Disco's Last Great Bass Line 

Rest in peace T.M. Another one of the greats joins the great gig in the sky

I saw TM playing a custom Ken Smith bass in a bar one night and Jaco walked in and played it and started bending the neck. TM wasn't too pleased but it survived. It was a night to remember.

T.M. is an old friend of mine and he deserves to receive a ton more credit than he got so far. Plus, he is a good man.

Disco is chock full of great bass lines. T.M. Stevens played on a ton of stuff in the 80s and killed it. So many great Bass Players from then like Bernard Edwards and Louis Johnson just to name a couple.

Saw T M by chance in a small solo gig in Sorrento, Italy, like 10 years ago. He played for like 50 people for 2h+, danced with us, talked to every one in the venue, showed me his gear, left everybody sweating and out of breath. Unbeliveble artist. When I later discovered his track records, I was absolutely shocked to realize how humble he had been. Great man and great bassist

In the 90s, I was trying out a couple basses at a music store in Red Bank, NJ. Lost in my own little world, and having recently discovered King's X, I was playing some dUg Pinnick lines, when somebody behind me said "hey, you sound pretty good. I know dUg." I turned around to see none other than T.M. Stevens! Holy moley, a compliment from a *real, serious cat!* I thanked him and we chatted briefly (I knew him best from Steve Vai's _Sex and Religion,_ and I'd seen him a few times with his own band) and floated away - to this day, I still haven't completely come down from it! Thank you, T.M., for encouraging and inspiring a young player!

I literally started playing bass after hearing TM playing on a Joe Cocker live album. Such an iconic player.

TM was an amazing bass player, and human being. Growing up in Queens as a bass player, or just a musician. You had to know who TM was. When I should have loved you came out, I was still a student bass player. I couldn't play that bass line! I've not tried it since those days, I'll have to give it a run! TM unfortunately has not been well health wise. Like all of your fans Paul, and a fellow bass player. I love what you're doing my brother 🎸

I was very lucky to meet T.M. several times in 2013 to 2015 and spend time with him. My bass playing benefited alot from what I learned at these meetings and all the stories he shared until this day. He was a bass master and a very nice and friendly guy. It felt so sad when I heard that he was hit by this cruel disease and can't play anymore.

TM is a legend and a force beyond explanation , i am one of the lucky ones that know him personally and got to hang out many times and what a beautiful human-being and mofo entertainer and hit line writer , love you brother M xoxoxox

What a sad story of T.M. Stevens! He was such a great Showman! And the work with Stevie Salas! It blew your mind…

T was an absolute music machine. I was lucky enough to see him solo several times. Lovely guy and a force of nature as bass player and singer.

NMW is that dude. He was on so many bangers thru the years. Killing it.

Had to come back here after hearing of TM's passing. ❤ Wonderful tribute Paul!

You don't have to introduce us to this masterpiece. It's an all time classic.

I had a chance to play with TM in the mid-70's. Incredible musician and just an amazing person. I've never met someone with his energy since. I wish he was still playing...

Yes! T.M. is the man!!! Love his tone and pocket. Another excellent video, Bassman 😊🎶🎵🙌❤️

Seeing my man TM in the thumbnail put a big smile on my face. He’s actually singing the vocals on ‘Living in America’ too. Don’t forget his work with Steve Vai. True all around bigger than life monster. Represent! ✊🏾 Shaka Zulu!!

I love that you did a vid on this song. I played this tune with Narada probably 200 times. Timeless, iconic, disco classic. TM is the man!

This is has also reminded me of the bass line from NMW's Diving Emotions. I haven't played it in years, but at the time it was a 'put the needle back to the start' tune for a good while.

The stuff TM did with Stevie Salas is also incredible.

I absolutely loved that album, Narada Michael Walden’s drumming and TM Stevens playing. My whole sophomore year in college, I played along to that song and the entire album.

Had the chance to work with T.M. in Vienna in the 80s. A constant factory of creativity like never seen before. A force on bass and a truly great artist.

The only thing better than clean ghost strokes on a snare drum is clean ghost strokes on the bass. Great rhythm on that slow break down and another great video!

