Earlier this year the music world lost Wilton Felder. Most people familiar with Felder know him as a brilliant saxophone player and founding member of the jazz / funk / soul super group The Crusaders.
What many people don’t know is that in the early 1970s Felder was also a first-call studio bass player and is responsible for laying down one the greatest bass lines in pop music history.
Here for your enjoyment is Felder’s isolated bass line to The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back.” I’ve studied and played this line countless times and marvel at Felder’s tone, clarity, and rock-solid groove. This is as good as it gets.
Tagged: Crusaders, I Want You Back, Wilton Felder
Steve Wexler and The Top Shelf Blog 
Wasn’t aware that Wilton Felder played that iconic bass line on the J5’s “I Want You Back” since I always assumed it was Jermaine of the J5. I know what a great bassist Felder was since I have Jimmy Smith’s “Root Down” album – a live recording done in 1972, that features an absolutely amazing bass solo by Felder on the title track!!!
Thanks once again for your very informative post.