my 20 favorite bass players, in alpha order…
Jack Bruce – you know, i’m not a really big Cream fan…but i love the rhythm section of Bruce and Baker. Bruce was understated volume-wise, but his fills and changes are constant. give a close listen.
Ethan Buckler – because Slint is one of my top 5 all-time bands, of course virtually every member of their band will be on my lists.
Geezer Butler – Sabbath baby.
Al Cisneros – the mammoth, icy basslines of Om and Sleep are right up my alley
Les Claypool – i actually somewhat like Primus…but that aside Claypool is one of the most talented and innovative players to ever pick up a bass.
Trevor Dunn – seriously, sillyness aside, listen to Mr. Bungle and hear some serious bass riffage going on.
Fred Erskine – June of 44 math basser.
Flea – man i know…alot of my bass choices seem a bit cheesy…but if you’re honest with yourself…this guy is truly amazing on bass. and though i’m not a RHCP fan, i will admit to having a bit of a taste for the ultra-prog of Mars Volta.
Brian Gibson – i truly love bass/drum duos and Lightning Bolt is up there with the best.
Kim Gordon – often gets drowned out by guitars but the occassional bass flourish in Sonic Youth’s long history shows she got skills.
Tony Levin – my pick for # 1. outside of his virtuoso King Crimson performances…listen to his awesome work on Paul Simon’s solo stuff…you can easily forget how unbelieveable those bass lines are.
Paul McCartney – would be right up in my top 5. i think he was the only maga-talented Beatle instrument-wise. when i first picked up bass i thought i might try learning a Beatles tab…not a wise choice. just take a look at the bass tab for Ob-La-Di some time.
Pat Morris – more mathiness…Don Cab
Tara Jane O’Neil – Rodan has become one of my favorite bands in my old age, thanks in no small part to Miss O’Neil’s bass prowess. she does not, however, make a good sandwich. i know first hand.
Robbie Shakespeare – one half of the reggae riddim team Sly & Robbie that produced the riddims for countless reggae anthems, as well as being a sought after rhythm section by rock and world musicians for years.
Chris Squire – god Chris Squire is a beast! i wouldn’t even like Yes if it wasn’t for his freak-tastic bass lines. pretty much TOO good.
Peter Tosh – listen to his backing bass on Bob Marley’s tracks and his own solo work and hear some truly dope (pun intended) bass playing
Bob Weston – Shellac!
Tina Weymouth – my vote for most underrated. Talking Heads had some really funky stuff going on.
i didn’t include jazz guys like Jaco Pastorious or Stanley Clarke because honestly i don’t spend much time listening to jazz but those guys are phenomenal players. these are just my personal favorites.
August 16, 2007 at 9:29 pm
oddly enough, tina weymouth didn’t actually play a lot of that funky stuff from “remain in light” on…byrne was always gathering hired guns to get the sound he wanted. he even famously made tina re-audition for the band after they got signed to sire records. still, i think her work in tom tom club proves she’s got skills.
March 4, 2008 at 2:28 am
Where’s Bootsy at?