AWB's Funkiest Bass Line (With Only THREE Notes)

#bass #averagewhiteband #groove #analysis #paulthompson
Let's breakdown Hamish Stuart's stanky bass line from 1975's "School Boy Crush" and analyze what makes this SIMPLE groove so FUNKY. I'll also talk about what Steve Ferrone is playing on drums and where you might have heard this jam outside of the Average White Band. Grab those sleigh bells and get ready to move!
Website: www.paulthompson.us
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Twitter @pdbass74

[@OriginalOldSkoolFunk]

Growing up we used to call AWB "Blue-eyed Soul, from the ghettos of Scotland." You want to talk about one funky group. Excellent musicianship and staying power. Another great video from you sir. Thanks.

[@Superstardark]

They don't have souls

[@vanguard9067]

Blue-eyed soul absolutely! Van Morrison, Dusty Springfield, Joe Cocker, etc. A huge impact, expanding the limits of the music. Thanks for your comment. Take care.

[@TheDreamtheaterlover]

We called it Blue-eyed Funk

[@OOICU812]

@@vanguard9067 Michael McDonald...

[@bradgriffith4231]

Blue Eyed Soul was the term used for all the GR8 white soul bands from the Chitcago area in the 60s. The New Colony Six, The Cryan Shames, The Mauds, etc

[@bigtimelakersfan5836]

AWB some funky talented dudes. Not only some funky dance music but a classic ballad “ A Love Of Your Own” Priceless!!! Thanks again pd bass you never fail!!!!

[@cdiaz55]

Love the Steve Feronne story of after the Run through rehearsal of "While my guitar gently Weeps" at the R&R Hall of Fame Prince started playing the "School Boy Crush" lick and Steve started looking around only to see Prince giving him the nod!!

[@oldskoolmusicforever0724]

I actually saw The Average White Band back in 1978 and 1979 and this band could groove and funk with the best of them.

[@SuperLawz]

Yeah I saw them in 79. Amazing!

[@andreacheney3593]

Yeah. I’m approaching my 59th birthday in two months, but I still love AWB from my childhood in the 70s. I have all of their hits on my iPhone.

[@mikestillwagon5675]

I got to see them with Wild Cherry opening. Years later I got to talk with Bryan Bassett who played in Wild Cherry. He said that every night he would jump through the shower quickly and got out so he could catch AWB's set because they were astounding every night.

[@MarcG7424]

Saw the title and I already knew it was School Boy Crush. Ahhhh the soundtrack of my youth growing up in NYC

[@jajonjohnson3865]

Allen gorrie's bass solo on pick up the pieces from the person to person live Album was great. And the bass intro to TLC from the same album was one of the funkiest things I've heard.

[@samripley791]

I've become obsessed with AWB in the past year and a half, they've written some truly great songs, impeccable rhythm. My favorite album is Soul Searching, highly recommend

[@oldestgamer]

SS is an amazing album, a bit more like a story told on that album rather than assorted songs, love how Hamish just soars on the opening. Soul Searching, Everybody's Darling, Sunny Days, Would You Stay are all superb songs!

[@oldestgamer]

Forgot to add Queen of my Soul, too!

[@matthw633]

I saw AWB @ Belmont Race Track in NYC….yeah , where the Belmont Stakes horse race is run. Crazy funk, crazy tight band…..and they had a guest vocalist….Chaka Khan. They tore that place up ! They performed for almost an hour. They had the same producer , Arif Mardin . Hamish Stuart & Steve Ferrone are all over Chaka’s “ Naughty “ album. As is that Bad Man of bass, Anthony Jackson. And also a cameo from Luther Vandross on “ Papillon “ , which he actually sang first on Greg Diamonds project. AWB was hitting it hard back in the day. They also had a smooth slow song, “ A love of your own”. Great song. Howard Hewitt covered it. Thanks for the memory 😎

[@EchoHoundmusic]

I've been watching your videos recently, just discovered your channel. I've been a bass player for 30yrs, mainly rock and blues. You are opening my ears up to a whole unexplored world for me. Thanks!

[@derekdemarco28]

I saw AWB with Tower of Power here in Las Vegas! They sounded great live!

[@jazzpunk]

The entire CUT THE CAKE album is a treasure trove of great rhythm section interplay. Not a weak track, the "If I Ever Lose This Heaven" cover is great...:Grooving The Night Away" has a killer sax solo section/jam. The bass groove throughout that tune is happening, as well.

