Mastering the Groove: Toby Newcombe Takes on Bruno Mars’ Challenge
Get ready, bass enthusiasts! In the latest electrifying episode of James and Toby Chat Bass, our very own top pro bass player, Toby Newcombe, takes on a mind-blowing challenge. He’s diving headfirst into “APT” by Bruno Mars—a song he’s NEVER heard before—and he’s doing it live, on the fly, and with all the finesse you’d expect from a true bass maestro. Let’s go!
The Challenge: Tackling “APT” by Bruno Mars & ROSÉ
This is it! Toby must learn and play along with Bruno Mars’ track “APT” in real time. With Bruno’s reputation for using the best LA session musicians, you know this is going to be EPIC. Toby admits he’s feeling the pressure—but come on, we know he’s got this!
Breaking Down the Song
On the first playthrough, Toby is all ears, dissecting the song’s key components like the pro he is. Using what we call the "40,000-foot view," he maps out the essentials:
- Intro: No bass here—a clean, intriguing start.
- Verse and Pre-Chorus: Steady grooves that demand precision.
- Chorus: Oh, the magic! It’s unique and only appears once, making it the crown jewel of the track.
By the end of his initial listen, Toby’s charting the song like a boss. Key? C minor. Structure? Nailed. Complexity? Bring it on!
The Process: Listening and Learning
Toby’s step-by-step approach is GOLD:
- First Listen: Scout the key and main structure.
- Second Listen: Fill in the details—those juicy chords and rhythms.
- Focused Listening: Zero in on the tricky bits, replaying them until they’re locked in.
Pro tip from Toby: Sometimes, all you need is ONE key chord to unlock the whole section. Genius!
Musical Tools and Techniques
Watching Toby in action is a masterclass in itself. Here are some standout techniques he uses:
- Handwritten Charts: Seeing the structure on paper makes everything click.
- Singing the Intervals: Yes, he’s using his voice to internalize the music—so cool!
- Strategic Fills: Adding his signature flair without overloading the groove.
- Highlighting Mistakes: Marking areas for improvement and nailing them on the next go.
The Performance
After just TWO listens, Toby takes on “APT” with his unique spin. Sure, he jokes about overplaying (don’t we all love a good fill?), but the result is nothing short of AMAZING. It’s all about bringing his own flavor while honoring the original vibe.
Final Thoughts and Takeaways
This challenge was no walk in the park, but Toby crushed it. James is beaming as he highlights Toby’s incredible skill to adapt and create on the fly. This episode is a reminder that with practice and the right techniques, you can tackle ANY song and make it your own.
Feeling inspired? You should be! If you’re itching to learn how to do this yourself, James has you covered.
Join the Bass Lab Plus Community
YES, you can learn Toby’s tricks and become a bass legend! Bass Lab Plus is THE program to take you from your first notes to pro-level playing. Wanna play like Toby? Check out the link in the description and join the community today.
Hats off to Toby for stepping into the Bruno Mars lion’s den and absolutely smashing it! Don’t miss the next episode of James and Toby Chat Bass. See you soon, bass fam! Let’s groove!