It was great to have been alive when this song first came out in 77. Like so many other 1977 classics ("Stayin Alive", "I"m Your Boogie Man", "Hotel California"), we all knew "Strawberry Letter 23" was a classic the first time we heard it.
It's only when you isolate the bass to see just what is being played that you realise just how intricate the bass line in this song really is. Louis Johnson was so good he had that defining characteristic of all the best musicians - they made it sound so easy and natural that you just didn't realise what was really going on. Top marks for nailing it perfectly.
It's blows my mind that this video doesn't have like a million views. The articulate level of playing here is nearly Stanleyesque. Certainly, it was Louis and Larry that made lap slap a thing. I truly wish I knew how such a bass (and indeed, musical) masterpiece can be made to look and sound so smooth and easy.
I can tell you're good because you look like you were playing in slow motion. I'm a bass player and that's one of my all-time favorite songs and I listen see if you were hitting all the accent and you were even playing in "slow motion". You got the FUNK brother! Besides being one of the greatest bass lines of all time, even George Johnson AKA lightning licks to the heck of a job on his solo definitely a top 25 songs of all time 👍
Excellent note for note! Nice Technique, hammer ons, pul loffs, etc. Wonderful oldie from way back, when Music was Great. I really enjoyed the video, thank you!
I still have and still play the red vinyl 12" single I snagged from the roller rink I DJd at back in the day. REALLY loved hearing the bass punched out front like this. Great job and thank you for sharing.
Not going to thumb down but I must disagree. It's definitely one of the most seamless but I think that distinction might have to go to something like Tommy the Cat. But then again including Les Claypool in a bass oriented situation is almost cheating
Head noddn... with a stink face this is sooooooo damn funky!!!!....you're a GREAT bassist...you've covered MANY of my all time favorite bass players 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Bro. that was so smooth slappin' and poppin'. Great rendition. Bro. Louis would be so proud. Those bro. Johnsons was some baaaad players. This happens to be one of my favorite basslines. Louis playing was so smooth and easy, yet it gave this tune a steady and bold bottom.
Wow!! Awesome! The pluck solo in the middle and toward the ending of the song Louis dubbed over to get the that unusual syncopated pops. Awesome playing my friend.
Strawberry Letter 23 was originally written by Shuggie Otis in 1971. The Brothers Johnson refined and tweaked the song in 1977. Thus the Brothers Johnson became an immediate hit.
NIIIIICE!!! Thats one of my faves by the Brothers Johnson besides "Stomp"...wish i could do slap bass but im too damn lazy to put the effort into it..LOL!!...GREAT JOB TODD👍👍👊👊
I hope my practice can get me to your level in about 50 years. So people just have a gift plus the discipline and you're one of those people. Next level
YOU are a joy to watch! Many thanks from a Dad and his teenage muso son!! Love your selection of tunes (Lipstick Vogue,, Josie. etc.)... . Nice slapping here too - Mark King eat your heart out :)!
My pleasure Todd... I'm a Torontonian transplanted to Melbourne some years ago and being of a certain vintage, I can happily claim such experiences like seeing UB40 open for Elvis Costello at MLG in my youth! I've also seen Elvis here about 6 years ago doing a Solo tour - and he even dropped the Mic at one point and projected his song to the audience acapella - Wow! My early days was DJing school dances in the late 70s so I got the best of dance and funk, and hard rock classics from older Bro at home. While I actually struggle to play bass, I always sang and still do.. My boy was given a guitar at 9, and now has 4 including a 12 string! He regales me daily with Zep or Bowie :)... We really do enjoy and appreciate the likes of you (LOL)! Thanks again for sharing - BR, Pf P.S. As the world's best Dad. I took him to SEAL a few years ago for his 12th, and lately to Doobies opening for Santana - his fave - about 3 months ago...!
Dropping by for another viewing Todd. Would you consider making a video to talk about your background and other essential knowledge like What starting off learning bass was like for you, why the bass? lessons or self-taught? Do you mainly perform or do studio work or both equally? Bands/artists you have played with, who are your personal bass influencers, which ones are your top three favorites? etc. Thanks again- a fellow bass-player-ist.
