For years I have felt that his parts were so incredibly underappreciated and that he really was the secret sauce in the Doobies' recipe.

YES! Finally someone is saying it! Tiran Porter is one of the best bass players ever and rarely gets talked about. I also grew up on the Doobies. The Captain and Me, Takin’ It To The Streets and Minute By Minute all showcase Tiran’s brilliance. Funky and melodic and he knew when not to play. His playing very much did hold the Doobies music together and made it uniquely beautiful! Thank you for this video. It feels so good to know someone else shares my admiration of this amazingly overlooked musician!

I remember an interview from years ago with Jeff Baxter where he said Tiran’s bass playing blew his mind

@Jpeterson7

Жыл бұрын

I saw that too. Made me glad that a great like Baxter thought what I was thinking.

I felt the same way about Tiran Porter. He showed us that its okay to play pop music and still groove. My favorite is "It Keeps You Runnin'." His interplay with Michael McDonald is classic.

Tiran’s Bass work was a definite departure from the norm because of the rising popularity of slap Bass during the height of the Doobie’s ascension. He was well aware of what he was great at and he stayed true to it. That is a great life lesson in general, even more so for a musician. Kudos to the great Mr. Porter! Bravo to you for the wonderful tribute!

Yes!!!!!!!! One of the most GREAT but underrated Bassist of All Time, "BRAVO" And 🎩 Hat's off to you Tiran Porter!!!!!!!, and my favorite bass line by him is Another Park Another Sunday!!!!!!!

You do great service to bassdom by showing Tiran some much overdue love. Absolultely brilliant basswork!

@crystalwaters8852

Жыл бұрын

Agreed! 100%👑😁

@chrisanderson6928

Жыл бұрын

I third this comment. I've always thought his bass playing was top notch and think he needs to be in the conversation of best, or at least most influential, bass players

@ethanlancaster76

10 ай бұрын

Yes, he always pulls out a gem from deep down inside the bag of bass goodness and does an amazing job of breaking them down.

The solo bass line in the middle of Wheel of Fortune still blows me away….over 40 years later. Always thought Tiran was underrated and one of the best out there.

@bassfacekillah

Жыл бұрын

same here, one of my favorite basslines -- so damn funky

For Someone Special is my favorite but I Love all of his baselines. Great player and the key to their sound

@TheTones10

Жыл бұрын

100%

@starlight1126

Жыл бұрын

Most definitely. Usually play that tune several times. His voice, the music, beautiful

@jameswood3977

5 ай бұрын

Tiran wrote that for Tom Johnson around the time he became unwell and left the Doobies, I never knew that until I watched a documentary few years ago

I taught myself bass by learning every song on "What Were Once Vices are now Habits" note for note. Huge influence on my playing. So happy to see I'm not the only Tiran Porter fan!

@jeffwolinski2659

Жыл бұрын

Ha, me too! My mother had all the old Doobie albums and Vices was my favorite, I played along with those over and over.

@bkkersey93

Жыл бұрын

That album is way to underrated! All the songs are great, but my favorite has to be Down In The Track.

@jameswood3977

5 ай бұрын

A great album to learn from too, it’s always been one of my fab favs, used to play Road Angel back in mid 1970’s along with the usual Long Train Running & China Grove, you had to know the later for any auditions back then lol

I've always loved Tiran's bass playing, especially awesome in "Listen to the music " his backing vocals are just as awesome! The Doobies were the greatest with him! To me he was never with those guy's, he was one of those guys!

@inthebeast

Жыл бұрын

Yes. His vocals hold up their sound as well as his bass playing.

Nice to see Mr Porter getting some attention! Always loved his playing.

I just learned about Tiran Porter from this video (a 90's kid). What amazes me is the spaces: when NOT to play as well as when to play. I believe that's a very underlooked aspect in music. The silence brings anticipation and excitement, and exudes taste. Sometimes you don't want to hear an instrument all the time in a song; you want to miss it. Porter has a deep understanding of his instrument, as well as obvious talent. Will check him out right away 👏

Very very very under rated and never talked about bass player

I always love that the bass line from Black Water actually somehow sounds like a river.

'For Someone Special' still remains one of my favorite Tiran songs while with the Doobie Brothers. ❤

My favorite bass lines is from "For Someone Special". He sets the mood in the intro with syncopated patterns, driving the whole song from there to the end. To me is the most ingenious bass line of any rock song, rivaling Miles' intro in "So What".