Saw Narada open for Rufus and the Brothers Johnson at Radio City in 1980. One of the last r&b tours that featured bands. Imagine seeing Randy Jackson, Louis Johnson and Bobby Watson on the same gig! Watson, my personal favorite, deserves more attention. I found that I prefer cats that are less flashy wid it😊

I love the fact that when he created it, it was something he made up naturally just grooving!! Thanks for reminding me of TM Keep the great content coming!!

great video, I worked on 48th Street in NYC "Music Row" from the late 70s to early 2000s and TM would come by the stores all the time, he was such a great person to talk to and always busy with big music projects but always took the time to say hello to everyone. Super talented monster bassist and total gentleman. I've heard he has some health challenges lately, I wish him well

T.M. Stevens one of the Coolest Dudes, Definitely should be in the top list of the many Great Bassists

I always appreciate the neck cam so we can see in detail what the fretting is all about. Thank you kind sir. 👍🏻

I saw TM playing live with John McLaughlin at Berklee way back in summer 1978. It was one of the most amazing live performances I've ever seen. I had never heard of TM or Sunship (the drummer, whose birthday was that night) before that night but they both were INCREDIBLE!

For years I thought TM played that line with a pick. Great job man, thanks!

Thanks for showcasing these great bassists that I may never have discovered. 🎸

Wow. What a blast from the past with this song. Completely forgot about that song until now. Great video as always.

This song and another 79 hit, They Want the Feeling are such great bass songs.

I’ve loved this riff for so long, but never bothered to research who it was or dig into the history. Thanks for the info!

Love TM and love that he's getting some love. There's a great story about his time with Miles concerning perfection in music. You probably already know it..I think it may be worth telling..

Great video and another occasion for me to go "back to school" and learn more about this amazing bassist. Thanks for the knowledge!

The one video I remember T.M on was Whitney, I GET SO Emotional.

In the UK, when I was starting out as a pro. in the mid 70's, we were starting to get bombarded with wonderful stuff like this from over the pond (Chic, TSOP, Dexter Wansell, MFSB) as well as Stanley Clarke and Jaco. A brilliant time to be a bass player!

Great choice! I got this on 45 back in the day.

Heard this and 'Tonight I'm Alright' on the radio and loved those songs. But really got into Narada in the 80's. Both his later solo albums and projects for Stacy Lattisaw, Sister Sledge, Angela Bofill etc. The distinctive Narada sound including Randy Jackson's funky bass was all over those records/hits and I thought Randy played the early stuff too. It was long after that I learned it was actually TM in the 70s. Both these guys were major inspirations to pick up the bass.

TM deserves his own video fr. I still remember vividly when i found his Heavy and Funky bass lesson on yt, i was blown away!

Glad you are Highlighting T.M. Stevens. People need to know more about him....

I remember hearing this song on the radio a lot in 1979 growing up in Santa Monica. I always loved that bassline. Superb.

Awesome slide action in the breakdown of this song.

Nice video man. Nice song and great job putting TM Stevens on the map for a lot of people. Me myself thought I knew about him, but I didn't know he had recorded bass on such great songs.

you should do more about T.M. Stevens. I had the experience to hear and see him live with his band twice. He was the most extroverted bassplayer i've ever seen. Absolute great singer and songwriter beside his amazing bass playing. Sadly i hearded that he got dementia ... what a genius. Check out his album "boom".

I “like” pdbass’s videos before they even begin. They’re always great! How about TM with Steve Vai? Monstrous !

Great video, RIP T.M.

Wow! You did it again. What a great segment and one of my favorite bass lines ever! You’re right, I was doing way more than what TM is doing. Your videos are great. Making good bass players better by breaking down lines, and exposing us to all this great music and legendary bassist! Love it!

Your videos are great. Your editing and pacing really keep it interesting.

Was at Soundtrack Studios in NYC and TM was in the next room. Kept hearing some banging bass and went in to see who it was. Mind was blown 🤯

Such a great track, and boy, what a bass line.

Thank you for honoring such a fabulous communicator of rhythm.

I was introduced to TM through his work with Steve Vai. I was a young teen at the time, and I loved his style and his groove, especially in some of the instructional videos he did at the time. Greatly appreciate this video highlighting his work.

This was 1st bass line I learnt back in the day.. very good track.. there are tons of good funk disco bass lines.. some so simple but mega effective like Rick James give it to me baby or Patrice Rushden forget me nots.. great era for funky tones

I’ve been playing guitar for over 45 years and I can just sit back and listen to great bassists without any guitar all day long😎

You just helped me create my next play list. Keep up the amazing work!

