By Steve Newton
Legendary record producer, songwriter, and arranger Quincy Jones passed away yesterday at the age of 91, so I pulled out my vinyl copy of his 1981 album, The Dude, and cranked it up.
That Grammy-winning LP holds some special memories for me, because I got turned on to it by my older sister Marnie. And two years after its release I interviewed vocalist James Ingram, who sang lead on three of its songs, including the hit singles “Just Once” and “One Hundred Ways”.
And as soon as I heard the opening track for the first time in many years I figured it was time to find some religion and put in another call to God.
Being a hardcore fan of guitar, I’ve previously asked His Holiness to bless outstanding solos by guitarists like Thin Lizzy’s Scott Gorham, Blue Öyster Cult’s Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser, and the Outlaws’ Huey Thomasson.
This time around I’m asking God to bless Louis Johnson’s bass playing on The Dude‘s lead-off track, “Ai No Corrida”, because I really love it–especially during the chorus, when Johnson’s slap-bass technique kicks in. That funky vibe just makes me happy, is all.
And judging by the look on this musician’s face when she plays that part, I’m not the only one who gets off on it.
R.I.P. Quincy Jones. And Louis Johnson too.