WILL LEE - Studio Musician, Bassist (Late Show with David Letterman, The Fab Faux)

"Keep your eye on the prize....Follow your heart all the time...." The prize is in the Music and Will's experiences, his energy & career in the music industry has earned him incredible success!!
The Sessions Panel & our Artist Series interviews with Dom Famularo share music industry knowledge to musicians worldwide!! The panel events include Entertainment Law, Marketing, Networking, Artist Relations & Motivational skills and experiences from professionals and experts who have been "on the road" and are successful in the industry. The interviews share tips, exclusive background information from Artists in the music industry and the importance of knowing music history.

[@nelsono4315]

as house photographer at Iridium Jazz Club I have come to know Will and not only is he a superb bassist he is one of the nicest cats around. The respect he gets in the industry is no accident. Thank You for the interview.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Agreed! Thanks for watching, sharing & subscribing to our channel! More to come!

[@RubyBandUSA]

I love that he mentioned Carol Kaye

[@michaelledford4751]

Carol Kaye was no joke in her day ,she was a massive part of the Wrecking Crew .

[@bernardjharmsen304]

Electric Bass Lines Volume 1- 6 by Carol Kaye 1969

[@point2822]

NYCC /NEW YORK COMMUNITY CHOIR WILL LEE ON BASS MAGICAL PERFECTION TIMELESS .28 LEAD SINGER EARONS NYC BAND FROM EARON EARTH JUST LIKE YOU

[@LateShowBottomEnd]

Dom Fomularo brings out the best in everyone he interviews- check out his interviews with Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd, Hal Blaine & many more - they're all great!

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thank you for your support always Will! Your interview was fantastic and we definitely love having Dom for the Artist Series!!

[@geoffreymayne2053]

Hi will and all you Bass players. I read a really good book by a bassist, he said that songs were not written but discovered and if your note is off just slide it up or back and you'll most likely be in key. So to you philosophical bassist, keep on slapping and mem. Jaco

[@producerp1]

Will Lee is not only a great bassist as we all know, but a great human being. It’s always great to hear the stories. Long live Will Lee!👍🏾

[@frederf69]

First heard WL playing with Billy Cobham. & was instantly amazed 👍👍

[@snoma01]

thank u for your ideas, Will

[@snootslobber]

Good to spend this time with Will.

[@markprater1]

There's an album about 40 years old featuring Will Lee, David Sancious, and Raymond Gomez. The artist was Narada Michael Walden 'Garden of Love Light'. Still one of my favorite listens...

[@jakemitchell1671]

Every generation has its seminal musical moments. I was born in '66 so I didn't experience Elvis or the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. But all my heroes spoke of those experiences in almost religious terms. I marveled at it. Then when I was 13 years old I heard Eddie Van Halen's solo on "Ice Cream Man," and it was like the clouds parted and God spoke right to me. I'm BARELY exaggerating! Just like Will says, "I didn't know what I was hearing." Boy...do i relate to that. And I'm sure my kids will tell their stories someday, and it will probably feature an artist/performer I've never heard of. lol

[@curtislawrence7096]

'The Ringo of bass players.' I love that. No mention of him as a great singer. Awesome player and person.

[@RjBenjamin353]

His McArthur Park was amazing

[@OzzMazz]

I've tripped over this series and it's wonderful. It's very smooth and revealing. As a musician, its all I need. Thanks.

[@danwittmayer6539]

I love how Will takes time to mention the luminaries who have helped in his development like Steve Gad, Carol Kane, Michael Brecker, et al. Special to me he says that he studied the great Astin Barrett of The Wailers, such a genius!

[@RubyBandUSA]

Will is a music star, a national treasure

[@hamsandwichson]

Will Lee is a legend! His playing with Oz Noy is deep pocket funky!

[@volodyanikolaev]

That's the guy who played with Chirstopher Cross! Love that style.

[@dtsdigitalden5023]

Dom outdoes himself, yet again. Terrific, just terrific. As always, Dom brings out comfortable conversation, and Will ... what a world-class player!

