By Caleb (65.59.109.91) on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 02:51 pm:| By Caleb (65.59.109.91) on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 02:51 pm: |
Let's pick it up!Babbitt,can you comment on the album you did for Bonnie Raitt?
| By Millie (68.40.198.72) on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 09:55 pm: |
Speaking of Babbitt, I just saw "Standing In The Shadows of Motown", and LOVED IT! Bob, you were great, as were all the other Funks. Gotta go get the soundtrack tomorrow! Everyone on this forum should see the movie!!!
| By soulie dave uk (62.254.64.5) on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 12:49 am: |
Millie, Cant wait to see the movie, but live in the far north of England. Cant get to London in November. I guess i'll have to wait a lot longer than you guys. Will have to make do with the soundtrack for now.
| By Son of Thunder (65.59.98.250) on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 05:40 pm: |
Babbitt,I read a post by Ed Wolfrum saying that you and Andrew did some work for Bob James.What kind of work was it?Records/Jingles/Film?
| By Son of Thunder (65.59.102.41) on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 09:31 pm: |
Babbitt,I was just reading the Ray Parker Jr thread.Did you do any sessions with him in Detroit.I know him and Andrew grew up together.
| By BOBBABBITT (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 10:17 pm: |
MO-FU'S............GETTING READY TO GO TO AUSTIN TEXAS FILM FESTIVAL TOMMOROW...WILL ANSWER ALL MAIL THIS WEEKEND..GOD BLESS YOU..THE "BABBITT"
| By Son of Thunder (65.59.107.42) on Friday, October 18, 2002 - 11:29 pm: |
Babbitt,I asked this on an earlier thread.When you were in Detroit did you do any sessions for Aretha Franklin's father,Reverend Franklin?Thank you for your answers to these last posts'.
| By Caleb (209.245.113.233) on Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 01:02 am: |
Babbitt,I just heard "Mercy,Mercy Me" on the radio.That's some fine bass work on there.You are an excellent musician.Caleb
| By Friday (209.244.236.202) on Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 11:06 pm: |
Babbitt,where you at?Interested in hearing your responses to the Thunders' posts.Reverend Franklin...hmmm.
| By BOBBABBITT (64.12.97.7) on Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 01:33 am: |
CALEB...........BONNIE RAITT.......... RECORDED ON ALBUM “STREETLIGHTS” FOR HER........SESSION’S WERE DONE AT THE HIT FACTORY STUDIO IN NEW YORK, THE PRODUCER WAS JERRY RAGAVOY.........I THOUGHT THAT SHE WAS EXTREMELY TALENTED!!!!!!! AT THAT TIME , MIDDLE ’70’S, SHE HAD ALREADY RECORDED QUITE A FEW ALBUMS, BUT NO BIG HITS,
I REMEMBER HER ROAD BASS PLAYER, A GREAT PLAYER WHO ALSO DID SESSIONS FOR HER, HIS NAME WAS FREEBO........... ONE OF THE SONGS THAT I PLAYED ON THAT ALBUM WAS LATER USED IN ONE OF BONNIE GREATEST HIT’S ALBUM’S........I HAVE SEEN HER SEVERAL TIMES SINCE RECORDING WITH HER AND PERSONALLY TRIED TO CONTACT HER FOR THE SITSOM FILM BUT WITH NO LUCK.........SHE DID A CONCERT IN NASHVILLE ONE TIME AND I WENT TO SEE THE CONCERT AS HER GUEST,
AFTER THE CONCERT WE WENT TO A LOCAL CLUB TO HANG OUT, WE SAT AT A TABLE TOGETHER AND SHE SAID TO ME “DO YOU WANT TO START A RUMOR” SHE THEN SAID, “LET ME SIT ON YOUR LAP”.......I THINK SHE HAD ALREADY WRITTEN THE SONG “LET’S GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT”...SHE’S A FUNKY CHICK.....WOULD BE GREAT SINGING WITH THE FUNK’S.........
SON OF THUNDER............BOB JAMES.......ANDREW SMITH AND I DID A FEW SESSIONS WITH HIM IN NEW YORK........TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH......WE COULD NOT REALLY GET A GROOVE WITH HIM.....
HIS CONCEPT OF RHYTHM WAS NOT THE WAY WE FELT THE MUSIC,
AND I REMEMBER FEELING THAT HE GAVE THE IMPRESSION WE WERE NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR HIM......I NEVER FELT GOOD ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO SATISFY A PRODUCER, WHEN I MENTIONED TO SOME OTHER MUSICIANS OUR EXPERIENCE WITH BOB JAMES THEY SAID THAT IT DID NOT SURPRISE THEM, AND THAT THERE WAS NO GROOVE BECAUSE THEY FELT THAT HIS MUSIC WAS “FACTORY FUNK”...............
RAY PARKER JR.................I DID SEVERAL SESSIONS WITH HIM AT HOLLAND & DOZIER’S STUDIO BEFORE I MOVED TO THE EAST COAST,
I HAD HEARD THAT HE WAS WORKING LIVE WITH MARVIN GAYE....... ANDREW SMITH WAS ONE OF HIS MUSICIAN FRIENDS, THEY PLAYED TOGETHER IN DETROIT.....I KNOW THAT WHEN RAY MOVED TO LA HE CALLED ANDREW SEVERAL TIMES TO ASK HIM TO MOVE TO LA AND START A BAND UP TOGETHER.........LAST YEAR RAY CAME TO NASHVILLE TO APPEAR AT A SONGWRITERS CONVENTION AND ALONG WITH LA DRUMMER ED GREENE, WHO MOVED TO NASHVILLE FROM LA, WE HUNG OUT ONE NIGHT........... RAY HAD PLAYED SESSIONS WITH ED IN LA (BARRY WHITE RECORDINGS)...........WHILE HE WAS HERE ED HAD HIM OVERDUB ON A SONG FOR HIM AND RAY SOUNDED GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
REVEREND FRANKLIN...............THE REVEREND HAD A GOSPEL LABEL........
HE HAD SEVERAL ARTIST, ONE BEING HIS DAUGHTER IRMA FRANKLIN.....
RICHARD “PISTOL” ALLEN,DRUMS......JOHNNY GRIFFITH,PIANO.........EDDIE WILLIS,GUITAR.......
AND YOURS TRULY ON BASS........THIS WAS THE BAND ON THE SESSIONS THAT I DID.....BOB BABBITT
| By STUBASS (205.188.209.38) on Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 02:35 am: |
BOB; AS A FELLOW BASS PLAYER (FORMER), WHO GREATLY ADMIRES YOUR WORK, IT'S ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO HEAR YOU TAKE THE TIME TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH US. MOST OF THE FUN IS IN "GETTING THERE", AND WE ALL LOOK BACK ON OUR EXPERIENCES, REGRETTING THAT WE DID NOT FULLY APPRECIATE THE SIGNIFICANCE TO SOMEONE'S SENSE OF HISTORY...AND OUR PARTICIPATION, HOWEVER MEAGER IT SEEMED AT THE TIME, TO PEOPLES APPRECIATION OF IT. CONTINUED SUCCESS...STUBASS
| By Flytoo (152.163.188.68) on Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 07:27 am: |
Bob,
I just wanted to say a big "howdy" from Texas. I got to shake your hand last Thursday night in Austin when you autographed my CD. You even took the time to answer some bass questions which I really appreciated! It was really a thrill for me! Anyway, I was just wondering why the two Joe's (Joe Hunter and Joe Messina) were not with you guys in Austin? I wish you and all of the Funks continued success!.....Flytoo
| By Caleb (65.59.102.2) on Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 06:15 pm: |
Babbitt,what other Gladys Knight records did you play on when she was with Motown?"Friendship Train"produced by Norman Whitfield?
| By Friday (65.59.109.215) on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 07:45 pm: |
I saw Babbitt on the 5 o'clock news out of New York.Great review on the movie.Babbitt your Big!!Solid like a House-Strong,Very Strong-Like A Rock!!Looking forward to seeing the movie. Friday
| By BOBBABBITT (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 12:24 am: |
MO-FU'S........WILL ANSWER POST SOON.........
BOB BABBITT
| By M.McLeanTech (66.218.42.38) on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 12:35 am: |
Mr. Babbitt,
I saw the film last night.
I was close with Jamerson (in the sense of everday kidding around with fellow workers.)
I am thrilled to learn of you, and the fine job that you have done.
Sincerely,
Mike McLean
| By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 01:59 am: |
BOB; SUPERLATIVE PERFORMANCE IN THE FILM. WE ALL WERE FEELING WHAT YOU WERE WHEN YOU SPOKE AND WHEN YOU PLAYED...THANKS...STU
| By Steve L (209.100.86.4) on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 11:27 am: |
Bob,
Great performance in the film! Any news of a Funk Brothers tour?
I guess no one(on the forum)has mentioned that your picture is in the book "How The Fender Bass Changed The World". For anyone who hasn't seen the book, Bob is sitting on his couch with his P-Bass and he's literally covered with a bunch of gold records!
-Steve
| By stickman (68.105.117.3) on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 01:47 am: |
Bob Just saw the movie, it brought tears to my eyes. I am a drummer from San Diego who played all those songs, and every thing else we called candy-ass, I knew every lick and every beat and still do till this day. Standing in the shadows in San Diego looking for some soulful cats to hook up with. Your great!!! Thanks Roger "stickman" Gilbert
| By Caleb (64.157.68.248) on Sunday, December 01, 2002 - 10:49 pm: |
Hey"Bienboski"as I read on an old thread.Did you place your hands in cement for the musician walk of fame in Hollywood?If so,that's alright there.Maybe one day I'll get to see it.What are you up to in the greater Nashville area?How about some details. Caleb
| By Friday (65.59.107.67) on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 08:53 pm: |
Hey Babbitt,we need you over on the movie4 thread.Straighten things there. Friday
| By bobbabbitt (68.154.168.51) on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 09:03 pm: |
HEY MO-FU’S...........
M McLEANTECH AND STUBASS.................THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS,
THEY ARE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED..................
FLYTOO..............GREAT MEETING YOU AT THE AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL......
THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY FESTIVALS GOING ON THAT NOT EVERYONE HAS BEEN GOING TO ALL OF THEM...IN WASHINGTON ONLY JACK ASHFORD WENT BECAUSE THE REST OF US HAD TO FLY TO LA THE SAME DAY......A LOT OF IT HAS TO DO WHERE THE LOCATION THAT THE FESTIVAL’S ARE.......JACK, EDDIE AND I WERE CLOSER TO AUSTIN AND I THINK URIEL CAME IN FROM ANOTHER FESTIVAL CLOSE BY.............JOE AND JOE WERE HOME IN DETROIT THAT NIGHT............JOHNNY (WHO RECENTLY PASSED AWAY) WAS HOME IN LAS VEGAS AT THAT TIME NOT FEELING TO WELL...........BUT IT STILL WAS A GREAT TIME AND FOR THOSE OF US WHO WERE THERE WE LOVED PLAYING FOR YOU AFTER THE FILM...
STEVE L............FUNK BROTHER TOUR.........AT THIS TIME THERE IS TALK OF A LATE FEBRUARY, EARLY MARCH TOUR......... REHEARSALS IN DETROIT AFTER THE FIRST OF THE YEAR ..........THE PHOTO IN THE FENDER BOOK COMES FROM THE MARCH 1994 BASS PLAYER MAGAZINE (5TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE).ALLAN SLUTSKY WROTE AN ARTICLE ABOUT ME AND IT WAS HIS IDEA FOR THE PHOTO............
CALEB.........GLADYS KNIGHT AT MOTOWN.. .DO NOT REMEMBER “FRIENDSHIP TRAIN”
BUT “IF I WERE YOUR WOMAN” WAS ONE THAT I PLAYED ON................
THE HANDPRINTS ARE EMBEDDED IN THE CEMENT FOR THE ROCK WALK OF FAME LOCATED AT THE GIBSON GUITAR CENTER IN LA..........THE SPOT THAT WE PICKED WAS RIGHT AT THE FRONT DOOR WERE YOU WOULD HAVE A WELCOME MAT.....IT WAS LIKE IT WAS WAITING THERE FOR US....................... NASHVILLE..........JUST FINISHED TWO CD’S PLAYING BASS AND CO-PRODUCING......ONE WITH MY NORWEGIAN FRIEND BJORN JENS AND THE OTHER WITH BIG AL DOWNING.......I MET AL WHEN I LIVED ON THE EAST COAST.......AT THAT TIME AL WAS AN INCREDIBLE R&B SINGER, BUT HE ALWAYS LOVED COUNTRY MUSIC, THE CD IS BASICALLY R&B WITH SOME OF THE SONGS LEANING MORE TO COUNTRY..........ALONG WITH THAT I AM WRITING A INSTRUCTION BOOK FOR BASS WITH A DIFFERENT CONCEPT THAT THE USUAL
INSTRUCTION BOOKS.........I HAVE ALSO STARTED TRANSCRIBING HOURS OF TAPE I HAVE RECORDED ABOUT MY MUSICAL ENCOUNTERS FROM THE BEGINNING FOR A FEATURED BOOK.............I STILL AM DOING SOME SESSIONS AROUND NASHVILLE AND WORKING ON NEW MUSIC IN MY HOME STUDIO...........BUT RIGHT NOW THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY IS WORKING OUT IN THE GYM, TAKING CARE OF MY HEALTH AND WATCHING THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS ON TV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HAVE DIRECT TV SATELLITE WITH THE NFL PACKAGE FOR ALL OF THE GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BOB BABBITT
| By Nish (66.119.33.135) on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 09:31 pm: |
Mr. Babbitt representing the Steel City! I think this is our year (But then again I thought that last year too!) :-)
| By TD (64.157.189.16) on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 09:42 pm: |
Bob
Nice article on Jamerson in Bass magazine. I liked your commnets regarding Cool Jerk. That is quite amazing.