My ALL TIME favorite bassist...

He's a major talent! His solo album is amazing! It made me realize just how much of the Doobie Brothers sound was attributable to him.

Tiran Porter was one of the big reasons for the Doobie Brothers' success. His sound and grooves were very unique. And with Michael McDonald's vocals, the band was destined to be awesome.

One of, if not the best of the best bass players and musians

He was very important to their sound..Miss him in the lineup.

Your a beast. The bass Rick Beato!

Always thought this guy was under-recognized. A solid, solid bassman. Favorite groove of his, for me, has to be on It Keeps You Runnin' (...Minute By Minute second fav.) It was very smart for the producer of those Doobie records to produce Tiran 'out front.' I think that's part of why most times when I'm humming a Doobie Brothers song, I find myself humming the bass line. Thanks for the video.

man this is amazing I am 16 years old, and I am learning to play the bass and the Doobie Brothers are my favorite band I appreciate this video, I love Tiran's way of playing so I really enjoyed the video

Another Park Another Sunday Jesus Is Just Alright It Keeps You Running Minute by Minute Wheels of Fortune My top 5. It’s really amazing how Tiran evolved as the members and and direction of the band changed. Bass Royalty

@jazzpunk

Жыл бұрын

"Another Park..." is one of my favorites. Hands down.

@stephenferracioli6116

Жыл бұрын

Tiran Porter’s bass solo on Wheels Of Fortune is the bomb. He really spanks it!

The Doobie Brothers locked me in when I saw them on Don Kirchner's Rock Concert! A big part of that was because of their harmonies, but a bigger part was the presence of an amazingly talented bassist, Tiran Porter. I've seen them live a few times with and without Tiran. Without was awesome, but just not the same. I love the fact that he is so down to Earth and presents himself so professionally. My favorite Tiran Porter bass line? Easy..... any track he plays on!

Tiran was somebody that made me concentrate more on loving the bass and pushing myself harder instead of me just being cranky when I'd fuck up. I'd sit on the floor and listen to his bass lines and fall in love with the music I was playing along with him and the Doobies. He was like a hidden gem that we brushed the dust off and fell in love with. He made me a better player and a better man.

He is one hell of a bass player but I don't see anyone mentioning the fact that his backing vocals was a great contribution to the doobies sound

@jonandrecarter4881

6 ай бұрын

My favorite Tiran Porter bassline is Neal’s Fandango!

The man is so underrated!! The man carries every song, but the fact that Wheels of Fortune isn't on this list hurts lol

As noted elsewhere, "For Someone Special" always gets me. Bass, vocals, and meaning.

Tiran could most definitely bring the game, but "Takin' it to the Streets" demonstrates just how important it is to know when to just stay out of the way. That relentless left hand of Michael's dominates the verses, and Tiran did what all great musicians must do; serve the song!

@Larrymh07

Жыл бұрын

Yes. Learning that song taught me how to 'play space.'

Another underrated Bass player was Lamar Williams, who replaced Berry Oakley in the Allman Brothers Band. He came in at a sad and bad time for the band ...I have a 2-CD from the ABB label, "Live at Nassau Coliseum 51/73" and he really shines! Highly recommend. Between him, Oakley, Jamie Jamerson and Paul McCartney, I was inspired to get my first Bass as a kid. Lamar Williams....

@jazzpunk

Жыл бұрын

Check out more of Lamar in Sea Level.

@zentimehq5985

Жыл бұрын

So true. Agree. Lamar with ABB and later Sea Level. Love him.

@Larrymh07

Жыл бұрын

I nicknamed all my guitars. I call my bass Lamar. He was quite a character!

One of my favourite bass lines is For Someone Special, from Takin' it to the Streets, which I believe is also a Porter.composition

I absolutely love his bass lines in “It keeps you running”. With that song I became a forever fan!

Tiran is so under appreciated. Echoes Of Love.

@andrewrosen6508

8 күн бұрын

Yes!!!!!

Seeing 8th Avenue Shuffle get #1 makes absolute sense. That lick in the second verse is the epitome of smooth. Tiran deserves more attention than he gets as a bass player.

The first song I ever learned completely was Long Train Running. Later on I got to meet Pat S. and the band about 25 years ago. Very cool to meet them and even hang out with Pat for lunch. I learned a lot from Tiran's lines, but also picked up from Willie Weeks too.