Narada Micheal Waldon has always been a favorit of mine ….another great video…..thanks for sharing 😊

I really thought i know it all, but nearly everytime i watch your videos, i found out that i had to check that music. So this time, of cause i knew Narada and TM, but not this song. Great Bassline, and great Video, Thank you so much for these And all your other videos. My Record Collection goes bigger and bigger because of you and now another new bassline under my fingers 🥰 Can‘t wait for the next video 😅

Such an awesome song and bassline! great breakdown :)

knowing that TM is playing on that Gregory Abbott cut just makes it even better.

I’ve heard his(TM) music for years, but never heard his name mentioned. Wow! That Narada Michael Walden cut was definitely one of my favorites in the 80’s.

Thank you, Paul, for making these video - I always learn a thing or two, about a thing or two! While, I've heard of NMW and am familiar with some of his work, I hadn't heard this jam - And a jam it is!

Oh yeah ! , that was my jam ... 🔥 bass line . 🎸🎶 😊 Thanks for highlighting this. . 😊

How did I not know this!? Another excellent video, thanks Paul

Been jamming to this for years. So happy to find out it's TM Stevens on there.

ALWAYS LEARNING SOMETHING NEW ABOUT THE MUSIC I LOVED BACK THEN, AND THE MUSICIANS, THE UNSUNG HERO'S WHO WERE A BIG PART OF IT...KEEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, "PDBASS"....I LUV' THIS CHANNEL!...🎸👍😎

Great lesson. Thanks once again Paul! I fell in love with Narada starting with "Delightful."

Great work, thank you sir.

Dude thanks for the breakdown on how to play that. There was definitely small details regarding the ghost notes and timing I missed, so this helps out a lot!

I love the way you break down a Bass line. I also love my Bay Area musicians such a Narada Michael Walden. Thanks for this one.

Love it Paul! Great job as always brother!

Another great video! Love the riff and backstory.

Thank you Paul, you reconnect myself with my twenties, that's not a joke! 🕺❤

RIP TM :-(

Never heard of any of this until today - got to get me some of this.

your analyzes are great. Thanks❤

I’ve never heard this song. Being drummer and lover of music. I will go check it out. Dude I like how you introduce me to music or songs I’ve never heard. I’m glad to be a subscriber.

wow! great video! I'm learning so much. i always wanted to shred on guitar, but your videos have made me reconsider bass. I been noodling around but after watching several videos about your bass brealdowns, I'm gonna take it seriously and get to work!

Thank you for this new adventure, Sir ❤

The metronome in the example is a nice touch and helpful maybe even seeing it in the frame to get a visual of the timing especially for those rubbery notes

Wow, thanks for sharing. That’s an amazing baseline.

Love your videos ❤ Thank you

I thought of most of the other songs 10 seconds before you said them. Bravo!

Paul once again thank you so much Have a happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!

I met TM... He is beyond AWESOME AF!

Thanks for sharing this nugget

Another great video. Thank you! I always thought that was played with a pick. But apparently it wasn't. Also I often hear that bass that sits good in a mix can sound really crappy by itself. That soloed track proves that point. Your bass sounds way better by itself but it might not sound as good in the mix.

Very cool! Thanks

Thank you again for this lesson ! I tried to play this by ear years ago and didn't seem to get it right. Now I get it, there is a couple of ghost notes less than I thought, and just pause in that what I thought should be played as ghost 16th's. Great song, great bassist !

Bernard Edwards every Bassline is epic !

Thank you for posting the transcription without tablature.

Great tune, love it.

Love this!!!!!

Congrats Paul : a terrific lesson again ! And the breaking news for me is T M Stevens playing on The pretenders' Don't Get me Wrong which has such a groove. I was sure it was a strong session player.

Thank you for sharing this. I've seen him on stage twice in Japan, once solo and once with Bootsy's Rubber Band. Both performances were truly incredible. I believe TM is absolutely one of the greatest bass players ever. I've heard he has some health issues. I hope he is happy and plays bass sometimes...

T.M. Stevens, an absolute monster. He and Randy Jackson were Walden's bassists in the late 70's through the 80's.

I loved mixing this track with Divine Emotions. ❤

i really dug this song from the start and somebody extended this song on the radio and i free styeld over it pretty much just because it grooved like rappers delight this song was popular but didnt get the praise it deserved