Michael League, Cory Henry, and Nathaniel Townsley - Continuum

Continuum by Jaco Pastorius
Michael League -Bass
Cory Henry -Fender Rhodes
Nathaniel Townsley -Drums
Recorded by Diko Shoturma at Atlantic Sounds Studios
Directed/Edited by Simon C.F. Yu

[@raibura12]

When I was 16-17, I used to get so demotivated with this kind of videos as they hit hard in my self confidence and my low abilities in music. Now I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy this kind of marvelous experience, and they now motivate me a lot. I used to think I was never going to be “as good as them”, now I think “I want to see how near I can reach them while enjoying the process”. Music not only give you joy, can also heal you and make you a “better you”.

[@calvinrothguitar]

well said!👏

[@muradaliyev9944]

Same here, started learning to play bass a little over 2 years ago at the age of 33 and I can't tell you how many times I've sat in my living room staring at that bass in the corner thinking "why am I even bothering", "what, are you going to become a bass player all of a sudden now?", but looking back, I'm so glad that I trusted the process and didn't give up. Personally, the video that hit me the hardest in that sense was Jaco's famous interview with Jerry Jemmott, I still remember how empty I felt after watching the whole thing for the first time realizing how much behind I was at this thing and how much there still was for me to learn yet. Obviously, I would never be able to match Jaco's level even if I started at 3 years old and I'm still nowhere the level that I aspire to be at, but my point is, today, thankfully I no longer feel that way when I'm watching some great bass player doing his/her thing, instead just like you said, my mindset has now shifted from that of a competition/race to "this thing sounds amazing, let me give it a try" and I just get totally lost in the process of refining all those little nuances that makes something sound great. The great thing is the improvement comes as an added bonus on its own, I don't worry about being better than anyone anymore. What a beatuful journey this really is!

[@stefanherkenrath8639]

That´s the spirit!

[@b1_ferg]

❤ this

[@markdavis4754]

As long as you never stop challenging your self you will only get better

[@alexzinkevych3596]

Wow, and this is for free on the youtube. We truly live in the great times.

[@jamesmanning7640]

Ah fuck you Jinxed us haha, jkjk

[@muchosmasfrijoles]

would be even greater times if the musicians in the video could be getting some form of payment for all their hard work that we now get to watch for free

[@stoneminbass]

true

[@BruceNorris1990]

I play music casually and for my own enjoyment. I used to have dreams of becoming a professional, but I knew that I didn’t really have the talent for it after being exposed to peers my age who were miles ahead of me but still struggling to make it in the industry. When I watch something like this, it makes me so incredibly happy.. sometimes when I’m playing I get that feeling of freedom, like I’m merging with the music. I can only imagine what guys with their level of skill and talent and musicianship feel like when they’re playing! If I had one wish, it would be to know what that’s like. Must be the best feeling in the world.

[@vmzneves]

Beautiful words, bro!

[@carterpaul2688]

It is

[@ShazShaun]

Music is about feeling good, even if you could play 4 notes throughout a 5 minute song... do you really think playing so many notes and keeping in time can ever beat a feel good moment? No way😂 Just get your buddies and jam 4-5 songs that has 4 notes in them.. believe me, if those notes make you feel good, you don’t need anything else...

[@patrickrendslargent6044]

talent doesn't make you good at music, dedication and work do

[@brianmi40]

Hard to believe you haven't actually touched on the feeling enough to know what it is like... That's one of the things I've found in my pursuits: I've reached at least enough of a level to experience that "merging with" feeling... I've written/played just enough of a handful of musical notes to know what it is, or made just enough chess moves to know what a international grandmaster feels like. So I would say YOU DO know what it's like, that "merging"... The difference is that they get it a much larger percentage of the time from their investment and ability to create.

[@josephkaplan8287]

The way Michael switches flawlessly from melodic ideas to counterpoint with Henry and supporting in a traditional bass sense is mind blowing. The kind of musicianship that comes only from love

[@marshalleckert5784]

Beautifully said.