[@matthw633]

I forgot about their take on Quincy’s classic. You guys are going to make me play that album 😎

[@geraldgirtman7540]

It was crazy that color was thrown out the window with this band ,started out all from Scotland, tragedy struck with the loss of Robbie McIntosh, but in steps Steve Ferrrone ,their songs are historical ,Robbie on pick up the pieces, person to person, Steve Ferrrone: schoolboy crush, A love of your own so on so forth, I saw them live in 77,78 ,Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Chaka Khan,and we just lost Irene Cara, they all loved AWB and had encounters with them!

[@DocGreenePrivate]

I first learned this song in 1975, or thereabouts and I have maintained that it is without a doubt the absolute funkiest song ever written

[@Below-Average_Joe]

I have always said “School Boy Crush” was a perfect recording. There is absolutely nothing that can be done to improve that groove because it is perfect!

[@jazzpunk]

Arif Mardin's production is A+ level. Very organic & clean...not overly glossy like some other well-known guys.

[@jameschambers8683]

The best use of sleigh bells outside of December!

[@joeseymour4073]

Facts. 👍🏻

[@primeminister66]

Indeed

[@ThomBoecker]

Apropos AWB favorites, I recommend their cover of the Isley Brothers' "Work to Do."

[@jazzpunk]

It's very close to The Isley's version. "Work To Do" was on many Rock bands moving into the R&B/Disco arena in that time. It was definitely do-able + it had a guitar solo. :-0

[@d2rick]

Nailed It....

[@ThomBoecker]

@@jazzpunk No doubt. If you listen to it with eyes closed, you likely wouldn't guess it's a bunch of pale guys in white suits performing😁

[@arieslove6144]

love it

[@beyondz55]

everytime I hear this LEGENDARY bass line, I hear Rakim rhyming on top in my head. Love it.

[@perrypecoul2342]

I always figured they were from Detroit or Philadelphia or one of the Eastern states. I'm blown away that they are Scottish. Makes me want to research them now. I've had the cut the cake record since the early 90s after I heard Rakim's "Microphone Fiend". Timeless classic ...Schoolboy Crush"!!

[@j.d.thompson3505]

I had no idea either. But they kicked white America's disco ass at the time.

[@leroywilliams6380]

@@j.d.thompson3505 In my neighborhood we were all blown away when we found out they were white.....

[@marcuskingstanley9522]

you are half right. they are from the "eastern states" of scotland

[@perrypecoul2342]

@@marcuskingstanley9522 too funny👍

[@FAMUCHOLLY]

Yep. Learned that bass line when I started messing around with the bass as a young self taught musician. A true FUNK classic. Thanks professor Paul!

[@jazzpunk]

Nice breakdown of the bass/drums...and playing off the kick. The 2 distinct guitar parts are equally great. Some goes for the intro on "Cut The Cake".

[@jmarcguy]

Never really thought about how few notes are used! You’ve got this song that sounds like it has Christmas sleigh bells at the beginning and then that first bass note drops. Great jam!

[@jazzpunk]

...it does get a little busier...and there's a modulation involved, as well.

[@jazzbrew68]

Scotland!?!?!? I had no idea AWB was from Scotland. Schooled. Thanks Paul!!

[@tookmyjob]

Some of the members of AWB were in Mogul Thrash, featuring a young John Wetton on bass. Sleeping In The Kitchen is one of the finest bass performances you’ll ever hear.

[@DavidRomero-bh6hu]

So excited every time this man posts!

[@TheKarsino]

I was fortunate to see AWB when they came down from Scotland and used to play at The Greyhound pub in Fulham Palace Road London c1973. Great band even back then.

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

Especially back then!

[@TheKarsino]

@@AFaceintheCrowd01 Yes true they were great back then but relative unknown compared to later fame.

[@drfunkfunk2637]

Saw them in San Diego in 1977. Nothing "Average" about this group. We partied our asses off. These are some bad dudes!!! The best era of funky music...the 70's....glad I was a young man then...and got to live it. Great video

[@jchapman8248]

Damn, that was my junior year in HS at Oceanside High! Man, I would've loved to have gone but I came from a strict household and was forbidden to go to any Rock or Funk music concerts because of the free flowing freshness of da bud and sticky icky! M folks weren't aware of my party habits outside of any concerts, you dig? 😎😀✌🏽🇺🇸

[@drfunkfunk2637]

@@jchapman8248 💯...I graduated from Kearny in 1976. I was 19, so it was kool. We did imbibe and partake of the various substances there 😉😉. Your parents were definitely on point about that. I am sure at the tender age of 17 you would have just said no 😁. I believe they are still touring and San Diego might be on their map...✌️👍

[@stonedog23]

Too Short’s “Life Is Too Short” really pays homage and keeps this groove alive. He made a classic out of a classic.

