The Snapshots Foundation What a lovely natural lady. Says it like it is and with great modesty without being fawning, which must have been hard whilst working with egos. I’m no expert but I get, know your chordal sounds, scales are not all. The sound starts in your mind and imagination.
This whole video blew my mind, what a gifted and talented soul. I had no idea she was on so many tracks I've heard my whole life. This lady is leagues above and beyond 99.99 percent of modern musicians as far music comprehension, very impressive.
I'm 65 years old and for all these years I was under the impression that actual band members played on their albums. I think Carol should be in the R&R Hall of Fame
@Bill O'Rourke She said they were paid well & made more money in the studio than on the road, and they got to go home and sleep in their own beds every night.
Check out some musical greatness with carol. The "Wrecking Crew" was her friends and co-workers(session workers) at, I think it was Capital. On a modern note, I've learned a ton from Rick Beato. He has some books and web series and just a great teacher and . person. You might enjoy him if you have not already.
I started watching this interview all laid back in my chair . 20 minutes in , the video is paused , guitar on my lap. This is a masterclass in disguise people.
This is a biography I would read, a teacher I would learn from , a woman I respect and a friend I would be lucky to have. Imagine being able to listen to her play and talk, she is bursting at the seems and eager to share. I wonder how I could find her...?
It’d be more shameful if the RRHOF was an institution that based entry on merit. The RRHOF chooses their candidates subjectively. There’ll be an assortment of artists and production professionals to choose from, but that list is comprised basically on popularity within the governing body. It’s a private museum and event center that is free to include and/or ignore very important figures in the history of rock and roll at will. It’s not a historically correct chronicling. It’s worthwhile in that it’s popular, and it’s an opportunity for the listening community to support and celebrate their favorite artists, provided that the powers that be will allow those artists access to become nominees.
It's a hall of fame, not a hall of merit nor a hall of influence. It houses famous people, and relatively speaking most people dont know the name Carol Kaye. My issue with the hall is that they include non rock artists - Kudos to Dolly Parton for declining induction.@@terrystowers6085
Wow, I am 57, a music teacher, guitar and bass player. This is to date the most inspiring interview and musical demonstration I have seen. Carol, you are a musical genius. God Bless You.
I'm 41 and a guitar player might rock and metal and this has made me want to learn jazz and other techniques now. She's very inspirational and the thing about soloing over the chords instead of using a scale is what a lot of people like Marty Friedman do. I don't believe you're a fan of you steal their music. I always buy the album of the bands I like cause I like a physical copy. I wish I could be a studio musician like she was. I'd like to get her other opinions on the world. We're at the communist stage now. It takes so long to make one song that the average person has no idea of. The writing, the mixing, the mastering, the promotion. There's so much that goes into one song.
Carol Kaye's story needs to be commemorated in a major feature film. She is a musical magician and should get the recognition she deserves. Her instrumental ingenuity permeates throughout American music for decades and yet people rarely even know her name. She's amazing and inspiring 🎸
She’s so intelligent! She worked hard and crafted her own destiny, learning and growing along the way. What a special timeline of music to be a part of too,
I took some bass lessons form Carol in Monterey Ca. in the early 80's. What an awesome lady and I learned so much. I'll never forget how wonderful of a person she was and she made sure you came away with more than just a bass lesson. She also would give some life lessons as well along with lots of stories about Motown. Thank you Carol for everything.What a pioneer.
+Jqau Miller That is so awesome, it would be amazing to study with her. I'm jealous. Carol Kaye is one of the all time greats. She has recorded some of the greatest songs in history.
Let's face it… Carol is an absolute genius. She doesn't even realize what a genius she is, but the way she talks about music including chord structure, stylistic approach, how easy it was for her to learn different styles, and even how self facing she is, She's just an absolute genius with music. I know people use the word genius a lot inappropriately, but she really and truly is, which is perhaps why she has played on 10,000 recordings.
I remember seeing Carol Kaye with Gene Simmons . That was so cool to see Carol teaching Gene some Riffs. My God that was great stuff. Gene gave her the utmost respect. Carol was funny scolding him to emphasize on the right beat .Absolutely Priceless. THAT WOMAN IS AMAZING. LOVE HER TOTAL CLASS.
In a 30 minute Skype Session Carol taught me more about my role as a bassist than any other lesson I've ever taken. her Tutorial Material really hits home.
Amazing. She didn't just work her way into a genuinely boys-only club in the 1950s, she took ownership and spent more time in your ear over several decades than anybody. Respect.