If what I am reading is correct, Jamerson did do a version of Cool Jerk?
Do you know if he did his first or did you do it first?
PS
You were great in the movie.
TD
| By Friday (64.157.79.230) on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 10:49 pm: |
Pittsburgh Steelers-My!!You guys had another nice draft.This team is BOWL MATERIAL!!Hey,how can one go about getting that Big Al Downing CD you just spoke of? Friday
| By Livonia Ken (136.1.1.101) on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 10:20 am: |
BB,
For the sake of the health you are watching out for, I am glad to hear that you are not a Lions fan. Those of us who do suffer from this affliction don't even bother with the adjective "long-suffering" anymore since there is no longer any other type of Lions fan. 
BTW, it was a pleasure to get to shake your hand and say "thanks" at the Roostertail. It was also great to see you get well deserved props from other great musicians such as Nathan Watts in the film.
Regards,
Ken
| By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 10:47 am: |
After coach Martys great choice to give Chicago the ball in sudden death overtime and Chicago saying "gee thanks a lot" and scoring the winning touch-down------ For this sundays game I'm going to place a bucket next to my cooler full of beer by my chair.
When ever coach Marty makes a bad coaching call I,ll have a place to vomit.
I expect I'll have to dump it more than once during the game.
I guess us Detroiters are a glutton for punishment as we keep returning to the scene of the crime every game day.
That being said,God I love a six-pack of Sierra Nevada pale ale ,a bowl of popcorn and a Lions football game on my big-screen tv!!
GO LIONS-LYNN
| By Caleb (64.157.71.196) on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 09:25 pm: |
Babbitt,have you done any work in the Contemporary Christian and Gospel field down there and if so,who are the artists and titles of CD's?Thank you,Caleb
| By Ralph Terrana (ralph) (209.240.198.62) on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 10:10 pm: |
Lynn,
Was Coach Marty formerly a baseball coach, thinking he was coaching a game where it is a good thing for the other team to have the ball? Maybe he was having flashbacks. I couldn't believe that one.
| By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Thursday, December 05, 2002 - 11:51 am: |
Ralph,the Det.Lions head office keeps telling the fans that he's a good coach and it just takes time for everything to jell. This may be true.
But why am I reminded of the king that everyone said had nice clothes on but was really nude.
| By Friday (209.245.117.77) on Thursday, December 05, 2002 - 06:50 pm: |
Lynn,Coach Marty:Goofhead,Period.
| By STUBASS (205.188.209.38) on Thursday, December 05, 2002 - 08:30 pm: |
BRING BACK HARRY GILMER!!!...NO, NEVER MIND...BRING BACK RICK FORZANO!!!...NO, NEVER MIND...BRING BACK JOE SCHMIDT!!!...NO, NEVER MIND...BRING BACK GEORGE WILSON!!!...NO, NEVER MIND...BRING BACK MONTE CLARK!!!...NO, NEVER MIND...SORRY GUYS...I GUESS YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE!!!...HEY...BRING BACK NFL FOOTBALL TO LOS ANGELES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...COACH (AVAILABLE FOR THE RIGHT PRICE) STUBASS
| By Caleb (209.245.119.254) on Thursday, December 05, 2002 - 11:45 pm: |
They have to bring somebody in cause this guys not cuttin' it.
| By Friday (65.59.98.67) on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 08:15 pm: |
Hey Babbitt,speaking of the Steelers,what the heck was that today?They outgained their opponent in yardage 422-47 and lost the game 24-6.I've never seen anything like it,it's just proposterous!!What's your take on it? Friday
| By Beebopman (67.37.75.123) on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 08:55 pm: |
Babbitt: I heard that you played the bass on "One Nation Under a Groove". Is that true? What a piece of work.
| By Livonia Ken (136.1.1.33) on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 09:20 am: |
I do not know if Babbitt played on "One Nation..." (I always thought it was Rodney "Skeet" Curtis, but maybe that's just because I've seen/heard him do it live so many times), but I am pretty sure that the drums on that track were played by none other than Bootsy Collins.
Curtis and Dennis Chambers play bass and drums on a great version of that track on the "Live at the Beverly Theater" album.
Regards,
Ken
| By Rich (12.90.26.140) on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 06:10 pm: |
Alright Ken,
Skeet, Dennis & Blackbyrd McKnight were the backbone of the Mob around '83, shame they never got much studio time together. These days, I believe, Skeet is sitting in with Maceo Parker and Dennis is sitting in with Santana. Blackbyrd is still the musical director of the Mob.
As for One Nation, while tempted to wait for Babbitt to confirm or deny, I was lead to believe that the song's writer (former Ohio Player - Junie Morrison) played bass - while Bootsy did indeed play drums. "Diaperman" Garry Shider rhythm guitar & I believe that Keyboard player Doug Duffy contributed to the track as well.
Peace, Rich
| By Friday (64.157.74.12) on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 - 08:58 pm: |
Babbitt,your needed on the Nabay thread-check it out.
| By BOB BABBITT (152.163.188.68) on Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 02:28 pm: |
MO-FU'S......
TD.....COOL JERK......THE INTENTION OF THE ARTICLE "WHO PLAYED BASS" WAS TO SHOW YOU THE DIFFERENT REASONS WHY YOU HEAR OR READ ABOUT TWO (AND SOMETIMES 3) BASS PLAYERS CLAIMING TO HAVE PLAYED ON THE SAME RECORD..IN THE CASE OF COOL JERK, JAMES MAY HAVE DID A VERSION OF THE SONG BUT THAT WAS NOT THE TRACK THEY USED? OR....BEING THAT HE WAS DOING SO MANY SESSIONS AT THAT TIME, HE MAY HAVE THOUGHT THAT HE DID PLAY ON THAT RECORD?
CALEB....I HAVE DONE SEVERAL CHRISTIAN AND GOSPEL RECORDS......THE MUSICIANS WHO DO THE BIGGEST MAJORITY IF THOSE RECORDS ARE A PREETY CLOSED CIRCLE, AND THERE ARE A SELECT FEW BASS PLAYERS...I HAVE BEEN DOING SOME SESSIONS WITH UNKNOWN ARTIST WHO DO NOT HAVE THERE CDS OUT YET AND A FEW ARTIST THAT I WILL HAVE TO GO THRU MY CD'S AND GET YOU THE NAMES.....ONE OF THE ARTIST WAS "SPARKS".....ANOTHER WAS A YOUNG GROUP OF KIDS SINGING MOTOWN STYLE ORIGINAL GOSPEL TUNES.....
BEBOPMAN.......ONE NATION UNDER A GROOVE..
I CAN NOT REMEMBER THE TUNE....BUT......
IF THAT IS A P-FUNK TUNE....I DID NOT PLAY BASS..
IF THAT IS A TEMPTATION NORMAN WHITFIELD PRODUCTION....CHANCES ARE......YES
FRIDAY........STEELERS......TOMMY MADDOX WAS DEFINITLY NOT IN SYNC......BUT.....
THE RECIEVERS DROPPED A LOT OF BALLS AND PENALTYS HURT THEM BIG TIME.....THE ONE POSITIVE THING ABOUT THE GAME WAS THE DEFENSE,THEY LOOKED LIKE THEY FINALLY ARE GETTING IT TOGETHER....WE'LL SEE!!!!!!!! BOB BABBITT
| By Horse (68.61.77.137) on Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 08:14 pm: |
Babbitt,
Go to the George Katsakis Thread and get a load of the Scan of "Believe It Or Not" on the Impact label. That shoul bring back some memories.
Horse
| By Friday (209.245.116.122) on Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 11:00 pm: |
Babbitt,I saw most of the Steeler game and did notice their defense looked good-similiar to last year.That's quite a set of linebackers they have.Those guys are all pro bowl caliber players-some strong fabric there.I'd like to hear that "Believe It or Not" record.Where can I find it? Friday
| By Horse (68.61.77.137) on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 10:59 am: |
Friday,
That's the $64,000 question.
| By Flytoo (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 01:45 pm: |
Bob, glad to hear you're taking care of yourself, keep it up! Could you share with us a little about what your daily workout routine and diet is like? If you happen to remember me from Austin, I could stand to drop 100 lbs but just can't stay motivated to stick with diet and excercise for more than a week or two at a time.
Also, did you ever try playing Jamerson's bass? In the book Alan said that most bass player's found it unplayable due to string height and truss rod setup?
AND, Since it's obvious that the Ram's aren't going to do much this year...good luck with the Steeler's!
Thanks and God Bless! Flytoo
| By steve w (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 03:17 pm: |
horse and friday, nabay actually got a british release on a label called Grapevine in 1980 (GRP 143)
I actually still see it listed for about 8 pounds (12 dollars)? It is very rare on impact
I will keep my eyes peeled
| By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.83) on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 03:21 pm: |
Steve,
if you can get a Nabay even on grapevine for 8 pounds then I suggest you grab it now.
I could ask my mate to sell me his copy on Impact but I would just be wasting my time.
mel.
| By Friday (65.59.100.2) on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 10:09 pm: |
Babbitt,a nice win for you guys today.Plaxico had a good game-concentrating thruout.I'm not 100% on Maddox taking them to the Super Bowl-I hope he does though.He throws very accurately and looks like a leader back there but he's not the most agile guy getting sacked quite easily.Word has it that their going to go after the Rams backup QB after the season-Marc Bulger.We'll see how things turn out for them this year.Would love to see them advance to the Super Bowl.Their defense is definitely back on track.I've been reading some of the archives on you-Awesome-you've been involved in alot of stuff.Where are things at with this book you wrote about and when will it be available?Also,I saw you played on one of Stanley Turrentine's albums.What type of jazz was that exactly? Friday
| By dvdmike (12.84.13.209) on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 06:48 pm: |
Bob, I also liked the work you did with Thom Bell. It must have been a little different working with him, though. According to Bobby Eli, the guitarist, Thom ran a real tight ship, writing out the bass lines and drum beats and insisting that the players stay within the "guidelines", which was in contrast to the other Philly arrangers like Bobby Martin and Norman Harris who encouraged the cats in the rhythm section to improvise.
| By Horse (68.61.77.137) on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 12:45 am: |
Babbitt,
Did you play on Marvin's Troubled Man? Do you know who the drummer was? Please answer on the "Tastefull Drumming" thread.
Horse
| By Larry (12.141.160.25) on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 04:15 am: |
Horse,
Helluva pick! Right on Man!
What a sophisticated soulful-n-jazzy track.
Marvin was right..."only 3 things for sure,
TAXES, DEATH and TROUBLE."
I'd love to hear any info about Trouble Man.
| By Caleb (209.244.235.31) on Saturday, December 21, 2002 - 06:00 pm: |
Babbitt,I saw an album you played on by Phil Medley(co-composer of "Twist and Shout")called "Chunky Butt".It had big Hershel Dwellingham on drums on some of the tracks.Can you comment on this.Thank you,Caleb
| By Nancy (66.185.85.72) on Monday, December 23, 2002 - 10:02 pm: |
Dear Bob:
I will be going to see the movie for a 4th time on Friday night, I just wanted to congratulate you on a great performance, and to thank you for the music that you have given to all of us.
Have a great christmas and here is to even more success in the new year.
Congrats on the critics award for the movie it is well deserved.
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, December 23, 2002 - 10:06 pm: |
Happy Holidays Bob.
| By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Monday, December 23, 2002 - 11:22 pm: |
BOB; HAPPY HOLDAYS FROM THE ENTIRE MILLER FAMILY!!!...STUBASS, BRUCE, AND THE REST OF THE "SHOULDA BEEN" BASS PLAYERS!!!...STUBASS
| By Michael (68.61.77.137) on Monday, December 23, 2002 - 11:54 pm: |
Babbitt,
Here's Wishing You & Your Family The Best Through The Holiday Season!
Michael In Detroit
| By BOB BABBITT (152.163.188.68) on Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - 12:43 am: |
MO-FU'S....GOING TO SPEND XMAS WITH MY GRANDAUGHTERS IN NEW JERSEY...WILL ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS THRU THE HOLIDAYS...MERRY XMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR....BOB BABBITT....GO STEELERS!!!!
| By STUBASS (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - 01:10 am: |
STEELERS SURE LOOKED GOOD TONIGHT!!!...BOB AND NISH ARE SURE TO BE PLEASED, AS WELL AS MY COUSIN SAM (NISH KNOWS WHO I MEAN)!!!POOR KORDELL...6 AND A HALF MILLIOM TO WARM THE BENCH!!!..."TOMMY GUN"...A MERE 500K!!!...OK...SINCE THE LIONS ARE COOKED, AND WE REALLY HAVE NO TEAM HERE IN L.A....GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!...STUBASS
| By Lynn Bruce (65.60.200.153) on Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - 09:18 am: |
The Lions coach (coach Marty) was interviewed last night and said "we,re in a really good position for bringing in new players". So that was his goal all along, lose every game so your in a good bargaining position. That son of a B--, Wheres my vomit bucket?
MERRY CHRISTMAS, BOB&ANN
and"Go Steelers",Lynn
| By Eli (152.163.188.68) on Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - 09:25 am: |
Yo Babbitt,
Merry Christmas to a true superstar.
Did Barbara Bell get in touch with you regarding Thom Bell's Birthday party at the Ritz in Philly on January 26th????
| By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - 11:33 am: |
Hey Bob:
Have a great holiday in NJ...Our Steelers are looking good!
Kevin Goins - KevGo
| By jack (67.34.168.118) on Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - 04:49 pm: |
Happy holiday bob and the family Jack
| By medusa9e (66.73.11.56) on Sunday, December 29, 2002 - 06:38 pm: |
Hey Bob,
i did see the movie and WOW, it brought tears to my eyes. The way U guys made that sound that was Motown. I also was so surprise to know that u played on one of my favorite songs on Deneice Williams album. I'm 51 yrs. of age and i have yet to hear anyone make music the way u guys (Funk Bros.) do. I wish u all could just make one more album (tape/CD...whatever), and let the world remember what REAL music sound like.