[@randyclere2330]

RIght!! This is the GRAND DADDY of them ALL!!! Being a bassist, Will has always informed me about groove and pocket... He is ONE OF THE GREATS!!! And like Tony Levin, he is a stellar human being!!.

[@Vicnsi]

"Bob Marley and the Wailers, those guys were the ultimate version of what reggae is. The absolute top of food the chain." 18:29 I argue this point with my friends all the time. Sadly they just don't see it (hear it) the way I do! And here's virtuoso Will Lee totally validating my case. Awesome 👍

[@joanbansen6902]

What a wonderful, insightful interview Dom had with Will!💕 (Though I already know alot about Will, there was one or two things I found to be delightfully interesting; going back to his time in school!☺) And aside from Will & my son having birthdays, a few days apart, my son also played trumpet, starting in 4th grade (the teacher saw how amazing he was & gave him a French Horn, showing him the keys & my son starting playing scale...so the teacher called me that day, asking if she could change his instrument to French horn!! (I was hesitant at first, because I liked the trumpet which is used more in JAZZ!!💖 He ended up switching, but still, also played trumpet in Jazz Band & Marching Band, & Pit Orchestra, while playing fr. horn in Symphonic band! (To this day he still plays trumpet, when he's not working at his full time job as Chief Meteorologist (at WABC6/WLNE, in Providence, RI)!! *And like Will, my mother was a Jazz Vocalist/& Pianist, playing professionally, in NYC, & Brooklyn, with some of the iconic musicians in her time!(*her nine brothers were all working musicians; mostly all different string instruments)...so I grew up in a musical family, with a LOVE for most music!🎶💖 I also want to just say that I miss my friend, Dom Famularo, so much...he was such a shining light in this world!✨💖 R.I.P., Dom🥰

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thanks so much for sharing your stories....so glad interviewed Will to hear some of his amazing stories & Dom is missed but his legacy will carry on with The Sessions!

[@PeteN_2]

another in depth interview with the legendary Will Lee , bassist ,vocalist , session man . So interesting ...again the brilliance and genius of Ringo Starr comes to recognition through Will Lee . After watching a Billy Cobham master series , he too made reference to Ringo and his inventive brilliance , however some critics out there took exception . To those of you who doubt Ringo Starrs brilliance listen and watch the transcriptions of Sina playing Ringo Starrs drumming. Ringo was a SONGWRITERS Drummers dream . Just listen to his drumming compositions of to name a few '' Ticket To Ride, '' She Loves You , I could go on , I ask drummers '' what would you have played ? '''

[@michaelwertzy9808]

Ringo did the best with the least! It only took him, with his bare minimum drum kit to show his prowess!

[@MacTeee]

His comments on RIngo are spot on...his contribution to the Beatles sound, especially on the early records, is beyond vital. That infectious beat is all him!

[@Herehear49]

I don't subscribe to this myth for one second.

[@drummerjeroensimons]

Great to see Will here, such a high energy positive monsterplayer!!! Thanks Dom and co!!!

[@luvbasses5487]

“People are more important than music.” Thank you Steve Gadd. Everyone here should look up Take It Away by Sir Paul. Steve has a quick appearance at the beginning of the video.

[@glennsuckling5478]

Wonderful thankyou.

[@jeffreykwon3173]

Yes " people are more important than music" steve gadd~~ Will, you have good friend~~

[@christophervaughan2637]

Interesting interview: "people are more important than music". That is so true. What matters is what happens to people and music can help people so much. I remember John Denver saying how a girl visited his house when he wasn't home and told his wife she was about to commit suicide when his song "poems prayers and promises" came on the radio and made her feel there was something to live for.

[@Redhotlugnut]

This is such a great interview Dom, thank you for letting Will tell his stories! I love Will Lee so much from being a bass player drummer and watching Late Night when I was just 14 back in the late 80's. I could listen to Will tell stories of sessions and playing for hours the guy is for sure the best all around bass player and also has one of the most amazing voices too! Thanks again Dom!

[@Mrbeahz1]

Add Will Lee to the list. P' First instruments: P. McCartney, trumpet; P. Lesh, trumpet; J. Entwhistle, French horn - and now W. Lee, starting on horn before (as the others) turning to the bass.