[@philgayii6788]

💯🔥

[@morganconey4814]

A menace to a microphone, a lethal weapon An assassinator, if the people ain't stepping Love the tune and after ra spat on this one everyone else should have left it alone 🎤

[@edwincancelii2917]

I love that bass guitar line. And the Average White Band is one of my favorite blue-eyed soul & funk groups from the 1970’s.

[@SchizoSkillz]

AWB was that shizznit!!

[@ThyLiquor]

Absolutely. This song rules. There isn't a single second of it that's overplayed. The sleighbells, the vocals, "I want to hold your little hand", and the incredible space between notes makes it a fave for close to 50 years. Oh, if you got to see them especially in the 70's, they wore kilts onstage.

[@dwjobseeker]

AWB has always been funky from day one!

[@andrewbrowne5557]

My first concert ever…Sacramento Memorial Auditorium 1974…AWB opened for one of Steppenwolf’s last shows with John Kay…it goes without saying that AWB stole the show!

[@jazzpunk]

IIRC...AWB was the opening act for Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert. Read that somewhere. Also, they backed up Bonnie Bramlett on some of her recordings.

[@odeskoo]

Steve brought tht funky syncopation

[@randall4411]

There isn't a bad song on the whole album . I was lucky to be in a bar band at that time playing bass . I had to go see them live .

[@Soul_Education]

I am a new sub and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!!!! I love how you break down the bassline and actually play in all these amazing songs. Thank you for creating this channel.

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@godfreymccammon4531]

Everything AWB played was worth throwing your hip joint out with. Their first album "Show Your Hand" was a real funk fest...check out "The Juggler" or "Put It Where You Want It" and "Got The Love"...people with broken legs danced like they were on Soul Train, there was no way not to groove with our Scottish brohams.

[@alianshampoprisioners7056]

Too short, life is... 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Sir.Veza_]

Saw them live in 1977 - Probably the best live music I've ever heard!!

[@tovarisch2788]

One of my fave AWB tunes. Agree with everything here.

[@danielpalmersofficial]

I didn’t know this song existed until I watched this video, I didn’t even know Hamish played bass!! ✌️😅

[@1965JB]

I’m gonna get me a few AWB cds as soon as I’m off work.

[@barackmycat9448]

I love this stuff. Bass is a unique concept.

[@antarcticorb9197]

Seen them a number of times opening for Tower of Power. Great concerts, perfect pairing.

[@Greyareas27]

I definitely would have checked that pairing out. I didn't know they toured together!

[@actualzafra]

There's no money I wouldn't pay to see that

[@sgomes633]

Awesome, you educated me on one of my favorite bands growing up.

[@michaelgilmore2252]

My favorite band I have to say supper explanation of there magic .

[@CharlieBass5]

I knew what it was by the groove and first note, love that song for the FUNK of it!!!

[@frankcastorena5832]

Grown folk music.....I heard it live in Jr. High,..... Thank you brother!

[@Murphyd0g]

A buddy of mine is in Scotland. I told him to swing by Dundee and bow down to greatness. Heh

[@MorningJacket]

Love your content man! Just started playing the bass but love coming here to pick up little bits of history and theory insights!

[@gregoryh9442]

Yep. Hamish is the master of using space.

[@seanmcmillan472]

My favorite AWB song

[@stevecandelaria6780]

Great breakdown, I appreciate your highlighting of bass and drums. The tightness of their playing was too much for my high school brain. Would like to know your impressions of Jackson Browne's, "Walking Slow" and the bass riff in that!

[@chrisporter7534]

Your brilliance is shinning! Thank you for sharing! 🔥

[@justinalec8718]

Dude im finally getting back into playing bass again after leaving it behind in my late teens and the education i get from this channel is amazing. Thank you man for putting me onto not only good bass but great music 🤟

[@Realigndadjmusic]

Space is definitely a sound 🔥

[@1mikewalsh]

Thank you for putting this in my feed KZbin I forgotten about a w b.

[@Ed-Topo-108]

Hamish Stewart & Ned Doheny wrote the classic “What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me”

[@harrysutton8998]

Excellent stuff, thank you

[@lundsweden]

I love this channel so much, my basslines are definately improving by watching, although I'm a songwriter, not a bass player.

[@MamaRii73]

Everything is always on the One....🥰💃🏾

[@tonyceeone]

I have been waiting patiently for this !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@OlandoMcCall]

This channel is so good, hope you get 1M sub this year.

[@spank2424]

Good job 👍🏾👍🏾

[@dr.garynelson4687]

Another excellent video and bass line analysis.