Killin It man! dig that color on your MM too, hadn't seen that one before. I'm revisiting this song recently, and this came up after watching one of their actual performances. Great work, it's such an intricate line with so much that sounds so easy, but just flat out isn't (But then again, that's just Louis Johnson for ya! hahaha) and you pretty much got it all down dude!
If you were “ridin’ the line” between entry into Paradise or Limbo (sorry, can’t picture you being at risk for the eternal listening session where Big Red plays only the kid’s versions of Now That’s What I Call Music #01-273 - otherwise known as Hell), THIS IS THE CLIP I’D SHOW to prove the gift you gave to Mankind. It has to put you over the top! Todd, this is all kinds of perfect. YOU are the 3rd Johnson Brother! Chris
Todd, there are two songs that I wore out listening to as a kid - "Boogie Oogie Oogie", A Taste Of Honey & "Strawberry Letter 23", Brothers Johnson. I remember latching on to them because of the killer slap bass lines, even though at the time I really had no idea what that was....I just thought it sounded cool. Flash forward 40 years and well, the rest is history : ) Thanks for flawlessly covering one of my all time favorite songs from my childhood!!! Cheers my friend!!
Funky and smooth Todd. I picked up a used Stingray "Old Smoothie" just this week and I am loving it. Great cover of a great tune. Let the soul shine brother !
Todd Hamby I love my Stingray. I've always had Fenders and have a 76 P-bass and an American Standard now. The Stingray feels familiar but the tone is more flexible old school smooth and mellow to down and dirty. Great bass !!!
I’m watching this for the second or third time for a couple of reasons: 1. Your playing spot on. 2. The incredible tone of your Stingray! Of all the ones you own, I love the tone of this one the most.
It was great to have been alive when this song first came out in 77. Like so many other 1977 classics ("Stayin Alive", "I"m Your Boogie Man", "Hotel California"), we all knew "Strawberry Letter 23" was a classic the first time we heard it.
for sure!
I'm a beginner. I love the bass guitar. This song is one of the greatest. I can't wait to learn how to play this song.
Good luck and thanks for watching!
It's only when you isolate the bass to see just what is being played that you realise just how intricate the bass line in this song really is. Louis Johnson was so good he had that defining characteristic of all the best musicians - they made it sound so easy and natural that you just didn't realise what was really going on.
Top marks for nailing it perfectly.
You sir are 100% correct and thank you so much.
This must be one of the most beautiful bass lines of all time, in my opinion. Great job.
Thank you!
ALL TIME CLASSIC! Burfday Q👏🏾
It's blows my mind that this video doesn't have like a million views. The articulate level of playing here is nearly Stanleyesque. Certainly, it was Louis and Larry that made lap slap a thing. I truly wish I knew how such a bass (and indeed, musical) masterpiece can be made to look and sound so smooth and easy.
Thank you so much!!
You are superbad my man. The Brothers Johnson is one of my favorite groups. Louis would be proud of you. Jam on brother.
Thank you so much Lawrence!
This is my favorite BJ tune. Great job on the bass lines !
Thanks a lot!
Very nice!
Cheers and Well Done.
Thank you Simon!
Really nice work here !
Thanks a lot!
You got it brother.
Thank you Harry!
I can tell you're good because you look like you were playing in slow motion. I'm a bass player and that's one of my all-time favorite songs and I listen see if you were hitting all the accent and you were even playing in "slow motion". You got the FUNK brother! Besides being one of the greatest bass lines of all time, even George Johnson AKA lightning licks to the heck of a job on his solo definitely a top 25 songs of all time 👍
thanks brother!!
Excellent note for note! Nice Technique, hammer ons, pul loffs, etc. Wonderful oldie from way back, when Music was Great. I really enjoyed the video, thank you!
thank you!
I still have and still play the red vinyl 12" single I snagged from the roller rink I DJd at back in the day. REALLY loved hearing the bass punched out front like this. Great job and thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the kind words Robert!
Perfect!!!!
Thank you!
I wish I had a cd copy of this to play in my show car! Well done. it's nice to see this song loved by others.