She was my bass teacher. Through her I rediscovered my bass. She always stuck with the fundamentals. Using the guitar, she said "If you don't know chords, those songs will never get written." And she was right. Today, I sooooo enjoy chord work on the guitar, and my understanding of the bass continues to intrigue me.
@@gixxerjo I'm thinking he meant he used to watch her on videos playing, or teaching and that's how she 'taught' him. Probably not an actual one on one student/teacher lesson.
This Dame is all that. A Virtuoso. A Master. An Expert. The Best of the Best. The highest ranking skilled musician. A wizard. A Prodigy. A Genius. Did I forget anything? Yes Carol Kaye, you have earned and deserve all these titles. I don't foresee anyone disagreeing with me. Sadly, studio musicians never get credit where credit is due. In my book you get credit. And in your case, you get all the credit. Thank you Carol for your contributions to the music community. Frankly, I'm surprised there is no Ph.D after her name.
I've got some Skills.3 years of school, music theory. And about 16 years of play time. I do Okay But, I Just wished I had Her Skills and knowledge man. Like I said, from listing to her, I just don't understand why she don't have a Ph.D. after her name. I should buy one of her books and find out why. Perhaps there is something said. It's good to see she has such a large fan bass. Fan BASS? LOL No pun intended.
Yes about studio musicians and getting credit Jimmy Page John Paul Jones where studio musician before they formed one of greatest rock groups ever they where know for being some of the greatest studio musicians .Now Carol Kaye is way beyond words . She has been around forever She know was being up there with some huge names.She has even help some of the pros. now days . like Gene Simmons . Ya she is truly a one of kind. I took 7 yrs lessons from a college professor on bass and hell she knows much more than I ever learned. Amazing Persons
Yes, and that's is why I say, where is her Ph.D? She has earned it. Well perhaps you don't need a piece of paper to tell the world you're a scholar. She didn't have to show me any papers. We know what you're about Carol, We know.
In 2007, the Clique/Wrecking Crew were inducted in the Musicians Hall of Fame... not the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Yes! Carol Kaye and her fellow session musicians, including Glen Campbell, ought to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall for their collective musical contribution. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 👉 Fact-checked: Carol would often refer to Phil Spector’s group of session musicians with whom she played as “The Clique.” Also, she would often state that their group of musicians “did not have an official name.” She ought to know: Carol, my former music teacher with whom I studied guitar and electric bass guitar in the 1980’s, was the #1 call studio bassist and studio guitarist in Los Angeles with over 10,000 sessions. Without doubt, she is one of the greatest musicians of all times. She was a first call musician, who played the guitar and electric bass guitar for many recorded music hits: Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell, Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys, The Beat Goes On by Sonny and Cher, Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers, In the Heat of the Night by Ray Charles, Danke Schoen by Wayne Newton, Homeward Bound by Simon and Garfunkel, Unforgettable by Lou Rawls, etc.👈 It is unfortunate that Hal Blaine, whom Little Richard did not respect (for obvious reasons), did not apologize to Carol and “OFFICIALLY” bury the hatchet before he died on March 11, 2011. Blaine, who “named” the group ”The Wrecking Crew,” would often belittle her and made misogynistic and snide remarks behind her back. How unfortunate! 😔😔😔😔😔 It is refreshing to see musicians like me and music lovers admire and respect Carol and her outstanding bass lines and guitar licks. Here is the hard, cold fact: Carol Kaye exemplifies Good Vibes. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
While still under appreciated, she's more celebrated than most you've never heard of that have contributed to the biggest hits of the 20th century. You can tell someone who can play because it flows from them like water.
@@farque7179 well that is the trueth ...because she puts herself out there many of her ilk stay quiet and fade away. They should start a long time coming guild or union to fortify their names on the very many contributions....on the songs and artists they made famous lived a life of fame and fortune on their efforts.
Like it’s often the case with bass players. But her talent and dedication was and is so obvious, do not worry! If you like her, and want to play as she teaches, buy her books! Tons of truth and inspiration.