Take care and Have a Prosperous New Year.
| By bobbabbitt (67.32.212.151) on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 04:14 pm: |
HEY MO-FU’S............THE “BABBITT” HERE.........
FIRST OF ALL .........SIS DETROIT...... STU BASS & MILLER FAMILY......MICHAEL.....JACK & CHARLENE ASHFORD.......LYNN....... AND WHOEVER MAY BE READING THIS, I HOPE YOUR XMAS WAS GREAT AND THAT YOU ALL HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!
BOBBY ELI.........HAPPY HOLIDAYS..........CHARLES COLLINS LET ME KNOW ABOUT THOM’S BIRTHDAY AND GAVE BARBARA MY PHONE # BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM HER YET..........I AM PLANNING ON COMING!!!!!!!!!!!
DVDMIKE.........I AM NOT SURE ABOUT THE REST OF THE BAND AS FAR AS READING
THOM BELLS CHARTS, THE BASS LINES WOULD BE WRITTEN OUT.......BUT......THOM HAD A VERY UNIQUE SYSTEM THAT I THOUGHT WAS GREAT! HE TOLD ME FROM THE VERY FIRST TIME THAT I WORKED WITH HIM, IF YOU SEE CHORDS ABOVE THE BARS YOU HAD THE OPTION OF PLAYING WHAT HE HAD WROTE OR CHANGING HIS PART..........IF YOU DID NOT SEE ANY CHORDS ABOVE THE BARS THEN THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HE WANTED TO HEAR..........
MEDUSA9E.........DENISE WILLIAMS ALBUMS THAT I PLAYED ON WERE ALSO THOM BELL PRODUCTIONS...RECORDED AT SIGMA SOUND IN PHILADELPHIA........BOBBY ELI PLAYED GUITAR ON THOSE RECORDS..........
HORSE.....TROUBLED MAN...........I DID NOT PLAY ON THAT RECORD, IT WAS RECORDED IN CALIFORNIA...DRUMMER MAY HAVE BEEN JAMES GADSON....(BAD MF)
FRIDAY.......“BELIEVE IT OR NOT”.......MORE INFO ON NICKY ROBBINS THREAD,
I SEEM TO RECALL A EMAIL ADDRESS WHERE YOU CAN PURCHASE RECORD???
STANLEY TURRENTINE.............ALBUM “MAN WITH A SAD FACE” THE ARRANGER OF THE ALBUM WAS DETROIT’S DAVE VANDERPITT........RECORDED IN NEW YORK, I DO NOT HAVE A COPY OF THIS ALBUM, BUT FROM WHAT I CAN REMEMBER IT WAS MORE OF A COMBINATION OF DAVE’S “WHAT’S GOING ON” ARRANGEMENTS FEATURING STANLEY’S HORN.....YOU COULD CALL IT A FORM OF “JAZZ FUSION”..........BY THE WAY THE ALBUM WENT TO #1 ON THE JAZZ CHARTS...........AS FAR AS THE BOOK I MAY HAVE MENTIONED IN AN EARLIER THREAD.....I AM JUST ABOUT FINISHED WITH A “GUIDE” FOR BASS PLAYERS, AS WELL AS OTHER MUSICIANS, ABOUT WHAT TO BE PREPARED FOR, STUDIO, LIVE, ETC.
THEN I WILL HAVE HOURS OF TAPED STORIES THAT I HAVE RECORDED TRANSCRIBED FOR A FEATURE BOOK ....I WILL KEEP EVERYONE INFORMED AS TO THE RELEASE DATES!!
CALEB........ HAVE YOU EVER MET SOMEONE WHERE YOU FELT A WARM DEEP SPIRITUAL FEELING, AND YOU COULD NOT HELP BUT TO BE IN LOVE WITH FROM THE VERY FIRST MOMENT............THAT WAS PHIL MEDLEY!!!!!!!!!
PHIL WAS A SONG WRITER (TWIST AND SHOUT), A COPYIST FOR ARRANGER/PRODUCER, BERT DeCOTAUX, (ALSO I THINK OTHER ARRANGERS) AND HIMSELF A PRODUCER/ARRANGER...ONE OF HIS ALBUMS AS A ARTIST WAS THE INSTRUMENTAL “CHUNKY BUTT”........DRUMMER HERSHEL DWELLINGHAM DID PLAY ON SOME OF PHIL’S SESSIONS.......HERSHALL ALSO DID ARRANGEMENTS AND PRODUCTION.............
FLYTOO..........I HAVE BEEN UP AND DOWN ALL MY LIFE WITH THE WEIGHT.........
I TRY TO WATCH WHAT I EAT AND DO NOT TRY TO EAT TOO LATE IN THE DAY.......SLIM FAST HAS CANDY BARS THAT IF YOU GET THE URGE TO EAT JUST EAT ONE OF THEM, APPLES AND BANANA’S ARE GREAT..........FIBER PRODUCTS TO HELP YOU CONSTANTLY CLEAN OUT YOUR SYSTEM...........I GO TO THE GYM 2 OR 3 TIMES A WEEK. NO HEAVY WEIGHTS, JUST LIGHT WEIGHTS , MORE REP’S.. I USE TO JOG A LOT BUT MY KNEES ARE BAD NOW SO I WALK AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, I HAVE A TREAD MILL AT HOME, THAT IS SOMETHING YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT HAVING IN YOUR HOUSE, MINE IS IN THE BEDROOM, IT’S SO MUCH EASIER TO GET ON IT AND WALK WHEN IT STARES YOU IN THE FACE WHEN YOU GO TO BED AND WHEN YOU GET UP........YOU SHOULD DO SOME FORM OF EXERCISE 3 OR 4 TIMES A WEEK, AT LEAST 30 MINUTES, AS YOU GO YOU CAN BUILD THAT TIME UP....LOTS OF WATER EVERYDAY, I KNOW IT IS HARD TO DRINK A LOT OF WATER BUT IF YOU FILL A BOTTLE UP AND KEEP IT WITH YOU ALL THE TIME, YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED AT HOW MUCH YOU CAN DRINK BY JUST SIPPING ON IT THRU OUT THE DAY........GOOD LUCK AND KEEP ME POSTED AS TO YOUR PROGRESS...........
JAMERSON’S BASS...........YES I DID PLAY HIS BASS! THE ACTION WAS SET HIGHER BUT SO WAS MINE! I KNOW WITH ME IF THE STRINGS WERE TOO CLOSE TO THE FRET BOARD AT TIMES YOU COULD HEAR FRET NOISE.....TO PREVENT THAT I RAISED THE STRINGS UP........ ALSO LIKE JAMES, PLAYING THE UPRIGHT BASS WITH THE HIGH ACTION IT SEEMED ONLY NATURAL TO HAVE THE ELECTRIC BASS THE SAME WAY............
| By dvdmike (12.84.10.25) on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 04:30 pm: |
Have a Happy New Year, Bob
DVDMike
| By Lynn Bruce (65.60.200.153) on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 04:36 pm: |
Bob & Ann, I was going to e-mail you,but what the heck I,m already here. HAPPY NEW YEAR to the both of you!!!!
GOOD LUCK IN 2003,LYNN
| By Sue (205.188.209.38) on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 04:39 pm: |
Happy New Year Bob and Ann --
Good luck with your knees Bob ... I have a relative with that issue, and swimming helps!
| By Nancy (24.101.72.243) on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 09:27 pm: |
Happy New Year Bob. congratulations on the awards they are well deserved
| By Caleb (209.244.234.174) on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 09:57 pm: |
That was a pretty solid post "Bienboski".Lots of quality info-keep it comin'.Have a Happy New Year,Caleb
| By Millie (68.40.209.129) on Wednesday, January 01, 2003 - 12:35 pm: |
Bob and Ann,
May 2003 bring you good health, happiness and more visits to Detroit! Can't wait to see you two again.
Millie
| By Flytoo (172.156.199.213) on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 10:59 pm: |
Bob, thanks for the words of encouragement on the weight loss. Coming from you they mean a lot! My wife talked me into going to Weight Watchers with her the very night before you posted. So your encouragement came on the first day of my new diet! That first day I was one hungry MO-FU but I'm sticking to the program and it's getting better as I go along.
I can't wait for your books to be released! Have you ever thought about writing an instructional bass book or perhaps doing an instructional video? I love watching you play. Your hand movement is just masterful. You make it look too easy!
All the best in 2003!! Flytoo
| By BOBBABBITT (64.12.97.7) on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 12:38 am: |
Flytoo..........4 OR 5 MESSAGES BACK I TALK ABOUT BOOK, VIDEO, CD......... HOPEFULLY SOON!!!!!!!!!!
ANOTHER THING ABOUT THE WEIGHT.....IF I WAS WEIGHING 275 I WOULD ONLY THINK ABOUT GETTING INTO THE 260'S......ONCE I GOT IN THE 260'S THEN I WOULD ONLY THINK ABOUT THE 250'S...... ETC...
GOOD LUCK...ALSO,YOU ASKING ME FOR WEIGHT INFO HAS MOTIVATED ME TO GO ON A DIET!!!!!!!!!!
BOB BABBITT
| By LG Nilsson (213.89.29.210) on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 12:00 pm: |
Bob,
I have been wondering in almost 30 years now about a single on SOUL that was not released. It was supposed to be recorded by a guy named BOB BABBITT. Do you know the story about this document... and what happened to the recordings? Let us know!
That SOUL single 35101 is still on my "want list"...
LG
| By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 04:41 pm: |
OK MR. BABBITT & NISH: GREAT STEELER COMEBACK!!!...T.D. TOMMY...PLEXICO...AND RANDLE EL...POOR KORDELL!!!...STU
| By Caleb (64.157.79.156) on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 04:56 pm: |
STEELERS WIN!!!STEELERS WIN!!!
| By Lynn Bruce (65.60.200.153) on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 07:02 pm: |
Bob, in the third quarter my note was going to be
"My deepest sympathies to you ,our thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours in this time of sorrow" But DAMN, did they pull it off or what!!
GO STEELERS,LYNN
P.S.My wife Sandy had a thing for the Steelers for years,actually it was for Franko Harris in his tight little football pants!!
| By BOBBABBITT (64.12.97.7) on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 12:15 am: |
MO-FU'S........GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!LOOK OUT TITANS!!!!!
LGNILLSON.....YEP.....THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE THE FIRST SINGLE FROM A INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM I RECORDED FOR MOTOWN.......BUT...LIKE IT SAYS ON THE DOCUMENT YOU POSTED "NOT RELEASED"?????????
WHEN I MOVED TO NEW YORK ATLANTIC RECORDS WAS INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THE ALBUM....BUT....
MOTOWN REFUSED TO SELL IT?????? MAYBE HARRY W AND ALLAN S CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT NOW????
BOB BABBITT
BY THE WAY.THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS THAT I DID NOT MOVE TO LA!
FLYTOO..I FORGOT TO TELL YOU ...DIET RITE COLA CAN BE DRANK AS A REPLACMENT FOR WATER...IN FACT WEIGHT WATCHERS TOLD ME THAT!!!!!!!!!!!
| By Caleb (64.157.70.110) on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 08:26 pm: |
Babbitt,on the posted document above("Gospel Truth")who is Richard Rajewski-arranger-that's got to be some kind of mistake?
| By Friday (64.157.70.110) on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 08:29 pm: |
Harry W and Alan S,how about looking into this instrumental album Babbitt did for Motown.Make it happen!!
| By Flytoo (205.188.209.38) on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 10:56 pm: |
Bob, Congrats on a great Steeler come from behind win yesterday!!!
Hey, thanks for all of the dieting info! I really appreciate it and it really helps to keep me motivated. That's a good tip about the Diet Rite as well. I'll have to remember that one. Actually, getting the water in (6 glasses a day) is getting eaiser for me. I never did like drinking water but just like playing the bass, you have to work at it! As you know I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting last Monday. The bad news from that night is that I weighed in at 365.2 lbs. Man, I can't believe I let myself get in this kind of a shape! I'm 6 ft. 2 in. tall and I'm 48 year's old. My doctor's been after me for years to lose weight and I have, but only to gain it all back at some point....plus some. Like you, I've struggled with this all of my life. Anyway, now for the good news. I went to my second meeting tonight and I lost 9.2 lbs! My wife lost 9.6 lbs.!! AND, when I saw your post yesterday where you said that encouraging me has helped you get back on track well...let's just say that I've just got a huge smile on my face right now!!! I know this isn't going to be easy because I get discouraged very easily. In the weeks ahead when I don't lose very much or perhaps even mess up and gain some, that is the time I just want to throw my hands up in the air and quit..and I have many times in the past. Also, In a few weeks my in-laws will be down to visit. They will probably stay at least 4 weeks and man do they like to eat! They'll be wanting to take us out to eat and they'll have donuts, candy and cookies all over the place. I don't do well with all of that bad stuff right in arms reach. But, for now things are good and I'm trying to take this "one day at a time". I really want this to work this time. I'm trying to not think of this as a diet but rather a journey. Hey, one thing Weight Watchers wants us to do is write down everything we eat at every meal. It helps us keep track of the points but it also really makes you stop and think about what it is you're eating. They say "write it before you bite it". That's helped me to stay focused. Also, I'm trying to eat slower. I really do feel a lot better already and it's only been one week! So, what about you? How are you doing? How do you deal with diet and excercise on the road? I'm glad I rarely have to travel for work any more. I'm afraid I would fall off the wagon having to eat out all of the time. Please keep us posted on your progress! Also, my email address is "lit" if you or any of the other MO-FU's would like to contact me direct for more on the ol' weight loss topic. Flytoo
| By Nancy (24.101.72.243) on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 11:11 pm: |
Hey Flytoo
congratulation, on the weight loss, I am also on my own weight loss program so far it has been 5 pounds, you are right to think of it as a journey and not a diet, because one thing i have found out is DIETS DO NOT WORK. The way you eat now has to be the way it stays, if i can support you in anyway let me know my email address is motherhouseoff@msn.com
Nancy (Toronto)
| By BOBBABBITT (67.32.208.88) on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 12:42 am: |
CALEB..........RICHARD RAJEWSKI????????????