Thank you!
Great job Todd,, you nailed it. One of my all time favorites. Amazing tone !
thank you!
Glad this video showed up in my recommedations. Very well played, I have it on repeat for a while now. Keep up the good work!
Thank you very much!
There was no phoning it in on that one. Nailed it right down. Sweeeeeeeeeeeet.
Thank you Leonard!
That's money dude! 💰
Yes he did
VERY NICE
Thank you!
This has to be the most seamless bassline ever. Kudos to you Todd, RIP Brother Johnson
Thank you Andrew!
Not going to thumb down but I must disagree. It's definitely one of the most seamless but I think that distinction might have to go to something like Tommy the Cat.
But then again including Les Claypool in a bass oriented situation is almost cheating
You are a kick azz bass player sir! This is the best cover version of this historic bassline that I've heard on the youtubes! I salute you!
thank you!
Man you nailed this song perfect !!! I wish I could get to this level of playing. Thunder Thumbs was outstanding on bass !!!
Thank you!!
Head noddn... with a stink face this is sooooooo damn funky!!!!....you're a GREAT bassist...you've covered MANY of my all time favorite bass players 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thanks brother!
Bro. that was so smooth slappin' and poppin'. Great rendition. Bro. Louis would be so proud. Those bro. Johnsons was some baaaad players. This happens to be one of my favorite basslines. Louis playing was so smooth and easy, yet it gave this tune a steady and bold bottom.
Appreciate it!!
Wow! This is one of the most exciting bass covers I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen many!❤
Thank you so much!!
Excellent playing this song! I love this song!
Thank you!!
Wow!! Awesome! The pluck solo in the middle and toward the ending of the song Louis dubbed over to get the that unusual syncopated pops. Awesome playing my friend.
thank you so much Felix :)
Wow you kicked ass on that bass ! You nailed it 👍👍
thank you!
This kicks ass. Great job dude. Definitely one of the best basslines from the 70s!
Thank you Dave!
Loved it my brother.... you do it so gracefully......very nice😎
Thank you so much 😀
Holy crap!!!! You absolutely rock!! That was awesome! Happy I found this.✊🏽
Thank you Diana!!
Maaaan this MAKES MY SOUL MELTING❤❤❤❤❤❤ GREAT
Thank you!
Strawberry Letter 23 was originally written by Shuggie Otis in 1971. The Brothers Johnson refined and tweaked the song in 1977. Thus the Brothers Johnson became an immediate hit.
thank you
Oh man! Very tasty! Nice, shiny, polished! Thank you, sir.
Thank you!
That tone is everything!! Very slick!!
Thank you!
I listened to this too many times and still its not enough. I love it!🔥
Thank you!
That Music Man Sound love love it! nice job Bro
thank you!
Thanks to you, I have a newfound respect for bass guitar.
Thank you!
Oh mate!
I’ve forgot how great this tune was❤❤❤
Low an growls bassy❤❤❤
🙏🙏🪬🪬👍👍💯💯🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🥃🥃🥃
Thanks for listening
I have a 93 blue burst stingray. Absolutely killer color.
thank you!
Very nice Dude...
You've taught me a lot about this song. I'm still learning how to play it. Great work!
thank you so much!
Well done, always liked that song. Dig the Bass too, I have the Sterling Stingray version. Love the way it sounds.
thank you!
Your video really helped me learn how to play this song! Thank You!
Great! That made my day!
So smooth brother! Great job.
Thank you!
After a night of flooding and tornadoes due to the hurricane all it took was this to make me relax and smile! Thanks Todd!!!
thank you so much! I sure pray that y'all are ok
it's funny how Harvey and great bass playing brought us here
Wow just seeing how this bass line actually works makes so much sense!!!!!! Slidey octaves lolololol
Hahahaha!!! That’s exactly what they are!!! Slides octaves :) thanks for watching.
As smooth as a creamy eel! Loved it
Thank you!
Thank you for posting this video - I enjoyed listening to your bass playing.
Best wishes.
thank you so much Tom!
I've said it before and I'll say it again ... Man I wish I had half the talent you've got for Bass Bro !!! Wonderful cover man !!!
