Review by Bass Player Magazine
Instructional value: A+
Production value: A

Glenn Letsch establishes a true rhythm-section tone on this must-see video by immediately stressing groove, time, space, and swing. From there, with the aid of split-screen shots, onscreen music, and an accompanying music booklet, he demonstrates several warmup exercises and provides an excellent primer on harmony. Then, with drummer at hand, it's down to business, as Letsch pumps out a string of classic R&B grooves, including "Cold Sweat," "Sex Machine," "Funky Broadway," and several generic Jamerson lines. Each one is slowed down and explained harmonically and rhythmically.

The same approach is used to cover blues shuffles and walking bass lines. Most impressively, Glenn concludes with chordal playing, harmonics, slapping, tapping, and polyrhythms all presented in a tasteful, groove-oriented context.

This 60 minute tape is well sequenced, but it does move along - so be prepared to rewind and study each groove at your own pace. Also, interspersed are concert clips of an overqualified Letsch playing in a power trio led by guitarist Robin Trower. To steal a quote from Jaco, "Get this guy more gigs!"