GOT TO BE A MISTAKE..ONLY ANDREW SMITH AND MYSELF WERE INVOLVED IN ARRANGING AND OR PRODUCING......
THAT "GOSPEL TRUTH" RECORD ALSO HAD EDDIE WILLIS PLAYING GUITAR AND LENOARD CASTON DID A PIANO OVERDUB..........
ROCK ON FLYTOO!!!!!!!!!!!!I AM HAVING SOME PROBLEMS WITH MY KNEES NOW AND THE EXERCISE IS DOWN FOR A WHILE...BUT THAT WILL CHANGE SOON!!!!!!!! IT'S ROUGH ON THE ROAD BUT YOU HAVE TO JUST DO TYHE BEST YOU CAN..EAT A LOT OF FISH............
GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THE "BABBITT"
| By John Lester (217.40.198.4) on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 01:15 am: |
In my opinion, keeping your weight down is not done through dieting...it's a way of life. Moderation and being sensible are the keys to that. Once I realised I couldn't live that way, I took the plunge and joined a gym and I now love it. I used to eat a lot in front of the TV and thats a no-no. Now, instead, I see the guys down at the gym, chat to them, workout with them....and I have a great time..and it doesn't have to be boring pushing heavy weights up and down. There are aerobic classes, stretching, step, swimming, squash etc.
The key to it all is to enjoy exercise and then the weight just drops off. It is not so daunting as it sometiems sounds. Plus there is nothing nicer than watching a person enjoy his workout and gradually see confidence set in at a much greater level as the weight starts to fall off. You know as well as I do, the elation when you can put on last year's trousers without having to hold your breath
Can I pass on a tip that works for me. Everytime you feel that you want to eat, out of normal times, go and brush your teeth. I dont know why but it takes away the thought of eating!
| By Sandy Bruce (65.60.200.153) on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 10:20 am: |
Flytoo, Just like John Lester said, dieting now
has to become a way of life --forever. I've been
on every diet they ever made up and have fought
the fat for years. Weight watchers is probably
the best way to lose weight, especially with the
support group you have. A couple of hints, do not eat meat or cheese a couple of days before
you weight in as it will stay in your system for
a couple of days and make you weight heavier. I
use to excerise hard before I went to weigh in
but found that only added more weight not take it
off, so don't exercise before you weigh in. Also, I would drink warm/hot water as it would
fool my mind/system into thinking I had something
(like soup) in my system. Don't get discouraged
if you don't lose weight one week, you no doubt
will lose it the next week. I use to get so angry
with the men in the class as they would do very
little to lose and would always lose a bit. We
women have a harder time losing it. Above all
do some type of exercise, no matter what. But
remember that muscle weighs more than fat. Almost a year ago I found out I was a diabetic
and really had to change my way of life and cut
out all white foods, bread, sugar, spaghetti, fried meats and lost over 30 lbs. I was really
dragging A-- but now feel so much better. I do
kickboxing 4 days a week, walk 5 miles a day and
even go to the gym with my husband (Lynn) when
we get off our dead A--. That was a heck of a
way to lose it but it's better than the alternative -- death or sickness. I wish you the
very best in your weight loss effort and keep
sticking to it, it will pay off.
Sandy Bruce
| By Flytoo (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 09:48 pm: |
Bob, sorry to hear that your knees are bothering you again. I hope it's short term. Would riding a bike be easier on your knees than walking? Just a thought. That's what I have setting in front of my bed, a stationary bike. So far, it's making a great clothes rack..ha!
Nancy, John and Sandy, thank you all for your support and congrats on your success! You all had some great suggestions!
All the best! Flytoo
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 11:49 pm: |
Congratulations Bob on the nominations.
| By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170) on Wednesday, January 08, 2003 - 04:19 am: |
Well done Bob on all the current activity with the movie and soundtrack! The year has started well, in musical terms.
| By flytoo (152.163.188.68) on Wednesday, January 08, 2003 - 07:25 am: |
Bob, Congrats to you and the rest of the Funks on the Grammy nomination!!! That is too cool!!!
| By Nancy (24.101.72.243) on Wednesday, January 08, 2003 - 09:41 am: |
Congrats on the nomination, you know the oscars are next there is no doubt
| By Caleb (63.208.112.25) on Wednesday, January 08, 2003 - 07:01 pm: |
To Bob Babbitt,one of the Mighty Funk Brothers!!I picked up a CD by Ritchie Havens that you played on.There's a tune on there called "Going Back To My Roots"written by Lamont Dozier.It's Smokin'.Do you remember those sessions?Andy Newmark on drums.Quality work all around.
| By larry (216.23.183.2) on Wednesday, January 08, 2003 - 07:44 pm: |
Bob,
regarding the weight thing. Something that's sooooo important that we can forget. Remember what your Mother and Grandmother said?
Chew your food twenty times!?
When you *really* chew your food it changes everything.
1) you actually think about what you're eating.
2) you get all the nutrition which is absorbed through your saliva in your mouth, NOT in your tummy.
3) by chewing you actually eat less:
a) your stomache's msgs. to your mind say "i'm getting full" - sooner than if you gorge.
I wish you the best with it. Remember, Think about your food, chew it properly and keep playing your ass off for us!!!
Larry
| By Son of Thunder (209.244.235.191) on Saturday, January 11, 2003 - 02:44 pm: |
Babbitt,Andrew told me one time that Thom Bell sometimes referred to you as Big "B"-is this true?
| By Eli (151.197.41.45) on Saturday, January 11, 2003 - 07:37 pm: |
Yo Babbitt,
Congratulations to the bestest, baddest,
m********ker in all of Bassdom!!!
Your bro, Bobby Eli
| By Dennis Coffey (64.12.97.7) on Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 10:36 am: |
Hey Babbitt. Congratulations on your Grammy nomination! I hope you win. You guys deserve it!
Dennis
| By Eli (151.197.41.84) on Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 12:28 pm: |
Hey Babbitt,
Get out dat bed and get dat bread!!!!
Eli
| By BOBBABBITT (152.163.188.68) on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 08:22 am: |
MO-FU'S............THE "BABBITT" HERE.....
ON THURSDAY JAN 9TH I HAD A TOTAL KNEE REPLACMENT!!(LEFT KNEE).........CAME HOME SUNDAY, ON MONDAY I DROVE MY CAR TO KNEE REHAB!!! WITH THE HELP OF A WALKER IT IS NOT AS BAD GETTING AROUND AS I THOUGHT WOULD BE!! HOPEFULLY WITH WEIGHT LOSS, ETC......I CAN HOLD OFF THE RIGHT KNEE FOR A WHILE???
STEELERS BITE THE DUST???????? OH WELL, MAYBE NEXT YEAR???? WE START RHEARSING IN FEB FOR MAR TOUR (DETROIT)
I AM ALSO GOING TO PHILLY ON SAT. JAN 25TH FOR THOM BELL SUPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY AND THEN TO DETROIT THE LAST WEEK OF JAN. FOR SOME RECORDING SESSIONS WITH TORONTO PRODUCER HARRY HEIND... DAVE VANDERPIT WILL BE DOING THE ARRANGMENTS AND WE WILL RECORD AT RICHARD BECKERS PAC-3 STUDIO.....DRUMMER ED GREENE AND HOPEFULLY EDDIE WILLIS WILL ALSO GO TO DETROIT FOR SESSIONS......
SON OF THUNDER......
TRUE.........THOM BELL DID CALL ME "BIG B"...... CALEB...........RITCHIE HAVENS......I DID SEVERAL ALBUMS WITH HIM,I ALSO REMEMBER STEVE GADD DRUMMING ON ONE OF THE ALBUMS WITH DOOBIE BROTHER GUITARIST JEFF "SKUNK" BAXTER AND STEELEY DAN GUITARIST ELLIOTT RANDELL....CHARLIE CALLELO WAS THE ARRANGER/PRODUCER........I THINK WE RECORDED THE ALBUM AT NEW YORK'S RECORD PLANT STUDIO......
ALSO THE NAME RICHARD RAJEWSKI COULD HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE HORN PLAYERS THAT WERE ON "RUNNING LIKE A RABBITT"? WE OVERDUBBED HORNS THAT PLAYED IN A SELF CONTAINED GROUP THAT THE RARE EARTH LABEL HAD SIGNED....ALTHOUGH I THOUGHT ANDREW SMITH DID THE ARRANGMENTS? THE WORK SHEET THAT WAS POSTED COULD HAVE BEEN A MISTAKE AS FAR AS THE SONG THAT WAS ARRANGED FOR THE HORN OVERDUB??
HEY EVERYBODY, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR GREAT COMMENTS ABOUT THE GRAMMY'S AND ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT........ONWARD:>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
| By Caleb (65.59.99.45) on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 09:21 pm: |
Let the rehabilitation process begin!!One day at a time-all things are possible!!Caleb
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 09:59 pm: |
Babbitt,
Glad you're doing OK now. You're a tough S.O.B. though so we won't have to worry too much. Best of luck with all that is going on Bob.
| By 1wicked (64.32.154.94) on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 10:07 pm: |
Babbitt,
Good luck with "everything". I know the life of a musician is tough...especially trying to conform to personal schedules...but keep sucking on the H2O & try & shut down the late eating (after 8:00pm) & you'll see results.
See ya when the tour hits L.A.
| By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155) on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 08:43 am: |
Well done Bob - get well and take it easy. We can stop worrying now!
| By Rich (162.33.234.140) on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 08:58 am: |
Hey Bob,
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. And while I'm at it, I want to express my appreciation for all the time you've taken to respond here on SD for the past year. One of my favorite stories has got to be your re-doing all the bass-lines for the first Talking Heads album, not only uncredited ... but more or less behind the band's back. I also want to thank-you for stating that The Funkadelics (original) were teriffic players, while speaking in regard to your having played on several cuts from their first album. Billy "Bass" Nelson is a friend and is still standing on the verge of obscurity despite all of his work with P-Funkadelic, HDH & Motown. Last spring I was telling Bass about SITSOM and he just kept saying "Its about M-Fn' Time!!", as he and Jamerson had a special relationship. He also couldn't say enough about Rudy Robinson, "He WAS DETROIT". Anyhow, folks have been quite disrespectful from time to time here and other places when the album credits indicate one thing and the actual player was somebody else altogether. So again, thank you for not just schooling us but giving example after example how album credits, producers, etc - just like those Smilin' Faces ... sometimes, they lie.
Peace & Blessing for a speedy rehab.
Rich
| By 1wicked (64.32.154.94) on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 12:16 pm: |
Rich....Billy Bass is only obscure to those that only know Atomic Dog & the like (late, late stuff). True Funkateers who can take it back to "Osmium", "America Eats It Young", etc. know about his contributions. The liner notes may not have been correct 100% of the time (WRT who played on which tunes)...but there were no slackers among Funkadelic/Parliament musicians.
Props to ya Billy Bass...wherever you are !!
| By Flytoo (152.163.188.68) on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 10:56 pm: |
Well I guess now we gotta call you Bionic Babbitt!! Good luck with the new knee and wishing you a speedy recovery!!
When you guys hit the road in March do you know if you're coming to Texas? How long of a tour will it be?
Onward and Downward (with the weight that is)! Flytoo
| By STUBASS (205.188.209.38) on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 11:02 pm: |
BOB: JUST REST THAT BASS ON YOUR *OTHER* KNEE...YOU'LL BE FINE!!!..."STAY ON THE GOOD FOOT"!!!...STU
| By Friday (63.208.118.183) on Thursday, January 16, 2003 - 12:01 am: |
Big"B",Steelers are going to strengthen their secondary thru the first few rounds of the draft.Team should be very solid next year.Just take your time with your knee rehab and everything will be fine.We'll be locked in to the TV on Grammy night looking for you.Enjoy that time with Thom Bell-it's gonna be great.Friday
| By Lowell (69.3.69.160) on Thursday, January 16, 2003 - 02:00 am: |
Best wishes BABBIT. May your dancing days have just begun.
This may be an offbeat and naive question, but how much do you use you knees when you play? Are they something just relaxing below you while the upper torso does all the work? Never played, don't know.
| By Rich (162.33.235.92) on Thursday, January 16, 2003 - 09:43 am: |
Encouraging words 1wicked. Billy is just one of many who'll never see their accomplishments brought out in full. In-line with this thread ... Bass is in Pittsburgh these days, when not on the road with P-Funkadelic. A geography buff, Billy spends a lot of down-time watching the history channel.
Like Jamerson (but unlike many others who are deserving) ... Billy is in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame
| By Son of Thunder (209.244.237.212) on Friday, January 17, 2003 - 12:22 am: |
Babbitt,you and Ed Greene doin' some session work in Detroit-that's solid.That's a good team there.Have the two of you been doing alot of session work together in Nashville?I remember Andrew praising that guy.
| By Caleb (64.157.76.94) on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 12:02 am: |
Babbitt,when you see Thom Bell give him one of those mighty bear hugs that I've read about here.
| By Conrad72 (63.97.240.1) on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 10:54 am: |
The last time I posted, there was some talk of a Bob Babbitt solo album. Is that available anywhere?
Sorry to report the two times I attempted to see the movie here in Atlanta, the theater was closed despite advertised showtimes. There were a lot of disappointed people in the parking lot!
Can't wait for the DVD and hopefully the tour will swing through the ATL...
| By stac315 (12.64.12.7) on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 10:25 pm: |
Babbitt,
Congrats on the Grammy nomination!!!
