The Illest Bass Break EVER

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  • čas přidán 16. 05. 2022
  • #bass #basshistory #randb #analysis #transcription #paulthompson
    Rediscovering one of the legendary electric bassists, the great Michael Henderson, formerly of Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, the Dramatics, and Miles Davis, and his 1976 hit song with Norman Connors, "You Are My Starship". I'll dig into some facts behind this one-of-a-kind record and pick up the bass to analyze what Marcus Miller calls "the illest bass break ever!"
    Website: www.paulthompson.us
    Instagram @pdbass74
    Twitter @pdbass74
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Komentáře • 1,9K

  • @BBoldGaming
    @BBoldGaming Před rokem +3124

    This is very heartbreaking but I want you all to know that my father loved all of his fans as if they were friends. He has just passed a couple of hours ago I want to thank you deeply for making this video we talked about it all the time.
    I can’t write anything else more right now.
    Thank you all.
    I will be sending the celebration of life info soon
    #MichaelHendersonforever

    • @BBoldGaming
      @BBoldGaming Před rokem +257

      As an added bonus your the only guy that played it correctly that my father has heard.

    • @SKILLSPORTSPREP
      @SKILLSPORTSPREP Před rokem +47

      Condolences

    • @rodericksharp6121
      @rodericksharp6121 Před rokem +28

      Much love and support to you and yours. Your father shared his talents with us. Much appreciated. Stay Gold

    • @TommiBMedia
      @TommiBMedia Před rokem +28

      🙏🌷Rest Peacefully Michael. Thank you for your talent and making great music 🎶 🌺 I'm sorry for your loss. Condolences and prayers to all family, friends and fans. May Michael's music bring comfort, peace and lasting memories

    • @earnestdelainejr.6443
      @earnestdelainejr.6443 Před rokem +23

      So sorry for your loss. We all as a collective family in music lost greatness. May he rest in peace knowing that he left an incredible legacy that will be cherish for generations to come.

  • @hdigitalmedia
    @hdigitalmedia Před rokem +235

    My condolences to Michael's family and friends. I was Michael's personal valet/ roadie, bass player, and road manager in the early 80's. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Michael was a big kid at heart, and had a great sense of humor. He also possessed a wealth of knowledge. He loved to play basketball with the band members, eat Wendy's burgers, and Haagen Das ice cream. In my view, he was one of the most versatile R&B artists of that time. From the funk genre we toured with everyone from Kool and the Gang (Celebration tour), The Gap Band, Cameo, Slave, Roger and Zapp, to name a few. And from the "singer's" genre Ashford and Simpson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Bobby Womack, Luther Vandross, Frankie Beverly and Maze, and Teddy Pendergrass, again to name a few. Michael always did more than hold his own, he got down! Aside from his virtuoso bass playing , producing, and songwriting skills, he had a powerful voice with incredible vocal range as well. Being from the "Old School", when he was feeling it, he'd put the microphone down, bring the band waaay down and fill whatever sized venue we were playing with just pure his vocals (taking his time!). It was not only amazing to see and hear, but also required a ton of talent and confidence. Over the years he shared numerous stories with me about his career, but never boasted. In fact, I didn't learn that he was the bass player on Marvin Gaye's hit You're the Man until long after I was no longer in his band. I could go on....I miss my friend!! (btw there's a post in this thread that mentions the very talented drummer/songwriter, Jerome Jones. Jerry and I were roommates in his 2nd stint with Michael.) Peace

    • @TracyAllenVideos
      @TracyAllenVideos Před 7 měsíci +5

      🙏🏾💝

    • @adeliahenderson4064
      @adeliahenderson4064 Před 7 měsíci +22

      THANK YOU ALL... HE IS GREAT HE IS MY HUSBAND. I WILL LOVE YOU AND THE KIDS REALLY MISS THEIR DAD SO MUCH...BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL

    • @mwash52
      @mwash52 Před 6 měsíci +2

      Thank you

    • @letsgetitthen4507
      @letsgetitthen4507 Před 5 měsíci

      The road manager?? Man you’re 🧢 that’s my unc

    • @kupus6622
      @kupus6622 Před 5 měsíci

      Have you written a book? I think you should you got a great life story. Have a blessed day from UK

  • @alphieguess8218
    @alphieguess8218 Před rokem +279

    And my uncle, Jerome Jones, played drums for him for years! I was blessed to meet Phyllis Hyman, before her death, in Columbia, SC. She was the tallest woman ever but could sing her face off. She sang for me in the airport. I was 11 or 12. I am 55 now. I also met, in Detroit, The Doobie Brothers and I spoke to Michael Mcdonald when his hair was black! I miss those days of real music.

    • @akeemmuhammed3534
      @akeemmuhammed3534 Před rokem +6

      Salaam long live the spirit of Micheal Henderson, The jam sessions, right across the street from Kettering High school, in Detorit. May the family be Blessed and strong in the time of his passing 🙏. We all need each other.

    • @nevariden
      @nevariden Před rokem +5

      I know the feeling brother. My dad is a drummer also… he played with Grover Washington Jr. I remember comings home as a baby and Flip Wilson bouncing me on his knee after a show. In the early 70’s. I’m 52yrs old. It’s a different life growing up around entertainment

    • @jagspinuzza2137
      @jagspinuzza2137 Před rokem +5

      Phyllis Hyman was great. I especially loved the lyrics line, "Loving you wasn't worth the pain of losing you" She sang it with feeling!

    • @sociologynut8033
      @sociologynut8033 Před rokem +5

      I saw her at Masonic. She wasn't just tall, she was thick! And gorgeous!