My Mother was an accomplished musician, that's where I got it from. I remember her telling me about Carol Kaye, but when I started playing guitar in 1975, I didnt think about her much. In 78 I switched to bass and I guess I forgot about what my Mother said about her. I've been in and out of bands since and my bass isn't too bad nowadays. But after watching this documentary, I realize I really need more work. Carol Kaye is a treasure, I'll be buying her books so I can learn more. Thank you so much for everything you have done for music!❤
Books. With RU-vid you don’t need lessons. Don’t listen to what they say about RU-vid. If you already know your fret board you’re good to go . Watch fingers with video on slow speed. You tube tutorials are meant for beginners it doesn’t get any easier. Explaining tabs sucks. Talk talk talk, RU-vid kinda sucks depends. It’s better played once normal tempo and one time slow speed. Talk talk talk sucks
When I was 18 at university studying Bass she was my inspiration and my hero. I also wrote a letter to her asking many a ? about her career etc her method books sessions etc. She sent me photo's a letter,a method book copies of her date calendar etc.Incredibly in a 2 month span in the late 60's she rarely had any days off and usually had 2 studio sessions in a work day. She also did live gig's and award shows as well.She was the busiest because she was the best.And can out read anybody in the business as Quincy said he he. This lady was the Wrecking Crew Queen. Carol thanks for your musical love. God bless you
I just love these interviews with Carol. She KNOWS what's what, and will prove it to you on guitar or bass. The stories, the historic experiences, the depth of musical acumen, the chops, and the ability to talk about all of it in a matter of fact, "Why doesn't everybody know this? It's easy!" manner... And doing it all while rising from poverty, multiple divorces, raising children, being female in a male dominated profession... She's one of my personal heroes for sure.
I had to pause this video to go buy her guitar book and CD from her website. Who better to learn from than the walking encyclopedia of guitar, Carol Kaye? Thank you, Carol, you are AMAZING!
Carol is not just a great player, she's a great human. She just sent me her book and signed. "We couldn't have done it without you". I met her in 67, I was 11 years old. By the time I was 13 I was polishing Ron Tutts drums(Elvis) by the time I was 16, I was delivering Elvis's entire band to Vegas 3 times a year. My job (cartage) allowed me to work for just about everybody for 45 years. Carol was on 3 sessions a day and saw her all the time.
Isn't it great to listen to a true professional who has been there and done that. Don't need a teeshirt. I have played guitar for 60 years and I was amazed at Carol's insights into making music. Her knowledge is enormous and I am more than a little jealous. Thanks for posting this, it;s a real treasure.
In 1969 when I first arrived in L A I was a string bass player. I saw I would have to learn electric or not work. Everything was electric, even Ray Brown on the Merv Griffin show, and Joe Di Bartolo on the Tonight show band, both among the best upright players. So I got an electric at Stein on Vine . Behind Steins were some studios and Milt Owens guitar repair where I met Carol. She was friendly so I talked to her about transitioning from upright, on which you learn the fingerboard in positions. She told me about the thumb pivot,all the notes available up and down by pivoting the thumb, not keeping it behind the 2nd finger. That was my lesson with Carol. I was blessed. Thanks for this interview. We used to go to the Union to watch her play with the Tommy Vig big band. She could read fly s__t .She was the bass on so many tv themes, Mission Impossible, Sanford &Son, etc etc. Anyone not getting this has their head up you know where. Paul Smith
She is amazing and has such a wealth of history and experience. The up and comers, need to listen to what she has to say. She is just incredible. Thank you for the memories and the music Ms Kaye.
I sat next to Carol in a rehearsal at the Pilgrimage theater for Tommy Vig. Our high school band director was playing with Tommy Vig and Tommy and him had the HS jazz band members embedded. I was right next to Carol and her sense of time was amazing. Her pick hand had a total groove as it went up and down. Thank you Carol!
What about what looks like a piece of tape on the bridge end of her bass? Anyone know that either? Also cool you have google glasses - unless you mean you're using the google glasses app :p which is neat too but the actual glasses are out of production
Christopher Norman Crepon it's a mute she also uses a piece of foam.lots of players use it so they don't have to worry about strings ringing from the soundwaves of other strings that are being played
At 58, this is the first time I heard about this awesome lady bassist. I enjoyed this interview 100%, and I am going to listen to all the hits she spoke about, and pay keen attention to her playing. Respect!
They hit dislike because she persists in claiming the work of the great James Jamerson an destroying her own, formidable, reputation in the process, as the evidence is, clearly, stacked against her!
I played in a successful band from 1970, to 1975. I had to quit, it was just to much fun. I admire Carol Kaye and musicians who can do it all there lives. I wish she was around, to teach the right ways of learning music. Lifting up the arm of a record player over an over to learn a song can drive you crazy. Very very good interesting interview.
The cycle at 24:00 is the circle of fifths. Jaco was huge on this, with the accompanying flats and sharps within the circle. YES, the infamous Carol Kaye needs to be awarded a lifetime Grammy as well as Rock hall of Fame! "Music without Bass, Is Music without life"
This is the first time I knew of Carol Kaye. again , just a natural like Larry Collin’s. Having enjoyed a lot of her sound track music on all these show, not the least Five O or Sonny and Cher. What a talent. Sam Cooke, Richie V the list is endless. Needless to say most delighted to discover Carol Kaye.
