Ready Freddie Washington Breaks Down his Most Iconic Bass Parts

[@joshjamesuk]

His timing/pocket is INSANE.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, unreal! So effortless!

[@TPBass1224]

He never missed a note!!!!

[@XDproductionsXD]

Yes sir, I concur

[@got2bharmony]

@@VertexEffectsInc Watch how his body and head are immersed in the tune and the music just flows out of him. You either have this or you don't. This can't be taught, it has to be discovered. I can see from the smile on your face how magical it was to sit there and watch this happen, pure magic.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@got2bharmony It was amazing! Believe me the tears were rolling down my leg the entire time LOL!

[@juliocastel8237]

THIS BASSIST DESERVES AN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL

[@maldo1969]

We have to take a serious moment to realize icons like Freddie Washington will never be replaced. Absolute legend.

[@Energy_from.the_Sun]

Siiiiiiick... that bass tone is out of this world. More bass players, please.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

More coming!

[@manydreams1life315]

Wow!

[@balamont1150]

YES YES YES!!!!!

[@jwhatwherewho]

I was thinking the exact same thing!!! So thick yet very good bite!!

[@matthewyates2031]

Facts!!!!

[@martinheath5947]

Literally not one wasted note and his memory at his age is superhuman! Incredible bass legend.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

One of the BEST to ever do it!

[@Far7rom]

At ANY age..

[@la196]

67 isn't that old:) He's a great story teller, I love the stories!

[@louisebotos7321]

he's not old😂

[@michaelgarrett2266]

At 70 I still play, I suffered a sezure in 2021, and went to short scale. He is awesome.

[@peevee605]

He grooves like a king. No wonder he’s a GOAT. 🎉

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Soo good!

[@peevee605]

@@VertexEffectsInc every bass player needs to check this out.

[@adammanuel3256]

Thankyou Freddie for your beautiful music Godbless you

[@alexms1993]

It's like he's not even playing it. He's just touching it. Madness

[@zavugaderek3306]

That's how masters seem to be. They feel free at ease

[@la196]

The beauty of amplification, talent, and the instrument that feels like an extension of his very being:)

[@WTHFX]

Fender should change the name of the Precision to the 'Washington' because not only is it America's first bass but nothing is more precise and grooving than Freddie.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@jprod1460]

There are many good. Anthony Jackson and Nathan East, comes to mind.

[@williamrobinson1973]

But you got dudes from Blink-182 with signature gear. Makes no damn sense! This man is an ICON

[@clintlagerberg]

Freddie's level of restraint is other worldly! He could do so much more but he keeps it right where it needs to be. Once he locks in it's all bullseyes! Thanks for this Mason!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Absolutely, this seems to be what separates the greats! So glad we could document this. Freddie is a legend!

[@dumaflotchy13]

I’m a guitar player moving over to bass & you are 100% right . Learning to sound consistently the same verse after verse takes restraint.

[@maunlio]

You are perfectly right sir!

[@wreckoningday]

Right on. That bass line on Just Around The Corner is one of the baddest I've heard.

[@LyndaKraar]

Restraint. Right? Perfect. And Mason nailed it.

[@saturnsabyss]

To think he never played Sweet Love again after that recording in the 80s and he remembered all of the little flourishes and riffs along with the intricate chord progression is just astounding. He also confidently said "yeah, sure I can play it" as if he's been playing it for all of these years since. They don't call him Ready for nothing!!!

[@pbenson56fran]

Wow, you hit it on the nail..... Question, please if you know, in the video, Sweet Love, whose playing that upright Bass? He's related to another singer.

[@saturnsabyss]

@@pbenson56fran Thank you, I'm just speaking from my heart. Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you as to who appeared in the video. I'd never seen the music video until you commented and I don't recognize him by looks. You know more than I do if you knew that he was associated with another singer! I can't find any info on Google. If you find out let me know!!

[@pbenson56fran]

@@saturnsabyss saturnsabyss I found the information. But the guy isn't related to whom I thought. The Bass player is Louis A Johnson of Brothers Johnson... George is his real brother .....Louis has since passed according to the information....He also played on Thriller being that he managed to get with Quincy Jones. Have a great evening.......

[@balamont1150]

Maaaaan Listen!!! I been playing bass for 30 years and I can tell you that Freddie got more tone in his pinky finger than I got in my whole body!!! He played “Sweet Love” with his SOUL!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@viajeconchuck7345]

Yes he did! You can see the motion the way he rocked to the tempo of the song.

