The Funkiest Bass Line (You've Probably Never Heard) 

This bassist is the late William Allen. He was my roommate and I remember when he made up this pattern. I’m playing electric piano on this track. It was made up in the studio,and was originally purposed for a spoken word album.

My uncle William Henry Allen did co-production and played bass on this album. He was my grandmother's only brother. We called him Hank. RIP Uncle Hank.

It's staggering how many of these jams came around in the 70s with ridiculous rhythms and lines. The fact that there's a genre called "rare groove" highlights how many amazing songs came fro that time period that have (almost) been lost to time. Thanks for mining these gems and showcasing their brilliance with us, Paul.

The music from this era will never disappear. The orchestration is unrivaled.

Running Away and Everybody Loves the Sunshine can still be heard on R&B and Jazz stations to this day they have held up exceptionally

He is in his 80's... and still playing. That is wonderful and amazing. Thank you, Mr. Ayers.

Props for giving Roy Ayers credit. He’s extremely underrated!!

I played with one of the girls singing on that track. She also sang on Everybody Loves the Sunshine- the lead vocal. We were in a band in Baltimore that eventually did an opening act for the Jackson 5 on 1971.

I'm a 43yo french guy and of course me and my friends know this bassline😉. When living in Paris we never missed a Roy Ayers concert , liquid love, searching, sunshine, and running away were our favorite songs """Choubidou....run run run...."""

Roy Ayers is one of my favorite musicians. I love his minor jazzy chords. Geez! Very emotional. Especially on "I am your mind part 2"

I don't know if you ever analyze Japanese music, but I've always been blown away by the bass lines in Tatsuro Yamashita's music. I tried learning the line to "Misty Mauve" and I was genuinely impressed. I'd love to hear your take on it!

I've been a huge fan of this tune since it came out in the 1970s, but I've NEVER heard a musician break down the structure of the bassline and the tune like this. Paul Thompson, this is outstanding sir! Thank you for explaining this to the average music fan.

There is a ‘live’ version of “Running Away” recorded in 1988 at Ronnie Scott’s with a young guitarist name Zachary Breaux who lays down a blistering solos over that groove.. FIND IT!

You already know! 🙌🏻 I had the privilege of engineering a long weekend of sessions with Mr. Ayers, about 12 years ago now, as he recorded Afrobeat versions of a bunch of his hits. Then he headlined the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, where I got to sit side stage at the invitation of the project’s producer, Mausiki Scales. Roy brought the fire every step of the way. Mr. Ayers exuded class and skill every moment I was around him; a joyous gentleman to be around indeed. I imagine his recorded works will be enjoyed for a very long time from now by those who enjoy good music. ✌🏻❤️🙏🏻

For those wanting to do what he says and check it out, but missed the one and only time it was named early in the vid... "Running Away" by Roy Ayers.

Finally someone is given Allen his props. Thank you for doing that.

Half the time you are featuring a bass line or musician I've known and loved for a long time, and then the rest is inspiring new (new to me) sounds to explore. This bass line is super stuck in my head now. I love this channel Paul, thanks for doing these.

Man, the raw talent mixed with those 70s psychedelics make the funkiest grooves ever.

I love your platform of yours, I had a father figure that would do this while we listened to the ol skool jams. I respect and cherish the music and artists that much more. Thank you brother. Pls continue!! 👍👍

A lot of similarity with the bassline on ‘Runaway’ by Jamiroquai. Another 2 lesser known bands with amazing bass playing: -Blowbeat (highly recommend their self-titled album) -Pleasure (peak 70’s funk)

Wow man, am I glad I landed here. Never EVER too much Roy Ayers. I first heard him on a Herbie Mann album called 'Memphis Underground'. Now my 23-year-old daughter is a Roy fan. Beautiful presentation. Thanks a million!

Running Away... the Bass groove is from another planet. Vocals tight like nobody’s business. Still have it on vinyl, the grooves are now white.

Ayers was so funky and soulful. One of my favorite tunes of his “Liquid Love”…

There was this dream I had.. where I was riding an old ocre bike wearing a golden brown suit and a hat on a street made of soil and dust through and intense fog running away from dozens of crawling zombi hands coming from the side streets trying to reach me while a fifth of simple and soft bass notes that may perfectly have been a piano while a sixth extra note of short trumpet closes the full compass. I never felt so well in my life. I woke up smiling. Even without knowing a thing about music composition I knew those were the perfect rhythm. From that day on I love jazz the most. Lots of love

Ahhh... Those chord voicings. Makes a wonderful vibe for that epic bass line!

