Soul Fingers: The Music & Life of Legendary Bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn

by Nick Rosaci

(Bass). As the legendary bassist for the famous Stax-Volt studios in Memphis, and as one of the most influential bass players in the history of American music, Donald "Duck" Dunn (1941-2012) laid down the booty-shaking foundations to countless soul, R&B, blues, and rock recordings throughout the 1960s and '70s, providing the essential grooves for generations of listeners. Duck worked with some of the biggest artists, musicians, and songwriters of the day, including Booker T. & the MGs, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Eddie Floyd, Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, and many more. And later, as a member of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd's riotous Blues Brothers, Duck helped revitalize these genres via his epic bass lines and role in the hit movie. But his unparalleled 50-year career was just getting started. He went on to record and perform with the likes of Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, CSNY, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Buffett, and many more, until his passing in 2012. Now, in this exclusive, one-of-a-kind book, Duck's life and music are presented in full detail, with rare photos, stories, over an hour of audio demonstrations and play-alongs, gear info, and authentic, note-for-note transcriptions of nearly 60 iconic bass lines. Written by bassist and researcher Nick Rosaci, with help from Duck's family, friends, and music compatriots, this book presents a piece of history that documents not only the triumphs and tragedies of Duck's amazing life, but also uncovers the magic behind the "soul fingers" that plucked a thousand timeless grooves.

Genres: Music, Biography

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2017

Reviews

[Barry Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donald "Duck" Dunn was an icon of modern music, the bass player in the house band of the legendary Stax Records and major session player. With their usual skill, Hal Leonard publishing and author Nick Rosaci have compiled a short biography plus transcriptions both in standard notation and tabulature of 57 of his most well-known bass lines from such classics as Wilson Pickett's "634-5789," Sam and Dave's "Soul Man," Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks' "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," Otis Redding's "Respect," "Mr. Pitiful," "In The Midnight Hour," "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay," Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," Albert King's "Born Under A Bad Sign,"Eddie Floyd's "Knock On Wood," Muddy Waters' "Mean Disposition," Booker T. & The MG's "Hang 'Em High," Carla Thomas' "B-A-B-Y," several from The Blues Brothers and many others all accompanied by many never-seen-before photographs from the Dunn family archives. A rare treat. - BH.

[Robert Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. You don't have to be a bass player to enjoy this book. Just a music lover with the ability to read music. Examines the life of this influential musician through his music. Literally. In addition to the usual bio material, Duck Dunn's bass runs and techniques are discussed, analyzed and laid out. In words, notes and sound! What a perfect way to get to know a musician. Through the music he created and the music that influenced him. What a fantastic concept. I hope more musician bios take this approach. Highly recommended.

[Scott G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have not only for bass players, guitar players or musicians, but anyone with an interest in Stax and the plethora of soul hits it pumped out. The blueprint for his masterful syncopation is all in here. It comes with audio tracks you can isolate and band arrangements you can follow along to. It’s about time The Duck got his due.

[Marc Pressley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great retrospective on one of the most influential session bass players. Duck Dunn was an all-time great; not flashy, just the perfect note at the perfect time.