Is THIS the Most Famous Bass Break In Popular Music?
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- Опубликовано: 7 июн 2024
- #bass #basshistory #transcription #analysis #popmusic #paulthompson
Digging into the 1987 Album of the Year, Paul Simon's GRACELAND, the amazing bassist from Soweto, Bakithi Kumalo, and the hit song that introduced the rest of the world to "Mbaqanga" - "You Can Call Me Al".
I'll break down the iconic bass line (in its many forms), show you the other bass parts you might have missed in the song (including one played by Paul Simon!), and recreate what actually happened to construct one of the most famous bass breaks in popular music.
00:00 Intro
01:00 The Bass Line
01:30 'Mbaqanga'
02:38 More Bass Parts
03:47 The Bass Solo
04:45 Outro
05:16 OUTTAKES
Website: www.paulthompson.us
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Whilst not wishing to engage in "one upmanship"..I was Roy Hallee's assistant for the first 2 months work on Graceland. We cut the live band tracks in studio A1 at Hit Factory, where I was then an assistant engineer..The album was partially written and built in the studio. Paul simply asked the band to jam and or play round ideas he had. They did that and I recorded everything on the 2 track. Paul sat in the Control Room and wrote notes. After about 20 mins he would go into the studio and using sections they had played that he had notated they constructed the songs...From what seemed a very fluid, open jam session, he had structured sections of the songs...This song was put together like that...I remember the bass break and Paul saying we had to keep that in...
Ironically I was also assisting Roy on Artie's album "The Animals Xmas" at the same time..Paul would only work Mon-Thurs office hours, and we were working with Artie and Jimmy Webb at the weekend..This put me in a few awkward situations as Paul and Artie were not getting along at the time and both wanted to know what the other was doing...Seems like a lifetime ago now, although somewhere I still have a Platinum album for Graceland..
I cannot confirm the type of amp that was used..if any. If one was used, it would have been an Ampeg B15 Portaflex as they were the standard house bass amp at the time...
Thank you for sharing!!!! 😍
Cool story, bro. And I say that with full sincerity.
You are very modest in your opening sentence Sir, and I respect that enormously. Please don't feel you are engaging in one upmanship, this account of events is priceless, if you have any more accounts , I would love to read them. Thanks again for letting us in.
When this song came out, Bakithi Kumalo became an overnight sensation among bass players and musicians alike. Anyone interested in his music should consider checking out his solo albums, starting with San' Bonan.
He's an absolute rhythm genius.
Glad to call him my Brotha and Friend. The great Bakhiti 👌🏿Gotta share this with him.
Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤
Tell him he's is greatly appreciated and bassist all over the world know who he is greetings from 🇺🇲 ✌🏾
I got to meet Bakithi a few (many) years ago, what a great person!
Big love to that man from the UK ❤
Love from Chicago, USA
Iconic bassline and break. Not to mention that TONE!!! OMG!!!🔥
It's BACKWARDS.
Huge creds for your effort to pronounce the South African click sounds!
Absolutely!
And I love the selfdeprecating humour of Paul showing his multiple attempts at the end of the video as outtakes... 😂😂
When you speak South African language, you say from your diafram, similar to Arabic language.
Isn't it widely stated that you need to start as a kid in order to be able to make those click sounds? If that's how it is, well done on what sounds to me like (at least) a very good effort.
How do South Africans shout their little clicks? Or maybe they never needed to communicate long distance.
That break is the bass equivalent of "In the Air Tonight": everyone knows it's coming. And everyone air drums it.
There should be a mashup of the two
One of my favorite moments as a sound engineer was taking the masters of Graceland up Broadway from Paul's office up to the Hit factory in Mid town to listen to the tracks. I carried them on my shoulders because they were so heavy. Paul enjoyed working with my crew and I and he hired us to work on his next project!
😮😮😮!!!
@@pdbass
Speaking of Bird Land.😏😏
... and Tarzan... he got Bass
Music Is Massive 🎶
There is more lies in this than ive had Sex mate and thats ALOT.
