Footloose Bass Cover
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- Опубліковано 17 тра 2019
- www.buymeacoffee.com/TJH3113
The song is “Footloose” which appeared on the soundtrack for the movie of the same name and was released in 1984. It was written and recorded by Kenny Loggins and featured the great Nathan East on bass.
Have you ever wondered what sort of song might completely and utterly kick my ass? Well, wonder no more because “this” one did. I’d say I probably did more than 40 takes on 3 different basses in my attempt to get a satisfactory take and mix. Granted, some of those takes were only 10 seconds in length. Some were much longer. The most painful mistakes are the ones that occur near the end of the song. What did I find so challenging about this song? For one, there aren’t many parts in the chorus’ that repeat exactly. There are subtle (and not so subtle) variations throughout and these took quite a while to figure out and commit to memory. Another aspect that I found challenging were all the 8th notes which definitely are not one of my strong points. As I’ve said before, I can play quickly in relatively short bursts, but I’ve never been one for endurance tests. The combination of these factors created lots of room for error when I was recording the video. And history has shown that, if I don’t get a song within the first 2 or 3 takes, it’s going to be a long day. I don’t think this version is bad, but it isn’t perfect either. The most grievous error is an error of omission where I leave out a note. This occurs at 2:55. I was so “done” with this song by that point that it barely registered a disapproving head nod. Also, the descending octave thing at 3:20 could have been much smoother than it was but, in the grand scheme of things, I’m fairly satisfied with the video. Ah, thanks once again to my friend, Jim Trice for bringing the song up (or down…I forget) to concert pitch for me.
The bass tone on the recording has a very unique and distinct tone to it…it has a very “nasal” EQ filter applied to it which really makes it stand out. For that reason, I knew I would be using a Spector to record it. I’ve included links to the unlisted videos of me using the other 2 Spectors below, if you’re into that sort of thing. I was satisfied with the version I did with the Legend, but then I got this bass and thought I’d give it another go. A week or so had passed since I’d recorded and, since I already had a video I was satisfied with, I figured some of the pressure would be off. That wasn’t exactly the case. Anyway, I went with this take because the bass was new. It’s a Kramer-era Spector NS-2A that came to me fitted with active EMG pickups which is something I thought could not be done. For some reason I thought these preamps only worked with passive p/u’s unless the pots were changed. I don’t know…in any case, it sounds a bit brighter than the Black NS-2A.
We had a very sad day yesterday. We had to take one of our cats, Briscoe (full name - Briscoe Kitty Jr.), to the vet to be euthanized. We were actually going to bring him in on Tuesday but he rallied and started eating again. That did not last. Still, we were grateful for the few extra days we were able to spend with him. We’ve had to do it before and will certainly have to do it again, but that last ride to the vet is never an easy one.
Alternate versions -
Footloose Black Spector NS-2A - • Footloose Black NS-2A
Footloose Spector Legend with upgraded EMG’s and MightyMite HAZ Clone Preamp - • Footloose Spector Legend
This peerless man has now, by overwhelming consensus of everyone who matters except himself, been promoted to "Emperor of Electric Bass Internet". Congratulations Troy!
Not only am I going to pin this comment, but I am going to print it out and hang it on the refrigerator. Thank you...and, uh, that's "Emperor" to you.
I can see T-shirts now, "All Hail Emperor Troy!"
@@TJH3113 Play long and prosper! 🖖🖖🖖
Don't forget Jedi Master!
I consider Troy to be kind of .....
Bass Jesus.
Just heard this yesterday and in 35+ years, I'd never noticed how busy the bassline was on the chorus. Looked it up and it was Nathan East. Good stuff!
It’s crazy, isn’t it? Thanks!
You can't unhear it now.
I still say you are one of the best bass players of our time... 🤘🎶
Oh please...thank you though.
had no idea bass line was so busy; wow!
great playing, as always 👍🏻
Thanks!
You've done it again. I talk about footloose a lot with other bass nerds. About songs with surprisingly hard bass lines. It makes sense now that I see it was Nathan East. Great job as always.