How's the rehab going with the knee? I know its difficult, because knee replacements are usually the most painful. But its important to stick with the regimen, no matter how much it hurts. It will definitely pay off in the long run (with the weight loss, too).
Do you have any further info on tour dates?
| By Friday (209.244.237.221) on Monday, January 27, 2003 - 11:16 pm: |
Babbitt,how about some details on this weekend.How was your time with Thom Bell?Did you give him a bear hug?
| By rhythmqueen (12.64.6.47) on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 04:30 pm: |
Babbitt,
Just discovered the forum a few weeks ago. Congrats on the grammy nomination!!! The Funks are still the baddest band after all these years!!! I would hear your name around the circles as a kid, but I never knew that were a funk brother until recently when I caught SITSOM. What a wonderful and deserving tribute. Two questions:
What made you become a bass player?
Could you give an update on recent recording projects....
Hope you have a speedy recovery...
| By Friday (65.59.100.8) on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 08:15 pm: |
Babbitt,just read your post on the Thom Bell Birthday thread-Outstanding!!If you took any pictures please share with the SoulfulDetroit gang.According to your last post you'll be on your way to Detroit this week to do some recording-Coolness!!Let us know how it goes.Friday
| By BOBBABBITT (205.188.193.183) on Friday, January 31, 2003 - 11:31 pm: |
HEY MO-FU'S...........HAD A UP AND DOWN WEEK WITH THE KNEE... I AM GOING TO DETROIT SAT WITH ED GREENE FOR SESSIONS AT PAC-3 ON MONDAY WITH DAVE VANDERPIT.......WILL ANSWER MESSAGES WHEN I GET BACK,
BOB BABBITT
| By Caleb (65.59.110.143) on Saturday, February 01, 2003 - 10:10 am: |
Babbitt,you and Ed Greene-that's a serious combination.Smoke.
| By BOBBABBITT (64.12.104.154) on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 07:27 pm: |
RALPH...STUBASS...RICH...1WICKED....STAC315..... FLYTOO......LOWELL THANKS FOR YOUR POSITIVE COMMENTS!!!!!!!
AS FAR AS THE “TOUGHNESS” I GUESS IT SHOWS THE MOST WHEN YOU ARE IN PAIN ???
GOT TO KEEP ON TRUCKIN’.....KNEE GETTING STRONGER EVERYDAY......WATER IN-TAKE SLOWLY BUILDING UP......BY THE GRAMMY’S I SHOULD BE WALKING, HOPEFULLY WITHOUT THE CANE, AND LOOKING “TRIMMED DOWN AND TOO COOL”.............THE KNEE IS NOT BOTHERING ME WHEN I PLAY AND I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO SOME RECORDING SESSIONS OVER THE LAST 10 DAYS >>>>>>>>>>>
DO NOT HAVE TOUR DATES YET FOR MARCH BUT REMIND ME IN A FEW WEEKS AND I MAY HAVE SOME INFO...... .FLYTOO.....HOW IS YOUR WEIGHT????? KEEP DRINKING THAT WATER AND WALKING EVERY DAY>>>>>>>>>>
HERE IS A FEB SCHEDULE FOR FUNK‘S........REHEARSING STARTS IN DETROIT 10 DAYS TO TWO WEEKS FROM NOW...........GRAMMY’S IN NY..23RD.............ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME..28TH.........POSSIBILITY OF LETTERMAN AND TODAY SHOW IN NY WEEK OF 17TH.......
(WILL LET YOU KNOW EXACT DATES)
RICH.........BILLY “BASS “ NELSON.........HE SHOULD CONTACT CHRIS JISI AT BASS PLAYER MAGAZINE TO DO A STORY ON HIM.....IF HE NEEDS HELP TO GET TO CHRIS TELL HIM TO LET ME KNOW.......
RHYTHMQUEEN......FRIDAY....SON OF THUNDER................I WAS IN THE CHOIR IN 7TH GRADE WHEN THE CHOIR DIRECTOR WHO WAS ALSO THE ORCHESTRA CONDUCTOR SAID “I KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS GOING TO PLAY UPRIGHT BASS IN THE ORCHESTRA NEXT YEAR” SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT ME! ! THE NEXT SEMESTER I STARTED PLAYING...
RECENT RECORDINGS....... TWO CD’S I PLAYED ON AND CO PRODUCED...........ONE BY NORWEGIAN ARTIST FRIEND BJORN JENS....CD CAME IN THE TOP 10 IN NORWAY THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!!!! THE OTHER CD I ALSO PLAYED AND CO PRODUCED WAS FOR BIG AL DOWNING....GREAT R&B SINGER WITH HIS MUSIC LEANING TOWARD COUNTRY, VERY SOULFUL DUDE!!!!!!!!!!! THAT CD WILL BE RELEASED SOMETIME IN FEB OR MAR..... FRANK SINATRA TYPE CD PLAYING UP RIGHT BASS FOR INDEPENDENT ARTIST, HANK SCHILLER, PRODUCED BY MEMPHIS HORN TRUMPET PLAYER WAYNE JACKSON.......... .......ALSO HAVE DONE SEVERAL SESSIONS RECENTLY WITH FAMED LA STUDIO DRUMMER ED GREENE, WHO MOVED TO NASHVILLE ABOUT 6 YEARS AGO, WE HAVE TEAMED UP TO DO SOME SERIOUS FUNK R&B MOTOWN STYLE RECORDINGS FOR ARTIST APPRECIATING REAL MUSICIANS PLAYING ON THEIR RECORDS.....IN NASHVILLE ONE SESSION WAS PRODUCED BY DETROIT MOTOWN ENGINEER BOB OLSHHON, AND ONE SESSION PRODUCED BY DENNIS MATROSKY, CO WRITER OF MICHEAL SOMBELLO “MANIC”,
LAST WEEKEND ED AND I WENT TO DETROIT TO WORK FOR PRODUCER FRIEND HARRY HIEND, FROM TORONTO .....GREAT SONGS ......GREAT ARTIST, 21 YEAR OLD BEAUTY WITH STRONG VOCALS........ARRANGEMENT'S BY DAVE VANDERPIT..........RECORDED AT DETROIT LEGENDARY STUDIO PAC-3 WITH RICHARD BECKER...SOUNDED UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!
CONRAD72........SOLO CD .......I HAVE RECORDED A SOLO CD AT MY HOME STUDIO......IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE CD CONTACT ME AT BOBBABBITT1@AOL.COM AND I WILL SEND YOU INFO..............AS FAR AS YOU NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE FILM YET...THE DVD WILL BE OUT IN APRIL AND THERE WILL BE EXTRA INFO THAT YOU CAN ALSO SEE.......BOB BABBITT
| By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 07:41 pm: |
HEY BOB: YOU GOTTA HEAR THIS ONE!!!...JUST PICKED UP A COPY OF THE "SITSOM" CD!!!...BLOWN AWAY BY THE BERNADETTE TRACK...IT'S AN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE JUST TO WATCH IT BUILD!!!...TOOK FELLOW BASSIST TONY BLANCHARD OUT TO MY CAR TO PLAY THE TRACK, AND HIS EYES LIT UP WHEN THE BASS LICK TOOK OFF...SINCE HE HASN'T SEEN THE FILM!!!...DURING THE TRACK...WE WERE MID-FIVING AND HIGH-FIVING...WHEN THE LEVI CUT...SINGING "BERNADETTE" HIT...WE BOTH WENT NUTS!!!...THEN I MIGHT HAVE MADE A BIG MISTAKE...TELLING TONY..."HEY, I USED TO PLAY LICKS LIKE THAT"!!!...NOW...TONY HAS BEEN PLAYING THE "DOZENS" ON ME ALL DAY!!!...PERHAPS I SHOULDN'T HAVE SAID THAT...HUH???...STU
| By Caleb (65.59.99.26) on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 08:43 pm: |
Babbitt,what's happening with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the 28th,are the Funks going in?What was the artists name that you worked with for Harry Hinde?Does he have a deal for her?Does Dennis Matkowsky live in Nashville?He's written some very good Christian songs as well.Caught a glimpse of you on the Thom Bell birthday thread,you look pretty cool. Caleb
| By Kris Peterson (68.32.81.180) on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 09:27 pm: |
Bob-
Where are you? I thought that you were coming into town.
Kris Peterson
| By Flytoo (64.12.105.159) on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 10:59 pm: |
Bob,
Glad to hear the knee is coming along. I can't wait to see a slimmer you run down the aisle to collect that Grammy!!!
As for me, the weight is still coming off. I've dropped 32lbs so far! This is week 6 of the program. My wife has lost over 17 lbs and we're excercising 3 times a week. My in-laws will be down for a 5 week visit starting on the 17th of this month. My wife has already put the word on them to leave the doughnuts and other junk food at home!
Be sure to keep us posted on the Letterman and Today show....we wouldn't want to miss out!
| By Friday (209.244.238.146) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 12:09 am: |
Big "B",another quality post.Was reading where the Steelers want to move corner Chad Scott to the safety position.I think it's a good move.There's a corner from Washington St they want to draft in the first round.He's big,solid,very physical-hits like John Lynch.Hopefully he'll still be there when they pick.Yes,definitely post the date and time on Letterman and Today Show if it comes about.
| By SteveS (68.41.251.33) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 07:17 am: |
Stu,
I'm kinda surprised to hear that you've just gotten around to listening to the SITSOM CD, given your efforts with NARAS on its behalf. It's interesting that you reacted to Bernadette in terms of your own playing. Most musicians I know are more focused on the Funks (particularly Jamerson on Bernadette) and wouldn't think of putting themselves into the equation the way you did. Of course, you do realize that Babbitt is not playing on Bernadette, it's an original master that's been remixed to highlight Jamerson, Benny and the guitars individually, DON'T YOU?
| By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 11:49 am: |
HEY STEVE: ACTUALLY, SEEING THE MOVIE THREE TIMES...AND MORE THAN THAT...GROWING UP WITH THOSE TRACKS AND THE MUSICIANS BEHIND THEM IS MORE THAN ENOUGH TO GENERATE MY INTEREST IN MUSICAL JUSTICE ON BEHALF OF THE "FUNK BROTHERS"!!!...ACTUALLY, THE CD PLAYER IN MY CAR WAS BROKEN...AND JUST TO BE ABLE TO PLAY THE SOUNDTRACK...I REPLACED MY ACURA FACTORY UNIT JUST THIS WEEK WITH A NEW KENWOOD SYSTEM...TOOK TWO WEEKS FOR THE SOUND GUY TO GET THE UNIT INTO STOCK!!!...I NOW DO REALIZE THAT IT IS AN ORIGINAL REMIX...CERTAINLY NOT CAROL KAYE...NO PICK TO BE HEARD...BUT BEING THE "BLUE COLLAR" BASSIST THAT I WAS...I USED TO EMULATE MANY OF THOSE TRACKS, AND EITHER COPY THEM FOR A PERFORMANCE...OR ENHANCE THEM TO FIT WHAT I WAS TRYING TO DO WITH A PARTICULAR TUNE!!!...JUST A WAY OF DREDGING UP OLD MEMORIES FROM MY OWN PLAYING DAYS, I GUESS!!!...BY THE WAY...TO BOB AND ALL!!!...I FINALLY GOT TIRED OF FELLOW BASSIST TONY BLANCHARD WALKING INTO MY OFFICE AND THROWING THE "DOZENS" ON ME...AFTER THE THIRD TIME I FIRED BACK...TELLING HIM..."SINCE YOU LIKE TO TALK ABOUT MY MAMA SO MUCH...I GOT ONE MORE THING TO TELL YOU ABOUT HER"!!!..."MY MAMA IS A BETTER BASS PLAYER THAN YOU'LL EVER BE"!!!...CASE CLOSED!!!...GAME...SET...MATCH!!!...STU
| By Sue (64.12.103.23) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 06:32 pm: |
Stu,
You didn't know that was Jamerson playing on "Bernadette"???
| By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 06:41 pm: |
HEY SUE: I THOUGHT I REMEMBERED BABBITT PLAYING THAT LICK IN THE MOVIE...SITTING IN A CHAIR BY HIMSELF...BUT WHEN THE DRUMS AND GUITARS CAME UP...IT SOUNDED TO ME LIKE THE ORIGINAL TRACK!!!...AND BESIDES...BABBITT OR JAMERSON...IT JUST DON'T GET MUCH BETTER!!!...STU
| By Sue (64.12.103.23) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 06:46 pm: |
Well, er, it is kind of important that that bassline is Jamerson. The whole reason Harry W. and Allan S. put it on the soundtrack stripped down is so you can hear that monstrous Jamerson style ...since he's not here in the flesh to be in the film.
How many others out there haven't heard the SITSOM soundtrack?
| By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 06:58 pm: |
SUE: IT IS SIGNIFICANT THAT JAMERSON IS PLAYING THAT BASSLINE...FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES...BUT THE MOVIE...UNLIKE THE BOOK...IS ABOUT "THE FUNK BROTHERS" AS A UNIT...NOT JUST JAMES...SO IT'S EASY FOR ME TO SEE HOW SOMEONE COULD CONFUSE BABBITT FOR JAMERSON ON THAT ONE!!!...ONE MUST ALSO REMEMBER...THAT DURING "THE DAY"...WHILE THOSE ON THE INSIDE KNEW OF JAMERSONS "GENIUS"...TO MANY OF US LOCAL MUSICIANS...JAMERSON WAS JUST THE "CAT" PLAYING THE "MOTOWN SHIT",AS HE HIMSELF PUT IT!!!...THE LEGEND GREW AS THE YEARS WENT ON!!!...HAD JAMERSON BEEN A "LEGEND" AT THAT POINT...HE WOULDN'T HAVE HAD THE PROBLEMS HE DID GETTING WORK IN LOS ANGELES!!!...STU
| By Sue (64.12.103.23) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 07:01 pm: |
Ah, Jamerson was indeed a legend at that point, that's why BG tied him up at what, double scale, with a contract too. That's why he followed his butt all over town to catch him doing bootleg sessions.
