From the Bottom: The Bassists of RAPTURE (1986)

[@pdbass]

Thanks to viewer Chris for the great catch at 13:52! On "Mystery" the bass ALTERNATES between hitting the last 16th note (bar 2) and the downbeat (bar 5), and in the verse it always happens on the downbeat. I fixed it in the downloadable PDF. I think I maybe had the Manhattan Transfer version in my head when writing this down. It's the LITTLE things that make the BIG grooves!

[@mrflynn01]

I was a studio rat at Sound Suite where the Anita recorded along with Chapter 8. Check this out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmHKfmxrac-ga7M

[@madmaximilian518]

Wow...I really like your videos but the tons of useless spam is just unbearable bro!!!!

[@mrflynn01]

@@madmaximilian518, what do you mean?

[@normandemyrick8075]

The "Rapture" album was what me and my buddy called a "drop-in". With most cds/albums/tapes at the time you always asked "which song to play?", with Rapture you just "dropped it in" and whatever played was the jam.

[@michaelgottlieb9083]

TrueThat

[@Lovejazz01]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@alfrednawrocki8061]

Detroit music in my opinion has always been the best!!! Love Anita Baker!!!! Being born and raised and started playing a Fender p bass when I was 16 kinda makes me prejudice to DETROIT!!!

[@AJMjazz]

This is a great recording for all bassist's to learn "how to play the right part, the right way, for the song". When this album was released, Miss Baker booked two performances near my hometown almost a year apart. I went to both as I was enamored with the songs, her voice, and how she commanded the audience with her stage presence. Both shows were jaw dropping fantastic. This was great, Paul. Keep up the good work!

[@Nelson_Swamp]

I was 13 and my sister was 7 when this album dropped, and we listened to it more than my mom probably did. A BEAUTIFUL, classy record.

[@CharlieBass5]

YES!!! Haslip on the bass. I've loved the Yellowjackets since the late 70s

[@1koolkat1]

Jimmy Haslip is “THE” Best on this album !!! 🔥

[@pullupstudios.]

this was cool. I Love Anita Baker! Detroit all day. She was always playing in the house where I grew up❤❤❤

[@pick2568]

The musicians of Rapture played together on the record to create a masterpiece. I still listen to this record on a regular basis.

[@MrVyrtuoso]

Anita Baker is so wonderful, and this album is amazing!

[@DJPm0ney]

Rapture is an incredible album. Gives me chills every time. Michael J Powell is a legend. Great vid!

[@lawrencenjawe9875]

That album was INCREDIBLE. I was mesmerized and enamoured by this classic... OMG! That VOICE 🎶🎤

[@OlandoMcCall]

this album was everything to me ...

[@DCronk-qc6sn]

Haslip solo on Brother to Brother by Gino V. Whoa...

[@Vicnsi]

Yep I have this album too. Every song is a masterpiece. Although, 'Same Ole Love', 'No One In The World', and '...Rapture' - I remember making a very short cassette tape with just these three songs on that I would re-play repeatedly for days on end. Thanks Paul. From The Bottom series is awesome 👍🏼

[@derrickbrennan1478]

I love this 😀 bass for life. Hahaha Rick Brennan from CHANGE and Composite Truth Band N Philly love always. Love her ❤️ 333.Rick

[@EgoShredder]

Jimmy Hasslip is amazing and he worked with the INCREDIBLE guitar player and composer Allan Holdsworth.

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

I always thought Ready Freddie was the Bassist on Sweet Love, till I googled the credits and found David Washington. There's very little information about him unfortunately. Check out the song Mystery by Anita Baker, it's why I googled in order to find out who the Bassist was. He's BAD! Been So Long.... Jimmy Haslip! What a Bass line 🔥 Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬 👊🏿🖤

[@FPearceBass]

another truly fantastic episode my dude - incredible that these episodes aren't more well known by the wider bass community - thanks for educating and inspiring

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@michaelgottlieb9083]

@@pdbass So true So true So True!!! That track by Roy Ayers "Running Away" had me sweating bullets trying to work it out with the right timing and tempo kicked my butt... but I got it down. And the exercise/process of learning it noticeably improved my playing. I now use that bass line and play along with that track as warmup to keep my chops up and to strengthen my hands. Thank you Brother PDbass....