    • @marshascott6107
      @marshascott6107 Před rokem +4

      She was tall and beautiful

  • @brianharder7714
    @brianharder7714 Před rokem +467

    Perhaps I'm biased having been born in '61 but the 70's produced the best music of my lifetime, hands down. From this kind of funk, R and B and jazz to even some of the disco that ended the decade. All of it will live on forever.

    • @childcustodychamps
      @childcustodychamps Před rokem +30

      You're not biased it's the truth hands down and particularly so for Black music and musicians.

    • @AvalexLLC
      @AvalexLLC Před rokem +25

      No doubt about it. The soul and creativity have not been matched since.
      Music was our way of life back then, and we all played something. Live music at parties every weekend! Growing up in Detroit Music scene back then was amazing...and the new dance moves that were emerging from that Music were just as cool. There was never more diversity of really cool new hot sounds and beats and moves from the 60's to mid 80's. Rock, R&B, Funk, motown, fusion jazz....
      Today's music is shallow and all sounds the same in comparison.

    • @UnwashedPearl
      @UnwashedPearl Před rokem +8

      Yeah, you're biased.

    • @jmad627
      @jmad627 Před rokem +12

      I was born in 61 also and I agree with you 100%.
      You’re not biased, btw.

    • @dreadpirate8697
      @dreadpirate8697 Před rokem +10

      Definitely not biased! #truth i also was thinking about the influence over rap/hip hop the music you mentioned has had and still has.

  • @wornelljones7207
    @wornelljones7207 Před 2 lety +520

    Met him while touring with Eddie Kendricks in the 70’s. He invited me to his house to eat. We never talked about music, but he was the nicest guys you ever want to meet. He’s a bad man on bass. Everyone should go back a listen to his work. Check out Miles Davis’s A Tribute to Jack Johnson

    • @edwhite7475
      @edwhite7475 Před 2 lety +11

      That Jack Johnson album is phenomenal..this video did not impress me, but i found the 'double stops' technique interesting...and if i remember correctly, he plays them quite a bit on there.

    • @jacobdavis5518
      @jacobdavis5518 Před 2 lety +1

      👍

    • @tanyacowell4172
      @tanyacowell4172 Před rokem +1

      😜

    • @heavyweight867
      @heavyweight867 Před rokem +13

      Funny you mentioned Eddie Kendricks... I visited Eddie's brother yesterday.✊🏾

    • @lalaniathielen8917
      @lalaniathielen8917 Před rokem +3

      @@heavyweight867 that's impressive... Text me about your visit please.. I'm very interested

  • @BBoldGaming
    @BBoldGaming Před 2 lety +1337

    You should see him freestyle the bass my dad is a legend thank you for putting this work together! Thank you.
    Random fact about my dad .. his biggest hit you are my starship was inspired from an actual ufo situation.

    • @chrispipkins5904
      @chrispipkins5904 Před 2 lety +17

      Let Your Dad Know.
      " I'll Be Understanding"
      Is My Favorite.
      Saxophonist CP

    • @CRUSHFACTORPC
      @CRUSHFACTORPC Před 2 lety +8

      Ask your Dad if he knew a Mike Turner!!

    • @kmack2891
      @kmack2891 Před 2 lety +29

      Your dad was a major influence on me in the seventies.
      Sound and total vibe was incredible

    • @BBoldGaming
      @BBoldGaming Před 2 lety +15

      @@chrispipkins5904 100 percent I will

    • @BBoldGaming
      @BBoldGaming Před 2 lety +14

      @@CRUSHFACTORPC that sounds very familiar I’ll ask!

  • @Wiggy74
    @Wiggy74 Před rokem +50

    My father played that “Wide Receiver” album HEAVY while we were stationed on Okinawa in the early 80’s…..every song on it is AMAZING!!!! 🙏🏾❤️

    • @adamsilva9611
      @adamsilva9611 Před rokem +2

      That must have been dope. My dad was in Nagasaki and the Goto Retto in the 50s. I always thought Okinawa would be cool because of the mix of Japanese islander and American. Peace.

    • @carolanestanley4030
      @carolanestanley4030 Před 4 měsíci +1

      ❤🙏

  • @written12
    @written12 Před rokem +56

    Henderson is one of the few guys whose move from jazz to more popular music cannot be described as a musical come-down.

    • @dislikesquare8749
      @dislikesquare8749 Před rokem +3

      A very astute observation, spot on. Michael Henderson was as diverse as they come, doing it all with quality and class. He had no equals.

  • @kjwilkguitar
    @kjwilkguitar Před 2 lety +184

    He was also a killer on fretless bass. A lot of his hits were played on a fretless. A true underrated bass monster.

    • @Odawg96
      @Odawg96 Před 2 lety +11

      I’m glad someone else noticed that as well. I posted a few days ago about Michael Henderson being the first person I heard using fretless electric in an R&B setting. “I’ll Be Understanding” from GOING PLACES was the first one to leap out at me. The next was a song written by another bassist with Detroit connection who also used fretless bass in R&B around the same time: Lamont Johnson. The song in question would be “Yours Truly, Indiscreetly” from IN THE NIGHTTIME.

    • @elove2.038
      @elove2.038 Před 2 lety +2

      What's a fretless bass?