[@crashboombang8163]

This drummer's favorite bass player! Thank you Dom! Thank you Will!

[@NeilRaouf]

His Dad Dr Lee was one of the earliest supporters of Pat Metheny.

[@Gibfenez]

Dom, just found this site. Wow, what an incredible interviewer, truly inspiring to all people but if you play music, you have filled a void of letting us hear the soul of the player. Brilliant! Thank you. Love Will!

[@Mr01Parrot]

This is so great Dom. You told me that this was coming up last year when you were in Oz. Superb. Will really is a force! Great attitude. His playing is stellar✌️

[@geoffwright9684]

Just found this channel Thank You! Wonderful Dom... Beautiful interview that tells me exactly why Will Lee is so great It's so much about the guy making the music...without exception ❤️

[@MrRalphlisa]

Dom does it again! I just love these interviews! Thanks for being so exceptional and interviewing these exceptional musicians and all up human beings :-))

[@augustalaurentbiehly3277]

Will is amazing. Met him once and you would be hard pressed to find someone friendlier. And his wife is really cool too. I don't get his infatuation with The Beatles though :-) I love his mid-70's fusion stuff with the Brecker Brothers, Steve Khan and other NY stars. Such an inventive player.

[@randyclere2330]

Nice comment... yeah, me too... I respect the Beatles, but his fusion stuff just kills!! I am the same age as he, and I get the Beatles connection for sure...

[@dadduorp]

I get his infatuation. It’s not something you can explain cerebrally (although you can write pages and pages of reasons) but more of something you feel in your heart and soul. And I’m a HUGE jazz fusion fan as well as player.

[@mariomessina1147]

Don’t forget all the albums he made with his great friend - master guitarist Hiram Bullock ( R.I.P) . Will is a legendary musician !!!

[@abfranklin8492]

Late to the party but enjoyed it thoroughly.

[@Simonewhitesim-1music]

Yay. A true soul man. Thanks so much.

[@JFK1180]

Great interview. What a player and yes, music is about people!

[@jefffeinstein1]

THIS...is gonna be GOOD. TY

[@randyclere2330]

OMG!! Dom, you really knocked it out of the park with this one...Will Lee IS such a force of nature!! Thanks for this!!

[@jamieu]

Loved everyone minute of this interview! Great stories, wit and wisdom. Will is super cool!

[@TheScudabear1]

Jamie U....couldn't agree more, could listen to him all night long. Looks like a musical Clint Eastwood too lol

[@405Lenny]

Nice interview and great channel!

[@Fnortner01]

Great interview, fantastic.

[@nemo227]

It's interesting the way people come to their instrument. Sometimes a person will go directly to their final instrument; rare, I think. Most of us have tried different instruments before we settle on just one (or sometimes two or three).

[@gimmeagig]

Another great interview Dom. Johnny Carson's got nothing on you!

[@KeithCopeland778]

Outstanding interview and insights by a real pro!

[@TheSessionsPanel]

A real pro & a class act! Thanks for your support of our channel Keith!

[@GlobalDrumming]

Thanks!

[@uubuuh]

I knew about Entwistle and Mont Campbell... now Will Lee?!? Where will it end?

[@markbra]

to copy is the highest form of complement. (Wailers)

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

This cat can lay some nasty funk grooves!

[@randyclere2330]

RIght?? he, like Tony Levin, plays just what a tune needs... When he slaps, his slap sound and tone is really sweet

[@michaelwertzy9808]

@@randyclere2330,like Will and Tony, especially with his "finger extensions" and his use of the Chapman stick! The first musician that I remember that used slap was Stanley Clark, oops can't forget Stanley Jordan! Not for just slap but his use of all of his fingers and the harmonics, very similar style as Chet Atkins, in that they could play up to three tunes at once!

[@deheckler]

Carol Kaye learnt me everything.....just ask Sid haha

[@ryanplays]

heavy

[@alfching2499]

He means all the Bobbys and and all that rubbish,we had the Cliffs and the Billy’s etc.The Beatles changed the World for us at the time teenagers

[@radiomindchatter7994]

It would seem that sunglasses are required to be interviewed here..