I don't care how good of a guitarist or bass player you are... You " ain't " Carol Kaye. I don't care how rich or famous you are as a guitarist/bass player....you " ain't " Carol Kaye. After playing the sessions and gigs she did in her day, during those times? Most men today couldn't play on the same stage or in the same studio with her. She would kick our butts, smile, and walk away with class. Bravo.
Because unless you were a female singer/performer, men dominated the market and industry. It was the ' 60 's. I didn't make the culture, I'm just an observer of history. Her interview states it.
Miss Kaye deserves an award for surviving Brian Wilson while recording Pet Sounds. What an incredible player and teacher. Why couldn't I be this lady's kid lol.
“Just wanted to say that I thought it was great to work for Brian Wilson. He always was and always has been a good guy, musical genius (us studio musicans all admired him and still do), and a good commander-in-chief. He wrote practically all the music (once in a while we'd get a lick in but all the notes came from his head), produced it all, and I thought he sung it all, well nearly all. Chuck Britz would just sit by after setting up the board at Western and Brian would also mix it. Never saw drugs or booze in the studio (one beer one time that's all) and don't know where the dumb books and terrible lying TV stories get their stuff (probably from the same garbage the other music bio book writers get their dirt, so the public will spend good money to read trash), but it was so unlike Brian I almost laughed. You can believe that news media hype if you want to. But you are right to believe in Brian. He is someone good to believe in. I'm not trying to whitewash anything, just relate the truth about him. What he did in his personal life is none of my business. We all have some tough times, but the fact is when I worked for him a few months ago, he was the same ole Brian, a pleasure to know and work for. We all respected Brian. Yes, those were 99% his notes. Once in a while we got a lick in, but he arranged, wrote, produced (once the engineer set up the board Chuck usually just sat there) and experimented. This took the time and made the dates long, but it was our job and we liked Brian very much. Still do.” -Carol Kaye
There is no better feeling playing music than having the hair on your arms and the back of your neck stand up while playing. I could only imagine how many times that has happened to Carol. "Yeah, that's the take". Music is so amazing.
I had the pleasure of meeting Carol @1970-71, don't quite remember. I was a session drummer, and Roger Williams' tour drummer ( part of his "A" team) at that time. She was one of the few bass guitarists in demand. I had heard her play guitar before, don't ask, l don't remember, and she killed it. And here she was, ripping bass like it was her own invention.
Carol's Bass Hits (Short List): Wouldn't It Be Nice, California Girls, God Only Knows, Help Me Rhonda, I Get Around, Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys / Feelin' Alright - Joe Cocker / I'm A Believer & Last Train To Clarksville - The Monkees / Light My Fire - The Doors / Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley / Love Child, Baby Love, Stop In The Name Of Love, Back In My Arms Again, You Can't Hurry Love, My World Is Empty Without You, Reflections & Love Is Here And Now You're Gone - Supremes / I Was Made To Love Her - Stevie Wonder / Homeward Bound, I Am A Rock & Scarborough Fair - Simon & Garfunkel / Get Ready - The Temptations / Wichita Lineman & Galveston - Glen Campbell / I Can't Help Myself - Four Tops / Someday We'll Be together Again & Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Diana Ross / These Boots Were Made For Walkin' - Nancy Sinatra / Soul & Inspiration - Righteous Brothers / The Way We Were - Barbra Streisand / Hold Me Thrill Me - Mel Carter / Ain't Nothin' But The Real Thing - Marvin Gaye & Tami Terrell / River Deep, Mountain High - Tina Turner / Don't Pull Your Love Out On Me Baby - Hamilton, Joe Franks & Reynolds / Candy Man & Mr. Bojangles - Sammy Davis Jr. / Something Stupid - Frank & Nancy Sinatra / Little Green Apples - O.C. Smith / Alone Again Or - Love / America The Beautiful - Ray Charles / Indian Reservation - Paul Revere & Raiders / Doo Ron Ron - Crystals / Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves - Cher / Little GTO - Hondels / Love Story - Andy Williams / Tiny Bubbles - Don Ho / This Diamond Ring - Gary Lewis and Playboys / A Taste of Honey - Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass / Romeo & Juliet Theme - Henry Mancini / Natural Man - Lou Rawls / Expected to Fly - Buffalo Springfield / etc, etc...
@@chuckm4540 Jimmy Page huh? News to me....thanks for it. Just put that on yet another mix of mine - looooove me some Joe Cocker singing "With A Little Help From My Friends" .... and oooh that guitar🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I love this woman. A real musician. No ego, no pretense. Classy, funny, down to earth and immensely talented. As I listened to her talk and riff, I thought she would have also done quite well as a vocalist. This is a fantastic video!