[@EddieG1888]

Freddie has such economy of movement in his hands, especially his left hand. He knows exactly where to be positioned so he doesn't need to do any mad jumps for the next note. The Herbie Hancock tune is a prime example. So laid back, and absolutely no tension in his hands at all. Fantastic.

[@davidmhuey]

I’m in awe of how slow and relaxed his hands are. No panic. Laid back. When I play this I feel rushed. Lot to learn here!

[@alejandrocane5932]

God Bless your wonderful Grandmother, for helping you buy that instrument,,, she knew just how much you wanted that bass,,, she also knew just how talented, how brilliant, gifted a musician you were,,, she knew.

[@richardasumadu8305]

YESSSS!!!!! Finally!!!! The Great Freddie Washington!!!! The Magnificent and Fabulous bass guitarist and musician.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Best of the best!

[@jamesvaughn1715]

I am a bass player of many years myself, and have been around a lot of other bass players, but he is one of the best of the best. His placement and his timing, gives him , his signature style. One of the best of the best bass players.

[@tholt946]

I have all these artists in my collection. I didnt realize they were all Freddie Washington records! Now I see why they used to call it soul music.

[@slapitman]

The master of restraint and perfect pocket. Such a great player, much like Pino.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤ 𝄢 🤘

[@krga94c]

I went to high school with Freddie. He had chops even then. I was more reserve back then and never joined the music program, so most kids never new I played. I'm now fortune enough to perform all over the world. It's great to see folks like Freddie from home make their mark in music. 😎

[@joevecchio4687]

God bless you I’m 70 Still amateur bass player Never thought I had the goods but pro players complimented all the time Glad you living the life

[@stephanleo]

Freddie can turn the excitement dial from 1 to 10 without actually changing the line he's playing! Truly fascinating...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

So good!

[@premanandhanabel8585]

God bless you Mason for giving us a chance to see the genius of Mr Washington. Damn he is so humble.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

My pleasure! What a day it was to get to sit next to Freddie and hear him play the hits!

[@xxphactor]

Ready Freddy! I used to see his name on all of the liner notes back in the day!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yep...he's everywhere!

[@williamrobinson1973]

This man played ▶️ on the soundtrack of my life growing up!! Thank you Freddie!!!

[@svbarr]

smooth as silk but with a perfect groove

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, indeed!

[@raymondmorgan9511]

I will never hear these songs the same again thank you Mr Washington

[@anthonydevereaux3179]

It's nothing like hearing the original baseline notes played by the original bass player along with the back story Ready Freddie 🎵🎶

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤ 𝄢 🤘

[@jemseed]

This is why I have more respect for these bass players from back in the day. They were able to make super iconic original bass lines. Nowadays you have a lot of amazingly, gifted and technical bass players but its all about what iconic basses can you create not just emulate!

[@dmljones2550]

Freddie plays The distinctive Forget me Nots bass line so elegantly and seamlessly. An unforgettable piece of Bass work.

[@estebancerra1]

Agree, not one wasted note. He plays with such feeling it moves the listener.

[@kennydavis4100]

This man is a true legend. It's about time

[@VertexEffectsInc]

He deserves so much credit for what he's done! Real icon!

[@kennydavis4100]

@@VertexEffectsInc agreed.

[@N0B0DY_SP3C14L]

Hats off to Freddie. That's a BAD MAN. Respect for the pocket and the sheer authority in the man's playing.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤ 𝄢 🤘

[@OdgeBrown]

So funky, but so professional. Could've shredded in places but kept it groovin and locked in. Literally sounds as perfect as the recording did 42 years ago. Class act, and a bass legend.

[@elnakatanakata7652]

Look at how he breathes. Its frequency and the energy are all synchronized as 1 source of where it all comes from. Feelings and tuning into the whole atmosphere

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yeah...he's on another level!

[@BobbyHuff]

Beautiful interview! One of the greatest bass masters ever. Bravo!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, indeed! Freddie is a legend!

[@mjmason75]

Dang, I hope I look that great at age 74, and can still play bass like that. He seems like a sincere humble man too. Great interview!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤ 𝄢 🤘

[@christianboutot]

At a time when machines and computers replace musicians, I think it is a real important interview to see...❤❤

[@reallife805]

I am mesmerized by the smoothness, tonal quality, accuracy and ease of how Freddie plays. I salute you Freddie as a GOAT. WWOOOWW 👍👍👍👍👍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for listening

[@skiergskierg7502]

The masters tend to make their craft look so effortless to make the instrument do the work while the player merely grooves along with the rhythm Freddie is definitely in that category as well as a master player his memory is top shelf as well 👌

[@deeglencairn2598]

The way he effortlessly improvises reminds me a lot of Chuck Rainey and his style.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

It was a real treat watching him work! Felt like I was right there at the sessions!

