BeatTips MusicStudy: Shalamar – “There It Is”
A Lesson in Working the Bass Line and Keeping the Groove in the Pocket
| By AMIR SAID (SA’ID) |
Shalamar’s “There it is” is one of those subtle pieces of genius. It has a very simple and straightforward groove that’s dominated by thick, “walking” bass line and ready-steady back beat. And the vocals are characterized by what I like to call the post-1970s “harmony glide,” wherein the vocalists’ harmony glides with and seemingly blends into the rhythm rather dance over the top of it. This sound was mastered by groups like Shalamar, El Debarge, and the Mary Jane Girls.
The music and video below is presented here for the purpose of scholarship.
Shalamar – “There It Is”