    • @Odawg96
      @Odawg96 Před 2 lety +13

      @@elove2.038 Exactly what the name implies: an electric bass guitar with the frets removed giving the instrument a tonality similar (but not the same) as an upright bass. You tend to hear them in jazz or jazz fusion (like Jaco Pastorious’s work with Weather Report). It allows the bass player to glide smoothly from one note to the next. Michael Henderson, again, was one of the first people I can think of to use fretless bass in the context of R&B. Check out his songs “I’ll Be Understanding” and “Yours Truly, Indiscreetly.” We also mentioned Lamont Johnson, who co-wrote “Indiscreetly”…who was a beast on fretless bass as well. His group was called BRAINSTORM (also outta Detroit), and his fretless work features prominently on “This Must Be Heaven.” Still another example is “ Heavy Love Affair” by Marvin Gaye featuring Frank Blair on fretless bass.

    • @theyoungupstarts1243
      @theyoungupstarts1243 Před rokem +4

      @@elove2.038
      Fretless: no metal frets on the neck of the instrument, like a violin or standup bass.
      Allows really cool slides and super-semi tones for nuance.
      Requires skill to know where the notes are,

  • @bassocanario
    @bassocanario Před 2 lety +29

    As soon as you said, " Michael Henderson", I clicked the "like" icon!😉

  • @written12
    @written12 Před rokem +48

    I’m not even a bassist or a professional musician, but these videos are so enlightening. They really enhance my listening.
    You are my Starship is such a beautiful song. I believe Jean Carns did a version of it.

    • @magnificentmuttley154
      @magnificentmuttley154 Před rokem +1

      If more people who put half the effort into guitar lessons once a week that they do "Guitar Hero," we'd have 100s of 1,000s of people actually becoming musically fulfilled; enriching the lives of those around them instead of just wishing & pretending to be musicians 🎼🎶💜💜
      What so many advanced players like Charles Bertroud, Victor/ Davey123, & PDbass overlook is that to attract beginnings into bass playing, youve got to start with BEGINNING bass playing. Its essential that those taking interest in electric bass (or guitar) for the 1st time are shown that one need not have highly advanced skills & intricate chord knowledge to enjoy & to play well.
      When we the experienced put too much emphasis on advanced tempos & complexities, it discourages new guitarists/ bassists & drives them off before theyve had just enough time to reach the stage where they realize their hard work is really paying off. Thats critical for any new musician, no matter the instrument, really

  • @WandaCrisp
    @WandaCrisp Před rokem +39

    My condolences to his family. Much love and respect, for one of the greatest to ever play bass!

  • @spank2424
    @spank2424 Před 2 lety +33

    I saw him in concert doing this song I was in the Front row...very underrated bass player...he open up For Larry Graham that night!

  • @xeropunt5749
    @xeropunt5749 Před 2 lety +18

    Didn’t know about the speed/pitch up…thank you for the revelations👍 The bass is so soothing & therapeutic even.

  • @Prototheria
    @Prototheria Před 10 měsíci +7

    I'm 45 and have been a metal head all my life and thanks to this video being randomly put in my suggestions, I've now discovered Michael Henderson and am LOVING Time. It's transcendent. Thank you.

  • @josephzummo9685
    @josephzummo9685 Před 2 lety +39

    The things he's did with Miles were mind-blowing. Miles liked to get the most of his band and he definitely did!

  • @WorldSystemsMedia
    @WorldSystemsMedia Před 2 lety +20

    The most underrated bass player of all time. Listen to any live recording with Miles. Everything Henderson played was soo in the pocket. His sound was huge.

    • @ScottWalker-uw3rp
      @ScottWalker-uw3rp Před 2 lety +3

      No doubt. His bass lines throughout Dark Magus, Pangaea, and Agharta are insane. So good.

    • @Nanbebe7
      @Nanbebe7 Před rokem +2

      His music is true Time travel takes you back to a specific time and place

  • @ronniemac5081
    @ronniemac5081 Před rokem +3

    R.I.P. To the most Influential Jazz Fusion Bassist And R&B Singer Michael Henderson Dead At 71 2022. Thank you for Highlighting him.I learned a lot.

  • @truthseeker6541
    @truthseeker6541 Před rokem +4

    The first time I heard Starship was in a nightclub, Belize city 1976. It has stayed with me and is still my companion, thank you Michael Henderson. I pray your journey back to the stars whence you came was a peaceful one.

  • @samferguson9171
    @samferguson9171 Před 2 lety +59

    Absolute monster bass player. I know him mostly from his work with Miles -------- my god. I first heard him on Tribute to Jack Johnson (his hookup with Cobham on "Right Off" is insane; talk about a SHUFFLE) and was most blown away by his playing on Live Evil and The Cellar Door Sessions. Just his line on "What I Say" alone certifies his bass-immortality. Also "Maiysha" from Agharta. Words fail before the funk.

    • @jmsbres
      @jmsbres Před rokem +2

      WORDS FAIL BEFORE THE FUNK

    • @GetUpTheMountains
      @GetUpTheMountains Před rokem

      What I Say made me go out and find out who that cat was back when I first heard it.