[@danacoleman4007]

That lovely talented lady quite literally makes me weak in the knees when she sings! 😊❤

[@CharlieBass5]

Rod Temperton - HEATWAVE!!!

[@mikebassy]

I had no idea Jimmy Haslip was on this , need to revise this lp asap

[@gssong7111]

Love that neck pup slap tone on 365! I think I'm gonna write a tune called "neck pup slap"

[@NicolaLarosa]

My gosh. This record is burned into my soul. Thank you so much for this. Oh, and I love you for the "don't stop yourself from singing along".

[@mehtavideo]

Fantastic analysis of the album brother. I got the album in 86' and still one of my all time favourites. Impeccable musicianship across the board. Love your enthusiasm Chris. Keep up the great work. Maybe do a bass dive on Off The Wall? ✌️ & ❤️ from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@ryanhitchcock6738]

This woman has been in my life and still is and always will be…. Every song in this album is a masterpiece. Thank you for the backstory.

[@Arael4]

"Love your neighbor" , great words to end a great video. Thank you Sir!

[@CLK500COUPE]

Hey Paul. Greetings from Sydney! I was lucky enough to find your channel and really enjoyed your 'deep dive' into the talent that played on this amazing album. The funny thing is before I stumbled onto your enjoyable and insightful 'The bassists of Rapture' everytime I listened to the album my subconscious always focused on the bass lines! They truly are of the highest quality. I originally got into the album in 1986 and have listened to it many many times over the years and never tire of it. For what its worth I had a lengthy career in the music industry here in Sydney and I've heard a lot of great music. Anita Bakers 'Rapture' is up there with the best. Thanks for putting this great video together.

[@pdbass]

Thank YOU for watching! Comments like this keep me going!

[@CLK500COUPE]

@@pdbass Its a pleasure mate, follow your dreams always!

[@caseloadcases1190]

Thank you brother. I play keyboards but I have loved bass ever since I’ve been in music and this is one of my favorite albums of all time with caught up in the rapture fade out being 🔥

[@angelainyt]

Wow, I didn't know Dionne sung 'No One In the World' thanks

[@planetpjr]

I met Jimmy Haslip many times when he was on tour with Allan Holdsworth who also had a wonderful gallery of bassists. Who is the cat on Al Jareau hits? I loved it.

[@pdbass]

Mostly Abe Laboriel

[@planetpjr]

@@pdbass ah, another great one.

[@mikeh66]

Find Al's performance of Morning on Saturday Night Live on You Tube. Look at who's on the bass...😉😄

[@JosePerez-vz1qq]

The bassline on "Mystery" is a treasure. It is the first thin that I thought of when I saw this clip appear. And pou ki sa while I didn't know that Rod Temperton wrote the song I was not surprised?

[@thefunkexcursion]

I've listened to this album 1000 times. You've managed to point out so many great tidbits and nuances! Thanks for such a fresh and informative perspective.

[@divingchicago]

THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!!

[@steelydan449]

I’m so glad someone is showing love to this album. So underrated.

[@bigtimelakersfan5836]

Thanks so much my friend for all of the great information regarding this album especially the different bass players involved. I was fortunate to see Ms Baker perform this album live. The bass player that was with her was Bobby Watson of Rufus fame. And check this out Ms Anita Baker was the opening act for Frankie Beverly & Maze. It was at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. I can still feel like vibe of that concert. Priceless!!!!

[@junior50ify]

Wow, I can only imagine the vibe flowing through that place with those two performing!!

[@tracibillington8025]

I really enjoyed this lesson. This is a superb album, just filled with memories I mostly don’t want to remember. Lol

[@nicolafranceschini1]

The whole series is brilliant. Congratulations and thank you very much!

[@pdbass]

Thank YOU for watching! More to come.

[@GaryTisdaleFungkSta1]

On Her live concert Dvd, ya got saxophonist Gerald Albright holding down the low end, he was her touring bassist during that period, homie nasty on the bass too

[@kcameo1]

But...for a Jimmy Haslip replay, you sir, hold your bass the wrong way 🤣

[@pdbass]

🤣🤣🤣

[@mikeh66]

😄

[@cariboulou1658]

You'll check out 480 east, group from Canada. Jam called 'Sweet Tooth'. The bass player on that goes absolutely insane. Another jam ' mint julep '.