Saw them live in the 70's one of the best live shows ever

A Doobie fan from the beginning, I re-discovered the insane bass work Tiran created. He is in the top three bassists of all time. Thank you Tiran.

Wow what an amazing job Paul!! Mr. Porter is one of my biggest inspirations ever. Right up there with Chuck Rainey, John Paul Jones, and Bernard Edwards. From the moment I saw them on the two episodes of What’s Happening. Also, in time that it was common the fact that he and the Doobies were breaking down rock racial barriers is dear to me as well. Thanks again as always for a fantastic tribute to someone that is a huge influence to all us bassist. And thanks for the shoutout

@jazzpunk

Жыл бұрын

Same influences for me. JPJ was "my" guy early on...then Ti Porter. Rainey! Bernard, too.

@stonedog23

Жыл бұрын

Omg Rerun and the piracy episodes is also when I first noticed this brother.

“It Keeps You Running”. I love that groove.

He is a legend. I also loved the era when Skylark toured with the band... such energy!

Always lovin' his work at contribution to the DB's I wish he would re-unite!! What a rush that would be!!

Great series Dude. Thanks for acknowledging all the bassists you cover. They are just as much a part of music history as the folks who are commonly celebrated.

@JoshuaTanzer

Жыл бұрын

I think you're right. I'm not a bass player and I have to be honest - bass players and drummers are often the names I've noticed least when I look at band members. I didn't even know Tiran Porter's name. Shame on me! But PDBass's videos are really making me understand how much the bass has been at the essence of the music I've been listening to all my life. These videos are terrific.

Great call… I never noticed Tyran’s part because they all are so much a seamless but necessary part of every song. Got to relisten to all these favorites. Thank you ! Great analysis !

Thank you so much for giving Tiran Porter his due. Eyes of Silver is my favorite.

Tirans bass playing is great but also..... his stage energy and vocals really put him up there. He plays great, looks great as well.

My particular fav from Tiran is his playing on the cut "For Someone Special" off the "Takin' It To The Streets" album. Hypnotic!

In 1981 I was just out of high school and working as a gofer sweeping floors, wiping things at an antique store in Los Gatos California. One day Tiran came into the shop. As a gigging guitar player at the time and Doobies fan (local heroes) you bet I knew who it was. He and his lady were buying something and I was sweeping the floor around them and sheepishly said “Um, are you Tiran Porter?” and he was very nice and said yes, that’s me. I was pretty star struck and didn’t say a whole lot but man, that made my day. I still remember it vividly. (Tho one of the shop ladies said “Oh Kevin do we have a celebrity here?” and I felt awful for that. She goes “Ooo I met Elvis’ drummer once!” and I just melted away at that comment. 😂

I share in that sentiment. As an African American youth growing up in the 70’s Mr Porter gave me encouragement to like and embrace all kinds of music. As I listened to groups like the Doobies and Steely Dan, I was able to better understand the adage, “Music is the universal language.”

Excellent synopsis on Tiran Porter. Also, the point about having the bass up front like vocals is spot on. I have always believed the bass should be right out there - not in the background. Tiran remains in my Top 5 bassists of all time for his nimble stylings and tone.

Jeff Skunk Baxter guitarist from the Doobie Bros mentioned how great a player Tiran was and how underated as a musician he was in an interview I listened to

Great job, as always. My favorite Tiran Porter bassline is Long Train Runnin.' Ironically, I knew how to play three of your top 5 from him, because they are my top five. I am adding "What a Fool Believes to my learning list, as I didn't realize how great it was, as it was so in tune with Michael McDonald's left hand. I like you was so inspired as a kid seeing Trian up there with the group, as it helped solidify them as my favorite group of the 70's and very early 80's!

My favorite Tiran Porter bass guitar line is Takin it to the streets. 2022 still listening 🎶.

Great to see Tiran getting some props! Such a musical player. I grew up learning 'pre McDonald" Doobies songs. Generally EVERY song has a memorable bass-line. Maybe my favorite playing by him is on "Wheels of Fortune". Has it all: syncopation - a walking section- then that "Anthony Jackson-ish" phase shifted groove.- so strong they gave us eight bars of just that bass line and drums!

@danpalmer4820

Жыл бұрын

First song that came to mind.

Tiran is so inspiring! I totally agree re: the cuts off of the Minute by Minute LP, that whole album kicks ass His vocals were also a huge part of the Doobie Brothers sound.