  • @mscocopiyal3112
    @mscocopiyal3112 Před 2 lety +49

    It really breaks my heart that true talented people like these don't get the recognition they deserve. Especially in our times when we have all these talentless people who can only sing in a studio making millions and not a talent on them. Smh

    • @my2cents361
      @my2cents361 Před 2 lety +4

      I so agree! They loop music from popular and even obscure tracks, drop senseless lyrics on top and have a hit record.
      Now there's a whole generation & a half of youngsters who believe these "artists" are talented. Unbelievable!
      Radio seldom, if ever, plays the original tracks so these young people can be educated. Just sad👎🏾

    • @222taxation8
      @222taxation8 Před 2 lety

      It’s cause of the people that run music that know nothing about music sad people should stop giving the big records and credit tbh all they do is hoe out the artist from present past and future let them have the shitty vessels who cares. Plus that’s how you know he did it for the music and not some clout thing whatever that means

    • @yadig.
      @yadig. Před 2 lety

      @@my2cents361 Sheep to slaughter

    • @Denture62
      @Denture62 Před rokem +1

      Or sing on tv for ratings……

    • @SuperSupaflytnt
      @SuperSupaflytnt Před rokem

      Music was better when ugly people made it

  • @alkh3myst
    @alkh3myst Před rokem +12

    His work with Miles and Norman Connors immortalized him with people who understand theory. His production work with The Dramatics alone should have immortalized him with everybody who loves music. He came to my HBCU, Southern University-Baton Rouge in 1977, and electrified the place. Now he, Miles and The Dramatics are all at that Great Session in the Sky. Only Norman Connors is left. RIP, Michael.

  • @pmjphotography5256
    @pmjphotography5256 Před rokem +16

    Incredible. Been following base-players since James Jamerson (Motown). So sorry to hear of his passing. Micheal, Norman Conners and Jean Carne help sooth my anxiety when I attended college in the mid 70's. His music and style will live on through all of us who loved him.

  • @ZAaron-wq5jd
    @ZAaron-wq5jd Před 2 lety +14

    Michael Henderson has been one of my favorite artists EVER of any genre, since I can remember listening to music. My step-dad used to play his tunes on the record player most mornings before heading to work. His voice itself was an instrument as well, let alone his bass playing abilities. An unsung and hidden gem for sure.

  • @myklallen7184
    @myklallen7184 Před 2 lety +11

    I absolutely love his bass playing on "Never Explain Love" featuring Al Jarreau on the "Do The Right Thing" Soundtrack

  • @vincentsweargen8436
    @vincentsweargen8436 Před rokem +30

    I'm a "recreational" bassist. Playing bass is cathartic for me. I love learning new things about great bassists. This one was great. Thank you for the lesson. 🎸

  • @ronanderson8490
    @ronanderson8490 Před rokem +2

    I clicked on this video not knowing the poster would be talking about one of my all-time favorite songs. Awesome!

  • @marcgreene6343
    @marcgreene6343 Před 2 lety +20

    Listening to Michael with Miles taught me how to hold it down an groove with just two notes. One of the best!

    • @blackopsfan03
      @blackopsfan03 Před 2 lety +2

      What albums/songs do you recommend that they’ve collaborated on? I love Miles and just now discovered Michael.

    • @Benjiroyoface
      @Benjiroyoface Před 2 lety +5

      @@blackopsfan03 On The Corner and the live albums of around that time.

    • @GOGOLH
      @GOGOLH Před 2 lety +3

      @@blackopsfan03 Live/Evil, Jack Johnson, On the Corner, Get Up With It and last but by no means least, Agharta. There's a lot of great stuff on CZcams, of course.

    • @marcgreene6343
      @marcgreene6343 Před 2 lety +3

      @@blackopsfan03 ​ @Gordon Hastie and @benj both answered nicely.

  • @ronrobins3513
    @ronrobins3513 Před 2 lety +15

    Mind blowing...I’ve loved that song since I was a child growing up in North Nashville
    I heard this song all the time on WVOL THE MIGHTY 147 😂😎. I never really knew how harmonically rich it was.
    BUT I always FELT it.
    Thanks you’re doing GOD’S WORK

  • @semperfidelis1550
    @semperfidelis1550 Před rokem +113

    Micheal Henderson…One of the most underrated and under appreciated musicians ever!..🔥🔥🔥

  • @nepatsken88
    @nepatsken88 Před rokem +39

    It’s about time someone gave Michael Henderson his just due. He is an amazing bass player. Just listen to the instrumental “Solid” this is his standout on bass with his solo work. You covered some of the best R&B bass players Leon Sylvers, Paul Denman & Henderson. It’s time to do something on Mark Adams from Slave. Probably one best bass players ever.

    • @MsTexas73
      @MsTexas73 Před 5 měsíci

      Agree. Mark Adams…and I’m adding Jermaine Jackson to the list. He is really underrated.

  • @stevemack4643
    @stevemack4643 Před rokem +18

    I was fortunate to see him with Miles, along with basically the band that's on On the Corner. He and Al Foster created the funkiest shit I've ever witnessed that night. Straight up blew my mind.

    • @rutherfordBHAZED
      @rutherfordBHAZED Před rokem +1

      I think Billy Hart is also drumming on that album too

  • @latonyahemingway3752
    @latonyahemingway3752 Před 2 lety +15

    Your content is incredible !! Longer and more please!!👍🏾🎶🎵❣️

  • @shlmel
    @shlmel Před rokem +3

    I'm 60 years old & yes, absolutely is one of my go-to songs for chillin out because that bass virtuoso is the main reason why.

  • @garytucker3563
    @garytucker3563 Před 2 lety +14

    Bro, you blew my mind with the fact that he SANG THIS. I thought for YEARS that Norman Connors did!

    • @kennethjackson1771
      @kennethjackson1771 Před rokem +1

      Me too

    • @jlv3x
      @jlv3x Před rokem +1

      I actually bought a Michael Henderson greatest hits CD years ago just to get "You Are My Starship". I always thought it was a Michael Henderson song, I didn't know it was released as a Norman Conners song.

