Willie Weeks himself completely reproduces the bass solo played at the legendary Donny Hathaway live! The joy of being able to see the best bass solo in soul music history again! #willieweeks #donnyhathaway #voicesinside
I once heard Marcus Miller say that there's three Bass Guitarist's with the utmost PRECISION needed for studio, who also had the ability to transfer that precision and discipline to the live stage; James Jamerson Anthony Jackson Willie Weeks Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤
Willie Weeks apparently bought a villa in Karuizawa, Japan, and the person who originally lived next door was Masayoshi Takanaka, a Japanese jazz fusion guitarist, and that's how they got to know each other, which led to this guest performance. It's hard to believe that such coincidences exist in the world, but it's true. By the way, the keyboard player in this band is Keiji Matsumoto, a jazz fusion keyboard player who has released several solo albums only in Japan. But hey, even if you're a guest, why don't you do a solo on Donny Hathaway's voices inside? Who came up with the idea? All I can say is good job.
Been waiting to see this all my life since I was about 18 years and I'm 67 now- Thank you Willie for redoing this performance- now I'm gonna sit back and watch it about 90 more times...
Thank you for your comment! ! The splendor of being able to completely reproduce that famous performance. And it's amazing how quickly the performance is carried out as we expected. . . awesome!!👍👍👍
I was 13yrs old when I first heard this amazing solo, summer of 73. I got my first Bass that following Christmas, and haven't looked back, still playing, thank you Willie Weeks.
This is one of the most iconic bass solos ever recorded. It was because when it was recorded, bass players were not being featured in R&B music, I'm surprised that he still remembers it because it was recorded about 50 years ago.
OMG!! This song came out when I was a very young bass player. 62 years later I just witnessed one of the greatest bass solos ever. Thank you Mr. Weeks.
I've always loved this solo and while I could figure out the notes and get pretty close, I can never get his feel. That's a real bassman. Thanks Willie
I wore out a couple of vinyl copies of Donny Hathaway Live before it was released on CD. That album was my introduction to Willie Weeks and I've been bopping along to him for over 50 years now. Life is good.
Unbelievable. We used to jam on this one in my ccny days. Willie weeks was considered by most to be the funkiest bassman out there. Seems like he still is.
That motif around the 2:09 is the part that always knocked me out. I'm 51 and my Dad used to play that live Donny Hathaway record that this is from. Willie is a foundational player.
The Fender Precision Bass. Millions of them around the world and they all sound different. They really allow the player to express their unique style and THIS player has one incredible set of fingers. He’ got it all! Tone, tempo groove syncopation and harmony. Makes me want to practice more!
Legendary bassist from that era Jerry Jemmott stopped by my crib last month and, of course, he HAD TO play my vintage P-Bass that lives on its stand in my living room. You're right: the Precision takes on the personality of the player. Had mine for 52 years and we're still in love! ❤
Wow, this video is so precious for anyone who plays bass. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is a performance in Japan by Japanese jazz fusion guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka. He is the guy introducing Willie, who is admired among Japanese bassists. And Takanaka was extremely popular in the 80s Japan. I don't know who the tasty keyboardist is but the drummer seems to be late Shuichi "Ponta" Murakami, a top drummer in Japan.
In a world of Stu Hamms, Billy Sheehans, and John Myungs, Willie Weeks is still the straight fire. Incredible timing, taste, and groove. There’s a reason that he’s a # 1 call for studio and touring. The man doesn’t play bass. He’s a bassist. Big difference.
Excellent comment on the difference between a Bass player and a BASSIST!!! Especially in light of the fact that for years, the bass guitar only had 4 strings!!! It's not about how many strings are on the instrument, it's how and what you do with em!!! And as 🔥 as this solo is, I feel like it is not the best DEMONSTRATION of what it takes to be "CLASSified" as a true BASSIST. Go back to this album and listen to some of the licks this brother put down on "What's Going On" and "Little Ghetto Boy" OMG!!! 💥💥😃😃🔥🔥 TOP SHELF SHIT!!! What's Going On and Little Ghetto Boy d
He is of a similar mindset as Aston Family Man Barret who is the most recorded reggae bassist in history. Undeniable groove and pocket even during a solo.
Super great bassist alright - but what I like most is seeing how much fun and enjoyment he exudes while playing. You can't help but smile when watching him.
Oh wow..when the album came out back in the day we jammed to this guys groove..Willie Weeks..! I never hear any of today's mention his style or this solo...
When my father gave me permission to his collection this was one if the first albums I converted digitally. As good as this version is for sheer force and power listen to the original live version.
Great. As a bass player who sometimes does solos, the rest of the band should support the bassist. So many times if the bass player has a solo only the drummer plays so the bottom drops out. Willie had the support of the band and other musicians should add parts to bassists solo to fill it up.
After watching this although I've listen to it many, many times Mr. Weeks have shown us all the difference between a Bass Player, just 4 strings and a Bassist with 5 strings or more and enough effects to take up the whole stage. and he looks like Master P's bass player Rickey Smiley was talking about in his stand up concert glasses and move are the same lol
