XPN’s Gotta Hear Song of the Week: “Show You The Way” by Thundercat

Last week California bassist Thundercat announced his new album Drunk, the followup to 2015’s The Beyond/Where the Giants Roam. The 20 song collection includes contributions from Pharrell and Kendrick Lamar, and on “Show You the Way,” Thundercat invited Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins in on the soulful, smooth rock song.

Thundercat was born Stephen Bruner. The in-demand bassist has performed with Kendrick Lamar, Flying Lotus, Suicidal Tendencies, Erykah Badu, Childish Gambino, and others. Raised in Compton, Bruner’s father was a drummer who played with The Temptations, The Supremes and other Motown artists, and his brothers are both accomplished musicians.

With Loggins and McDonald on board Thundercat’s new album, there’s plenty of smoothness, and plenty of soul. As The Key’s Chad Snyder has points out:

It’s got all the glitz and schmaltz of a classic 70s ballad mixed with a 21st century sense of humor. Case in point, all three vocalists are introduced with a “ladies and gentlemen” and a smattering of applause, but the melodies and Thundercat’s fantastic bass playing throughout are no joke.

The last time Thundercat played in Philly, he blew the walls of Johnny Brenda’s out, and this time around you might not want to miss him when he plays Union Transfer on March 4th. For tickets and more information, head over to XPN’s Concert Calendar. Listen to “Show You The Way” below.