Thanks for sharing! I just want you to know that I've always loved the Doobie Bros. and Tiran Porter also! Great music unites humanity as one Family! We're so Blessed to be part of this Human Song!

Neal's Fandango. My band, The county Line Band 1977-1982 covered many of the Doobies Bros songs playing the North East College/Club Circuit. Tiran's Driving Bass in Neal's Fandango would lift the energy of the crowd to a frenzy every time we played it.

Tiran is so totally under rated. He is really one of the greats on the instrument in my mind, and a big influence. He's a real bass player, who obviously loves the color, function and timber of bass. Strong rhythms and a very melodic player as well.

Listen to the Music and Long Train Running are my favorite Tiran Porter bass masterpieces.

Now I know the “science” behind my love for these songs….and Michael McDonald’s vocal & piano lead. I also recognized Tiran from appearances on TV with the Doobies. 👍🏽

Minute by Minute and What fools believe are my favorites. Now after your dissertation, I will listen to the other songs more closely . Thank you for this video.

My favorite song of theirs, It Keeps You Runnin', has an awesome bassline. He is their unsung hero. Thanks for this.

Tiran, you’ll always have a place in our bass playing hearts. ✌️☺️

Long train running is still a classic I played with many bands over the last 40 years. And the chorus of Listen to the music is one of my favorite Doobie Brothers bass lines.

BIG Tiran fan here. Listen to the Music. His bass groove is like another song in a song. The feel just makes you happy. Thanks for this! PS put some flats on that P Bass! 70’s style picked flatwound bass is cool. Peter Cetera is another favorite of that era.

An absolute monster of the bass. What A Fool Believes is almost the perfect bassline. The space and unplayed notes are as good as the notes he plays. Someone who can service the song and be brilliantly creative and articulate within that role

Thank you for sharing those very personal thoughts at the end of the video. It’s really cool that he touched and inspire you in such a big way. That’s actually how I felt about about Tom Johnston when I was coming of age. Looking forward to more of your analysis’

Tiran is one of the most underrated bass players ever. He had a huge vocabulary and consummate tastefulness and I’ve learned as much from him as I got from Geddy, or John Paul or anyone else. Thank you for calling him out!

Tiran does a nice note on the second verse of the Doobies "Listen To The Music" on The Midnight Special. Thanks for highlighting Tiran Porter.

As an African American, Tiran Porter's work with the Doobie Brothers was all I needed to enjoy their sound and rock and roll in general! Back in 1973 racially mixed groups fit into more than one category and record labels disliked it. IMO, the Doobies were the funkiest rock band at that time thanks to Mr. Tiran Porter.

Thank you so much for this latest episode. It brought tears to my eyes when you mentioned about tiran at the end. He almost never gets a mention. I always encounter vicious debates about which doobie period was the better which tends to get personal! I liked both periods but I tend to lean heavily towards the Michael period simply because it satisfied me more musically speaking. Minute by minute is my fav!

@Larrymh07

Жыл бұрын

Right on! Regardless of which period of The Doobies one favors, Tiran was there to establish the groove in his ingenious manner.

When I think of how much I like Tiran's playing, I also recall Rocking Down the Highway and Music Man from the Stampede album. Thanks for covering his work.

I remember seeing the Doobie Brothers performing on the 70’s sitcom “What’s Happening.” I think Tiran was playing a BC Rich bass. What a tone, his playing was awesome! Thank you Paul, for sharing with us this some insights on this unsung bass superstar!

Absolutely agree! He is wonderful

Thanks for the great video. When I first started playing the bass in 1972, I spent hours (and a few record needles) wood shedding Tiran’s bass parts. The man is a lesson on what and when not to play. I owe a great deal to him for showing me how to play tastefully. What a MASTER! Thanks

Love The Doobie Brothers. And knew everything you played there. And there are so many more.

I Loved all the Doobie's music, and in my humble opinion, he was the best bass player they ever had.

Another Park Another Sunday. It's hard to pick just one but I love that song. Very melodic playing from The Great Tiran Porter!

My favourite Tiran Porter bass lines are from "For Someone Special" ( did he write that song for Tom Johnston when Tommy's health was not good and he had to take some time out from the band?), "Neal's Fandango" and "Wheel Of Fortune" ( first track, side one on "Takin' It To The Streets". The album credits drummer Richie Hayward (RIP) of Little Feat playing alongside Tiran on that track). Peace.

