For Bev Taylor from Sutton-in-Ashfield, music has always been more than background noise — it’s been the heartbeat of her life. Growing up surrounded by stacks of 45s, paraffin heaters, and the warm crackle of Motown on the radio, the deep thump of basslines quietly carved its place in her soul. After losing her husband in 2015, that lifelong love of music became her compass, guiding her to pick up a Hofner sunburst bass like her childhood hero Paul McCartney.
Once it arrived, Bev spent countless evenings with headphones on, carefully chasing the grooves of her favourite soul and Northern Soul tracks. She taught herself to find root notes, feel the rhythm, and build syncopated lines that locked like drums — discovering the pure joy of creating her own groove. The bass quickly became more than just an instrument. It became her spark..
Bev with her Fender Precision Bass laying down those soulful grooves with style.
These days, Bev draws from the driving spirit of Northern Soul, Ska, Reggae, and R&B, inspired by legends like James Jamerson, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin. Inside Bass Lab PLUS, she’s diving into theory, reading, slapping, and improvisation to keep raising her bar — and as she puts it: “It reaches parts other instruments can’t reach.”
Bev Taylor playing “Inner City Blues” by Marvin Gaye — her winning entry for the November 2024 Monthly Song Challenge.
Quickfire Q&A with Bev
Where are you from?
Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, UK
How long have you been playing bass?
Since 2017
Why the bass guitar?
It reaches parts other instruments can’t reach — groove and expression.
What do you do outside of bass?
Art, yoga, pilates, history (especially war), football, and of course dancing Northern Soul.
Favourite bassist?
James Jamerson
Favourite artists/bands?
James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Tina Turner
First song you learned?
Born Under a Bad Sign and Sunshine of Your Smile by Cream
Next big goal with bass?
Improve improvisation, reading, slapping, and music theory.
Preferred styles?
Northern Soul, Ska/Reggae, R&B
How has Bass Lab PLUS helped you?
Awareness of what you can learn, meeting people, and easy-to-follow lessons — Coach Sian has been amazing.
"This is a lifelong passion to follow.
Don’t give up — ever"
-Bev Taylor
Any message for the Bass Lab PLUS community?
This is a lifelong passion to follow. Don’t give up — ever!
Where can others connect with you?
On Bass Lab within eBassGuitar.
Stay in touch
A huge thanks to Bev for sharing her soulful story in this edition of Student Spotlight! From her Hofner dreams to her Motown roots and Northern Soul spirit, she’s proof that it’s never too late to follow the groove that calls you.
We love celebrating members like Bev who bring energy, heart, and passion to the Bass Lab PLUS community. See you next time… who’s up next in the Student Spotlight? Could it be you?
Keep groovin’!
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