[@johnnyflamevlogz8203]

Hell Yes. Got into this tune after hearing the drums sampled in Nas’ Halftime off Illmatic. Ridiculous groove

[@swissh1]

So so underrated!!! AWB was fire in the day and still in my rotation

[@abrahamjackson6019]

Them boys brought that " FUNK "with an Scotish perspective . There was nothing average about this band. I seen them in concert Riverside, CA back in 2015 AWB is still bring the "Funk...

[@2ndteddy18]

truth ''

[@bajaborracho9139]

Dude this video is awesome. Explaining all these grooves is crazy cool

[@timfoster5043]

Gonna check them out. Thanks!

[@williamjackson5357]

Timeless!

[@jeffwolinski2659]

Hamish Stuart, super cool dude with a super cool name!

[@Bubbin]

Nice breakdown!

[@anthonycloud7109]

O yeah l grew up with AWB and jam there music 🎵 🎶 and got all their albums being a bass player myself enjoyed the groove like the Great James Brown said keep it on the one beat

[@qfella]

Thank you bruh. Cause I thought they were from the USA. I didn't know they were from Scotland. Funk is huge.

[@tomread5497]

Back in the early 70s, I was in a power trio called NOAH. Probably the most creative group I've ever had the pleasure of being a part of. Anyway, We had the opportunity to open for the late great BB King. At the end of the gig, he would mingle with the audience, sign autographs, and answer questions. One young kid asked him" Mr. King, how come you don't play those fast notes like Eric Clapton and Elvin Lee and all those dudes? His answer-"Son it's not how many notes you play, it's how you play the notes" That piece of advice has been my playing philosophy for all these years. When I've been asked for advice by young people on how to approach playing bass in a group this is what I tell them. Being the bass player is most likely the least glamorous member of the band but you're the most important. Why? Because everyone plays off of you. You are the anchor that holds down the groove. Remember, your power comes from not what you play but the space between the notes

[@edennard1]

Soul Searching was the album of albums back in the mid to late 70’s and beyond.

[@jchapman8248]

I remember when this album came out. I was a high school sophomore and crazy into 60s and 70s Funk, Soul and R&B. I cruised down to the record store (The WAREHOUSE?) and purchased the album. In addition to the catchy bass groove, the use of those "jingle bells" was unique. It was out of the box! Up until then, I only heard them used in Christmas songs! Been working on this jam (The Message, A Love of Your Own, What is Soul, among others) on my bass at home. Love the change up and the that funky walk on the bridge! Thanks for sharing this pdbass!

[@andyhinds542]

I was listening to this in the car today and it really inspired me!

[@guillermoazul220]

One of the very few groups to play live on Soul Train .. such a great fucking band, everything about 'em.

[@deekaymusiclover2481]

One of the greatest bands ever.

[@JusticeRobinettMusic]

Great groove for sure.

[@d2rick]

Keep it coming My Man, lotta time its the only thing that get me through a bad day..Real talk

[@waterlec8718]

Thank you for your BRILLIANT analysis sir....✅

[@PharaohLawLess1]

That is 1 funky song. Thank you for the video

[@OOICU812]

Glad this channel showed up in by recommendations. Subbed.

[@skidogbill]

Nice vid! I freakin love AWB.

[@thahoustonbassrunnaz4389]

Great video 💪🏾

[@happysaddington6488]

Absolutely one of my all time faves. It's really right there with PWARS for bass lines.

[@blakmartianheretic3318]

"I was Fiend. Before became a Team"!!

[@CharlieBass5]

The feeling will never go away!!!

[@reginaldgoode3558]

"Pick up the pieces " ain't nothing average about that song!!!💯

[@Ston247]

*Finally !* Someone illustrates true funk. Pick your spots, leave room for the other instruments to fill in the gaps. Bassists who thumb and pop too much can really mess up a groove. Like drummers, funk bass players are judged on how slick they are when "in the pocket."

[@therealjeffx1610]

Great thank you!

[@adamredmond6255]

Love me some AWB, saw them recently in AZ, flawless show! Only a School Boy Crush!

[@thaddeuslanders4177]

Amen Brotha...can't hate on these dudes...saw them in Cleveland recently with Lonnie Liston Smith and Mint Condition...they still got it

[@ri067953]

Funk is universal 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@marioguarini]

great song thank you paul

[@Ira06002]

Those of us from the 1970s were somewhere “in the playground at a quarter to 4”

[@2ndteddy18]

55yr old n this is 1 of the first songs I remember “ my dad n uncles were on this heavy !! Shout out to Johnstown pa “o c b all day ere day 😏 but this sound shaped my ear today , thanks again