Lies in what? The video? or my actual life experience with Paul Simon? I'm so confused. @@Jakegriffin2006
I saw Paul Simon in Melbourne about 8 years ago. The biggest ovation all night was when the bass solo was played in You Can Call Me Al. Amazing performance.
This is one of those songs I’m a reasonably accomplished bass player, but when I listen to this, I honestly feel like giving up it’s so brilliant
Legit obsessed with this song! According to interviews w Simon and Hallee, the 2nd half of bass solo isn't reversed, they duped the first bar off the 2" and made the engineer chop every note individually and splice it together in reverse order. I.e. each note has the proper attack instead of the washy backwards feel. Took a week and whole lot of math. Mind boggling. AND THEN THE BASSIST HAD TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY IT FOR THE TOUR!! What a goddamn legend, just incredible.
Amazing ! Thanks for the info 👍
Interesting. Previously I had only heard that the reverse bass is one of the first uses of the Fairlight in recording history
I think you are right about the first portion of the 2nd half: Normal attacks so it sounds like the cut and paste process you described. But the last part (about 1 second) is just reversed. I checked this in audio editing software.
@@John2009R Whoa! Great catch. The story of this break gets more and more interesting.
@@HenricWallmark Peter Gabriel's third album was the first time the Fairlight was recorded for an album.
I've always loved this song, but I'd never fully appreciated just how much different stuff happens in the bass.
I'm a bass player with 50 years under my belt, I give this this a 2 thumbs up. Killer line, still gives me chills..
Are your chills multiplying? If so, are you losing control?
The Album should be called "Bassland" 🙂
You win the thread.
Nice one, haha!.
the bass is so awesome in this album, i can listen to the bass lines just on their own
😂
Not even close.
You nailed it!
A true gem of an album...so many great songs there. My personal favorite is "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes"...the choral intro alone is worth buying this album. Not sure if the bassist on this song is Bakithi, but listen to the way the bass line glides around here and there in between the bouncing octaves...it actually takes on a vocal-like part at times...wunderbar!
Yeah, it's him on that track.
@@jazzpunkCouldn’t be anyone else honestly
Absolutely fantastic album. The title track is one of the best ever written.
My all time favorite bass line
Yes, Diamonds is my favorite too and Bakithi said it's his favorite as well. That upper octave part is so expressive and well-articulated. It just sings. All of his bass parts just sing like no one else can do.
Love this bass line so much. I just suddenly shouted "YEAH!" when you started the "Bonedigger" portion. So uplifting, melodic and joyous. Grinning like a madman while watching this. 😂
Being a trumpet player, I must agree, this is absolutely incredible bass playing! I honestly believe it was the bass that made this album sell incredibly well! Great video! Thank you! 🎺👍
I was a kid when this came out and for years I thought that Chevy Chase was Paul Simon.
Me too!
One of my favorite bass lines ever. This was the first bass song I fell in love with.
So glad you finally did this one. Really enjoyed your recreation of that solo break.
I was in my twenties when this album came out. Having traveled in botswana before, I loved the influences of african music, but those bass lines just couldn't be beat! Great and relaxed analysis - thank you very much.
The bass all over the album is so amazing & inspiring. The note choices & phrasing is just lush! What a performance!
I remember I was also astonished by that fantastic bass break and this is what I love with your channel: you always speak about the good basslines, no matter what genre it was or who played it. Chapeau bas.
This album was huge in '86-'87. Everyone loved the bass line in Call me Al, especially that cool backward bass part. Its funny what a real mashup this album was, but it worked!
Bakithi is one of the most creative, fluid and original bassist of our time. He lives near me and I had the immense luck and honor of not only open jamming with him, but playing this track and singing. He was so gracious of his talent and time, didn't bat an eye when I humbly asked if he could play it (in my mind knowing everyone probably asks him the same thing and it would get old fast) and played this exact solo right in front of my face. The real trick is that he had to re-learn his own solo once they cut the end off and reversed it in the studio. He's been playing it like the studio ever since - Bakithi, you are a legend and a true gentleman, thank you for giving me the thrill of playing music with one my music heroes.
Music had so much diversity in the 70-80ies.
Very cool dissection...and way to go with the Khoisan clicking!!