[@deeglencairn2598]

Interesting that ChatGPT tells me Phil played bass on Two Hearts and he’s playing bass in the official video, just saying 🤔

[@ivocaponio4797]

oh my gosh! he totally IS the bass!!! it's not getting any better than that; feel, groove, smoothness, musicality, everything!!!

[@guitarplayernoteworthy2857]

Bass players…THIS is the tone you should strive to achieve!

[@455LT1]

I've always been a fan of Mr Freddy "Ready" Washington's work in the '80s. I grew up to my parents playing all those cuts on vinyl! Slappin' a P Bass is such a unique sound and made Forget Me Nots that much more distinctive!

[@dmljones2550]

I love Patrice she’s a brilliant musician. But Freddie’s bass groove made the tune Forget me Nots a number one hit.

[@bvonsvideos]

This is the best sounding episode so far in my opinion especially starting with damn near 1:1 live master class with deep but clean bass. Keep posting bro!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@stephendawg1]

Loved this interview! Freddie is one of those iconic bassists from my generation that I never knew of until much later. At 62 years old I now see his name everywhere on tunes I loved hearing in my youth. Saw him playing with Steely Dan on KZbin then went back and really dug into his credits. I’m ashamed of myself. ☹️ Thanks for adding to my appreciation of his work. Love his smile too. What a pleasant man! His playing speaks for itself. 🙂

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching! So glad you enjoyed it! Lots more of these interview here on the channel with other Steely Dan collaborators and session players! Check it out!

[@jeffcrocker1078]

I asked James Gadson I said “if I was a producer and said I want you to be happy you pick the bass player “ without hesitation he said Freddy Washington

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow! That's quite an endorsement!

[@joannalewis5279]

This is so useful as a historical document. Great to see him play Forget Me Nots and more

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤ 𝄢 🤘. Thanks for watching!

[@justanotheranhedonicguy5132]

I've been playing guitar for 18 years non-stop, always loved guitar solos, riffs and stuff, but now in my 30s, i'm starting to appreciate the bass A LOT more. You can have a song without a guitar, but there's no way you can have a hit song without a bass. It just makes the song whole, it ties it all together. This man has such a good rythm and a killer bass tone. Might have to pick up a bass and start learning. Incredible!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤ 𝄢 🤘

[@SandraStVictor]

Freddie is a master of groove. His tone is unmatched. His discipline is crazy! Dude is simply the GOAT. 🤎❤👊🏾🤎❤

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤ 𝄢 🤘

[@metadelic6338]

I met Freddy in Sydney, Australia 1986. He was touring with Al Jarreau. I was back stage watching. I was blown away at the ease that Freddy went through so many songs, and not missing one note, no filler note..Outstanding job on the interview btw !

[@Delimemusic]

I could watch this all day, every day 🔥

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Freddie is so effortless when he plays!

[@kwalls3690]

Freddie if youre reading this, I bought the rapture album multiple times. Without the bass there is no Anita. Thank you for that. Incredible!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching! I'll tell Freddie to check out the comments when he can!

[@freddiew57]

👍🏾❤️

[@AviaAvia707]

I’ve fallen in love with Freddie within seconds watching him playing his heart out ❤️❤️❤️

[@jhonnyandersonoficial]

How many incredible bass lines he recorded, what an inspiration for our generation! 49:19

[@VertexEffectsInc]

One of the best to ever do it!

[@Davey1522]

The smile on Masons face as Freddie plays these iconic bass lines says it all! So cool seeing Mason groove right next to the legend himself Freddie Washington.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

What an amazing day! The tears were rolling down my leg the entire time LOL!

[@basstobasscookingbrentbabi5411]

This is one of the greatest interviews I’ve ever seen. Thank you for all you bass playing contributions you have given the bass community🙌🏼🙏🏼👍🏼

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@WiseBearPD]

Freddie's key is simplicity great punch and tone to the bass,he never over plays.He is definitely a top of the line bassist.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevinmorgan263]

Perfectly stated bro

[@kevinmorgan263]

​@@VertexEffectsIncawesome interview. He's in my top 10 of the greats. I been looking for an interview of him past 40 yrs plus ❤ thanks a million

[@pongtrometer]

An honour to witness the truth of Freddie Washington’s mastery making this look effortless with sonic Majesty. …it’s soul FONKY!!!