Thank you for posting this video and bringing up the great William Allen, he was one of those rare musicians who could navigate b/t R&B, Funk, Jazz, Jazz Fusion and Latin extremely well I heard him on the late great Jorge Dalto's album Urban Oasis in 1985. The bass line from the song "Freaky Deaky" on Roy Ayers "Let's Do It" album in 1978 was off the chain! It was so funky! I could not get enough of that song when it came out. When all the talk about bassists at that time revolved around Stanley Clarke, Louis "Thunder thumbs" Johnson, Larry Graham and an up and coming Marcus Miller, Freaky Deaky came out and that changed game. Once again thank you for posting.

Roy Ayers is one of the biggest legend of Jazz and Funk. 🙏🏽❤️

You are the best music teacher I ever had. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom so generously with us.

Was 18 when this came out in'77 summer Joined Army that fall. Played for my 3 y.o. G-daughter recently. She LOVED it!!!! " Shooo-Beee-Dooo, Run-Run,-Run." We had so much fun.

Keep doing what you’re doing friend-big respect for your acknowledgement of the instrument and the men and women who advance the art. Well done!

Always loved Roy Ayers! For many years! Finally got to meet him at Delaware State University about 8 years ago. Got to hang out with him with my son and family. Incredible man!

Roy Ayers...NASTE..AWESOME BASS LINE! That's my JAM! PRICELESS! MORE THAN GOLD BUT PLATINUM!

Playing this over and over for four minutes? Hell of a workout

grew up with the greatest hits of Roy Ayers, feels better than ever to watch it now

I stumbled across [pdbass] while "searching" for Roy Ayers music. Let me start off by saying...WOW! I'm not a musician. I cannot read music. Yet, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE your program! Your break down of songs, tunes, cords, rhythms, bass, the history and personal stories builds my interest, leaves me wanting to know more and want to invest in myself by learning how to play Bass guitar! Thank you Brothah Paul Thompson for educating me (us)! You have GREAT taste in music! By the way. Props to you for not only acknowledging Roy Ayers. But also giving NARD his credit (R.I.P.) Continued blessings. KEEP THIS GOING!!!! :-)

This song and a few others from Roy, which through him back in the day is how I learned about letting the bass line breathe. That is a very valuable lesson.

absolutely beautiful, if you're listening with your brain... all's you can do is scratch it but your body just falls into the groove, effortlessly thank you

"Love will bring us back together" "you came into my life" and "sweet tears" are also some of his dopest, as well as "you send me"the bass line in all the above songs are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Shout out for Roy Ayres Ubiquity. I remember that one summer. WRVR was all over Everybody Loves the Sunshine.

When people ask me what my favorite music/time period of music is, I always say the 70’s with Funk/Soul/Blues (although I do really like rock/heavy metal as well. My dream genre is mixing the two). They always look surprised (I’m 24) but that period to me was just so different. It still had the complexities of the classical music before them, but the rhythm and freedom of the modern times. Music you could still dance passionately to with a partner or freestyle your own. Because after that, in my opinion, 80s pop started to trend the popularity of simplistic and catchy money making singles. But Ive noticed some new upcoming artists are trying to bring back the 70s.

Omg, you highlight some of the greatest artist. I still have those albums, Everybody Loves the Sunshine & Lifeline!

Thank you for highlighting one of my ultimate favorite basslines of all timw and introducing me to one of my favorite bassplayers whose name I never knew!!!