[@mrflynn01]

The entire album was on fire!

[@SprolesThe2024]

Great vid! I LOVED this. Fortunately, I scored tix to see Miss Anita in Chicago in two weeks. I will be re-watching this often in the next two weeks as we build up to the crescendo. It's a first for me to see her, but I've loved her since this album came out. Thanks for sharing your expertise. I LOVED your work here.

[@choncho101]

Wooooooow!!! A great episode!!! Going to add this album to my playlist!!! Thank you fro bringing it to my attention!!

[@chrisclermont456]

Another smashing video!! Love your channel, my man!! Awesome job!!

[@Nathanaelsun22]

Much Appreciation to You

[@altrogeruvah]

I'm a guy in my 30s but this album is so dear to me, especially You Bring Me Joy and Caught In The Rapture got a lot of spins by a now-defunct local 90s radio station here in Greece, good memories man. Also, big shoutout to Anita Baker for being my gateway artist to the Perrí sisters' Tradewinds album!

[@trevorblair5552]

This is a awesome channel. More classic albums please!!!?? 👍🏾🙏🏿

[@pdbass]

For sure! I love producing this series, but man they take some TIME. Thank you for watching!!

[@d.j.stachniak4441]

Love love love this album!! I was 15 when it came out & needless to say not many 15 year olds were into this so I was def not cool LOL But what a great album! I say album when I had it on cassette LOL Ready Freddie is one of the greats! Rapture is my fav BTW among the many great songs on this!

[@waseemcurry7062]

This is amazing work.Tons of history that's been reinvigorated. Love it

[@oldskoolmusicforever0724]

ANITA BAKER IS NUMBER 4 ON MY TOP TEN FEMALE SINGERS OF ALL TIMES AFTER,CHAKA KHAN AT # ONE,ARETHA FRANKLIN AT # TWO AND WHITNEY HOUSTON AT # THREE.I LOVE ME SOME ANITA BAKER'S MUSIC.💋💋💋💋💋

[@pablito162]

Very good content from a bassists perspective... I am enjoying your in depth analysis....

[@ajjoy7995]

You are appreciated Man!!! Keep ‘em comin!!!

[@cabofalcone]

Great as always... but the songwriter on "Sweet Love" is Louis A. Johnson, not "Thunderthumbs" Louis Johnson.

[@mannyfrencha5736]

Caught in the Rapture is possibly one of the BEST SONGS EVER! It'll stand up to any song. I doubt I'm the only one feeling like this. Might I add from start to finish each track is a HOT BANGAH💥🔥

[@earlzpearlmajic108fm]

Very well done.

[@TheNelsonmonteiro]

An amazing album...

[@seanmcmillan472]

My favorite Anita Baker album

[@messiahblackgod]

ALL of this music sounded like 100 times better while in love for the first time...in 1986.

[@gephat]

Louis A. Johnson who co-wrote "Sweet Love" is not from The Brothers Johnson. Louis E. Johnson is from The Brothers Johnson. Both are ASCAP writers. If you search ASCAP Repertory for "Sweet Love" by Anita Baker and click Louis A. Johnson's name, you will see by his registered songs that he is not the Legendary Bassist Louis Johnson. On the other hand, search for "Stomp" by The Brothers Johnson and click Louis E. Johnson and you'll see that "Sweet Love" is not his composition. Also, I believe that he would have played the bass track if he wrote it.

[@pdbass]

Thanks for the correction! I found this out recently. All apologies to Louis A.!

[@bullet1218]

Great video showing the complexity and simplicity of these songs....it also shows the Great musicianship of the original players....thank you for your content...💯

[@johnhendricks8140]

I slept on Anita Baker till i started listening more to her music great song writing, singing and muscianship.

[@gluedmonkey]

Found this video randomly. One of my all time favorite albums but i'd never really paid attention to the bass before. This vid really sparked new love for the album but also basslines in general! much appreciated!

