Was ‘Phantazia’ Anthony’s finest hour? Anthony Jackson’s remarkable contributions to our humble instrument are well documented, yet the man and his playing defy categorisation; he appeared on countless pop records as a sideman, contributing to albums from Chaka Khan, Paul Simon, and Steely Dan, while his recordings with pianist Michel Camilo reveal the depth of his knowledge of Latin jazz. His fearless, virtuosic bass playing and advanced harmonic sensibility made him the perfect player for instrumental trio settings with artists such as Steve Khan, Wayne Krantz and Hiromi.

Although Jackson contributed to a vast number of recordings over the last 40 years, it’s rare that we get to hear him take a solo. Ex-Headhunters drummer Harvey Mason’s ‘Phantazia’ (from 1977’s Funk In a Mason Jar) gives us the opportunity to hear Anthony really let rip – his lines on this track are rhythmically and harmonically complex, as well as being technically difficult to execute at tempo:

This is definitely not for the faint-hearted; a multi-meter fusion nightmare featuring 16th-note unison figures, angular basslines, and some heavy rhythmic syncopation. In fact, this might have been my most challenging transcription yet. Go slowly and don’t hurt yourself!

‘Phantazia’ bass transcription pdf

Keen to get your fingers round more Anthony Jackson basslines? Look no further:

• Chaka Khan – “Our Love’s in Danger”
• GOTW #7: The O’Jays – “For the Love of Money”