    • @adeliahenderson4064
      @adeliahenderson4064 Před rokem +6

      Michael was the great singer...Starship, his songs with Phyllis, Norman and Jeane Carne.....We will ADORE AND LOVE HIM ALWAYS AND FOREVER!

    • @MrWillyCC
      @MrWillyCC Před rokem +1

      Me too!!!

  • @darrylperry706
    @darrylperry706 Před 2 lety +14

    Wow, you are right on the money with this one. Recently, me and my Bass playing buddies here in Detroit, have been analyzing and really breaking down Mikes otherworldly Bass lines! Michael Henderson is definitely one of The Greatest to ever play the Bass! Thanks for presenting this👍🏾

  • @MichaelHendersonmusic
    @MichaelHendersonmusic Před 2 lety +599

    ✌😎✌

  • @N.o.b.S.
    @N.o.b.S. Před rokem +9

    Man thank you for introducing me in the music of this superb genius bassplayer. I am just reading that he passed away. This is very sad. But his music will always live!

  • @oldskoolmusicforever0724

    AS A FELLOW MEMBER OF THE AARP CROWD AND SET,LET ME JUST GIVE MICHAEL HENDERSON AN OLD SKOOL SHOUT OUT FROM ME TO HIM.AS OF 6-13-22,MICHAEL IS STILL ALIVE AND TOURING AT AGE 70 NOW.YOU GO MICHAEL.👋👋👋👋

  • @Below-Average_Joe
    @Below-Average_Joe Před 2 lety +111

    Leon Sylvers III, Robert Wilson, Robin Duhe, now Michael Henderson, I suggest you check out Lamont Johnson and Fernando Saunders next. You are a bass apostle! Thanks for this feature on Michael Henderson, I have admired him since Solid came out in 1976.

    • @michaelgottlieb9083
      @michaelgottlieb9083 Před 2 lety +16

      And.... Let's not forget Mark Adams from Slave. That dude was so funky.

    • @Below-Average_Joe
      @Below-Average_Joe Před 2 lety +1

      @@michaelgottlieb9083 for real!

    • @Below-Average_Joe
      @Below-Average_Joe Před 2 lety +6

      @@michaelgottlieb9083 Nathaniel Phillips, from Pleasure (Glide), deserves a video too.

    • @bassistdc
      @bassistdc Před 2 lety +5

      Lamont and Fernando are 2 more influences of mine.

    • @bmuhamad
      @bmuhamad Před 2 lety +3

      I went to a concert in 1980, at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. I think. GQ, The Fatback Band were two of the bands that performed, that day. " I Like Girl's" ,Disco Nights", & "I Do Love You", & "Do The Spanish Hustle", were four of the "hot songs" of the day. Thanks. Peace.

  • @jamesvghn
    @jamesvghn Před 2 lety +17

    You're a legend for making these. Don't have another bass channel that churns out these concise detail rich nuggets of bass history! As someone relatively new and who plays casually these vids have helped me immensely!

  • @mariahlikethewind
    @mariahlikethewind Před rokem +11

    I am so glad you are talking about this great musician. His songs and music helped me through my college years in many ways. My all time favorite songs are "Be My Girl and You Are My Starship!!! Those 2 songs alone!!! 😀👏👏

  • @darlenefarmer5921
    @darlenefarmer5921 Před rokem +1

    Like some of the folks below, my most impressionable time growing up was in the 60s, 70s and 80s. I am truly blessed to have lived during the time of STRAIGHT UP WONDERFUL and TALENTED music artisans. Most were not only gifted with instrumental talent but also vocal talent...i.e. Motown, the Philly sounds, the Isley Brothers, the Ohio Players, Chicago, The Eagles, Average White Band, Bloodstone, Harold Melvin/Blue Notes, the Dramatics, Enchantment, Curtis Mayfield, etc. Michael Henderson was up there with THE VERY BEST! What a talent! Thank you for posting/sharing this with others! Michael Henderson, THANK YOU for such timeless, classical, soulful R&B music. REST IN MUSIC HEAVEN!

  • @damerochelle4014
    @damerochelle4014 Před 2 lety +8

    I love Michael Henderson's At the Concert and In the Night Time - But I'm blown away with Starship with the underlying bass movements, Fascinating!

  • @bustabass9025
    @bustabass9025 Před 2 lety +16

    ...and here all this time I thought Norman Connors was the vocalist on this song. I bought the album back in 76, and still have it. Haven't played it in decades. Gonna dig it out and rediscover it. Thanks for the spotlight on a bass player I really didn't know very much of anything about.
    Incidentally, if you're running out of bassist to introduce (or reintroduce, as the case might be) Philadelphia session bass player James, or "Jimmy" Williams would be an excellent choice. He held down "The Sound of Philadelphia" for Teddy Pendergrass, et.al.
    His bass lines in Love TKO are a "knockout" (pun intended) in and of themselves. Give it a close listen. No knuckle bustin' solos peppered with thumbnail splitting slaps and pops. Just soft smooth outlining statements, that could easily be solos, equally stunning as T.P.'S unforgettable voice was.

    • @doozerace
      @doozerace Před 2 lety +3

      TKO’s baseline is like a pairing of a Padron 1926 with a Balvenie…..amazing…

    • @bustabass9025
      @bustabass9025 Před 2 lety +4

      @@doozerace
      Ahhh yes...He was to the Philadelphia International sound, what Jamerson was to The Motown Sound, and Duck Dunn was to The Memphis Sound. Each forever defined by the indelible basslines, forever etched in our memories of the Golden Age of Sweet Soul Music.
      Cheers! 🥃

    • @cappriment
      @cappriment Před rokem

      I also have thought the same thing all these years!