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

:)

[@custino22]

french translation please

[@TheRealDannAlexander]

Uncle Will! Heh

[@brianmeese1641]

I just wish the interviewer would pay him a compliment once in a while!

[@GlobalDrumming]

Geez!

[@jambonejim1249]

Fretlessness is okay, but carrying is definitely an issue.

[@skwaihee]

Geez is that Michael Bolton double life as a bass player?

[@ronschwolsky1626]

Robert, ...or Dustin Hoffman

[@skwaihee]

@@ronschwolsky1626 oh yes him too

[@h0tsex0r]

Wtf Will Lee does not age

[@dumpygoodness4086]

HERE'S SOME EASY, SMART BUSINESS ADVICE FOR MUSICIANS: 1) ALWAYS START AS LOW-BUDGET AS YOU CAN. (The less money you need to spend, the less money you have to hustle to earn. EX: I just got a micro-drumkit so I can effortlessly take it anywhere, while all my friends have to rent a cab or such in the city, for gigs!) Finding fantastic guitars for UNDER $200 is easy. Some musicians spend THOUSANDS of dollars on just their instrument, which is rarely smart. (THey have to be paranoid every second that it will get scratched or stolen, blah blah.) BE AS THRIFTY AND EFFICIENT AS POSSIBLE. U2's profit margin is like 5%!! That's horrendously inefficient! (Restaurants, the rare times they're successful, have like a 5% profit margin. BY CONTRAST, a bar that is just liquid, has like an 80% profit margin!) MY profit margin is like 95%! WHO CARES if you're making millions of dollars... if your record company or managers or accountants are taking most of it? I not only make money 90% easier than U2.... but WITH NONE OF THE HASSLES OR HEADACHES. NONE. I SIMPLY GO OUTSIDE AND PRACTICE MY INSTRUMENTS AND STRANGERS THROW MONEY AT ME . 2) PLAY OUTDOORS PLAY OUTDOORS NO MATTER WHAT PLAY OUTDOORS. AS WILL LEE says, it's MOSTLY about NETWORKING / CONNECTIONS / WHO YOU KNOW, if you want to make a living at music in ANY part of the medium. When you PRACTICE outdoors, other musicians (etc) will approach you automatically! And YOU WILL GET PAID TO PRACTICE. Jimmy Page and John Bonham did NOT get paid to practice! (They got paid to rehearse,and only on rare occasions.) THESE FIRST TWO TIPS basically just gave you a career. (UNLESS you are playing music that is so bland -- ex: Bob Dylan covers -- you will make new friends and money.) AND NEVER FORGET: ALL YOUR FAVE ROCK BANDS WERE BROKE, WHEN YOU THOUGHT THEY WERE RICH. They were selling MILLIONS of records... and the label was paying them NONE OF IT, via illegal, crooked contracts they gave 20 year old musicians. ONE FINAL POINT: REMEMBER THAT SUCCESS DESTROYS EVERYTHING. (ALMost all bands say it was the SUCCESS that broke up the band, from Pink Floyd to BLack Sabbath to YES to ALL OF THEM.) (It was success that killed Bonham and killed Zep.) YOU NEVER WANT TO BE RICH. MORE MONEY, MORE HEADACHES. MORE PPL WANT TO STEAL YOUR MONEY OR USE YOU. YOU WANT TO BE COMFORTABLE. THAT'S ALL. ANother reason to keep your expenses as small as possible.

[@edryba4867]

Bass clef. Lines: Good Boys Do Fine Always. The notes: GBDFA. SPACES: All Cows Eat Grass. The notes: ACEG. SIMPLE, RIGHT? Well, yes and no. Either way, Will Lee is AMAZING!

[@michaelledford4751]

I would love to hear Guitarist Dweezil Zappa interviewed in depth like this ,Dweezil has became an absolute monster on guitar,the older Dweezil gets the more refined his playing has become where he was able to create his own musical vocabulary playing his fathers music & have the finished product end up very much recognizable by fans of Frank Zappa .