And I well remember Suzi Quatro bragging that she took bass lessons from the "legendary" James Jamerson. I never chased down whether she really did, or was just talking ...
| By Sue (64.12.103.23) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 07:10 pm: |
p.s. Stu I have to take off for the night, but all I can say in closing is...
DUCK!
| By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 07:10 pm: |
WELL SUE...NOT REALLY WISHING TO DEBATE THE POINT...BUT I WOULD SAY THAT LEGENDARY STATUS NOTWITHSTANDING...JAMERSON, AND ALL THE FUNKS WERE VALUABLE COMMODITIES TO BERRY, MORE THAN LEGENDS...BECAUSE THEY WORKED AS A SINGLE UNIT...AHEAD OF THE GAME COMING INTO A SESSION NOT HAVING TO AQUAINT THEMSELVES WITH EACH OTHER!!!...AS I SAID BEFORE...TO THE MUSICIANS OF THE DAY...IN DETROIT...JAMERSON WAS A FINE BASS PLAYER...BUT THE INSTRUMENT ITSELF NEVER REALLY LENT ITSELF TO LEGENDARY STATUS...LEAD INSTRUMENTS LIKE GUITARS AND KEYBOARDS WERE MUCH MORE FAMILIAR TO MOST OF US...SINCE THAT WAS WHAT WE HEARD ON THE TOP OF THE TRACK...DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE BASS DID LIE AT THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE MUSIC!!!...ALSO, AS I SAID...IF BERRY THOUGHT THAT JAMES WAS IRREPLACEABLE , HE WOULD HAVE FOUND A WAY TO GET HIM TO LA WITH THE COMPANY...AND THE WORK WOULD HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR JAMES WHEREVER HE WENT...UNFORTUNATLY, SUCH WAS *NOT* THE CASE!!!...ON AN INTERNATIONAL SCALE...I WOULD HAVE TO SAY, AT THAT TIME, THAT EARL VAN DYKE, FOR EXAMPLE, WAS MUCH CLOSER TO A LEGEND THAN WAS JAMERSON!!!...STU
| By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 07:11 pm: |
TO SUE: PS..."QUACK...QUACK"...STU
| By Sue (64.12.103.23) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 07:12 pm: |
The bass wasn't legendary in Motown? OK Stu, again...
DUCK!
See you later, gotta go.
| By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 07:14 pm: |
P.S.S. TO SUE: DOUBLE SCALE IS A HIGH COMPLIMENT TO ANY MUSICIAN...BUT YOU WOULD FIND THAT THE TRUE LEGENDS...WHERE JAMERSON CERTAINLY DID BELONG...COMMAND "TRIPLE SCALE"!!!...STU
| By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 07:21 pm: |
PSSS: FINAL ON THIS ONE!!!...95 PERCENT OF THE PEOPLE THAT PURCHASED MOTOWN RECORDS, DID SO BECAUSE THEY LIKED SMOKEY ROBINSON, THE TEMPTS, THE SUPREMES, STEVIE, ETC!!!...ONLY THE MUSICIANS, IN MY OPINION, WERE LISTENING TO THE TRACKS FIRST...ARTISTS SECOND...AND THOSE OF US THAT APPRECIATED THE MUSIC, OFTEN REALIZED THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MUSIC BEHIND THE ARTIST...NOT MY CHOICE...FACT OF LIFE!!!...ISN'T THAT THE REASON THAT WE ARE ALL WORKING SO HARD TODAY TO GET THE "FUNK BROTHERS" THE RECOGNITION THEY SO RICHLY DESERVE...BECAUSE NOBODY RECOGNIZED THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS DURING THE DAY???...I DON'T CONSIDER MYSELF TO BE ARTISTICALLY SNOBBISH ENOUGH TO HAVE TO TAKE CREDIT FROM THE ARTISTS SO THAT WE CAN GIVE DUE CREDIT TO THE "FUNK BROTHERS"!!!...WE ARE SAYING THAT THE ARTISTS GOT MUCH OF THEIR DUE...NOW IT'S THE "FUNK BROTHERS" TURN!!!...STU (QUACK-QUACK)
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 07:22 pm: |
StuBass, my friend - The famous "soundtrack" was released in November 2002. Was it not in your local record stop until now?
You should have let me know, I have at two more packaged demos included with small pamphlets, I would have sent you one.
| By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 07:32 pm: |
WELL THANKS FOR THAT SIS..BUT IT'S TOO LATE FOR THAT NOW!!!...I WOULD HAVE TRACKED DOWN TIGER AND GOTTEN YOU THAT AUTOGRAPHED GLOVE FOR THAT ONE...BUT PLEASE UNDERSTAND...I DO HAVE OTHER THINGS GOING ON IN MY LIFE...AND HAVE DEVOTED A GREAT DEAL OF TIME LATELY TRYING TO HELP RIGHT A WRONG...GETTING THE "FUNKS" THEIR JUST RECOGNITION!!!...AS FOR LEGENDARY STATUS ONCE AGAIN...MOST LEGENDARY ARTISTS, OF ANY KIND, TEND TO ACHIEVE THAT STATUS, LONG...AFTER THEIR DEATH!!!...UNFORTUNATE THAT THE GREAT JAMES JAMERSON COULDN'T HAVE RECIEVED THAT RECOGNITION PRIOR TO HIS DEATH...BUT UNFORTUNATLY...IT RARELY...IF EVER...WORKS THAT WAY!!!...HEY!!!...HOW MANY OF US TRULY APPRECIATE OUR OWN PARENTS UNTIL WE ALL GET OLDER, OR LOSE THEM???...STU
| By BOBBABBITT (64.12.101.173) on Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 07:04 pm: |
HEY MO-FU'S........THE "BABBITT" HERE.........
SORRY ABOUT THE MESSAGES THAT SOME OF YOU POSTED ON MY THREAD DEALING WITH THE BERNADETTE TRACK ON THE SOUNDTRACK....... THE COMMENT MADE ABOUT THE GREAT BASS PART PLAYED BY JAMERSON ON THE BERNADETTE TRACK THAT SOMEONE COULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT IT WAS ME "BABBITT" PLAYING ON THE TRACK WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED........
SOME OF MY OWN FAMILY AND PERSONAL FRIENDS CALLED ME TO RAVE ABOUT THAT PERFORMANCE OF THE BASS ON BERNADETTE AND I HAD TO TELL THEM THAT IN FACT THE BASS PLAYER WAS JAMERSON.........
BUT.....IT SEEMS THAT IN THE ANXIETY OF WANTING TO LISTEN TO THE SOUNDTRACK THE POSSIBILITY OF NOT READING THE CREDITS FIRST EXIST...THEREFORE WITHOUT READING THE CREDITS THE POSSIBILITY OF THINKING THAT MAYBE THAT IS BOB INSTEAD OF JAMES..PISTOL INSTEAD OF BENNY.ECT, ECT, ECT.........CAN HAPPEN......
THE MAIN NUMBER ONE REASON FOR THE FILM FROM THE BEGINNING WAS TO GIVE RECOGNITION TO THE MUSICIANS BECAUSE THERE WERE NO CREDITS>>>>>>>>>>>>
PLEASE LETS NOT JUMP ON ANY WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT WHY OR WHAT MAY HAVE BEEN THE REASON.....AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED AND STRONGLY FEEL...... ..................
MY NAME IS NOT CAROL KAYE..... IT IS BOB BABBITT.. LEGAL NAME: ROBERT KREINAR...... AND I WILL BE THE FIRST ONE TO STAND UP AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE PRESENCE OF THE GREAT JAMES JAMERSON’S BASS PARTS....
| By Caleb (65.59.102.228) on Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 07:11 pm: |
Well said Bob Babbitt,humility comes before honor.
| By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 07:21 pm: |
LIKE I SAID...JAMERSON OR BABBITT...CHAMBERS OR MINGUS...JUST CAN'T SAY IT GETS ANY BETTER THAN THAT IN "BASSWORLD"!!!...STUBASS
| By Beebopman (67.37.75.33) on Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 11:02 pm: |
Bob: After reading and commenting at times on these threads, I must say that you are indeed a class act. I attended several recording sessions back in the day when you did the bass for the Precissions recordings and met both you and Andrew. You impressed me then as a virtuos man and that preception of you remains. Your staying power is due in part to your incredible talent, but also in part to the fact that you have never taken credit for someone else's work (...when it would have been so easy to do). And you have never had a "big head". I was a no body at those recording sessions and some how you were able to spend a few moments talking to me. I'll never forget that. I was a good friend of Paul Merritt who was trying hard in those days to write and arrange music.
Beebopman
| By Son of Thunder (65.59.105.81) on Monday, February 10, 2003 - 11:33 pm: |
Babbitt,I picked up an album that you and Andrew played on for an artist named Allee Willis produced by Jerry Ragavoy(She wrote the lyric for the tv sitcom theme"Friends").It's a good album,there's some good tunes on there.All those albums you guys did for Jerry Ragavoy were great(Lou Courtney,Dionne Warwick,Bonnie Raitt).Do you remember this album?
| By rhythmqueen (199.180.18.5) on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 10:35 am: |
Babbitt,
Looking forward to seeing your slim and too cool self walk down to get your Grammy. Stick with the rehab and the weight loss and you won't need a cane.....
I have plans to catch you guys in Detroit in March--can't wait!!!
| By STUBASS (152.163.197.197) on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 08:39 pm: |
HEY BOB: YOU DA BADDEST...I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENT ON A LICK THAT YOU PLAY ON THE "HEATWAVE" CUT ON THE "SITSOM" SOUNDTRACK...THAT IS YOU...ISN'T IT (A LITTLE HUMOR THERE)???...THIRD BAR INTO THE HORN SOLO YOU PLAY A LICK, THEN REPEAT IT IN THE FINAL TWO CHORUS'S!!!...WAS THAT A RE-CREATION OF THE ORIGINAL JAMES JAMERSON LICK ON THE "VANDELLAS" CUT...OR DID YOU CREATE IT FOR THAT PARTICULAR PERFORMANCE!!!...I USED TO PLAY A SIMILAR LICK (ALTHOUGH MINE WASN'T "BABBITTIZED")...AND WONDER WHAT STRING PROGRESSION YOU PLAYED IT IN???...THAT IS ONE GREAT LICK...PLAYED BY ONE GREAT PLAYER!!!...STU
| By BOBBABBITT (205.188.209.38) on Friday, February 14, 2003 - 12:55 am: |
HEY MO-FU'S.....WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS THIS WEEKEND,
THERE IS A AWESOME PHOTO ON THE COVER OF
VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE.......APRIL 2003 ISSUE
ALSO MORE PHOTOS AND STORIES INSIDE....BOB BABBITT
| By stephanie (206.214.2.84) on Friday, February 14, 2003 - 02:45 am: |
Hey Babbitt
You are my hero!!! Im so glad you are around to share MAN you are a true musician and I bet you wouldnt do anything else I can tell
Stephanie
PS How did you get started anyway please tell Babbitt
| By Bassn for God (68.115.220.62) on Friday, February 14, 2003 - 07:47 pm: |
Hi All,
New guy here! I just had to say I saw the movie last weekend and boy was I pumped. Bob, you are the MAN. I appreciate all that you have gone through for your music, and your honest ways are very evident in your writings and the movie. I love to see you singing while you played in the movie. I had to travel 2 hours to see the movie and my wife just loved it, she did not even mind while I sang through the movie. Keep the bass line strong and your heart in the song.
God Bless
Robert
| By Flytoo (199.59.40.10) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 01:28 pm: |
Bob,
I forgot to ask when I ordered your solo CD but any chance of you autographing it for me? Also, I just picked up a copy of the April edition of Vintage Guitar Magazine...very cooool!!! Flytoo
| By Flytoo (152.163.194.207) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 09:25 pm: |
Bob,
I was reading the article on the Funks in Vintage Guitar and was looking closely at the picture of you holding what appears to be a P-Bass with some very manly looking strings! Geez, I've seen oak trees with branches smaller than that E string! Do you recall what strings and guage they were? Is that the same P that you use with the Funk's today? I know James strung his bass with heavy guage La Bella's but they appear to be small compared to the ones you were playing??
Also, just got back from the ole Weight Watcher's and lost another 4lbs. That's a total of 39.4 lbs. in 7 weeks! How's the knee coming? Can't wait to see you and the rest of the guys Sunday night on the Grammy's! Good luck!! Flytoo
| By BOBBABBITT (64.12.101.166) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 02:08 am: |
CALEB....STUBASS......BEBOPMAN......BASSN FOR GOD......STEPHANIE...RHYTHMQUEEN.......
THANK YOU FROM MY HEART FOR YOUR KIND COMPLIMENTS..........I HOPE TO SEE SOME OF YOU WHEN WE ARE IN DETROIT REHEARSING OR SOMEWHERE WHEN WE ARE ON THE ROAD....IF BY CHANCE YOU OR ANY ONE ON THIS FORUM DO COME TO A CITY WHERE WE ARE PERFORMING, PLEASE MAKE AN EFFORT TO COME BACKSTAGE TO SEE ME......
BASSN FOR GOD.......... I AM NOT MUCH OF A SINGER.........STEPHANIE........IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE FILM, THE DVD WILL TELL YOU HOW ALL OF THE FUNK’S GOT STARTED......FOR ME IT WAS HIGH SCHOOL PLAYING CLASSICAL MUSIC ON UPRIGHT BASS...........
SON OF THUNDER...........ALLEY WILLIS......I DO REMEMBER THAT ALBUM, RECORDED AT HIT FACTORY, NEW YORK CITY...JERRY RAGOVOY WAS THE PRODUCER....... I DON’T EVEN THINK I HAVE A COPY OF THAT ALBUM.... BUT I DO REMEMBER HER BEING VERY TALENTED NOT ONLY AS A SINGER BUT A WRITER!! I’M NOT SURE HOW WELL THE ALBUM DID, I KNOW SHE MOVED TO LA AND BECAME A VERY SUCCESSFUL SONGWRITER.........