I appreciate that! I just am fascinated by how the bass fits into songs :)
sounds awesome......very funky. Love Louis Johnson.
Thank you John :)
Great job playing and excellent tone Todd! I love The Brothers Johnson, thanks.
thank you TFBS!
NIIIIICE!!! Thats one of my faves by the Brothers Johnson besides "Stomp"...wish i could do slap bass but im too damn lazy to put the effort into it..LOL!!...GREAT JOB TODD👍👍👊👊
Thank you Marla! :)
Lmao that’s honesty for ya😎and yeah I am a slacker too
Awesome job man, inspiring me to practice more after a 33 year break lol. Never too old, im retired so have time lol.
thank you!
Love the tone you got for this. Binge watching to try and learn it. Cheers
Thank you so much John! Good luck with it brother :)
Absolutely spot on mate...sound you have is awesome and great technique !
thank you!
2017??? Where have I been? Better late than never...
wowza!! we were so young then :)
Playing on point! Sweet. Also what a beautiful bass
Thank you Kristi!!
I had no idea how complicated this song was on bass. Amazing job Todd! And it looks like fun to learn and play.
thank you thunderbolts!!!
Really amazing job, Todd.
thank you!
I hope my practice can get me to your level in about 50 years. So people just have a gift plus the discipline and you're one of those people. Next level
thank you!!!
Every time I see a greatest bassists list they hate on louis. I think rolling stone had paul McCartney ahead of him. Smh Louis was a bass genius
agreed!
Wow, unbelievable. Nothing I can say...
Thank you!
Top, j'écoute et je regarde le manche, si j'y arrive cette année, ce sera grace à vous.Merci
thank you!
Smooth as butter.
Thanks brother!
Sounding very good very smooth playing 👍
Thank you Kennis!
Excellent bass playing 👍👍
Thank you!
Hi Todd,take a look at my bass covers,Andy Jefford,thanks for watching
That's a real funky keep it real Todd you grooving !!!!!!
thank you brother Carlos!
Man.... that was X O Lent.... very good , 2 thumbs up for you n your skillies.
Thank you Russ!
YOU are a joy to watch! Many thanks from a Dad and his teenage muso son!! Love your selection of tunes (Lipstick Vogue,, Josie. etc.)... . Nice slapping here too - Mark King eat your heart out :)!
Thank you so much Pf! You just made my morning and thank you for the kind words :)
My pleasure Todd... I'm a Torontonian transplanted to Melbourne some years ago and being of a certain vintage, I can happily claim such experiences like seeing UB40 open for Elvis Costello at MLG in my youth! I've also seen Elvis here about 6 years ago doing a Solo tour - and he even dropped the Mic at one point and projected his song to the audience acapella - Wow!
My early days was DJing school dances in the late 70s so I got the best of dance and funk, and hard rock classics from older Bro at home.
While I actually struggle to play bass, I always sang and still do.. My boy was given a guitar at 9, and now has 4 including a 12 string! He regales me daily with Zep or Bowie :)...
We really do enjoy and appreciate the likes of you (LOL)!
Thanks again for sharing -
BR,
Pf
P.S. As the world's best Dad. I took him to SEAL a few years ago for his 12th, and lately to Doobies opening for Santana - his fave - about 3 months ago...!
OMG ... WHAT A GROOVE !!!
Thank you!
Dropping by for another viewing Todd. Would you consider making a video to talk about your background and other essential knowledge like What starting off learning bass was like for you, why the bass? lessons or self-taught? Do you mainly perform or do studio work or both equally? Bands/artists you have played with, who are your personal bass influencers, which ones are your top three favorites? etc. Thanks again- a fellow bass-player-ist.
Heck yeah! that would be fun!
It's interesting to see how you play it differently with your fretting hand than Louis. Loved it. Great sound.
Thanks brother!!
Killin It man! dig that color on your MM too, hadn't seen that one before. I'm revisiting this song recently, and this came up after watching one of their actual performances. Great work, it's such an intricate line with so much that sounds so easy, but just flat out isn't (But then again, that's just Louis Johnson for ya! hahaha) and you pretty much got it all down dude!
