ANALYSIS OF ELECTRIC BASS PERFORMANCE IN ‘INNER URGE’ BY GARY WILLIS

Abstract

This research aims to explore the electric bass performance in the song Inner Urge from the studio album None Too Soon by Gary Willis. The analysis is divided into three parts: (1) electric bass accompaniment to the main melody, (2) electric bass performance during the piano and guitar improvisations, and (3) electric bass improvisation. The study was grounded in the theoretical frameworks of musical modes, scales, chord progressions, and motif development. The findings revealed that Willis emphasized the use of chord tones interspersed with pedal notes, along with rhythmic patterns that align closely with the main rhythm section during the piano and guitar improvisations. His bass improvisation demonstrated the application of modes in accordance with chord progressions and the creative development of various motifs. Moreover, Willis constructed melodic lines by integrating modal usage with motif development. Instances of playing ahead of the beat and performing outside the established chord progression were also observed.