[@renmomtha-renaissancesoul8849]

Thanks algorithm for showing me this LEGEND!❤🔥🔥🔥

[@mjb5997]

When a bass player brings out a beat up P-Bass with some barts and a Ken Smith to a session you're in absolute trouble in the best way possible. I haven't heard Two Hearts in years. Hearing that bass line brought me back so fast. It used to be a heavy radio staple. Incredible!!!!!!!

[@JustK009]

Legend..Genius..The sound of many memories growing up..Mr. Washington is way more than a influence, he’s history

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@stanbrown3278]

Dude is so smooth, efficient and effortless…no show boatin … the bass lines that made every person that like Funk/R&B pick up the air -guitar….

[@robertdancy9896]

One of the best to ever play a bass! Love Freddie!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, indeed! Thanks for watching!

[@abigailphilips825]

I fell in love with slap bass when the song was first released and now this lady is learning this song, thanks Freddie!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤ 𝄢 🤘

[@DanFreeman723]

I finally know who played the bass for "Rapture". Thanx for that.

[@HarryVarthakourisOfficial]

Ready Freddie... I know most of his basslines by heart... and I didn't even realize it!! WHAT A LEGEND !!!!!

[@TheRealHucasys]

He's a universal treasure! So groovin'! And you're a great interviewer, love the respect you show for all these legends! Great work.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was a real honor to sit with Freddie!

[@stringtheoryguitars4952]

These players knew how to lay down the PERFECT bed for vocalists… Anita Baker’s legendary performance can’t happen if the musicians aren’t throwing down that slick sophisticated pocket. Also, notice his facial expressions and body movements are different for each tune. His body is kind of “floating” on That’s What Friends Are For, and he reacts to Stevie Wonder’s voice at 39:15 by going sort of “underneath” it. When a player has their knees locked and their back rigid, the whole timing and feel disappears. Freddie knows how to use his entire body to support the playing. He’s a master of the craft.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Freddie is so locked in, it's crazy!

[@stringtheoryguitars4952]

@@VertexEffectsInc And thank YOU for shining a light on these great musicians and documenting their contribution to our musical heritage. Love your pedals, by the way lol

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@stringtheoryguitars4952 thanks for the support!

[@chrisoltman1253]

What a gift to music that grooves and bassists everywhere.

[@JoseJoyette]

Oh and check out Al Jarreau’s Compared to What, with Ricky Lawson. These two, I must say they are the best rhythm section I have ever heard. Tight as glue. It was a privileged to meet Ricky for The Michael Jackson’s Bad and Dangerous tour in the UK. Freddie’s amazing.

[@6minus3minus2]

Such outrageous playing and writing. I never get tired of playing Freddie's lines. Even as a dedicated J player, I love Freddie's tone too. For me, Freddie and Paul Simonon created the dream modern P tones. Paul would be a great one to have on Vertex as well. So many classic bass lines.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yeah...Paul would be unreal! Thanks for watching!

[@purpleheavyrain]

This video will be a must-watch for all future bassist kids for 10 years, 20 years and 50 years.

[@DrTomoculus]

I had to pause at 14:44 during Sweet Love, because the tone of his Bass, the way he made single notes sound like the most important part of the song, it was just too much. I got overloaded. What an amazing player, and seems like such a cool dude.

[@bradcanavan]

Cannot thank u guys enough for catching up with who I call “ Liner Note Legends,” these names we would see over & over again on album & CD covers back in the day, but remained a complete mystery but 4 maybe a VHS “Starlicks” appearance or backing artists live if you could catch them. Having them demonstrate their parts live, sometimes decades since the last time they last played on the session & execute these songs perfectly shows the way they actually performed was a part of their DNA. Feel & groove was everything, which are individual to each musician & what they bring to the music to service the song. Please keep this series going, the stories & rig rundowns are so appreciated. I did not know the guy who played “Forget Me Nots” also played on all this other music & toured with Michael as well, priceless…BTW, El DeBarge was 15-16 years old when he wrote those songs👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@randall9000]

Good Lord, this man was born to play bass and be cool as hell

[@NeilMcVeyartmusic]

Man… he feels time so deep. Amazing to watch him sit there so relaxed feelin that pocket.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤ 𝄢 🤘

[@CMPProductions]

Another killer interview! Crazy to see him play/break down Forget Me Nots with the actual bass, I've been obsessed with that baseline since I started playing guitar/bass.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I'm so glad you were able to see it from the man himself!

[@Bodyknowledge77]

The low end of the magical music of our lives! Very special stuff!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, indeed! True magician on the bass!

[@Harry1s]

One of the best musician interviews I've seen. You can't hide the fact Freddie plays with soooo much feeling. Awesome sound!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤ 𝄢 🤘. Thanks for watching!

