From the Bottom

Inside the 1975 Pointer Sisters track that delivered one of funk's greatest bass grooves, featuring a hidden gem of a bassist and a killer rhythm section.

Discover the greatest bass lines of 1991 featuring Flea, Les Claypool, Victor Wooten, and more. From jazz to grunge to hip hop, these grooves defined an era.

Paul McCartney's "Goodnight Tonight" features one of his funkiest bass lines. Paul Thompson dives into the groove, tone, and story behind the track.

Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield wrote it, Captain & Tennille made it a hit. But did you know "Love Will Keep Us Together" had one of the best bass lines of the '70s?

Wilbur Ware's legendary bass solo on "Softly" is a masterclass in phrasing. Discover how his rhythm, space, and storytelling elevate a great solo.

Fleetwood Mac’s "The Chain" features one of the most iconic bass lines in rock history. Discover how John McVie’s legendary fretless bass, unique playing style, and the song’s rich harmonic structure came together to create a timeless classic that continues to inspire bassists today.

Discover the story behind the smooth, timeless bass line in Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do for Love” as Paul Thompson breaks down the groove, jazz influences, and lasting impact of this classic hit.

In this episode of "From the Bottom," Paul Thompson digs into Deon Estus’ genius bass line that powered Wham! to #1.

In this episode of "From the Bottom," Paul Thompson brings in the holiday season with his take on 12 amazing bass lines that anchor CLASSIC Christmas songs you might know (or not).

In this episode, I’m digging into Donna Summer’s song “State of Independence.” We’ll get into the amazing story of how it set up “We Are the World,” and try to figure out if Michael Jackson ripped off Louis Johnson’s bass line.

In this episode, I’m focusing on the music of the late, great Quincy Jones and his iconic album "Walking In Space" (1969). Ray Brown's bass work on Benny Golson’s jazz standard “Killer Joe” just might be the best walking bass line you’ve ever heard.

In this episode, we’re diving into an amazing song from Marvin Gaye’s 1971 masterpiece, “What’s Going On?,” and Bob Babbitt’s bass lines from that iconic album: “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler).”