'm still loving it. Every part of it. Every second of it.
Heaven gained another magnificent virtuoso , R I P Bernard Wright. You are truly missed. 🥲
Thank you, BENARD WRIGHT for doing your part to help tame mankind with your gift and talent May GOD bless your legacy and surviving family.
This is absolutely wonderful!!! Thanks for putting this together and sharing this history and the “anatomy” of Funkin For Jamaica. So dope.🤟🏿💯✊🏿😀❤️
Wicked video! Love the breakdown and the story behind the classic........
RiP Mr Wright. Bless.
I must say your videos are so informative. Things that I never would have known otherwise. I’m a young guy, so learning about these great musicians is an eye opener. Thank you.
Glad to hear it!
To this day, I believe "Funkin For Jamaica" is one of the top 3 bass lines of ALL TIME Since the beginning of the funk era. It's so amazing, that the Clark Sisters give hints of it in the intro to their 2007 "Livin'". And am I the only person who was surprised that it was Toni Smith and NOT Chaka Khan singing the lead?! Thanks for the break down of this classic head bouncing memory, "pdbass". It's PERFECTION! Thanks Tom Browne, Marcus, Bobby, Bernard and Toni!
FUNKIN FOR JAMAICA IS ONE SONG I THINK WE ARE GOING TO ASK GOD CAN IT COME TO HEAVEN WITH US
@@moniquebarclay4925 Amen, Monique😄😄😄
Yes! Back inna day, I definitely thought that was Chaka singin' on this track.
So better than 'Good Times', 'Glide' or 'Slide', or 'Skin Tight' or 'Super Freak' or 'Billie Jean'?
Greetings from Finland! Soundtrack of my youth... Bobby Broom's Clean Sweep is another classic album from those days. Your analysis always opens up various tracks and bassists even to non-musician like me 🙂👍
Just had to visit this one for the 20th time at least. It's just as thrilling as ever. I'm able now to credit your style of arrangements more and more. Were this not you, your flourishes, your touches, many may miss what's exactly going on here. This is so alive. Thanks pdbass.
When I saw the Thomas Brown album picture the first person I thought of was Marcus Miller. I saw Marcus being interviewed about his playing on one of T. Brown's songs. As great as Marcus is he asked the interviewer to "play the horn solo" redirecting the attention away from himself and putting it on the artist he was working for. Marcus proceeded to air trumpet through the solo hitting each "note" 40+ years after it was recorded. Marcus started on clarinet and then moved to sax, he could sight read, but remembering that particular song out of the 1,000s of songs he's written and played on just blows my mind. Speaking of session players that blazed, guys like Marcus and Ray Parker Jr. were playing & standing side by side with the greatest session musicians, and greatest musicians period when the were still teenagers and putting out incredible performances over and over again is just beyond comprehension ( it just blows my mind thinking of a 21 year old Marcus playing with Miles Davis).
I really loved this record back in the days on of my favorite record back then.
Thanks for yet another great tribute and history lesson!
This is one of the best youtube conversations I've seen in awhile. I'm "subscribing" and "thumbs up" to everyone involved. 👍👍🏻👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿
Thank you for this breakdown. I'm going back to give it another listen...
AND... Bobby Broom shouts out to Lenny White's Astral Pirates! Finally someone gives it props!
Thanks again
I've been a Lenny White fan for a while, and I hadn't even heard about that particular record until i stumbled across him promoting it in an old Sci-Fi magazine lol. Awesome music and a cool sci-fi concept with accompanying story and artwork!
Streamline also was a great album also from Lenny White. The tune
Twelve bars from Mars was the joint for me.
@@edennard1 and I'm still sentimental about Twennynine Peanut Butter. Not as complex, but downright Fonkay!!
Twennynine!!!!
@@DaddyBooneDon Love Peanut Butter! Bassline on Best Of Friends isn't too shabby either!!
I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to meet and learn from Bernard. R.I.H.
Rest In Peace & Power BW💜
Thank You For The Creative
Times Spent Together,
It Was An Honor
in power
What a musical education on a song my Wife’s Grandmother, who we affectionately called Gigi, used to love Funkin for Jamaica. That Jam was before it’s time. I can see Gigi dancing in Heaven to it. RIP to Who do you love Bernard Wright. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Currently Pop Music is worldwide distributed and admired, but til a recent past it had a more retricted range, then today many people don't know the roots of Pop Music in Jazz and Black Music. As bassist, this channel is a great reference for me.
Congractulations.
And there are people hiding those roots
Absolutely astounding analysis. I bet I have listened to that tract hundreds of times but never like that. WOW! Thanks.
The complexity in the art, the love of the genre! AI will NEVER replace human talent! It’s just NOT the same!
Thanks for showing love to our music!
That song is the shot. I was listening to it yesterday on my Bluetooth as I walked down the street. I can't believe they were so young. Thank you.
✊🏿✌🏿
✌🏾
I didn't know they were that young either
So happy I came across this video and great piece of work 🫶🏽 I met Nard at a recording session in NYC in the early 90’s. Such a great dude too. 🕊️🕊️🕊️
Exceptional video. I was a 20 year old jock in ny/nj back when this came out. It blow up the air waves. The whole album was fire. They all had monster lp's. "Nard" is a certified classic from start to finish. Bobby Brooms "clean sweep" was nice also. BUT, as nice as funkin' was, "Thighs high" was Tom Browne's baddest funk kut, in my opinion
Thank you Mr. Thompson, that is an incredible educational tribute of the late, great Bernard Wright! You highlighted this song that we love beautifully..."Nard" probably could not have said it better. Thank you sir! #RIPBernardWright #JamaicaFunk #TomBrowne
I swear I learn something different with each one of your videos. Excellent content.
Awesome Lesson On This Classic Masterpiece... Thank you and please continue to teach this history.