FLYTOO.......THE WEIGHT IS COMING OFF ...THAT’S GREAT!!!!!!!! LOOKS LIKE YOUR OVER THE HUMP AND ON YOUR WAY!!!!!!!!!!!! KNEE STILL IN REHAB, GETTING STRONGER, BUT STILL EXPERIENCING SOME PAIN........THE CD IS ON THE WAY.......... WITH AUTOGRAPH.........
THE P-BASS THAT YOU SEE IN THE VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE IS THE BASS USED ON THE EARLY EDWIN STARR RECORDS , AGENT DOUBLE OO SOUL, CAPITOLS...COOL JERK....DEL SHANNON, ROYALTONES, AND QUITE A FEW OTHER HIT RECORDS.....PROBABLY THE REASON THE STRINGS LOOK “SMALLER” WAS BECAUSE I TOOK THE P-BASS NECK OFF AND REPLACED IT WITH A JAZZ NECK.... THE STRINGS WERE LABELLA FLAT WOUNDS, MEDIUM GAUGE...ABOUT A MONTH AFTER JAMERSON’S BASS WAS STOLEN THIS BASS WAS ALSO STOLEN???
STUBASS..........HEAT WAVE LICK.......WHILE WE WERE REHEARSING I STARTED TO PLAY A FEW TRIPLET BASS FIGURES AND PISTOL SAID “YEAH BABBITT...KEEP ON DOIN’ IT”.. WELL HE GOT ME GOING AND I THREW A FEW OF THOSE TRIPLET FIGURES IN THE SONG..... THAT PARTICULAR BASS LINE WAS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL VERSION.........
I HOPE THAT I DID NOT UPSET ANYONE BUT SEVERAL TIMES ON THE SOUNDTRACK RECORDING I DID GET AWAY A LITTLE FROM JAMERSON’S LINES.....BOOTSY COLLINS GOT ME WOUND UP AND I GOT CAUGHT IN THE EXCITEMENT OF THE MOMENT........
I DID MENTION ALL OF CHANGES FROM JAMES’S LINE’S IN THE BASS PLAYER ISSUE WITH JAMES’S PHOTO ON THE COVER, AND IN THE FOLLOWING ISSUE SOME I HAD FORGOT ABOUT..................
AS FOR THE HEAT WAVE LICK.......B FLAT MINOR 7TH CHORD....1ST BEAT.... TRIPLET FIGURE........ B FLAT ON THE G STRING.....F ON THE D STRING......D FLAT ON THE A STRING......
THEN THREE QUARTER NOTES.....2ND BEAT... D FLAT ON A STRING.......... 3RD BEAT.....
C ON A STRING......4TH BEAT.......A FLAT ON E STRING......
THE ONE THING THAT STANDS OUT IN THIS LICK IS THE FACT THAT THE VERY FIRST NOTE, THE B FLAT ON THE G STRING IS ALMOST A GHOST NOTE AND YOU GET THE FEELING OF NO DOWNBEAT PLAYED ON THE BASS...FUNNY THING ABOUT THAT, YOU CAN SEE SOMETHING LIKE THAT HAPPENING MAYBE ONE TIME ...BUT....EVERY TIME THAT I PLAYED THAT LICK.........IT CAME OUT THE SAME WAY?????
MAYBE IT WAS “JAMERSON’S GHOST”.........BOB BABBITT
| By STUBASS (152.163.207.202) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 11:42 am: |
OUTSTANDING+++...THOSE TYPE LICKS CAN'T BE WRITTEN...THEY HAVE TO COME FROM DEEP INSIDE X 3...CONGRATS!!!...STU
| By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 05:00 pm: |
ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT TAKE REGARDING THE "HEAT WAVE" CUT ARE THE DRUM FILLS...CLASSIC "MOTOWN SHUFFLE" AS INVENTED BY BENNY BENJAMIN, AND INTERPRETED BY PISTOL AND URIEL!!!...PERHAPS THIS BELONGS ON ONE OF THE DRUM THREADS!!!...STU
| By Son of Thunder (65.59.106.246) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 07:18 pm: |
Babbitt,great post-thanks for the comments on the Alley Willis album.I have a few more questions:1)I picked up a Marvin Gaye collection called the Norman Whitfield sessions.Do you remember if you played on any of these tunes?I read where you did alot of work for Norman Whitfield in Detroit.2)Can you talk a little about the record,"Indiana Wants Me"-R Dean Taylor.I hear an uprite bass on there as well.Smokin' bass work on the straight bass & 3)How was the bass recorded for "Midnight Train To Georgia"-Gladys Knight.Was it recorded direct?It has a similiar fat sound to that of "Signed,Sealed,Delivered".
| By Caleb (65.59.106.246) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 07:21 pm: |
Babbitt,I've wanted to ask you this for a while now.When you were in Detroit did you play on any records by Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheel?If so,which ones?
| By Bass for God (68.115.220.62) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 09:48 pm: |
Bob,
I do not consider my self a singer either, but when I am playing, our singer gives me the look like either shutup or pickup a mic. I get so into the songs I get carried away. I have seen myself on video and boy at the faces I make. You have inspired my music so much over the past several months with your kind words in answering my emails (svorsp@charter.net). I must tell you and everyone else here. Music has calmed my life and given me the ability to deal pressures on life. I sink into songs for hours on end and come out completely drained and satisfied. I owe this to the great music from Motown and those soulful R&B sounds on that AM radio in my truck. SNAP OUT OF IT, see how music effects me. Thank you all.
Keep the bass line strong and your heart in the song
Robert
| By Kim (68.47.158.113) on Saturday, February 22, 2003 - 01:46 pm: |
Babbit,
You had mentioned in an earlier post that you currently play a Lakland. Does your Lakland have a P Bass style neck or a J Bass style neck. Do you use flat or round wound strings on it.
Thanks,
Kim
| By medusa9e (66.73.13.119) on Saturday, February 22, 2003 - 08:49 pm: |
Hi Mr. Bobbit,
I hope all is well with U. Listen I need 2 know this: The Movie "Standing N the shadows of Motown" will it ever B put on Video? If so, would U have any idea when? I would appreciate it very much. U R A GREAT Guy Bob...Don't Stop!
Thank U so very much 4 your time...medusa9e
| By DAVE KOVARIK (65.59.44.247) on Saturday, February 22, 2003 - 09:46 pm: |
BIG BOB B,
JUST A QUICK HELLO. WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW MY WIFE AND I WENT TO THE BIRMINGHAM THEATER AND SAW STANDING IN THE SHADOWS. MY COMPLIMENTS BUDDY, HELL OF A JOB.IT BROUGHT BACK WAVES OF MEMORYS ABOUT ALL THOSE OLD JOBS RECORDING IN THE STUDIOS AROUND TOWN.ALSO ALL THOSE OLD SEWERS WE PLAYED IN.BUT WHAT FUN WE HAD.
I AM ABOUT TO RETIRE FROM FORD MOTOR CO. AND AM LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK INTO MUSIC. I HAVE BEEN PRACTICING FOR ABOUT A YEAR OR SO. I AM PLAYING ALTO IN A JAZZ BAND FOR OCC AT THIS TIME AND GETTING MY READING BACK. ITS TOUGH. HAVE YOU SPOKEN WITH DENNIS LATELY???? HES DOING GREAT AND IS A RELATIVELY NEW DADDY.HE IS VERY HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL.
WELL GOT TO RUN. MUCH SUCCESS WITH IT ALL.
REGARDS,
DAVE KOVARIK
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, February 22, 2003 - 09:51 pm: |
HAVE A GREAT TIME AT THE GRAMMY AWARDS BOB!!!!
I'LL BE LOOKING FOR YOU. CONGRATULATIONS, AND BEST OF LUCK!!
| By Caleb (209.245.117.188) on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 06:52 pm: |
Bob Babbitt garners a grammy!!Excellent,two thumbs up!!Congratulations Babbitt!!
| By rhythmqueen (12.64.54.171) on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 06:56 pm: |
Babbitt,
Enjoy the Grammys, you guys certainly deserve it. I'll be looking for you guys. Hope to catch the show next weekend.
| By Nancy (24.101.72.243) on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 07:06 pm: |
Hey Babbitt
congrats on the win you deserve it
| By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 08:27 pm: |
HEY BOB: WAY TO GO!!!...I THINK IT WAS THOSE TRIPLETS IN "HEATWAVE" THAT PUT YOU GUYS OVER THE TOP!!!...CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE "FUNK BROTHERS" FROM ALL THE FUNK FANS!!!...DUST OFF THAT MANTLE!!!...STU
| By Caleb (63.208.116.180) on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 09:00 pm: |
Make that two!!
| By Bassn for God (24.158.71.34) on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 10:27 pm: |
Way to go Bob and the Funk Brothers. I am so happy for you. Let us know anything you can about any touring you going to do.
Keep the bass line strong and your heart in the song.
Robert
| By Flytoo (152.163.188.68) on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 11:21 pm: |
Way to go Big B!! Congrats to you and the guys!!!
Flytoo
| By MICHAEL IN DETROIT (68.61.77.137) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 12:10 am: |
YEAH BABBITT...!
| By Vonnie (152.163.188.68) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 12:24 am: |
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
BOB BABBITT YOU THE MAN!
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE GRAMMY WINS
Vonnie
| By Clay (66.73.216.185) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 04:39 am: |
BB
From our ole days at Tera Shirma to the Big Time,but this time it was your time. Much love my Brother, and thanks for all the Bottom you put on my stuff LOL. I spoke with Bob Olson yesterday in Nashville and he mention You and Ed Green on a very positive note.LOL Keep Thumpin "B" it's what you do BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!Congrats on the double Grammy's. Peace
| By soulboy (213.105.242.198) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 06:36 am: |
Congratulations to Bob, Well done!
| By Lynn Bruce (65.60.200.153) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 10:02 am: |
Bob,to say I,m happy and proud for you would be an understatment!! From the Wayne show bar,the Westfort Tavern, to TWO GRAMMYS!!!Those babys are going to look real nice sitting on your mantle.WALLA, I SWEAR!!!
Congratulations,Lynn
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 10:38 am: |
Bob - Congratulations. Well deserved awards.
Let us know how you felt when you heard: "And the winner is, Standing in the Shadows of Motown." Was your heart pounding? Did each of you say something?
And how was the party last night?
Much love, Sis
| By TonyRussi (68.18.225.134) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 01:01 pm: |
Congratulations Bob Babbitt and the Funk Brothers from your fans in Florida.
| By Horse (68.61.77.137) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 01:12 pm: |
Lynn,
Say Wallah..! I never knew you were one of "THE" BOYS..!
| By Lynn Bruce (65.60.200.153) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 01:26 pm: |
Horse, Mar Habaa,when you put on a white shirt and watch the soot from Fords fall on it while you talk,or go to Camp Dearborn on sundays and make la ha-mishwa,then I guess I,m one of the boys by association. lol
Lynn
| By Horse (68.61.77.137) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 01:44 pm: |
Lynn,
Humdilah..! Keefah..? I'm hip to the fall out from Ford. It has f!@ked up many a paint job on my cars. Lynn, have you ever had the pleasure of swiping one of the water melons out of the coble stoen mote at Camp Dearborn to go along with the laha-mishwa..? And better yet, there is nothing better than Ma's olive oil for that deep bronze tan...! Welcome to the Pit..!
| By rhythmqueen (205.167.128.2) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 01:51 pm: |
A very sincere CONGRATS on not one, but TWO Grammys----Yes, TWO. Just wish I could've seen it televised. You guys were lookin' sharp in the pictures....
| By JSJ (65.138.10.121) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 08:42 pm: |
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I am so happy for you and the other Funks.
I know Andrew's in heaven smiling.
That's the way to go!
Talk to you later.
Joetter
| By Son of Thunder (209.244.239.90) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 10:46 pm: |
Babbitt Congratulations!!It's just beyond.I thought of Andrew today to wishing he was here to see all this-the movie,the soundtrack and now the grammy's.Enjoy this special time in your life.
| By Vickie (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 01:56 am: |
Congratulations Mr. Babbitt, no one..I mean no one deserves this honor in the music business more than The Funk Brothers, thank you all for the many years of Joy you have brought to the world..
Vickie
| By Caleb (63.208.117.242) on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 06:07 pm: |
Big "B",bring it on home-one in each hand!
| By Friday (209.244.238.24) on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 07:37 pm: |
Big B bringin' home the hardware!!
| By rhythmqueen (12.64.60.139) on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 12:41 am: |
Babbitt, any info on the Funks making another CD?
Good luck with the upcoming tour--looking forward to catching one of the shows!!
| By Kim (68.47.158.113) on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 09:14 am: |
Babbit,
Congratulations!
Kim
| By Caleb (64.157.76.250) on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 03:14 pm: |
Babbitt,when you get settled in how about some details on grammy night.Also,has there been any talk of the funks doing some more recording?A CD with original songs would be great-Funk Brothers with Various Artists.
| By brown9165 (64.157.95.217) on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 11:52 pm: |
Hey, Babbitt thank for all the great music. You
and the Funk Brothers are fantastic. I want you
to know that was some outstanding bass work
on cool jerk, when bootsy call on you that is
a downright nasty bass groove you layed down.
Looking forward to seeing you and the funks
in Oakland, CA.
| By John Lester (213.123.144.38) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 12:30 am: |
Babbit
Is this tour gonna some to the UK.........PLEASE!