[@colinstewart3699]

Yep

[@r0binho386]

6:30-6:33 Amen to that dude. Great comment.

[@ironnwine12]

He truly understands

[@billylikitsakosmusic6367]

This is awesome. Let's all make "Continuum" a more frequently played standard. It really deserves to be played more. Jaco Pastorius was one Hell of a composer. R.I.P. maestro.

[@xFliox]

I just cried a river just by listening to this, I don't quite understand what happened, but this was probably one of the most happiest moments of my life, I'm incredibly grateful for music itself and these messengers of music.

[@jeremiahrobisinson9763]

This song is like being lost in space with 4 minutes of air left. And as you listen to it you flash back to some of the best times of your life.

[@peterteare9896]

I grew up on Weather Report and Return To forever. Michael League and Cory Henry, with Snarky Puppy represent the next step in the evolution of fusion.

[@alexbaum2204]

Man, Nathanial Townsley is just superb. Just superb! He may just be my absolute favorite drummer. This vid is a perfect example of why. He doesn't need to be super flashy. His groove is so smooth, his pocket is so deep, every hit is just so damn tight. I love all the guys who've sat behind the kit with Snarky Puppy, but Nathanial may just be my favorite drummer out there. Such class. Such taste. I'm blown away every time I listen to him.

[@l3gendbaap963]

It’s like drumming is as easy for him as breathing

[@PatrickZopffbassplaya]

I just want somebody someday to look at me the way Cory Henry looks at Michael League.

[@DrivingDunkShot]

Patrick Zopff . I just want someone to look at me the way Michael league looks at Cory Henry.

[@QuetherV]

😂😂😂😂

[@neocollective]

LOL...the kid inside Cory is the one you see looking like that, look out for his videos playing as a 5-6 year old, had the same expression...plus the kid was mind-blowing

[@ianmoore5502]

@@neocollective that kid still shows himself in surprising moments

[@ZERGG0]

@@DrivingDunkShot I just wanna run away if someone will look at me the way Michael league looks at Cory Henry.

[@jmelotte4491]

Nate... so gentle, yet firm. If I had a kid, I'd totally let Nate babysit. Seems like a good dude.

[@frankdurp]

😂😂😂 you won the Internet with that comment.....I would too

[@bostoys]

What I wouldn't give for a trio album from these guys.

[@brenttauromusic]

+Pavle Zvekić Hahaha.

[@thomaseibl9038]

Oh Yes Please!!! Same here

[@colinstewart3699]

Ben Scott was 3yrs not enough time to create trio album ??? Just checking! I come in peace ✌️

[@KiraPlaysGuitar]

@@colinstewart3699 Apparently not, not Berklee-funk enough.

[@davedvdy4946]

I love how Michael keeps looking over at the keyboardist like they are having a "conversation" musically...because that is what it really is. One of hell one too.

[@HIDEFSOUND]

dj yng Yup. Silent communication lol. if you watch like 8:10 the looks on corys face are priceless LOL

[@brucewickham8630]

dj yng It's all about listening to each other and enjoying each other's company. You're right. It's a conversation between friends. Beautiful.

[@Tapepusher]

*of

[@ahmindamon]

Best thing about making music!!!!

[@Sideybhai]

HAHAHAHA - The best comment ever on KZbin

[@tsiggy]

I think it's a great lesson for musicians in general. It's amazing how supporting they are to eachother. Nobody is getting in the way of the other, nobody is "overplaying". They are listening to eachother, complementing eachother and always being aware of what each one is doing. And look how much fun they are having! For me that's an example of what a perfect collaboration is.

[@kiddbillinger3948]

love Nathaniel Townsley's rhythm on the drums he plays in and out of the pocket very well..very good timing and chops played clean..def a fan of Him..Mike League is a beast on the bass and cory henry I mean come on thats cory the boy is noiccee!!

[@georgeariza1749]

where can I get this? is it like a live album or something?

[@Wezly]

+Kidd Bill i'm NOICIN' your NOICE.