[@ObinnaOkerekeocha-vr5po]

My best bass line of all time! Thank you for your service Freddy Washington!

[@rdallen9211]

Love his FEELING and EMOTION he puts in each song! Incredible!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤ 𝄢 🤘

[@kristallbasses8382]

This blows me away. I'm at a loss for words, I have to sit down for a while and breathe. So much love is almost unbearable ❤💜❤💜 thank you for this great interview 🤩

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@bigtimedrum]

Freddie is a game changer in bass and has built a legacy that never dies ....

[@Holabirdsupercluster]

There is something about listening to a great studio musician talk about the work: the combination of incredible technique, incredible craft, incredible artistry, and incredible modesty (because they're not the star of the show), it's just endlessly fascinating

[@darkbluebossa]

So cool. More bass players, please

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes! Indeed!

[@darkbluebossa]

@@VertexEffectsInc thanks

[@narioesprit4516]

Please 🙏🏾

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

Please, PLEASE Vertex, get Anthony Jackson while he's still with us 🙏🏿🙏🏿🖤

[@Matt-Hurin]

Oooooweee, this is gonna be good, what a bad man bass player 🤣🤘🏼

[@VertexEffectsInc]

one of the BEST to ever do it!

[@cesaralexis73]

Bad player??? You’re nuts

[@ajadrew]

I've been watching Freddie play Forget Me Nots on this video for 4 days now -- I was 24 when this came out & yes, I have the 12" single.... One of the classic lines then & now! Kept meaning to comment & finally did tonight - 👍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Enjoy!

[@ajadrew]

@@VertexEffectsInc I just keep watching - the control & dynamics of Freddies playing inspire me in ways that words can not convey 👍😊

[@fernandoperdomomusic]

Holy crap... these are some of my absolute fave parts of all time .. and I jammed with Freddie at Maui Sugar Mill with Arthur Adams!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Freddie is one of the BEST to ever do it!

[@issiewizzie]

His legacy is cemented for future generations Bass players

[@philsarkol6443]

It's a joy to watch and hear him play the bass lines that are so well known but never had a name or a face attached to the sound. This is a tribute to the man and his craft, creativity and soul!! Freddy Washington IS the precise Precision bass player!!!

[@user-yd5wx4fh4t]

This guys right hand technique and efficiency is out of this world! This is a master of tasteful slap use, his timing and pocket is so precise!

[@tonymcalister9878]

Now that's a bass player. What a groove!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Best of the best! Thanks for watching!

[@jlmac39]

My partner and I wrote a tune for Deniece Williams that George Duke (Keys) produced on her "As Good As It Gets" CD entitled "There's No Other", Freddie was the bass player on it. John J.R. Robinson (drums), and Paul Jackson Jr. (guitar) were also on the track.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I bet it was amazing! What a band right there!

[@kjmusic56]

Great interview Mason ! Definitely more bass cats in the future ( R.I.P. to the great Ricky Lawson❤️)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, that's the plan!

[@Rocanala]

Smoooooth. This is one of those bass lines that no matter wherever I am when I hear it, I stop and enjoy it. Start to finish.

[@bernieanderson8118]

Freddie's Fender Bass a Veteran Battle Scarred War Axe rising to the occasion and telling it's tale ! Iconic sound ! Cheers !

[@colsontowingllc3309]

freddie for president!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

For the tightest grooves in the union!

[@pianoloveism]

One Nation Under a Groove 🎉

[@KingofNewYorkkk]

Ready Freddie!!! Wow. Forgot Me Nots Is Such an Iconic Bassline. One of the greatest basslines in the history of music. It's fascinating to see his timing and rhythm on point. And his resume is impressive. Artists like Anita Baker, Michael Jackson, Herbie Hancock. Amazing.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤ 𝄢 🤘

[@trevorblair5552]

Goat bass player who has contributed to some awesome music! 🙏🏿🙏

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes...GOAT indeed!

[@rogerisreal4766]

My brother was a bad ass bass player too he played everything he passed away back in January watching you play this bring back memories

[@less_tress]

The way you interview people is amazing. Im glad you are so passionate about this stuff.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching! I have a difficult time not showing my emotions on my sleeve...probably a "no-no" for a professional documentarian, but I'm just glad it resonates with people. These session heroes need to get their due, and I'm glad that these videos are able to at least help document a part of their immense contributions to music.

[@RM-45]

Funny how people always criticize 70’s Fender basses and yet it’s good enough for Freddie and it sounds amazing!!

[@marcio_souza007]

Go, Freddie!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@marcio_souza007]

@@VertexEffectsInc More bassists, please. Greetings from Brazil.