East's way of connecting the dots is just so damn clever. Troy nails those nuances in a way that's hard to hear on the record.
Thanks. Yeah, this was one I steered clear of for many years and it was as big a challenge as I'd always feared it would be. Thanks again.
@@TJH3113 I wish I could stay clear of it, but ...... cover bands :(
Love your expression at 2:35. Incredible playing to a very difficult song.
That was my, "I've made it to this very same spot 20-something times before and if I fuck it up again, I'm out" look.
@@TJH3113 Hahahahaha !!!
@@TJH3113 lmao 🤣🤣🤣 ... that's funny
@@TJH3113 Thats funny! lol
@@TJH3113 I have that EXACT look right now! Your vids have helped me so much and this tune is a monster! This video is the only saving grace I have! thank you good sir!
Take comfort in the knowledge that you and your family gave Briscoe Kitty Jr. a good life filled with warmth, comfort, and love. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
I've heard this on the radio my whole life, but about a month ago when I heard it again, I thought, I wonder how Troy would handle this? Well now I know, SUPERBLY!!
One last thing, I think you need to add one of those Scream masks with the long jaw (maybe just off to the side, barely in frame); because I'm sure I'm not the only whose jaw drops everytime you give the gift of an incredible performance. THANKS
Yes, we do take some comfort in that. Thank you for reminding us and thank you for your condolences.
Thanks a lot for the great comment. I'm glad you liked the video.
2 years later, still absolutely brilliant 😊
Thank you! I just saw a segment on the news about the high school where Footloose was filmed. The whole school is trying to get Kevin Bacon to attend their prom.
Hahah how cools would that be? 😄 40 old movie. Time flies, cheers from Iceland and keep up the good work 😊@@TJH3113
This bass! This bass line! The attack on your playing... I'm a big fan., man.
Thank you very much!
The octaves walk down/walk-up at 3:19 sounds really cool! Technique awesome, Nice job again!
A little stiffer than I'd have liked. Thank you!
I listen to your covers & now see music that I never gave much thought to in new light. Great Job!
Such a great comment. Thank you.
That little nugget at :21 kinda sets the pace and tone all these years later, I never knew the great Nate recorded this.
It's why most of your vids get at least two looks, one to read through, one to watch and learn from. Tough song for sure!
Thanks for sharing Troy!
Thank for the great comment.
Someone in the Talkbass forum mentioned that the bassline in this 80s classic. I never knew until _today_ that it was so awesome! You nailed it man, great performance!
Yeah, it's a ripper, that's for sure. Thanks a lot!
Excellent! That had to take quite a few hours to figure all of that out and play it as cleanly as you did!
Thank you. Yes, it did.
Absolutely brilliant
Thanks Pétur?
As always, very well done!!
Thanks again!
That was pure perfection
Thanks!
Such an awesome cover! A pleasure and a joy to watch !
Thanks a lot!
Great job as always!
Thank you kindly.
Has to be the hardest song on the "Function Band standards" list. Great job - No one (sane) would notice the things you mention in your own cover!
Thanks!
You've done the impossible! I used to HATE this song - every since it came out in 1984. After watching your video an seeing all the intricate bass line fills, I suddenly LOVE this song!
In that case, my work here is done. Glad you liked it.
@@TJH3113 Thank you so much! Job well done!
@Quadtrak- Ditto !
Sir. You NEVER disappoint!
Stick around. Haha... thanks!
That has to be a fun song to play bass on. It had to be a fun movie to make. It is even harder to believe the movie is 37+ years old. Classic in every since of the word. Thanks again.
"Fun" is one word for it... haha! I have to say, I've never seen the movie.
@@TJH3113 It put Kevin Bacon on the map though I heard from him that the producers originally didn't think he had enough "Sex Appeal", They used another term but I prefer to keep it clean around here. Thanks once again.
This is so cool I watch it every day!!
Thanks!
I could watch and listen to you all day.
Very nice of you to say. Thank you.