I'm based in the UK and love your channel. I myself play bass and this is one of the songs that when I hear it on still gives me goosebumps. It reminds of my best friend. During the late 70s early 80s my family moved from New Addington to West Croydon I was just a teenager and we didn't know anyone in the area. Somehow I got to know Trevor Gittens, he lived about 5 minutes walk from my parents house. He was at the time playing bass and guitar like must kids back then was completely self taught. You have to remember back then there was no you tube, vinyl was king, cassettes where still very popular so most of the learning was by ear. We soon became good friends and it's because of him I convinced my parents to by me a bass. That purchase for my family was a big deal we weren't rich and I don't think I'd shown to much interest in music up until meeting Trevor. My parents eventually Brough me my bass and Trevor started to teach me what he knew. He was also an avid record collector this came from having access to his Dad's collection and his own deep interest in music. We and other kids in the neighbourhood used to spend countless hours listening to the latest releases. Trevor over the years was beginning to gain a reputation as a skilled bass and guitar player and was invited to do some studio work with Odyssey. Trevor was still in his early teens maybe 17/18 when he sadly passed away. I was devastated and some 30 years on I can honestly say he was the BEST friend I EVER had. Even now writing this I'm in tears, I miss him soooooo much. Thank you.

Whoah. That Lifeline was an instant toe-tapper. Going to go look that up now.

Holy crap!! I am so glad you explained this to me in a way I could understand! I have loved this kind of funk/groove kind of music for longer than I can remember.... it was great to hear it explained in a way that helped me understand why. Thank you, thank you, thank you

45 years later. 5 years is not to be sniffed at. I’ve met Roy Ayers a few times at gigs in Ronnie Scotts & the Jazz Cafe in London. A genuine genius!

Yeah, that was a rollerskating jam, back in the day.

He's one of the few legendary artists I've actually been fortunate enough to see live, at Hoochie Coochie in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, when he visited only a few years ago. And he's still absolutely got the goods. I've only been listening to him since 1992, when a rave dj (Ambassador) played Everybody Loves the Sunshine on the last track of his mixtape. It's just a perfect tune as far as I'm concerned, and I was hooked straight away. A Tribe Called Quest sampled Running Away too, and I used to hammer that album. Bassline are just the best sound ever. Rock on, all y'all.

William Henry Allen! Roy Ayers! LOVE YOUR presentations, man!!! I have the 12"vinyl of this and you are absolutetly right!!!

This is the type of musician's video that I like to nerd about, once in a while lol

these short videos (which id watch even if they were twice as long, by the way) are leaning more toward a history lesson that a music lesson. certainly 3/4 of this video are breaking down the music but to focus on something important, but less known (like the musician who played this gem) is what historians do - take a deep dive. your videos never let me down brother

I was 11 years old listening to Searching by Roy in 1976 with the portable tape recorder around the house constantly.

I'm proud to say not only did I heard of this song, but I also bobbed my head to it.

As soon as you said "Roy Ayers", I immediately knew what line it was. It's crazy great and Roy is still crazy great.

I’m so glad my Dad (God rest his soul) brought me up on the Greats like Mr. Roy Ayers. Even as an adult I still listen to his music and appreciate the artistry more. If this song don’t get you grooving you ain’t got a soul lol. Another excellent video!

I saw the master Roy Ayers perform at a festival in the south of France a few years ago. Amazing show. So glad I got to experience it.

your video format is delightful. With youtube pushing the "shorts" more and more, long format-style video like this are something i come to appreciate more and more. At the same, this video clocking in at about 4 minutes makes it very approachable, something i can listen to in between classes

I bought every Roy Ayers album I could find, GOD BLESS " Integrity n Music",

If you're a fan of early Tribe Called Quest, you've heard this. If you're like me, you became obsessed with Roy Ayers in college and purchased all of his CDs and eventually sought out all of his records on vinyl.

Funky bass line indeed , we would dance all night on this jam ... thanks for sharing 🔥 🎸 🎶 👊🏽 ☀️

Had the pleasure of seeing Roy in London for X the Tracks festival. Getting old obviously but an honour to see in the flesh.

Had the great pleasure of meeting Roy many years ago. A real gent.

Listening to this dude from my teenage years in Liberia. Unforgettable!

Thanks for this! -great example of a relaxed technique coupled with a solid sense of time and feel. Ha! I was just thinking about "Ready Freddie" Washington on the Patrice Rushen record Forget-Me-Nots... the bass is waaaay up in the mix. Insanely good!

Awesome tune. Haven't heard this in years. Very popular in the 90's rare groove, acid jazz, funk and boogie scene.

I open for Baba Roy with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble…it was truly inspiring and lit 🔥✨✨✨🙏🏽✨✨✨

So happy to have seen Roy Ayers with top notch musicians, FELA’S drummer Tony Allen in DTLA before it got gentrified.

pdbass is the best bass channel on RU-vid - i love the way you throw the spotlight on players whether well-known or obscure and then break down what is great about their playing (and do it with such infectious enthusiasm) - keep up the great work ✊

That bass line is like a train. Brilliant Paul !