[@Sylla-Cybin]

Michael and Cory have such a connection

[@StewartGartland]

Guys this is very special, and the epitome of the song. Not only does the harmonic arrangement hint at continuity, but here you are playing it together all these years after it was written. Jaco would be enthralled I'm sure. You guys are monster cats.

[@Solelova67]

Stewart Gartland and playing it masterfully on a Precision Bass

[@edkawalec3360]

Totally agree, this was one of the best renditions of this epic Jaco piece, total monsters! Really loved this, gotta watch again!

[@eyelidman09]

Paying your dues to past masters. These guys nailed it and made it look easy - which it isn’t. Respect.🌞🙏🇬🇧🌞

[@frigs4715]

Man, if someone could show me a better version of "Continuum" than this (Jaco included), I'd love to hear it

[@modulusquantum6455]

@@Solelova67 Fretted...even.

[@chicanochops]

Nathaniel Townsley... so damn musical, fine touch... held this together perfectly

[@espmania]

I never get tired of watching this video. My favorite Michael league bass solo

[@cameronmenzies8033]

I can confidently say this is my favourite video on youtube. A key factor to the enjoyment of a concert from an audience perspective is visualizing the performers themselves enjoying the music.

[@Gregsheff1]

My thoughts exactly, it's nice to see Musician's actually enjoying what they are doing!

[@GrantJolanta]

right on dude

[@l3gendbaap963]

I like the other video of this performance even better, the Creepin’ cover from Stevie Wonder. So gooddd

[@josephkaplan8287]

I cannot stop watching this I keep coming back. The musical conversation between Michael and Cory. The simple and tasteful (respect) playing from Nathaniel!!! One of my favorite jaco songs and they made something so incredible out of it! Fucking insane

[@MrDiddlesGaming]

This recording of Continuum is unbelievable. What talent amongst three people. This take on the song holds a special place in my heart.

[@bjornedvardsson5510]

- Dad, why my sister's name is Daisy? - Because your mom loves daisies. - Thank you, dad! - No problem, Michael League, Cory Henry, and Nathaniel Townsley - Continuum.

[@Wonka275]

The Rhodes is just absolutely mint on this track! Saw Cory and Mike play with Snarky Puppy a couple weeks back, and man these guys really have it. They are perfect.

[@davedwave7]

I love how these guys communicate with each other without saying a word. So many times when I play with people they are berried in their music or I just can’t get their attention. All through high school my director told us to listen to the others and blend In with them. It’s a lost art.

[@earthgruves]

my ohhh my..... young dudes killin this 70's gold!!!! Great trio right here.

[@eyelidman09]

The next generation. And I'm sure Jaco would have been bowled over by this fabulous interpretation. Thank you.

[@bror31]

"Next"? They've been playing for years, they are THE generation buddy

[@mrb4761]

THE CROWD GOES WILD I think you're right - Jaco would have really liked it

[@JahJahBruh]

I find myself coming back to these 2 recordings every now and then.

[@ManelRuivo]

same here

[@MrPatricioG]

These cats are just smilin' at each other the whole time and I'm sitting right there smilin' along with 'em. Freakin' brilliant!

[@johnnyfivefivefive]

Wow! It's so great to hear Jaco's music played my amazing young players like these 3 guys. Is spirit lives on... Thank you! BTW - I love the fact that the bass player sounds nothing like Jaco. He actually found his sound and is on a "league" of his own:)

[@amcsdmi]

Can't believe I've been watching this video for almost 10 years already. Still one of my favorites!

[@Arturoalfaro1]

jaco would be so proud

[@nemesisinvidia5792]

+Arturo Alfaro Medina - Amazing CONTINUUM in memory of JACO !

[@truefilm1556]

Yep! And that's a fretted Fender Precision bass, not a fretless (frets ripped out and fllled-in with resin) Fender Jazz bass like Jaco used! Sounds sweet!

[@KylePBass]

Arturo Alfaro Medina who's jaco

[@japas]

Jaco Pastorius Kyle, look him up. He was all about this and, on this tune, you can see he influences League's playing style.