I love your covers man! Keep it up!
Thanks! I'll try.
That was hella fun to watch and listen!! Bravo! 👏🏽
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.
Helluva cover! What a bass line!
Thanks! It truly is!
Absolutely fantastic cover
Thank you kindly!
That chorus is 🔥🔥🔥
Excellent work!
It is, isn't it? Thank you.
I love this song!! Awesome!!!!
Thanks.
Amazing!
Thanks!
Awesome job. You just saved me hours of trying to figure out all of those licks.
Glad I could help!
Smooth , great job
Thanks.
Sorry for your loss. Thanks for not giving up on this song as you set another example by which to inspire us.
Thank you for your condolences as well as your kind words.
Wow!!!! Just WOW!!!!
Thanks.
Flawless!
Thanks!
Love it. Flawless playing.
Thank you kindly!
Cookin!!! Great job Troy!
Thanks Kerry!
That just brought a smile to my face! 🙂 Great cover........again!!
I'm glad! Thanks, Brian.
Never knew this song had such an groovy bassline. The bass on its own makes this song great. Good job!
Thank you Bill!
Man that was incredible! 💯💯💯
Glad you liked it!
Fascinating! 😀
Thanks Paul!
Such a difficult baseline yet you play it incredibly well !! Bravo
Thank you.
Love this. Well played sir, you make it look effortless
I'm glad you liked it. Thanks. Looks are deceiving.
Impressionante. Bravo. Perfetto. AMAZING
Thank you Lillo!
I love watching the video's with your Ric involved . Much love from FL.
Awesome. Love you too.
This is the real professional playing.... Amazing...!!!!!
Thanks a lot. That was nice of you to say.
Amazing bass cover!
Thanks a lot, Bahistah!
You, sir, are the best.
Thanks for the kind words.
I cant find the right words to describe this video so all im gonna say is YOU ARE AWESOME!
Haha...thanks!
Just freakin' killer playing by both Nathan and you, good sir. Loggins' bands always had killer bass lines, but probably none more challenging than this one. Thanks!
Thanks.
Fantastic job with this and my condolences for your loss. Its never easy.
Thank you for your comment as well as your condolences. No, it isn't .
Great bass, love it
Thanks!
yesssir!! love it!
Thanks Gordon.
Probably the most difficult cover that you did! Incredible, very very good indeed!
I would have to say that, for me, it on the very short list. Thank you.
Awesome!
Thanks.
Most accurate performance/cover of this on UA-cam. Brilliant!
Thanks a lot Bryan!
This is so good.
I’m glad you liked it! Thanks!
Excellent bass cover
Thanks!
Superb sir!
Thank you.
You're a great player. Always love your videos man
Thank you very much for the very kind words.
This is your best cover (all are good) and by far the best one on UA-cam. You do Nathan East justice
Hey, thank you very much for the kind words.
What the actual……dude! Your fingers, well, were Finger Loose! You make playing the bass look so easy and fun!
Thanks so much!
I love all your bass "tricks" here: the slides, double-stops, chromatic runs, etc. Not to mention that you held down that rock solid groove. Bravo!
Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.
You make it look so easy!
Haha, it's not.
Nailed it! Great workout for the right hand. I always took this one for granted but it's a good one
Thanks Barry!
Bravo 👏
Thanks Gareth.
just, "Wow". Well done, IMHO.
Thanks.
Super cool!
Thank you.
Looks and sounds great as always... you are awesome thank you again for a great performance..
Thank you very much.
Never knew there were so many cool riffs in that song before... nice playing... very fluid-like
Oh yes, it's chock full o' notes alright. Thanks Keith.
My bass playing has gotten so much better ever since i started watching you. Thanks Troy! Greetings from Puerto Rico.
That's great to hear! All the credit goes to "you"! Keep it up!
Before I started learning this one - I had no idea that it was such an intense bassline to follow!! Wow! This has been so hard to tackle. You always make it seem so effortless too....I'm learning a good deal from ya TJ!! Thank you.