  • @uktumbleweed
    @uktumbleweed Před rokem +4

    Huge fan of Michael Henderson. Amazing that I found his lps in Britain without any sawcuts or punch holes. He was a fantastic singer too. My favourite songs include "In the Night Time" "Take Me I'm Yours" and "Valentine Love". Such an underrated artist/bassist/singer.

  • @rogerowens7888
    @rogerowens7888 Před rokem +8

    Yes yes… I absolutely LOVE this song, I can’t believe this baseline hasn’t been more talked about Even on the Norman corners UNSUNG

  • @guitartec
    @guitartec Před 2 lety +4

    I Like it when homage is paid to someone who brings a unique clarity on an instrument. Henderson was a monster player who deserves extra recognition.

  • @curtislawrence7096
    @curtislawrence7096 Před 2 lety +17

    This is so great. My friends used to argue it was dissonance, but I argued it was advanced theory. He does a killer 16th note run in that tune that absolutely kills. Thanks for your hard work uncovering this stuff 👍

    • @denrico777
      @denrico777 Před rokem +3

      I mean...it can be both.

    • @vernonbrooks6890
      @vernonbrooks6890 Před rokem +1

      I'm surprised that 16th note run wasn't mentioned in this analysis. Still much respect for this! 🎸

    • @estebanb7166
      @estebanb7166 Před rokem

      Why does it have to be one or the other?

    • @oqsy
      @oqsy Před rokem

      Some people think anything besides octaves and fifths is dissonance. It’s all in the ears and mind of the listener. Roots(octaves) and fifths alone are like black and white, throw in the other intervals and you get color.

  • @ShowsOn
    @ShowsOn Před rokem +6

    Rest In Peace Mr Henderson. Thank you for this tribute to him.

  • @maduromoon1
    @maduromoon1 Před rokem +54

    Michael Henderson is an underrated bass player. This was a well explained video to us that are not musicians. I still think the best funk bassist of all time was Mark Adams of Slave.

  • @amsedelm
    @amsedelm Před 2 lety +8

    I never knew Mike sang. OMG. He's one of my fav bassists. Starship is one for the ages. Thank you for this video. 8)))

  • @osodelcity
    @osodelcity Před 2 lety +6

    The bass lines and woodwind solo are just great!!

  • @taurus3973
    @taurus3973 Před rokem +16

    Great tribute to a great musician. My only quibble is that you didn’t mention his greatest pop/r&b song: “Take Me I’m Yours!”

    • @samu-eljackson4211
      @samu-eljackson4211 Před rokem +3

      One of the all-time great duos. "In the Summertime" is my fav. "Let me love you", and "what I'm feeling" were great also.

    • @DannyWilliams-ch6xq
      @DannyWilliams-ch6xq Před 5 měsíci +1

      I'm about to go listen to that duet. Thx. For reminding me.

  • @1masterfader
    @1masterfader Před rokem +3

    I've worked with Sly Stone in the studio and he said that You have 5 keys you can get to when you speed up or slow down tape. The original key a half to a whole step up and a half to a whole step down. So It is four keys from the original. I've learned so much from working with my cousin. He is a true genius.

  • @19mo58
    @19mo58 Před 2 lety +6

    Thank you for your amazingness! You're bringing some much-needed conversations on my favorite bassists. I'm a bassist from Detroit. I grew up listening to Michael Henderson. His work with Miles, Norman Conners, and The Dramatics. Where a significant influence on how I approach bass and my songwriting. One🌈Love✌🖖

  • @Piquarius
    @Piquarius Před 2 lety +8

    Very strange that I was just playing the best of Norman Connor and Friends on vinyl days ago and this shows up on my timeline. A timeless masterpiece.

  • @Mr1brum1
    @Mr1brum1 Před rokem +4

    I have always had big respect for Mr. Henderson's Bass skills. His Bass lines on "In the Night Time" are extremely tight.

  • @Videosoftina
    @Videosoftina Před rokem +4

    Bless you for recognizing and sharing the genius of beloved Michael Henderson. Thank you for breaking down the technique that was applied to this beautiful composition. Mr Henderson’s comfortable relationship with and knowledge of the bass is what we aspire to experience firsthand each time we pick up a instrument.

  • @tyronewilliams8344
    @tyronewilliams8344 Před 2 lety +7

    I've always appreciated Michael Henderson's music and this bass breakdown of "You Are My Starship" is mind blowing! I agree that he MUST HAVE written it on bass! The double stops he plays create the mood and feeling of the song. Michael KNEW what he was doing.

  • @teelurizzo8542
    @teelurizzo8542 Před 2 lety +45

    Saxophonist Dave Liebman has stated that Michael Henderson was the guy responsible for the groove oriented change in Miles Davis's band sound, even though Miles had used other dudes paying electric in his band before (Dave Holland, Harvey Brooks); ...It was really Mike's entrance into the band that put the Funk in there, the bass being the link between the drummer and everyone else in the band, it made the fundamental reorientation in Miles' sound. That reorientation towards the funk and groove is what made 'On The Corner' possible and is what also laid the ground towards Miles' 16th note based, Funk sound of the 1980s and 1990s.

    • @stevemack4643
      @stevemack4643 Před rokem +1

      I saw the On the Corner band in Boston. Henderson on bass, Al Foster on drums. Futuristic funk. Probably the most mind blowing live show I've ever attended.

    • @teelurizzo8542
      @teelurizzo8542 Před rokem

      @@stevemack4643 That must've been a one of a kind experienced. Lucky U.

