Bass player Doug Wimbish from Living Colour jamming with a drummer playing super cool slap bass style with awesome usage of bass effects. Get your groove on www.facebook.com/bassguitarlife www.twitter.com/bassguitarlife www.bassguitarlife.com
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Doug Wimbish, the inimitable bassist from Living Colour, is captured here in a rare and unbridled jam session that's as much about experimentation as it is about groove. The footage, clocking in at 2:30, is a masterclass in creative expression, with Wimbish pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the fretboard.
Recorded at an unspecified date (though likely during Living Colour's heyday in the late 1980s and early 1990s), this clip finds Wimbish trading licks with an uncredited drummer, their chemistry palpable as they navigate a complex web of slap bass rhythms and effects-driven virtuosity. The result is a sonic tapestry that's both deeply rooted in funk and R&B traditions while simultaneously hurtling towards the avant-garde.
At the time this footage was likely recorded, Living Colour was on the cusp of releasing their breakthrough album, Vivid (1988), which would go on to become a defining document of the era's fusion of rock, hip-hop, and psychedelia. Wimbish, along with guitarist Vernon Reid, drummer Will Calhoun, and vocalist Corey Glover, had already begun to forge a unique sound that blended the raw energy of punk with the sophistication of jazz and funk.
This clip is significant not only because it showcases Wimbish's remarkable technical prowess but also because it highlights his willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what's considered "acceptable" in a live setting. The use of effects, particularly the wah-wah pedal and distortion units, adds an extra layer of texture and depth to the music, creating a truly immersive experience for the viewer.
One of the most striking aspects of this footage is Wimbish's ability to seamlessly transition between melodic lines and percussive patterns, his fingers dancing across the fretboard with a level of dexterity that's both mesmerizing and humbling. The drummer, while not as well-known as some of his contemporaries, holds his own in this exchange, providing a solid foundation for Wimbish's explorations.
For fans of Living Colour, this clip will be a welcome addition to their collection, offering a glimpse into the band's creative process during one of their most innovative periods. For those unfamiliar with Wimbish's work, this footage serves as an introduction to his remarkable talents and the unique sonic landscape he helped shape in the late 1980s.
As the camera pans out, capturing the sweat-drenched intensity of this impromptu performance, it becomes clear that this is more than just a showcase for individual virtuosity – it's a testament to the power of collaboration and creative experimentation. Wimbish's bass lines seem to weave in and out of the drummer's rhythms like a living, breathing entity, each note and phrase building upon the last to create something truly greater than the sum of its parts.
In this rare and remarkable clip, we're reminded that even at their most improvisational, Living Colour was never just about showcasing individual chops – it was about creating a shared experience, one that would leave an indelible mark on the music world.
Curated from public records and music databases.