[@Darktan2112]

Jaco's face would melt

[@thomasdyer8429]

Ahhh, when the drummer steps out at 4mins ... tingles! Badboy trio

[@harmaseeband8145]

Cant stop watching this. Its just so beautiful in every sense. Im not a big jazz guy but damn, Mike, Cory and Nathaniel all nailed it.

[@soopahsoopah]

mad props to that guy for not letting facial palsy stop his bass playing career

[@sittynine]

Hahahaha!!!

[@Quick_Car_Videos]

Coming back from 2020. This shit never gets old. Wish I had a cd of it.

[@fruitbooter79]

Mike shredding some jaco on a P bass is exactly what I needed dog

[@brandonzweiback1132]

Cory Henry is probably my favorite player in the Jazz Fusion category next to Chick Corea. Cory's accuracy, timing, and feel are just remarkable and nearly incomparable to anybody's playing because he truly creates his own style the moment he takes a seat behind those keys. Michael League is also a groundbreaking musician. Not only is he a great bass player, but his composition ability and style is quite remarkable. If you purchase the music to Snarky Puppy's "Lingus", you will know what I'm talking about.

[@ironnwine12]

The way Nate is just chillin and smilin , staying out of the way of two greats, two brothers. His chops are crazy but he just stays in the background so perfectly and tastefully

[@pmanification]

That ride sounds like am walking through time, so expressive

[@jeffs.1999]

I've watcvhed and listend to this several times. I never tire of the lovely warm and fuzzy feeling I get from what some once described as that "Florida sound" of Jaco's work. The conversation between Michael & Nathan with Cory is extraordinary. And, how about the sweetest sounding Rhodes ever recorded? Perhaps, but nonetheless, a beautifully performed tip of the hat to Jaco's Continuum! Thanks guys. 💌

[@wearashirt]

This is why humans were put in the world.

[@_v7t]

Ah bro sorry but Humans weren't put in the world

[@bignatec1000]

We were put here to glorify God, and we can do that through music

[@brianmi40]

Assuming you believe in myths that involve "putting" and are willing to take away the effort that artists like this invest to achieve what they have.

[@wearashirt]

@@brianmi40 wow that dichotomized pretty fast

[@rubensmoraesrj]

Watchig in 2002, during COVID-19. Great version of this song that I love. Thanks Jaco Pastorius. Thanks guys, you are awesome!!

[@bigdon1953]

A cut above most stuff you hear. These boys got it ! Nothing like a P-Bass

[@rockfonsy96]

I cant get tired of this brilliant music. Every musician in Snarky Puppy deserve a great respect for their work, and I think its a gift (for the people that's able to) that you can aprecciate this music. Not all the souls in the world can feel what we're feeling when listening to this.

[@althejazzman]

All the chords sound so rich. Beautiful arrangement and recording once again. This has to be the best version of Continuum I have ever heard, including the original, and I quite like Victor Bailey's version with words, but this is so smooth and groovy.

[@johnnyfivefivefive]

When you get a million views and you play jazz you know you are doing something right. Just as amazing almost 8 years later!

[@MrStrangeSensation]

WOW!!! This is easily one of my top 3 favorite Jaco tunes, and you guys do a spectacular interpretation of it. I love the way you opened it up so much and gave each band member some room to do their own thing. This is beautiful and I'm sure Jaco would approve!!

[@benjaminkenobi21]

The musical minds in that room are a thing of wonder

[@will4282]

This is incredible.

[@carterpaul2688]

They are all superb musicians but the lesson for me here is that this is an EXCELLENT composition. Jaco Pastorius lives!

[@zepplondon]

This is just magical

[@LorenzoDeLeon]

Holy mother of jazz. This is serious shit... from the first notes, the feeling is here. You guys are not messing around, this is TOP level stuff

[@colin_rose]

These guys have such great musical chemistry and and awesome sound - I love the big-ness of Snarky Puppy, but these three really ought to do more trio stuff

[@ironnwine12]

I could sit with these three lads all day. Just soakin it in.