    • @GetUpTheMountains
      @GetUpTheMountains Před rokem

      @@stevemack4643 Hot damn. What venue?

    • @jonathanwobesky9507
      @jonathanwobesky9507 Před rokem +1

      @@GetUpTheMountains for me that was Paul's Mall, in 71 and 73, yellow jumpsuit, red jumpsuit.. But with Pete Cosey & Regie Lucas it was way after On The Corner (which I played all day when I got it from the library...that wah wah bass line...Mtume dripping under lights and Henderson in back, totally still, were the key (Miles organ dissonances at painful volume) my dad got me in underage with permission from Fred Taylor himself (who Miles loved)

    • @GetUpTheMountains
      @GetUpTheMountains Před rokem

      @@jonathanwobesky9507 Thats amazing. What memories! My friends and I discovered these records in one of our dad's collections years after this era was over. I was born the year that venue closed.

  • @RobertTalbert
    @RobertTalbert Před rokem +7

    Really appreciate vids like this that show there's more to being a great bass player than insane slap/pop/tap technique.

  • @smoothmisticmike7040
    @smoothmisticmike7040 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Man…After he says “baby yeah” that little riff he does on bass cemented him as a funk legend on bass…pure genius…

  • @jerryjazzbo2845
    @jerryjazzbo2845 Před 2 lety +12

    MH is already a legend for his work with Miles. He's also an incredible solo artist. I still have my copy of Solid.

  • @qorroedr
    @qorroedr Před rokem +15

    RIP to one of the smoothest but quirky (suprising note combos!) Jazz/ R&B "Bottom men" in music...😔 Had both Stevie AND Miles in his musical DNA! 😍🎼🎵🎶🙏

  • @noprocrastination
    @noprocrastination Před rokem +4

    There's no End to Michael Henderson's Versatility, He literally did just about everything in the R&B World a Bass Player could ever Imaging doing.

  • @empowerimpact6324
    @empowerimpact6324 Před rokem +1

    The great & unforgettable Michael Henderson the Producer of my ALL TIME favorite slow cut "Be My Girl" by The Dramatic
    We say Farewell to another musical genius as he lives on in his work .... now let me go listen to "Be My Girl" again

  • @bassistdc
    @bassistdc Před 2 lety +7

    MH is awesome! I've seen him live in Chicago several times. I tried learning Starship back in the day. I now know why I didn't quite have his sound. Thanks.

  • @Zeesboy
    @Zeesboy Před 2 lety +27

    Check out the bass line of “In The Night Time”. Clever syncopation.

    • @ZAaron-wq5jd
      @ZAaron-wq5jd Před 2 lety +5

      One of my favorite Henderson tunes!

  • @Dr77Funkenstein
    @Dr77Funkenstein Před 2 lety +6

    I discovered him listening to the miles era. He is phenomenal one of the best ever.
    Very under rated

  • @thevillainchillin1850
    @thevillainchillin1850 Před rokem +3

    Man, this is my favorite series on the internet! Every episode is BOMB! Thanks!

  • @mishterpreshident
    @mishterpreshident Před 2 lety +20

    One of the things I've learned since taking bass seriously is that some of the most astonishing or difficult lines can be entirely overlooked by the majority of listeners, even other bass players. This is the kind of line that one could appreciate without ever realizing the level of difficulty / creativity required to pull it off. It's far more obvious when a drummer or guitarist does such a thing, but can be extremely subtle when done on the bass.

  • @damerochelle4014
    @damerochelle4014 Před 2 lety +4

    Wow! Who knew?!! I did not realize that Michael Henderson was a consummate bassist as well as singer! Thank you for doing an examination of the You Are My Starship track and the "double stop" technique --- fascinating, thank you!!

  • @rosiefisher9904
    @rosiefisher9904 Před rokem +2

    So very sorry for the loss of your Dad, Michael Henderson. He was a musical genius, and one of the best bass players ever. Love and healing light 🥀❤️‍🩹😞✨

  • @dislikesquare8749
    @dislikesquare8749 Před rokem +15

    With Miles Davis, Michael Henderson had the uncanny ability to play a simple phrase over and over for long periods, with each repetition sounding as though you were hearing it for the first time.

  • @yinkadavies8403
    @yinkadavies8403 Před 2 lety +10

    I love your intro sir, straight to the point.....then he speaks 😇
    Simply divine
    Oh and thank you so much for the bass lessons
    So clean and easy to follow
    Now to get me a bass to learn with

  • @Brian-sh2gi
    @Brian-sh2gi Před rokem +3

    Thank you, Sir. Thank you. There aren't enough thank yous because this song is perhaps one of the most underrated masterpieces in human history. Simply incredible. So glad you did this review.

  • @TydisAnthony
    @TydisAnthony Před rokem +2

    DAMN DAMN DAMN!!! Finally! Music theory and the history of my favorite bassist and vocalist! FANTASTIC!!!

  • @chriskimbell5884
    @chriskimbell5884 Před rokem +4

    I collect and dj old hip hop, funk, and soul records and I found "Solid" a few years ago. So funky, great record. Thanks for the video, I really didn't know much about him and his career. Thank you for the education.

  • @ebertmahon8939
    @ebertmahon8939 Před 2 lety +3

    Thank you for this great reminder of Michael Henderson's greatness. I brought those great solo albums of his and like someone else said, he is SO underrated for his great work. The tension he generates with that ill run always rings in my ring when I think of this song.