For all that they accomplished Tiran Porter was NOT an afterthought. He was upfront and badass. I always loved his bass lines. I can appreciate that even though my instrument is guitar. I have been a Doobie Brother's fan since Captain and Me was released. Now throughout the years I have picked up their earlier albums. I know a lot of people may have disliked the Michael McDonald era but he allowed Tom Johnston to heal and keep the Doobie Brothers relevant. I think it was good that they brought in Jazz elements. If we are honest most of the more popular acts of the 1970s incorporated Jazz elements along with their Rock roots. IMHO you can't love the the 19970s and early 1980s Doobie Brothers without that steady beat and tasteful licks of Tiran Porter!

Was unaware of this cat, thanks for bringing him much needed shine.

Totally agree, when it wasn't popular to to not go with the majority, I didn't care what anyone said I love good music played by great musicians. Music has no color. My favorite Tyrant bass is in it keeps you running

👍Thanks for posting the outstanding bass work of Tiran, the recognition is long overdue🎼🎸

Such a great video. Thank you! Long Train Runnin'....definitely a sneaky tune. To play the line? Not to hard. To make it groove? You better focus.

That polyrhythm on minute by minute is insane!!I never paid attention to that,holy cow that's serious talent!♥️🤖⚡

So good... love Tiran Porter. When I was a kid in high school, I was asked to be a driver of the Doobie Brothers from the airport in Memphis to the performance venue. I felt very cool. I was an amateur pianist, with a "garage band" dreaming in those days. (..never made anything of it, but always loved great musicianship). Tiran Porter was not the first melodic bass player, but he came on the scene playing unlike any bass player in a rock n roll band music...so refreshing, jazzy...was not there to only play whole notes on the bottom .. but he made thing interesting melodically and rhythmically, he took the song to another level. I hope he is doing well.

Outstanding video Mr. Thompson. As a drummer, one of my go to CDs to keep my chops up, is "The Very Best of the Doobie Brothers". No wonder it's fun to play to-Tiran Porter's bass lines help drive those tunes. Thanks for doing this. Like your Steelers helmet as well.

Thank you so much for highlighting Mr Porter. I'm realizing that I have always been an R&B, Soul, Funk snob. I grew up in a predominantly black part of a predominantly white city. Hence we were hearing Doobie Brothers, Three Dog Night, et al ALL the time since there were no "black" music stations until 1980ish. So players like Tiran Porter actually contributed much more to my ear than I thought or wanted to admit. From him and others I can see how I formed a longing for that PBass sound and pick clearness (though I always credited Oscar Alston). Since watching this video I've been on a DB kick, quenching a specific auditory bass-thirst I didn't realize I had. Mad props and respect to "The Brother in the Beret". Thank you Paul I love, love, love this channel.

Love to see some recognition for such a great bassist. My favourite bassline of his is It Keeps You Runnin' (but Rio, Losin' End, and Carry Me Away sure come close).

Thanks for giving Tiran some love.

"Neal's Fandango." Amen, brother.

So grateful to happen upon this fitting tribute to an amazing player who deserves all the props!

Mr. Porter had an incredible talent for creating complex bass lines in his mind and interjecting them seamlessly into any music. I cannot imagine hearing any one of the songs you listed with a different bass line. There are a lot of bass players during that era that I admire but I honestly don't think any of these songs would have enjoyed as much success as they did without him laying down the foundation. Thanks for an awesome post, sir.

I really appreciate your post here about Tiran.. I was lucky to see the Doobbies. I have some of his transcriptions and love his lines. Thanks again.

Thank you for pointing out the aggressive mix Templeman and The Doobies made with Porter's bass lines. They were no dummies.. Some of the songs puts his great grooves right out front. My favorite example is 'Echoes of Love.' Just listen to that aggressively beautiful bass line. It counterbalances the light, airy nature of the vocals and the lyrics. He provides the rock solid bottom. The song is a masterpiece in songwriting AND execution. When I was a semi-professional (made money - never enough to live on) bassist in the late '70's / early '80's, Tiran Porter was the bar upon which I measured my playing. Sadly, I never measured up. But I still loved his stuff.

Thanks for featuring one of the most underrated bass players of all time… He always struck me as playing very “guitar-like”, but never mind that… The stone-cold bass groove was always there!

Man, I struggled to learn Long Train Running for a while, it is deceptive, but it is such a great groove.

That man was my babysitter. Aweswome dude.