Ida Nielsen, renowned for her groove-driven style, became a global sensation through her work with Prince, blending traditional funk with modern techniques. Her bass lines are characterized by their tight rhythms, punchy slap techniques, and deep, melodic grooves. Here’s a breakdown of some of her most iconic bass lines that define her style:
1. “TurnItUp” – Slap Bass Mastery
From her solo album TurnItUp, the title track features some of Ida’s most recognizable playing. The bass line is fast, rhythmic, and deeply rooted in funk, showing off her slap technique. Throughout the track, Ida integrates percussive slaps with fluid runs, building a groove that is both intricate and danceable. This song serves as a hallmark of her ability to fuse complexity with accessibility, capturing the listener’s attention without overloading them with technicalities.
2. “Time 2 Stop Worrying” – Balancing Groove and Melody
On her album Time 2 Stop Worrying (bout the weird stuff), Nielsen’s bass lines mix deep funk grooves with melodic interludes. Tracks like “Time 2 Stop Worrying” showcase her knack for maintaining a steady groove while embedding melodic fills that weave through the track. Her bass line carries the entire composition, locking in the rhythm while allowing for improvisational freedom.
3. With Prince – “Plectrumelectrum”
During her time with Prince’s 3RDEYEGIRL band, Ida’s bass work on the album Plectrumelectrum is a standout. Songs like “Funknroll” feature dense, funk-infused bass lines that drive the energy of the track. Here, Ida combines aggressive fingerstyle playing with funk’s signature rhythmic bounce, helping define the sound of Prince’s late-career output. Her bass lines aren’t just rhythmic support—they’re essential to the feel and attitude of the music.
4. Live Performances – Grooves in Real-Time
Nielsen’s live performances with her band The Funkbots take her recorded bass lines to new heights. In tracks like “Showtime,” her ability to sustain long, complex grooves while adding spontaneous fills shines through. This balance of repetition and improvisation defines her style. Live, she adds layers to her bass lines that create a dynamic interaction with the rest of the band, often using techniques like double-thumb slapping and intricate plucking .
5. Bass Solos – The Heart of the Groove
Ida’s bass solos are as much about groove as they are about showing off technical skills. On YouTube, her solo performances frequently showcase slap-heavy lines that alternate between rhythm and melody. Her approach is not just about playing fast but about creating a groove that sticks in your head. Whether soloing or supporting a full band, her lines always maintain a sense of rhythm, making her a true funk bassist at heart.
Conclusion
Ida Nielsen’s bass lines are a masterclass in modern funk. Whether she’s slapping out a groove-heavy solo or driving the rhythm for Prince, her signature style blends technical proficiency with an irresistible groove. Her ability to keep the music moving, while infusing it with melodic richness, defines her as one of the most influential bassists of her generation.
