(June 1, 2023) “Thumpahlenah,” the latest song by bass goddess Nik West has the sound of an audio autobiography. A very funky one. West draws her influence from nuclear thumbed bassists such as Louis Johnson, Marcus Miller and especially the grandfather of them all, Larry Graham, who makes an appearance on this record.
“Thumpahlenah” is an on-the-one origin story that finds West telling listeners how she came to play the bass and make her way up the ranks in the male dominated world of bass players. The lyrics tell how West’s father introduced her to the instrument at 16, how her mother instilled in her the belief that she could do anything that she put her mind and effort into and how she honed her skills by playing in the church. Still, there were plenty of skeptics who doubted West’s abilities, but her ability shut them down.
(June 1, 2023) “Thumpahlenah,” the latest song by bass goddess Nik West has the sound of an audio autobiography. A very funky one. West draws her influence from nuclear thumbed bassists such as Louis Johnson, Marcus Miller and especially the grandfather of them all, Larry Graham, who makes an appearance on this record.
“Thumpahlenah” is an on-the-one origin story that finds West telling listeners how she came to play the bass and make her way up the ranks in the male dominated world of bass players. The lyrics tell how West’s father introduced her to the instrument at 16, how her mother instilled in her the belief that she could do anything that she put her mind and effort into and how she honed her skills by playing in the church. Still, there were plenty of skeptics who doubted West’s abilities, but her ability shut them down.
Ultimately, the listener will be the judge and she indulges those listeners to a bit of improvised plucking and slapping bass work that will make everyone understand why Larry Graham is a fan. “Thumpahlenah” shows that West has the chops. Check out Nik west with a guest appearance by none other than Larry Graham on “Thumpahlenah” here.
By Howard Dukes
Nik West feat. Larry Graham
“Thumpahlenah”