  • @DaddyKoolPop
    @DaddyKoolPop Před rokem +6

    His bassline on "Be My Girl" is my favorite by him. it is so Soulful and Sensual.

    • @nimico33
      @nimico33 Před rokem +2

      Be my girl by Bloodstone? 🤔

    • @DaddyKoolPop
      @DaddyKoolPop Před rokem

      @@nimico33 Check "Be My Girl" by Micheal Henderson. I am certain he played on The Dramatics' version of the same song (it is actually his song), and it is a beautifully produced rendering by The Dramatics (classic Dramatics vocal arrangement - great song!!). But the bass-heavy "slow drag" groove laid down on Michael's version, at least back in my day, would likely get you and ya sweetheart moving furniture around in the dark. lol czcams.com/video/tPp4oje6Dcs/video.html

  • @trakeya51
    @trakeya51 Před rokem +2

    My daddy dedicated this song to my mom back in the day, so it's a favorite. Didn't realize how badass it is, thanks for the breakdown. Thank you Michael Henderson for this magic

  • @DarrylSellers
    @DarrylSellers Před 3 měsíci +1

    A great episode! You and Michael Henderson have inspired me to tackle 3rds and sevenths! Incredible! 😊👏🏾🎸💯 Rest in Heaven Michael. 🙏🏾

  • @kevinterrell9668
    @kevinterrell9668 Před 2 lety +4

    Once again!!! U nailed it!!!! Michael Henderson, was, and is still very underated, Lucky that I downloaded him and Norman Connors on one of many mp3 🍎🍏 players, thank you for turning bass enthusiast on to him, outstanding Job

  • @Akira-5
    @Akira-5 Před rokem +2

    He was fantastic with Miles Davis, he was so young too!! I still LOVE On The Corner. What an amazing opportunity for such a young man at the time, great stuff.

  • @rozchristopherson648
    @rozchristopherson648 Před rokem

    I'm 61. Class of 1979. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

  • @fissionchips223
    @fissionchips223 Před 2 lety +4

    Great video! Thanks for putting this together, Michael Henderson is so good in how he approaches and plays the bass. I feel he was responsible for so much of what I love about Miles Davis' electric period, I was never interested in bass lines or anything like that until I heard Michael's work. The way he would insert little melodic improvisations was so clearly off-the-cuff and yet so catchy and so HEAVY. He really takes this instrument into new realms. I appreciate your giving his virtuosity some quality attention!

  • @wereleeroads9311
    @wereleeroads9311 Před 2 lety +3

    So glad to see some attention brought to the amazing Michael Henderson. Great job with the content here.

  • @JoelMBarr-hh7vs
    @JoelMBarr-hh7vs Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks for the tip - I adore 70's soul & funk - I knew the name from Miles Davis - I had no idea that song was sped up.

  • @genewhite6367
    @genewhite6367 Před rokem +2

    You Are My Starship is one of my favorite songs of all time.

  • @roiijamez33
    @roiijamez33 Před 2 lety +5

    Been a fan for years - favorite LP "In The Nighttime" He also had a duet with Roberta Flack "At The Concert". Had the pleasure of meeting him at LAX back in the day. Check out "Whisper In My Ear".

  • @lxxwj
    @lxxwj Před 2 lety +4

    glad you covered this, that song was sampled in mobb deep's trife life (which is one of my favorite mobb deep songs) and it turns out the original song is just as dope!!

  • @stormchild71
    @stormchild71 Před 5 měsíci +2

    I love Wide receiver I grew up in England and did not really even know what the main lyric meant but it was still a song I played over and over again. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

  • @crownedgorrilla
    @crownedgorrilla Před rokem +1

    With out naming him in the title I'm so glad and respect, happy to watched this..

  • @NHILLproductions
    @NHILLproductions Před 2 lety +4

    OMG!!! I didnt know Michael Henderson sang “You Are My Starship”! That’s one of my FAVORITE songs. Thanks man. I just started playing the bass. I’ve subbed to your channel. Looking forward to more education.

  • @the-andre
    @the-andre Před rokem +4

    The “other” Michael. So underrated. All comments seem to be about his bass playing. Yes, the man was consummate. But that voice, especially on the slow jams.! His singing,incredible. Sounds like I’m gushing, (I’m not but I guess I am) Just listen to “Let Me Love You” and “Wait Until The Rain” ~ Damn.

    • @pmjphotography5256
      @pmjphotography5256 Před rokem

      I whole heartedly agree. Also, check out his duet 'At the Concert' with Roberta Flack.

  • @auberjean6873
    @auberjean6873 Před rokem +1

    pdbass I'm so excited to learn this! Thank you for making a video about and explaining a bass legend. I don't know much about music, just like what I like in every genre. Your examples help me appreciate Mr. Henderson's talent even more! I've always believed that a bass is the heartbeat of a song. What a multi-talented individual. Great video!

  • @eoleol4750
    @eoleol4750 Před rokem

    Thank you for doing this. I'm trying to make my thoughts as clear as possible. So many of our musicians have inspired us to do other work (I'm not an musician) and strangely their music have marked a moment, an instance of being that we will never forget. Again continue the work.

  • @MusicLoverPearson
    @MusicLoverPearson Před rokem +6

    R.I.P Michael Henderson you will be truly missed by your family and your peers inside and outside of the music industry.Your music will forever live in on.
    Thank you for sharing your special talents for the world to hear.

  • @phillipwattsjr.4714
    @phillipwattsjr.4714 Před 2 lety +6

    Henderson also said that the "Starship" bassline was originally intended for a Miles Davis composition, but Miles said no.