Wooh! This is a great breakdown of a superb set of bass parts on You Can Call Me Al. Superb!
My favorite thing about Graceland is the bass seems to take front and center but it never steps on the endless hooks and melodies going on in the song. Every instrument is perfectly arranged to give the other instruments the space needed to set the scene. The bass is fun, emotive and busy but never self indulgent.
You're the best PD! Love the fact you did a the pronunciation research!!
I've just started getting into bass playing seriously and your channel has helped me to learn about the history of this craft and the people who innovated it. Its made a positive difference in my playing so I wanted to say thank you for that. Looking forward to what you post next!
I usually play
Jazz, R&B, Rock, Funk etc.
UNTIL.......
I got chance to play
Bass in African Band.
That was one of my most
Fun Playing Experiences.
I was somewhat prepared for it,
Years Earlier....
By listening to Jean Luc Ponty Album.
But,
Yes I definitely remember when this Album/Song came out....
Incredible fretless work throughout the entire album
That album was an eye opener for me. Thanks for covering it and showing some of the sweet sweet bass goodness within!
Such a great channel, brings back so many good memories, and gives answers to questions I had years ago and even forgot to ask👍
Awesome analysis of the song and the album itself! Still one of my favorites all these years later.
Just discovered this channel. So very glad that I did. It's always great to hear a breakdown from someone who knows what they are talking about, and able to play with true skill. Keep up the great work/content! Looking forward to enjoying more videos!
Excellent analysis. Informative, concise and well delivered.
This channel is a gem! Love the breakdowns and explanations!
Full-time guitarist and 'pretend' bassist here: I gotta say, the more I learn about bass, the more I want to play the thing! Thank you PD!
Wow!!! What a great vid! Clear, polished, and informative!! Your special for real!
I was about twelve years old when this album came out. I clearly remember my next door neighbor repeatedly playing and rewinding that bass solo on his a cassette player on a summer's day. I really enjoyed your breakdown of the different bass parts. I always appreciated that syncopated sound and the relaxed feel afforded by the counterpoint fretless bass parts with those slides - very simple but creates a comfortable groove. This track in particular is one I listen to when trying out a new pair of headphones.
Wow ! Great breakdown. Will check out your other vids . Thank you.!
It is one of the albums from 1987 that still gets into many of my play lists today.
I completely forgot about this album and it's great bass work. Great vid. I'm going to spend some time re-spinning this album! It came out so long ago that I listen to music now in a completely different way than when I was 20. Thanks for putting this out there!
Wow!! Talk about a piece of information. This probably the most interesting information ever given on a break down of song. Thanks for all you do 😊
The funny part to me is that after the studio cat did his magic reversing the bass solo part, Bakithi had to learn it that way for the live tour!
Great to see your channel steadily growing. Really have enjoyed it. Thanks!
Another oustanding video! Loved your demonstration of the various bass tracks. Great work!!!
Thank you SO much! This was so great. Love the way you break it down piece by piece.
Terrific video. Love your playing and analysis.
One of my favourite albums with many amazing bass lines. And this song is one of the songs that got me listening to the bass as an instrument even as a little kid. Picked up the bass 6 years ago at 21 and never looked back! Thanks for the great vid and keep it up :)
Havent heard this in ages. Going to listen now. Thanks!
Well done as always, Paul! Thank you
I had no idea there were so many bass parts. I learn something new every time I watch your show.
This album was a revelation! Here was this whole river of musical genius that was largely unknown to the US of A. So grateful I did not miss out on hearing it and getting to see these beautiful players bringing it in all the videos that came out. Thanks so much for your channel.
Excellent analysis! Really enjoyed this.
You're absolutely right in praising that song (and album) in general and for shedding some light on the historic details. Thanks for remembering and kudos for your efforts in pronunciation! I knew wich song the video was about by only looking at the preview image.
I love your deep dives into the music; I've learned a lot from watching your videos. But this is the first time you had me dancing with joy.
This record is indelibly etched on my heart and ears, my childhood is filled with memories of long drives in the highlands of Scotland with my Father with Graceland as the soundtrack.