Yes! I picked up all his (their) albums as they came out. Friday was 'New Stuff Came In' day at my record store. First listen was the needle hitting the vinyl. Dropped a hard earned 2.99 per disc!

20 yrs ago I never heard of him. I went his gig in a little club in Dublin. Incredible show

I was introduced to Roy Ayers the same way Bro ,from my Mom's music collection and her playing his music when I was a kid.

I was at a party Saturday, the DJ played this song, and I couldn't be kept off the dance floor. I LOVE this song.

This channel is great! I got hired by a Hip-hop/R&B band and I'm a 70's Brit-rock guy and this is helping me find ideas and inspiration to improve my funk playing. Much appreciation!

ive always said that the 70s was the best era for music and this kind of video proves it

I've seen him live 4 times, twice in tiny venues in the UK and everytime he was just incredible. He is one of the best.

Part of the soundtrack of my life. I’m so blessed to have been born in 1970, ingesting these bangers when they were fresh off the presses. We called this song “Fun Fun Fun” as kids because we thought that was the name given the number of times they said it (but I believe they are saying Run Run Run after listening again). Ironically, Fun Fun Fun is the title of a banger from another Funk Band: ConFunkShun. 🙂

I just realised you have an enormous 20% like rate - which is incredible, but it's because your videos are just brilliant!

Man, I have to told, your channel is one of the best research sites for me to discover funk music bass lines....what a good work... thanks and cheers from Brazil !!!

You are my favorite bass channel on the tubes by a country mile! Thank you for the educational and entertaining content. So tasty!

I saw Roy @ Mickells , West Side of Manhattan 1979. Great shows ! Outstanding bassist on these recordings. My buddy Ron Richardson from Brooklyn toured with Roy for years.

So glad he's still grovin' ✌🏻

I'm loving the education. Whew, I've gotta lot to learn! Thank You!

One of my favorite all time songs. I remember when the bassist was in charge.

Thanks for this. Couldn't agree more: "Running Away" was arguably the greatest dance track of the 70s and a testament to Roy Ayers' great virtuosity

As always, great content! One of my favorite channels!

As a dude who generally listens to heavy music and almost only watches video game content on RU-vid, I'm confused at how I wound up with this recommendation. As a musician: Your bass tone is d e l i g h t f u l

Lenny White- Venusian Summer cuts 1-2-4-5-6)( Santana-Caravanserai cuts 2-3-4-5-6)( Santana/Mclaughlin album sorry this a correction cut (3) and what Doug Rauch and Billy Cobham do in that song and I think Larry Young playing organ on that album as well it,s sonic bliss to the point of tears man.

I'm lovin' it bro so much. learning this line, cleanly at tempo busted my chops up pretty good... but I got it. THANKS!!! Please do an episode on Mark Adams from Slave.

Roy Ayers absolutely a legend and as for the track "Running Away" a classic 💯👍🏿

Dude.. you ALWAYS find some GREAT STUFF! Whether it's basslines or bass players. Thanks bruh👍🏾

Everybody Loves Roy Ayers (even if they don't know it)! Great video! Cheers from Brazil

Started bobbing immediately unconciously, thats power

My gosh I'd totally forgotten this great song haven't heard it in years.

I saw Roy Ayers play in the mid 90’s at the Jazz Cafe London. Great gig and I thought he was old then!

This is the first Roy Ayers song I ever heard. I first discovered Roy Ayers song lifeline from the movie summer of Sam it's on the soundtrack. Ever since then I been hooked on Roy Ayers music. He's a great musician one of the best in this lifetime.

Love your channel, found this record in the late 80s as a kid, strange cause he had bigger tunes but this is actually the first tune of his I got into.....and then the rest of the gems. Timeless originality.

Yeah, man! Love Roy ❤️ I have all the Ubiquity stuff and a load more from him. I have a ticket to see him live. Gig was supposed to be in January this year (tickets were a 50th birthday gift to myself!). But it has been cancelled. Not heard yet when the replacement date will be…

Much love to Roy Ayers!!

Awesome! I've forgotten how funky this bassline is!!👍🏾🎶