[@onesixfive]

When I was a kid my mom has this on tape and used to play it. Which is odd because she wasn’t a big R&b fan. I got a copy on vinyl at a garage sale a couple years ago. I’m from chicago and I always thought it was cool Anita was from Detroit because I have some warped sense of connection among people from the Midwest the fill in the 5th bar is so iconic and if you broke both my arms I’d still play air bass if I hear it. Great video man

[@matthw633]

I saw her perform this Live @ Radio City Music Hall when it first came out. I had her debut solo album , fell in love with her. When I saw her live I was amazed to see the bassist playing the sax solo on “You give me joy”, Mr Gerald Albright. Her band was killer ! And of course the bass work is phenomenal. Thanks for the review.

[@jazzpunk]

Love these! I also love the 1/2 time feel comment/playing on the 1st track. Long notes & short notes, too. The Haslip groove is killer with or without the chords! "Mystery" is such a great tune. RIP, Mr. Temperton. Nathan East on The Manhattan Transfer version..."Spice Of Life" (also Temperton) from that same album is great.

[@questelohim...]

Thanks

[@KiatHuang]

If good enough, the artists I'd have loved to have played with, then Anita Baker is up there: Maze, Queen, Anita Baker, Maurette Brown Clark.....

[@eliotmccann2589]

Loving this series- awesome selections and analysis.

[@rickb1266]

Awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@drvpscott]

I was never a bass player but I had learned many of these lines by ear when the album first came out. They are so wonderful I keep coming back to them. I am studying bass now and your transcriptions are really helping to expand my appreciation and understanding of the work. Thanks so much.

[@MixingGBP]

Mind blown!!!! I’m a huge Yellowjackets fan…I had no idea he played on this album. Also had NO idea that Anita covered Mystery! Keep it coming, man! I had a chance to see her concert…even had the tickets… but a huge snow storm hit that night, I mean huge, so I ended up not going 😭

[@divingchicago]

Unfortunately, you missed a huge opportunity. I heard her in Atlanta at the Fox.

[@christophersoulos6100]

Gosh, I transcribed all the basslines to this whole album when it came out. It's a perfect album. (Another perfect bass album is Phil Bailey's "The Wonders of His Love." FYI)

[@mikebassy]

Complete classic album and songs . Have this lp but haven’t played it in years. This was smack bang in the middle of the 1980s when synth bass and drum machines were everywhere so I loved this lp because of the instruments . Particularly the bass

[@sheilaharris289]

How do you feel about Tommy Debarge and Verdine White?

[@mikebassy]

@@sheilaharris289 verdine white is a very naughty boy ha ha , but seriously he is such a huge part of the 1970s with all the classic EWF tracks . His bass playing is superb. He has written huge chapters in the book of bass . Tommy Debarge is part of the group Debarge ? I admit to not being totally aware of his work but will look him up right now here on KZbin. Verdine defined a soul funk bass style

[@mikebassy]

A little bit later and I just heard There will never be by Switch . Saw Tommy Debarge playing his precision bass on soul train. Sounds great.

[@Lay__Loves]

Fledgling bass player here--I mean literally just took my first one out of the box and I can't believe that you just unlocked why "Been So Long" is my favorite song on the Rapture album. It came out when I was in elementary school, and it's been a long time since I was such a wee lass LOL. What a feeling to still discover new things to love about this album after listening to it for over 30 years. I can't wait to learn and become skilled enough to play all of these.

[@SaraSmile70]

I’m so glad you were in my recommendations! I love the history and the honor you give to the musicians on all the music we’ve loved so much. This episode is definitely a favorite.

[@KiatHuang]

@pdbass you've got me interested into bassline reactions and breakdowns. Excellent style, balance and openness. Subscribed!

[@mrflynn01]

The direct box was a county man!

[@arnlmndza]

Thanks bro. Your channel has given me new songs, perspectives and better appreciation for our fellow low-enders. There are albums I grew up with which you can do From the Bottom: Manhattan Transfer's "Mecca for Moderns", Sergio Mendes' "Sergio Mendes" 1983. Neil Stubenhaus - I've heard in gospel records. Awesome bass player.

