Courtesy of Klaus Voormann Com

By Thomas Semioli

… There’s somebody on bass who many people have heard about, but they’ve never actually seen him – Klaus Voormann…”

 

George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh introduction of his friend, musical colleague, former Manfred Mann member, and acclaimed graphic artist who designed album covers for the Beatles’ Revolver and Anthology series, and the Bee Gees, among others – was a welcome revelation.

 

Klaus’ body of work on the Beatles’ extensive solo cannon and as a sideman was an exercise in musical diversity – he worked the pocket and served as a melodic catalyst – always in service of the song.

 

A first- call studio bassist for Lennon, Harrison, Star; B.B. King, Donovan, Harry Nilsson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lou Reed, Randy Newman, Dion, Maria Muldaur, Sir Paul, Dr. John, Van Dyke Parks, Carly Simon, and Peter Frampton, to cite a select few – Klaus’ lone solo slab aptly entitled A Sideman’s Journey, features Voormann’s famous friends paying musical homage to this gifted musician and artist. 

 

An integral member of the Fab Four’s inner circle beginning in their Hamburg days at the dawn of the 1960s, Voormann moved to London at the behest of George as Beatlemania took off. He became a member of Manfred Mann in 1966, then gravitated to session work until his retirement from music in 1989. Klaus’ “accidental” intro for Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” is among the most recognizable bass lines in the history of pop music.

 

Klaus main weapon of choice was his custom painted Fender Precision.

 

Klaus Voorman Sound & Vision….

 

Manfred Mann “The Mighty Quinn” https://youtu.be/kMRWPu1LCXw

 

George Harrison “Give Me Love” https://youtu.be/LYW9cjcO_SY

 

John Lennon “How Do You Sleep”  Outtakes https://youtu.be/FoJQAyrUHhA

 

John Lennon “Instant Karma” https://youtu.be/NVoeNxWxjdA

 

Ringo Star “Photograph” https://youtu.be/nevdSt_2PIM

 

“Your So Vain” https://youtu.be/cleCtBP0o5Y

 

Harry Nilsson “Spaceman” https://youtu.be/-yK5vUFBshM

 

Dig Tony Senatore’s renditions of these Klaus classics!

 

George Harrison’s “The Art of Dying” https://youtu.be/DKPRhk4zap8

 

John Lennon’s “Crippled Inside” https://youtu.be/k0uFU2lPAGA

 

John Lennon’s “Gimmie Some Truth” https://youtu.be/k0uFU2lPAGA

 

George Harrison “Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long” https://youtu.be/nvh3XJlfv9w

 

George Harrison “I’d Have You Anytime” https://youtu.be/HRE8DtzfZo8

 

By Thomas Semioli 

 

“He’s the baddest bass player in the U.S.A!” proclaimed the late, great Donny Hathaway from the stage of the Bitter End in New York City nearly 50 years ago (1971) – and that proclamation still holds true well into the 21st Century.

 

You know that jukebox that goes “doyt doyt” at Danny’s All-Star Joint? That’s Willie Weeks!

 

From the late 1960s to the present day, Willie Weeks continues to set the bar as a session player and sideman. A laid-back pocket player, Willie’s command of rhythm and blues, soul, country, jazz, and pop, and just about any permutation thereof has can be heard throughout the seminal recorded works of several artists including Stevie Wonder (“Misstra Know It All”), Rolling Stones (“It’s Only Rock n Roll), Chaka Kahn, Rickie Lee Jones, Herbie Hancock, John Mayer, Vince Gill, Ron Wood , Etta James, John Scofield, Aretha Franklin, Joe Walsh, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, Rod Stewart, Gregg Allman, Randy Newman, David Bowie (“Young Americans”), and Richard Thompson, to cite a very select few.

 

Willie’s weapons of choice include: Fender Precision and Fender Jazz basses, Kay, Alleva Coppolo, and his “WW” Willie Weeks signature bass by Bee Basses.

 

A giant of the instrument, Willie Weeks is long overdue for recognition in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

 

Tom Semioli / Huffington Post “A Bass Player’s Rant: 33 Who Belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” : https://bit.ly/2POxUJr

 

Willie Weeks Sound & Vision… (See Best Bass: Willie Weeks Know Your Bass Player Playlist – Spotify) 

 

Willie Weeks’ watershed solo on “Voices Inside (Everything is Everything)” https://youtu.be/3gpN-SJD-VY  from Donny’s iconic Live (1972) album remains a benchmark for bassists.

 

A rare Willie slap passage with  George Harrison “Woman Don’t You Cry for Me” https://youtu.be/47l0EzvjN4I

 

Willie and Eric Clapton on a live rendition of  “Motherless Children” https://youtu.be/h9d2ZeAvBgA

 

Rolling Stones “It’s Only Rock and Roll” https://youtu.be/DmgCy__eUa8

 

David Bowie “Young Americans”  https://youtu.be/iO6OvHxD_m8

 

Willie’s bass solo composition with Ron Wood “Crotch Music” https://youtu.be/KNAg8TVS2RY

 

Vince Gill “Never Alone” https://youtu.be/MtQvLF1ZKCg

 

James Taylor “I Was a Fool to Care” https://youtu.be/SnwZySCHyNw

 

Stevie Wonder “He’s Misstra Know It All” https://youtu.be/uivvYGyQiow

 

Rickie Lee Jones “Danny’s All Star Joint” https://youtu.be/T9dRLzd0sXU