You can then give us a blast of your "Running Like A Rabbit"!!
| By BOBBABBITT (152.163.188.68) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 01:10 am: |
HEY MO FU’S...(MOTOWN FUNK FAN’S).........FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS REGARDING THE GRAMMY’S.....THE FUNK’S ARE STILL IN OUTER SPACE AND WHEN THE GRAMMY’S FINALLY COME TO OUR HOMES THEN MAYBE WE WILL COME BACK DOWN TO EARTH.......MAYBE??? SIS HAS ASKED HOW I FELT WHEN THE WINNER WAS THE FUNK BROTHERS? FOR ME THE FIRST CATEGORY WAS THE SOUNDTRACK COMPILATION AND AS THE NOMINEES WERE BEING ANNOUNCED I WAS READY TO CLAP FOR THE WINNER... AS I HELD MY HANDS TOGETHER THE HOST SAID THE WINNER IS “STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN”...I FROZE!!!!! I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT!!!!!!! I LOOKED UP AND SAW MY WIFE ,WHO WAS SITTING WITH THE MAIN GROUP OF GUY’S, AS I CAME LATE AND SAT OFF TO THE SIDE OF THEM, AND SAW HER SCREAMING, CRYING AND DANCING AT THE SAME TIME!!!!!!!! THAT AWARD IS NORMALLY A PRODUCERS AWARD BUT BECAUSE THE FUNK’S PLAYED ON AT LEAST 75 % OR MORE OF THE CD THE AWARD ALSO GOES TO THE MUSICIANS!!!! THE NEXT 40 OR 50 MINUTES WAS FILLED WITH INTERVIEWS, PHOTO’S BEING TAKEN AND CONSTANT HUGS, TEARS, AND LOOKS OF JOY FROM THE FUNK BROTHERS, AS WELL AS THE PRODUCERS, ALLAN SLUTSKY, HARRY WEINGER, AND TED GREENBERG.....THEN WE WENT BACK TO OUR SEATS FOR THE SECOND NOMINATION...BEST TRADITIONAL R&B SONG “WHAT’S GOIN’ ON”.....CHAKA KAHN & THE FUNK BROTHERS.......SEVERAL CONVERSATIONS AMONG THE FUNK’S LED US TO BELIEVE THAT NO WAY COULD WE WIN THIS ONE.....GREAT COMPETITION......THEN...THE NOMINEES WERE ANNOUNCED FOR THAT CATEGORY AND THE WINNER IS??????????? FOR THEIR SECOND GRAMMY TONIGHT.... THE FUNK BROTHERS!!!!!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!! I WAS STUNNED.......I SAID “YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING” THIS TIME MY WIFE HAD MOVED TO WHERE I WAS SITTING AND WAS RIGHT NEXT TO ME....AGAIN I LOOKED AT HER , SHE HAD STOOD UP AND WAS SCREAMING, CRYING AND DANCING AT THE SAME TIME!!! WHAT A MOMENT!!!!!! SOMEONE HAD ASKED “WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER?” I DON’T THINK NOTHING HAS BEEN EVER AS EMOTIONAL AND TOUCHING AS THESE AWARDS, AND THAT I AM PROUD TO BE MEMBER OF ONE OF THE MOST PROLIFIC MUSICAL FORCES IN THE HISTORY OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS!!!!!!!! ONWARD>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>FUNK BROTHERS>>>>>>>>>>>>
CALEB...RHYTHMQUEEN.............TALK OF AUSTRALIAN TOUR IN THE FALL WITH 4 AUSTRALIAN SINGERS, A LIVE CD AND DVD WILL BE RECORDED ON THIS TOUR........
ALSO POSSIBILITY OF MORE RECORDINGS WITH OTHER GUEST ARTIST IN THE FUTURE!!
MEDUS9E.........DVD WILL BE RELEASED APRIL 22 ND.....THERE WILL BE TWO (2) DVD’S..
ONE WITH THE FILM + THE MAKING. THE OTHER WITH MORE INTERVIEWS, SCENES THAT WERE EDITED FROM THE FILM BECAUSE OF THE RUNNING TIME OF THE FILM, AND OTHER FEATURES, SUCH AS A VIRTUAL RECORDING STUDIO WHERE YOU CAN SEE AND HEAR THE FUNK’S IN A STUDIO, AND YOU CAN SAMPLE PARTS OF THE MUSIC............
THE LITTLE THAT I SAW SO FAR IS INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!! I KNOW YOU WILL ENJOY IT!!!!!!!!!
KIM........PLAYING THE LAKLAND ( P-BASS MODEL) ON SESSIONS WITH GHS BOOMER ROUND WOUND STRINGS.........THE FENDER P-BASS WITH FLAT WOUND ON THE LIVE GIGS, BUT THINKING ABOUT TRYING THE ROUND WOUND STRINGS.....SOME OF THE PLACES WE HAVE BEEN PLAYING THE FLAT WOUNDS BOOM TO MUCH............
CALEB........MITCH RYDER......RECORDED AND PLAYED LIVE WITH MITCH......BUT NO MAJOR HITS...............
SON OF THUNDER.............YES I DID RECORD SOME OF THE NORMAN WHITFIELD “MARVIN GAYE SESSIONS”........ONE SONG I REMEMBER WAS “END OF THE ROAD”.........
JOHN LESTER..........FUNK BROTHERS IN UK..........WORD IS .......THIS SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!
BOB BABBITT
| By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 01:44 am: |
THAT IS JUST TOOOOOOOOOOOOO FREAKIN AWESOME!!!...THE "FUNK BROTHERS"...TURNED NEW YORK CITY...OUT!!!...WE'LL ALL BE WAITING FOR THE LOS ANGELES STOP...AND WE'RE GONNA PUT THE "MONSIGNOR OF MUSICAL MIX"... JAY PALMER... BEHIND THE SOUND TECHS WITH AN UZI...READY TO SPRAY THE BOOTH AT THE SOUND OF JUST ONE POOR MIX (KIDDING JAY)!!!...SEE YOU GUYS IN L.A.!!!...STU
| By 1wicked (64.32.154.94) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 12:47 pm: |
I'm pullin' out all stops and callin' in all favors.....I'm gonna be there when The Funks hit L.A. & I'm not gonna do "nose bleed" seats !! (LOL) (I wish it could be a venue like the old "Concerts By The Sea", though....)
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 01:41 pm: |
Bob - I was so excited reading your post. I know it was wonderful. I wish I could have been there. Just as Stubass said "AWESOME THE FUNK BROTHERS!"
Oh, did you see anyone from the group "Otis Williams and The Temptations?"
| By Bassn for God (24.158.71.34) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 07:04 pm: |
Bob, to hear you tell what happened was great. I rushed home to turn on and watch the Grammy's, knowing that they would only show text on who won, and there you guys were in a picture. I am constantly listen to the soundtrack and still it sounds new everytime. The basslines are awesome, I know you have heard it a thousand times, but I just love it. Please keep us up to date on the concert dates. I hope that you come to the Carolina's (someone's home state other than me) I am ready to drive no matter. Thanks and Congrats again
Robert
| By Flytoo (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 09:25 pm: |
Great post Bob! Thank you for sharing what it was like on that special night! I couldn't be any happier if I'd have won one myself!! Very cooool!!! My wife is ticked because they didn't actually show you guys receiving the goods. All we got to see was still shots (but we did get to see two of them!!!) You guys looked you were about to pop!!
Got your solo cd and it's awesome!! Good music and some great bass playing! I must say I thought you were out of your tree when I listened to "Yada Kookie Yada"! But later I found the synopsis in the envelope and it explained everything. That was a nice touch!! Also, I loved the fact that you told what basses you used on each track and what strings. I'm a gear head and I'm always interested it what everyone is playing. I was surprised to learn that you have several Carvin basses and you used them on the Gypsy From Jupiter CD?? You told me that night I saw you in Austin that you had a Lakland and I would have guessed you would have used it more?? (I really about fell out of my chair when I read that you used a Carvin Pro 200 amp when you did the film??) I'm not knocking Carvin at all but I just would have never guessed that you would be playing their stuff?? I was thinking that you were probably either going straight to the board or using an Ampeg? With all of the gear choices that exist today what made you decide on them? I'm just curious. Also, the BP article mentioned that the P you use with the Funks has been modified. Could you tell us what changes were made to it? I'm hoping the tour brings you guys to Texas..any word yet? Hope the knee is doing well. Congratulations again!! Flytoo
| By Caleb (65.59.97.176) on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 11:01 pm: |
Hey Babbitt,just read your comments on the Scorpion album on another thread.Saw where the album sold for $103.57 on e-bay.Someone asked about the original tapes on that.Try to find them-get it re-released.
| By Horse (68.61.77.137) on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 11:08 pm: |
Hey Babbitt,
Let us know if you get a royalty check off that ebay sale for $103.57.
Horse
| By Kim (68.47.158.113) on Friday, March 07, 2003 - 03:49 am: |
Flytoo,
I guess I missed something! Where did you get Babbit's solo CD and what is it's title?
Thanks,
Kim
| By Flytoo (205.188.209.38) on Friday, March 07, 2003 - 06:29 am: |
Kim,
Bob's solo CD is called "Gypsy From Jupiter". He pretty much did everything, wrote the music, played bass and even does some background vocals. The tracks were recorded in his home studio. He mentioned it several posts back. You can contact Bob direct and he'll give you the scoop on how to get a copy. His email address is: BOBBABBITT1@AOL.COM. Hope you enjoy it! Flytoo
| By Caleb (63.208.118.24) on Friday, March 07, 2003 - 05:06 pm: |
Babbitt,when you were in Detroit did you play on any records by the Detroit Emeralds?
| By Kim (68.47.158.113) on Saturday, March 08, 2003 - 01:38 am: |
Flytoo,
Thanks!
Kim
| By BOBBABBITT (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, March 08, 2003 - 11:35 pm: |
MO-FU’S..............FIRST OF ALL THANKS AGAIN FOR THE KIND COMMENTS......... CALEB.............DETROIT EMERALDS........FROM WHAT I REMEMBER I AM ALMOST POSITIVE I PLAYED ON ALL OF THEIR RECORDS............
SCORPION ALBUM............I AM GOING TO CONTACT CAPITOL RECORDS WHO WAS THE MOTHER COMPANY OF TOWER RECORDS AND SEE WHAT I CAN FIND OUT ABOUT THE TAPES....IF THEY STILL HAVE THEM?? POSSIBILITY THE STUDIO (TERA SHIRMA) HAD THE TAPES AND WHEN THEY CLOSED THEY MAY HAVE GOT RID OF THEM??? CAPITOL SHOULD HAVE THE MASTERS..............WISH ME LUCK...........HORSE.......AS FAR AS THE E-BAY PRICE FOR THE SCORPION ALBUM........ROYALTIES?????????? HA HA HA.................
FLYTOO.....GLAD YOU LIKED THE SOLO CD!!!!!!!!!!! THE P- BASS I USED FOR THE FILM WAS THE SAME BASS THAT WAS USED ON THE MOTOWN SESSIONS I DID IN DETROIT...
AT ONE POINT IN NEW YORK ROGER SADOWSKY HAD INSTALLED HIS PRE AMP BUT I HAD IT REMOVED BEFORE THE FILMING TO GO BACK TO THE ORIGINAL SOUND............
THE P 250 CARVIN AMP WAS SENT TO ME BY CARVIN AS I WAS AN ENDORSEE FOR THEM AND THE AMP SOUNDED SO GOOD AT THE REHEARSALS THAT I DECIDED TO USE IT FOR THE FILM......BUT ALONG WITH THE AMP WE HAD THE DIRECT SOUND TO THE BOARD AS WELL AS THE MONITOR SOUND THAT SOMEWHAT LEAKED INTRO THE OPEN MICROPHONES...THE AMPEG AMP THAT YOU SEE IN THE FILM WAS JAMERSON’S AMP THAT WE DID NOT USE, IT WAS THERE ALONG WITH PHIL CHEN’S BASS AS “SPIRITUAL
COMMUNICATION” FOR JAMERSON..........NO SET DATES ON THE TOUR ......... AS FAR AS I KNOW TEXAS IS NOT INCLUDED...HOPEFULLY IN THE FUTURE!!!!!!
KNEE DOING GREAT..USE CANE ONLY FOR LONG WALK...BOB BABBITT
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Sunday, March 09, 2003 - 10:33 am: |
Babbitt,
I'm sure when Tera Shirma folded the tape library was empty. Anybody's guess about the Scorpion tapes. It is possible Capitol has them. What about Ray or Mike? Maybe they would know.
| By Bassn for God (24.158.71.34) on Sunday, March 09, 2003 - 08:57 pm: |
Bob,
Do you think the Carolina's will be on the tour list? I hope so, but if not I am willing to travel. My wife said she is willing to ride to see the Funk Brothers in concert, ain't she great.
Keep the bass line strong and your heart in the song
Robert
| By Caleb (64.157.74.10) on Sunday, March 09, 2003 - 10:07 pm: |
Babbitt,was reading the Paul Riser thread.What is your memory of him-did you work with him?
| By JSJ (208.182.75.3) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 12:51 pm: |
Isn't it time to start another Babbitt Thread. He is the most popular Funk.
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 05:54 pm: |
Bob - Now you can just go ahead and "Take Me Back" to the sound of young America. :o)
Thank you, great job!!!
| By stephanie (64.63.221.79) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 07:25 pm: |
I finally found out what MO-Fos stands for thanks Babbitt..
Stephanie
| By Ralph Terrana (ralph) (209.240.198.62) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 10:51 am: |
I THINK IT IS TIME TO PUT THIS THREAD TO REST AND GIVE MY MAN BABBITT A NEW ONE.I'M NOT EVEN SURE WHAT NUMBER TO ASSIGN THENEW THREAD SINCE THERE ARE S MANY BABBITT THREADS IN THE ARCHVES. BABBITT, YOU ARE WAY TO POULAR PAL. LET'S CALL THE NEW THREAD BABBIT 2-A....THIS ONE IS NOW CLOSED...CLOSED...CLOSED