Monica Anders said... Music Producers Spud Too Tight & Larry Graham discussed the elements of funk, how the collaboration with Sly and The Family Stone started, the creation of his Slap bass i.e "Thumpin & Pluckin" which was first prominently introduced on the Billboard Chart Topping hit song Thank You (Falettinme_Be_Mice_Elf_Agin), combination of using analog and DAW, composition and production, mic-pre's, and much more tech discussion. For over 40 years, Larry Graham, Jr. graced the music industry with his gifts as baritone singer, musician, songwriter and music producer. He is renowned as both the bass guitar player in the popular and influential psychedelic soul/funk band Sly & the Family Stone, and as the founder and front man of Graham Central Station. He is credited with the invention of the slapping technique, which radically expanded the tonal palette of the bass, although he himself refers to the technique as "Thumpin' and Pluckin'." It is said that Graham pioneered the art of slap-pop playing on the electric bass, in part to provide percussive and rhythmic elements in addition to the notes of the bass line when his mother's band lacked a drummer; the slap of the thumb being used to emulate a bass drum and the pop of the index or middle finger as a snare drum. This style has become archetypal of modern funk. Slap-pop playing couples a percussive thumb-slapping technique of the lower strings with an aggressive finger-snap of the higher strings, often in rhythmic alternation. The slap and pop technique incorporates a large ratio of muted or "dead" notes to normal notes, which adds to the rhythmic effect. This "Slap" bass style was later used by such artists as Les Claypool, Bootsy Collins, Louis Johnson, Mar King, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke and along list of others. Larry Graham is ranked #3 on Digital Dreamdoor's list of "100 Greatest Rock Bass Guitarists of All Time. The renowned band Graham Central Station which was started by Larry Graham, had several Billboard hit songs, with the biggest hit "Your Love", which charted at No. 9 in 1975. The group also integrated gospel music into their repertoire, and played with the dichotomy between the funk/rock star image and the "sanctified" gospel group image. Some of their recordings feature the "Tower of Power" horn section. In 1979 Larry launched his solo career and then became known for his roster of soulful hit ballads. In 1980 he released the album “One in a Million You” and its title track became not only a Top Ten hit, but one of the most beloved romantic ballads. Larry was also nominated for another Grammy for the “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male”. The album “Just Be My Lady” was another hit for Larry from his 1981 album of the same name. Then 1982 saw the release of “Sooner or Later” which also enjoyed great popularity. In 1983 Larry released his album “Victory “and in 1985 he released an album in Japan “Fired Up”. In 1987 Larry recorded a duet with Aretha Franklin named "If You Need My Love Tonight”. A few years later Larry teamed up with his friend comedian/singer Eddie Murphy to lead Eddies band Psychedelic Psoul which toured the U.S. and Europe. Larry has performed at international venues both as a solo performer as well as with Graham Central Station and Prince. Larry is excited to release his newest CD due out soon. www.larrygraham.com