Yeah, it's definitely a tough one. Thanks a lot.
awesome!
Thanks a lot!
Nathan East is the man! Nice job covering it!
He certainly is, isn't he? Thanks.
Fantastic playing....put a new element to this song for me...
Thanks. That's great to hear.
Awesome perfect bass...
Glad you liked it! Thanks Sharon.
Whoa that song moves! You didn’t even break a sweat ! Great job as usual Troy 👍✌️
Thanks 👍 All of my sweat takes place internally.
I had to learn this song for a cover band a few years ago, and boy did it kick my arse. What an incredible bass line by Nathan East and super fun to play.
Tell me about it.
I’m right there at the moment. Have a gig Saturday and have just about every song down EXCEPT this one. Might need two or three more years lol.
Great job, Troy, as always. I have always loved this bass line and it’s on my list to try and tackle one day. I have to admit, I’m glad it gave you trouble because your playing always seems flawless and effortless. Very sorry for the loss of your cat as well. Pets are family.
Thank you. Yes, I definitely think something could be gained from learning a bit of this song.
To be honest, everything I play "gives me trouble", some just give me more.
Thank you and, yes, pets are family.
Holy moly.... such a cool (bass) song
It is, isn't it?
Cool!!!Great cover👍👍👍
Thanks a lot!
Holy shit. I didn’t realize that song had such a great bass part!
Damn, man, you really do kick ass. Thank you for putting a smile on my face. 👍🏻
Yeah, this one was a beast! Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Great bass ▶ing 🎶!
Thank you.
Friend that was absolutely a pleasure to listen to and learn from! Your talent is amazing! A rather difficult bass line to memorize and play with precision, and you NAILED it! Thank you for the inspiration!
Thank you very much. Yes, it was very much a labor of love and took quite some time to learn and commit to memory. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
I’m blessed to meet your music.
And I am blessed with your wonderful comment. Thank you.
Yes yes yes you are the man, you've got Nathan East parts down 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Thanks a lot, Sheldon!
Condolences on the passing of your pet. This upload is mind-blowing. I guess I never listened that closely to the bass before. Extreme. Well done!
Thank you for your condolences.
And thanks, I'm glad you liked the video.
All those slides! I need to go re-listen to the original because I can't believe I missed all that action. This is one of your best covers.
Thank you.
EPIC!!!
I'M GLAD YOU LIKED IT!
Those slides are impeccable
Thanks so much
I’ve told people for years that Footloose has an ass kicker of a bass line. Nobody believes me until they go back and listen.
Truth.
Maaaan, you are one heck of a bass player. I was on the road for years, and you are a champ for sure. Whoa!
Aw, thanks so much for the very kind words.
troy, my personal youtube star, amazing job. keep on. all the best from germany!
Thank you very much for the kind words. I will try.
Insane 👌🤘
Thanks!
Absolutely awesome!! You play many of my favourite bass lines but not only that I really admire the personal touches you add that give them so much style and panache ... and also love the ABBA stuff Rutger Gunnarson was such a fabulous player
Thank you very much. To be honest, I try to play the songs as closely as I can to the way they were recorded and rarely add anything of my own. If I do, I'll usually note it in the text beneath the video. Yes, I agree, Gunnar was an incredible player.
you play great bass thanks for sharing long live rock n roll
Thank you kindly!
Condolences on your loss. Great playing.
Thank you very much.
Glad I could help on that one, I kinda don't remember. So, I get up this morning "hmm, Troy's got a new video. A Kenny Loggins song, well, ok. Shouldn't he be working on a Rush song or something?" Holy F@&%, I couldn't be more wrong. Outstanding job on what looks and sounds like really difficult song to play! The thing that really strikes me though, is how Nathan East wrote a textbook on bass playing in one "simple" pop song. I think that everything you need to know is in this tune. My condolences, R.I.P. Briscoe
Well, you help me with so many I can see how one might fall between the memory cracks. Thanks once again.
Yeah, this bass-line is something else, isn't it?
Thanks for your condolences.