Artform Influences: Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge on Chuck Rainey

Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad always have time when asked to highlight their influences.

The longtime collaborators (The Midnight Hour, Luke Cage soundtrack) meld jazz, hip-hop and soul into their musical DNA, with a preference for using live instruments both in the studio and on the stage.

And as two artists with a high respect for the way their predecessors created the sounds of the past their peers try to sample in the present, you may also find them pick up an instrument or a record to play along with these inspirational figures.

That's exactly what occurred when Younge brought up the great Chuck Rainey's name.

Younge is a big champion of Rainey. With credits that span over 45 years, Rainey played on hit records from the likes of Steely Dan, Roberta Flack, Dusty Springfield and Quincy Jones, in addition to multiple films and television programs.

For a specific example of Rainey's vibe, Younge suggested a 1978 album from American jazz flutist Bobbi Humphrey, Blacks and Blues.

"Something that always spoke to me was the statement he made with the bass," Younge said about Rainey. "I love how Chuck directed this emotion with his playing."

According to Younge, Rainey's singular feel on the bass - as noted on Humphrey's Blacks and Blues. - can fill out the picture painted by the other instruments on the record.

"It’s just beautiful because the keys are beautiful, the flutes are beautiful, but that’s just the color," Younge said. "When (Rainey)comes in, that’s telling you how to feel that sensation.

"He’s giving you that depth."

To hear for yourself, get a taste of Younge's inspiration here. And for more from Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, visit the home of Los Angeles-based music lable Linear Labs.