Tune in to classic rock radio and you’ll likely hear this cat laying down grooves on his maple neck Fender Precision…

A bassist, composer, and co-writer of “One Way of Another,” “Union City Blue,” and “Eat to the Beat” – Nigel Harrison anchored Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Blondie during their classic run which included such seminal sides as Parallel Lines (1978), Eat to the Beat (1979), and Autoamerican (1980).

“One Way or Another” https://youtu.be/valVixMpzQY

“Union City Blue” https://youtu.be/Hvqgb1D6Opw

“Eat to the Beat” https://youtu.be/dh6L_7770pM

Dig Nigel’s bass solo! “Atomic” https://youtu.be/O_WLw_0DFQQ

Harrison also worked the harmonic and rhythmic foundation for one of rock’s great unheralded ensembles – Silverhead – helmed by Michael Des Barres. Silverhead waxed two magnificent sides: Silverhead (1972) and 16 and Savaged (1973).

Nigel was the bassist with Ray Manzarek’s Nite City, and Chequered Past with bassist Tony Sales moonlighting on guitar, Des Barres, Frank Infante, and Sex Piston on busman’s holiday Steve Jones.

 Silverhead “Sixteen and Savaged” https://youtu.be/4j1MW55y99Y

 Nite City on their signature tune: https://youtu.be/emPdI-Oo3pw

Chequered Past “A World Gone Wild” https://youtu.be/tJW2x-jER3I

Nigel’s punchy octaving riffage on “Heart of Glass” made “disco” (somewhat) acceptable to rockers!

“Heart of Glass” https://youtu.be/WGU_4-5RaxU

Photo by Jenna Wilson

“So help me groove! My musical language is determined by my musical philosophies which in turn challenge me to develop in all areas of my life. So, for me it’s about body, mind and spirit – their mutual and cohesive health and development. I believe that musicians, like all people, are conduits for love, and love is the will to nurture one’s own or another’s growth…

So says Paul Ill, a groove master in the mold of his idols – which he lists as Duck Dunn, Jerry Jemmott, Berry Oakley, John Paul Jones, Sir Paul, and Will Lee, amid others.  A player, composer, sideman, and engaging stage presence – Ill’s illustrious resume is rather impressive: Michael Des Barres, Pink, Christina Aguilera, Hole, Celine Dion, Reeves Gabrels, Bill Ward, Juliette and the Licks, and Alicia Keys – to cite a select few.

Paul Ill Sound & Vision…

Julliette and the Licks “Shelter Yo’ Needs” https://youtu.be/MGjF0iS6EeE

Pink “Free” https://youtu.be/YDdaJmiJcgU

Alicia Keys “Sure Looks Good to Me” https://youtu.be/RsTLQ6JKedk

Michael Des Barres “Carnaby Street” https://youtu.be/-AuJBAE8RjM

Paul discussing his gear at Produce Like A Pro https://youtu.be/ocF6S8sMCVU

Paul’s claim that he brought back old school “curly chords” https://youtu.be/AhzwxK4_RmA