Goodtimes!.
We also had a healthy amount of Pink Floyds' Wish you where Here too!.
Peace.
Sir, another superb take on a classic!
I have heard of lead guitar!!! But in this song it's like "BASS GALORE"!!!! 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗😁😁😁😁
Amazing! Love your channel.
Bakithi is a legend. His bassline on "Diamonds on the sole of her shoes" should be a must-learn for every player (and producer) to understand how a bassline can drive a whole song, supporting rhtymically and laying solid harmonic and melodic foundations.
This song made me fascinated with bass guitar as a kid.
Mbaqanga....I'm trying over here man...Mbaqanga. Dood, I'll just let you do it, my tongue clicks are non existent. Respect the video break down and pronunciation. Loved this song as a kid and still love it today.
Thx professor! I bought Graceland because of the great video for this song (I still have that vinyl LP). I had NO idea there was so much going on with the bass!! Thx again for the re-introduction. :)
Thank you so much for clearing up that solo for me. I've been so confused about that for DECADES! 🤯
There is some crazy bass on this whole record ...
I did NOT know that about that solo! This episode was chocked full of goodness AND bloopers! lol
Thank you VERY much for all that bass goodness.
Great video!!! Nice hearing you play as well!
Killer breakdown of all those killer lines! Thank you~
Awesome video as always! This is my very favorite song EVER and EVER! - Thanks for your great videos ;)
Absolutely! Always love your videos!
another good job on a iconic song! thanks for breaking that down!
excellent information and straight to the point! love it.
You Can Call Me Al is what made me by the album. Thanks for schooling me to the things I didn't know about the track.
Thank you so much for this video. - A great in-depth look at the incredible bass playing of Bakithi Kumalo on what to me is one of Paul Simon's greatest albums.
incredible outtakes :)
Bought this as a cassette in the summer of '87 at a Camelot Music store in a Savannah GA mall. Wore that sucker out from playing it so much after 3 years and bought the CD. I have so many great memories of all the tracks. Thanks so much for the excellent take on the bass. Cheers!
Awesome bass parts, for sure. Great analysis. Thank you
Thanks! This was awesome.
Great video sir!!!
Its so clever and rythmic it makes you very happy just to listen to it. A touch of magic really.
"Turn up the bass." As a bass player I've been waiting my whole life for this, and not to be told to turn it down 😂
Thank you so much for this. Never knew so much of the bass goodness of my favourite song!
Great breakdown. Thank you.
Extra points for being clear and concise. Good show all the way around.
Great break down of this song...💯👍
Paul!! Once again a great video and insight to another great bass line.
Man such a good breakdown! I’ve always loved this tune (and the tin whistle solo LOL) so it’s cool to see you talk about it!
this song immediately puts you in a good mood. its magical
As always, thank you for your instructive channel, greetings from Germany
Once again you have demonstrated brilliance in this video breakdown. I play harmonica, in my 49th year and was full-time pro by age 20. Started in Bluegrass & Country Honky Tonk (1970's) but had a 7 piece Swing Dance, Jazz, Blues, R&B band for 10 years, plus other gigs and sessions during my 7 years in Austin. So.......even being a harp player I come here for the "Groove Inspiration and Education" ....hoping some small elements may filter in by osmosis and later find their way into my own playing....kind of like listening to Maceo Parker/David Sanborn on Sax, Jeff Beck/Hendrix (for tone shaping on those two) or David Garibaldi/Bernard Purdy on Drums. Keep up the great work!
Thank You! NEVER hear about this tune or album. That is some world class jam for sure. Good on ya. Best Regards and Best Wishes!
As a former bass player, i love this song. I had no idea there were four (!) bass lines! Crazy!
Thank you very much for your hard work on this excellent breakdown. Loved it.
Awesome job. Bakithi's first language is music, and you have no problem with that pronunciation.
When you have this playing in your childhood home it follows you until the end of your days.
Fantastic presentation… I took so much on this recording for granted
Thanks so much for breaking this song down. I always thought that Armand Sabal-Lecco played that bass line since I've seen him play live in Paul Simon's touring band. Appreciate the insights on this tune!