[@BIGGboyee515]

hella bass face.................. i love it!!!! only crazy people play bass with a straight face.

[@soopahsoopah]

funny how the best musicians are usually at least a little crazy though...

[@zatoichiMiyamoto]

The face of Anthony Jackson and Mick Fleetwood combined.

[@composergabe]

i went to school with michael and had the pleasure of working with him, he is a great musician and wonderful person. besides the fact that he is extremely talented he always worked very hard and I looked up to him for that, let us then be motivated to work hard and most of all enjoy our art

[@x2beaches]

I love how Michael always looks so happy and excited when he's playing. This is truly great stuff!

[@RonaldRages]

Yeah, I know. I wish it was available on Dvd or Cd because I come over here everytime I'm online just to listen and to start my day. Awesome song!!!!

[@soduno596]

Nathaniel Townsley - Drum monster!

[@5oulPower]

The bromance is strong here.

[@LOLOKAKASOSO]

this is what I call interaction between every person playing in the band...this guys are amazing

[@leoncollins2625]

Nate is super smooth!!! As a kid he was really good. 1st drummer I seen tune drums to piano. Taught me alot!!!! Competitions were fun😏

[@6strngbass]

His dynamics are amazing.

[@joebandana1]

Cory Henry sounds like Chick Corea. This is sick guys thanks a lot

[@MusicMatic707]

Yeah man. If you haven't yet, watch his 2 part documentary. He mentions that each keyboard has its own sound and should be played as such. He is the epitome of a keyboardist, because his Moog, Rhodes and Hammond all sound different and he is a beast on them all.

[@PabloTarantino]

The first time I saw Nathaniel playing was on Modern Drummer Festival. Man, what a beast! And now together with Cory and Michael it's simply magic.

[@jim_merk]

I love how Michael shifts his "conversation" to Nathaniel for the downbeat at 7:43. So much communication happening.

[@Raphael-jo1rp]

Splendid interpretation. It sounds real, full of love, inspired by the God himself, like he was whispering the melody, the notes, the way to make it great to your ears... The sound, by itself is also technically great !

[@BasstherapyJB]

It would be so cool for Jaco to see this..

[@ExtravaganTV]

but he's dead.

[@BasstherapyJB]

no shit. not in my ears.

[@MuzoSTEIN]

Another STONKER OF A TUNE, by this very impressible KILLER TRIO!!! Guyz, stop KILLIN ME SOFTLY!

[@guitarreilly]

that musical oreo !!

[@hernanrios4590]

Jack Reilly ja ja ja ja ja ja

[@graceisle]

Lolol

[@javierorozco2951]

jajajajajaja ! musical oreo jajajajajaja

[@arcegajuanjos]

Now I get the oreo! LOL a creamy white guy between two black sweet, solid musicians.

[@tjzp]

wtf dude xD

[@vidrojas31]

No words...you are fantastic musicians...Jaco would impressed I hope and proud I'm sure !!! Thank you guys for this moment of humanity and pure music Luv ya all

[@AlexJacksonBass]

Michael’s line at 7:27-7:30.. you can see how much Cory enjoyed that one!

[@rembeadgc]

What a gift it is to play music!

[@LoganSowder]

I love Cory Henry's little Wizard of Oz quote at 7:45 before going straight gospel.

[@JarKaze]

Still wished there were more videos of this trio 😭

[@LeonardCrassman]

Killer version, nice fender tone.

[@jamesgarnett7007]

I'm no musician, just a fan of the art. Damn what a beautiful selection continuum has always lifted my spirits! Jaco's smiling down and nodding right now, and I can hear him!!!!

[@RayfieldA]

Cory's playing on this piece gives me a bit of a "Bob James" feel. Very nice song.

[@elkoronel]

I’ve kept coming back to this every now and then since I first heard it. Regardless of what Michael League said in his SBL interview, I consider it an amazing music lesson. Makes me want to transcribe every bit.