Thank you!
If you were “ridin’ the line” between entry into Paradise or Limbo (sorry, can’t picture you being at risk for the eternal listening session where Big Red plays only the kid’s versions of Now That’s What I Call Music #01-273 - otherwise known as Hell), THIS IS THE CLIP I’D SHOW to prove the gift you gave to Mankind. It has to put you over the top!
Todd, this is all kinds of perfect. YOU are the 3rd Johnson Brother!
Chris
Chris thank you so much! You always give the greatest compliments and I truly appreciated it!
@@toddhamby You make it easy. Thank you.
Accomplished guitarist, band leader and studio great Lee Ritenour plays the guitar solo.
yes sir!
Just subscribed !!! Man you are awesome
Thanks man! You made my day!
Your bass sound is powerful and strong......The way I like it , keep up the good work.
thank you so much whitlow!
Yes sir. Hats off! Top job!
Thank you so much hahabass! What a fun bass line :)
Lik the way pop those octaves and slid up + down neck. Kool
thank you!
U welcome todd
Yes damn good job and like I said before Louis Johnson will be missed very beautiful Bass
thank you so much Johnny!
NICE MY MAN LOVE DAT BASS FEELING IT
Thank you!
Come here to Las Vegas!!
I wish!!! thanks for watching :)
Todd, there are two songs that I wore out listening to as a kid - "Boogie Oogie Oogie", A Taste Of Honey & "Strawberry Letter 23", Brothers Johnson. I remember latching on to them because of the killer slap bass lines, even though at the time I really had no idea what that was....I just thought it sounded cool. Flash forward 40 years and well, the rest is history : ) Thanks for flawlessly covering one of my all time favorite songs from my childhood!!! Cheers my friend!!
Thank you Kevin :)
Your bad ass on that bass.👍👍 keep on keeping on todd.
Thanks brother!
Fantastic job!!!
Thank you!
@@toddhamby you're welcome.
Man I enjoyed that. Awesome playing
Thank you Don!!
Your videos really motivate me!
thanks brother!!!
Bro u smashed it! Played it perfectly
Thank you Andre!
Funky and smooth Todd. I picked up a used Stingray "Old Smoothie" just this week and I am loving it. Great cover of a great tune.
Let the soul shine brother !
Thank you Pete! How are you liking that Old Smoothie?!?! Congrats on that and thank you as always for your encouraging words :)
Todd Hamby I love my Stingray. I've always had Fenders and have a 76 P-bass and an American Standard now. The Stingray feels familiar but the tone is more flexible old school smooth and mellow to down and dirty. Great bass !!!
Todd been checking u out for a while now
Soo 😎 cool mate
Love Australia
Ps we never got this music here
You are too kind Joanne! Thank you so much :)
Thank YOU 🙏🏼
If u wanna check out my serious playing
Joanne Philpot cello w my family orchestra 🌹🌹🌹
@@PassionJo777I definitely will :)
Wicked bass playing!
Thank you Andrew!
Excellent 🤜🏻🤛🏻
Thank you Jose!!!
Loved It! Thanks! 🎵😎🎸
🍓✉23
thank you so much bonita!
Well done. Nice.
thankyou!
I’m watching this for the second or third time for a couple of reasons:
1. Your playing spot on.
2. The incredible tone of your Stingray! Of all the ones you own, I love the tone of this one the most.
Thanks brother! That bass is home to me
@@toddhamby is that a Sterling Sting Ray? What are playing thru?
Tone is Hitting!
Hey man! Thank you is a 91 stingray. I’m playing into a boss GT10b-b straight into the camera
@@toddhamby Shew,Nasty Bro!!!
Todd Hamby No compression?
Amazing!!!
Thanks!!
Thank you Sting
Hahahaha!!!
@@toddhamby Jajaja, Very Nice interpretation of this incredible song, i am not tired of hear this song. Cheers friend!!
Thumping on point!!!
thankyou!
Groove, sound and feeling. Bravo Todd!
Thank you so much Jaco!
You're KILLIN' THE GAME! GOOD JOB!
Thank you Greg!