I can't believe I'm sitting here enthralled by everything she says and everything she does on the bass. She's a musician to the core... what a fascinating woman, what an amazing career.
Geddy Lee is my idol on bass but Carol Kaye is now an extremely close second! You can't help but love her! This is one of the best musician interviews ever.
Carol is an amazing woman and true legend. She makes it seem so simple while being a driving force in the music world. I've been playing for over 50 years and She takes me back to my earlier days learning the guitar. What a joy to hear her reflect where my musical roots come from. . .
Hey if you have never heard of Carol Kaye, she is probably one of the 5 most important bass players of all time and this interview is a great lesson. Her work with the sessions in the 60's and 70's literally created a HUGE part of what we now know as the rock bass sound, I have tons of respects for this lady. THANKS for posting this!
even if you're not a musician or it's not your greatest passion, you've got to love this lady for her talent, her spirit and of course the tremendous contributions to the musical genre that have and will continue to effect what we hear and love!!!
I started playing rock/metal in the mid 80's. I grew up listening to 50's, 60's, 70's style music. Mostly Motown. But I wasn't influenced by it. I've watched countless videos of this national treasure. Carol is literally the reason so many musicians have a job today, and it can all be traced back to her. So many people owe her thanks & love for paving the road and showing us how melody is everything. She is and always will be the queen. So many people have no idea who she is, was, and owe her a debt of gratitude forever.
The greatest was James Jamerson. Carole Kaye knows jazz like James and did the transition to rock while adding her style. Dunn is a solid r&b bassist but not as innovative as the other two especially Jamerson.
I play guitar and teach. But watching this amazes me. Her technique is clean and her inventiveness is wonderful. Plus, you hear bass parts you've heard your whole life - that she did. I really was stunned when she said not to spend a lot of time on scales, and instead practice on chord shapes. She's the first teacher I heard say this. Personally, I like both, but I love her using chords as the entryway from rock to jazz playing.
I recommend the book, "The Birth of Loud", by Ian Port. It chronicles the lives of two giants in the beginnings of rock'n roll, Leo Fender and Les Paul. If you love rock, the story will amaze you. Leo Fender didn't play an instrument but he had the machinery that made the sounds in his blood. His innovations were amazing. In the early days, the bass player had a stand-up instrument (think of Budy Holly and the Crickets). This was cumbersome. Then Leo Fender invented the bass guitar we know today. Carol is included in the book. Since you are watching this video, you will love this book.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this interview, I'm not a musician at all, I doubt I could hold a guitar correctly, but this was captivating, thank you so much.
The Wrecking Crew members are leaving us one by one, thanks for getting Carol Kaye on this video. My favorite is with her teaching Gene Simmons a bass line which he had trouble learning. But because Carol is a great teacher, he finally got it. There will never be a group of session players like the Wrecking Crew again. Hit after hit after hit. Amazing. All of them were one-of-a-kind.
Her discussion of "chordal notes" (17:45 to 25:00) was, to this musician anyway, an outstanding explanation and practical application of the circle of 5ths, "the cycle." I've never seen it explained both so fully and so simply. :) One of the best videos I have ever found on youtube in any category
Terry you and Michael are both right On the circle of 5ths , clockwise is 5ths and counterclockwise is 4ths. But she sums up at 25:00 something that is really not taught in theory or most lessons. I was taught scales that corresponded to the cord that was being played. For example , say the cord is C the group is playing. Most of us have been taught to play and think that a C major scale "goes" with it. But Carol is saying don't play the whole scale ( CDEFGABC) just play the chord notes (CEG). 3 note chords can get boring and to illustrate this she played three note chords when she was disparaging rock and roll. Most of what she played (dim. Aug. Flat 5th. Add 9. I think there was a 13 in there) to illustrate the differences of styles, have a more complex chord structure and therefore more notes that can be played. I did not learn (nor even hear about) until after 4 years of music in college. I was a "french" horn player and after college I was learning to play 6 string guitar and bass guitar.
Damn this lady is impressive. She's been responsible for so many classic and memorable bass lines in rock and sounds like she can shred bebop on guitar too
OMG! This woman is phenomenal! The whole "Wrecking Crew" were phenomenal! How many songs are hits because of what these musicians contributed? They worked with Frank Sinatra, Herb Albert, The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, etc... just mind blowing.
Make me feel like I know nothing! I'm 62 and have played since 13 yrs old! The respect for Carol has always been here in my heart, and I knew she was there on those records. I agree, like the Funk Brothers, she deserves a TOP spot into the RnR HOF! Awesome lady! 🤘😎