[@supahsekzy]

Wha?!?!?!?!?! Snarky Puppy does Jaco?!?!?! I can die happy now

[@Lifeson21]

Pure joy, IMO on the top 5 list of all the best KZbin videos ever

[@newleo90]

just for the faces, i would enjoy this even with mute on.

[@RCLIFTOFF]

LOL!

[@lichopin]

yeah~

[@kingDevonAlex]

newleo90 hey you rock Man !!!!!!!

[@GrantJolanta]

THAT IS SO RIGHT.

[@vernellthomas6644]

Exactly! Those faces🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jonesthemusicman9068]

I am having a religious experience watching this😫it’s soooo gooooood!!!!!

[@brettorrmusic]

Gold Medal Bass Face.

[@elovesmika]

All of you are my HERO`S! Thank you SO MUCH for your innovation and continued growth. It truly inspires me to no end! SNARKY PUPPY FOR LIFE! Thanks Guys!

[@TrulySavD]

Cory Henry's soloing is crazy!

[@jameyscott4188]

Watching these guys play is as much fun as listening to them.

[@maltejennervall2452]

Cory Always looks like he's really confused what his hands are playing but just goes with it

[@LeeCaterson]

in all reality, most of us bass players feel that way.

[@maltejennervall2452]

Lee Caterson cory henry is the piano man

[@adamwechsler1936]

They have a mind of their own!

[@pastense]

Nah...as a keyboardist he definitely is aware of what he’s doing. This is the advantage of the trio setup. There’s so much room to play with and Cory took all the advantage of that.

[@jimbim4405]

YES!! I could never figure out what it was about Cory that bugged me - but thats it! He always sees confused - although you just know that he isn't. Its REALLY weird and off-putting.

[@d.douhaud6737]

Bravo, bravo. Magnifique et très juste interprétation de ce qui restera l'un des plus beaux titre de Jaco Pastorius. Beaucoup de feeling, de sensibilité, de sensualité, beaucoup de respect pour ce titre de la part de ces trois très bons musiciens, chapeau et merci du partage à simon yu

[@maddoxtroy683]

I can only imagine what he looks like eating ice cream.

[@GrantJolanta]

well you dont need to imagine that... because its right there in the video like right there in front of you 20 cm up from here...

[@OdhranDevlinMusic]

Haven’t listened to this for a few years, jeezy creezy it’s so great!!

[@BruceNorris1990]

I've been thinking about that look in Cory's eyes when he's just doing his thing. It's like this glazed over look, makes him look like he's high as hell, which he probably is, and I can't help but wish that I could play so freely and get high on making music like that.

[@georgeariza1749]

WEED

[@lowtonesmcgreezy7620]

+gabriel liong- There's video of him when he's like 5 years old playing organ. He had that look then when he goes to whatever place that is he gets to. Wherever it is, he brings some serious stuff back with him.

[@arjanskater]

he's high on the holy spirit

[@isaiahsealy9127]

Lmao it's called a mannerism, a lot of musicians do it.

[@BruceNorris1990]

Well sure, it is mannerism. That doesn't mean that he isn't investing a lot of himself into his music. And that's precisely what I'm referring to. As someone who plays some music for my own enjoyment, but not well, I struggle to express myself so freely through music, and that's what separates these fantastic musicians from the rest of us. You shouldn't belittle that, otherwise you wouldn't have things like this to listen to.

[@feijoada2902]

Fantastic, they were so young! Its always the same way for every serious musician!

[@arieljuve]

6:03 All the things you are

[@godu1111]

I`ve been coming back to this again and again. Just lovly.

[@GnumatiComa]

I've never seen Cory with so little hair...

[@JacobMorse]

I discover more greatness in this every time I watch it. At this point, that is a lot.

[@quietsoul]

Jaco would be beaming with pride!!!!!

[@TalvanDijk]

How can people even dislike this brilliant piece of music played by such amazingly talented musicians that would have made Jaco so proud?

[@gtgaxiola]

"All the Things You Are" quote at 6:02-6:10

[@PWMoze]

Wonderful to see how much they're enjoying each other's playing.