[@ShudrodWatts]

Dammm! I got goose bumps listening to the rapture part!!! Wayyy to Funky!!!

[@bryanr7122]

Love this series, can you bring it back and do Sade’s Diamond Life album

[@msimsy]

Man I LOVE your videos! Joe Sample’s Spellbound has a pretty tough bass roster!

[@flowmaka]

Jimmy Haslip is also one of my favorite bass players because he played with The Yellowjackets. My favorite!

[@frederickbradford7799]

4 ‘you bring me joy’ this very thorough guy obviously unaware anita detroit midwest connect w/michael henderson led 2 the norman connors & ada dyer(chicago) version of the song played CONSTANTLY in the ‘d’ early 80’s

[@RealROI]

One of my all time favorite albums. So classy. Had this next to my Chaka Khan albums which were next to my Johnny Cash, Pretenders, Duran Duran and Megadeth and Vivaldi albums lol. Love all types of music

[@Drinks4450]

@ pdbass : Man your videos are great!!! First of all you always pick the right people and topics to single out. And then draw on every last detail. I don't think you miss a beat. Great job. Please keep up the fabulous work. 🤗🤗🤗

[@kcameo1]

This is way, way to funny. I just discovered your chanel today, and have plenty time to binge your videos (covid isolation). This the fifth or so video and man, not only did I started with your from the bottom Nightfly video (one of my all time fav albums (yes, I still use album, that tells you I grew up with vinyl)), the follow up video had several of my beloved late 70s, early 80s tracks and Taught me who the bassist behind those icons was (Leon Sylvers), only to see you very personal and brave video on MS after which made me connect even more and here we are, 10.58 into the Rapture video and Jimmy Haslip has a well earned spotlight. I just commented on one of the other vids he is one of my favs. Anyone praising Jimmy is for one, a connesseur, and two, someone with excellent taste :-) It is a shame yt does not allow to play longer snippets (commercial reasons that spotify recently fixed for podcasters like me). Your thorough research and clearly your university grade knowledge of music.

[@drewbirston6980]

Man, I love this album, Paul and your detailed description of the tracks is so valuable and thanks for sharing this!

[@flowmaka]

I absolutely love your channel! I get lost in the history of the players as well as your breakdown of each tune! I’m a keyboard player who has played my share of moog and korg mono bass lines back in the day. Great job!!!!!

[@efunkyman6853]

I seen Anita in concert at the Hollywood Bowl and was blown away by her performance. Anita will always have a special place in my heart and the reason why I will forever love Mia.

[@tomasandrew9354]

Another excellent video. This is why I come on KZbin for this type of great musical content.

[@Jjfabbonbass]

I’m so glad you highlighted this album. I’m also thankful that Rich Brown turned me on to your channel! Freddie on “Sweet Love” is one of my favorite lines ever. Just beautiful and strong. Thank you again!

[@philreid984]

"Please love your neighbor" Thank you for that reminder 🌞

[@guymorrison4800]

new wave era - my ex liked Hounds of love by kate bush, I liked steve mcqueen by prefab sprout. we used to bicker about that. We broke up . I got wind of Anita baker rapture and the people in the next door block of flats used to play it up loud and i went oh yeah! Got lots of her records on itunes ..... !

[@Mariodupree]

Another awesome video! Thanks again for what you’re doing. It was thus album that inspired me to become a bass player!

[@janbriggs7619]

YOU ARE AMAZINGLY AWESOME. AND BEAUTIFUL. SUCH A GREAT INSTRUCTOR

[@williamhunter5549]

Great bassists playing with the finest female vocalist on the face of God's Green Earth.

[@vincemcconeghy6262]

Freddie Washington, legend. Appreciate this. Can you delve into Cedric Napoleon’s playing at the tender age of 16 with the other legends of Pieces of a Dream. Best bass player from the 80s for my money.

[@fatherhoodonthebacknine5443]

Very nice analysis.

[@matthewgaines10]

Thanks for the education. When knew someone who teaches from the keyboards / synths side as well. You do to some extent.

[@derryltivers]

Yeah you kill this one love , and a lot of help breaking down these song . I’m not that good on bass but I’m working at it