Famed funkmeister opens up about new recordings and the “foundation of bass”
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
February 7, 2022
Acclaimed session bassist Bill “The Buddha” Dickens has certainly earned his status as a funk innovator. The award-winning musician, songwriter and producer is known for his furiously fast funk lines, memorable solos, and love of extended-range basses. While he’s probably best known for his funky endeavors, he’s been active in a variety of styles and has collaborated with a who’s who of music greats, including Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder, Victor Wooten, Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Joe Zawinul, Janet Jackson, Chaka Khan, Bernie Worrell, Mary J. Blige, Al Di Meola, Randy Newman, Steve Bailey, and Oteil Burbridge. Dickens has also worked actively with the Ramsey Lewis Trio and Leo Nocentelli of The Meters. His debut solo album, Tha Truth, was released in 2014.
Watch our interview with Bill!
See Jon’s blog, with key takeaways from this interview here.
Bill The Buddha Dickens is an absolute Beast of a player.When i watched him Slapping on a 7 String my jaws dropped !!
The AMAZING Bill Dickens!!!! There is sooo much more to Bill than flash and inhuman solos! I also was blessed to see Bill with Ramsey Lewis at Concerts by the Sea in Redondo Beach, California back in the 1980’s in a trio setting. He was playing an Ibanez Musician bass, which in my opinion, was Ibanez’ take on an Alembic. That was a killer bass and was easily one of the best concerts I’ve ever attended! There is only one Bill Dickens!!!