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Fun Stuff => BAND => Topic started by: lb969 on 01 Feb 2005, 14:27

Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: lb969 on 01 Feb 2005, 14:27
Ok who do you think is the best bass player ever, living or dead.

My vote goes to:

Jaco Pastorius

(http://www.jacopastorius.com/images/scrapbook/photos/scrapbook_photo007.jpg)
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: blindsuperhero on 01 Feb 2005, 14:33
Mingus
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: czar0406 on 01 Feb 2005, 14:35
Kira Roessler
(http://www.ipass.net/jthrush/kirasm.jpg)
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: will: wanton sex god on 01 Feb 2005, 14:39
you always hear wooten and pastoriousousous

it really depends on what youre looking for.  some bass players are great becuase they play...great bass.

to me wooten and pastorious play other parts, they just happen to use a bass to do it.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: AndSheeWas on 01 Feb 2005, 14:41
Tina Weymouth
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Kai on 01 Feb 2005, 15:06
Les Claypool, hands down.

EDIT: Picture.

(http://www.jamography.com/RoadTrippin/Les%20Claypool/les2_7-31-01_jam.jpg)
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: nothingwitty on 01 Feb 2005, 18:39
My friend Shellie.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: KharBevNor on 01 Feb 2005, 18:58
will makes an important point: are we talking bass as a solo instrument or implemented well into the overall structure of a band?

If as a solo instrument, I would say Victor Wooten. If not, I honestly have no idea. As a guitarist/singer I tend to concentrate on the guitar and vocal parts in songs, and only really notice bass if it goes wrong. :/
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Kai on 01 Feb 2005, 19:21
Quote from: Awkward Silence
No offense, but I think Claypool's really overrated.



Hey, you're opinion. :D I just happen to really like Primus/Les Claypool, so.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: -sam on 01 Feb 2005, 20:32
Quote from: KharBevNor
will makes an important point: are we talking bass as a solo instrument or implemented well into the overall structure of a band?

If as a solo instrument, I would say Victor Wooten.


On this we agree, but then again I'm a huge Flecktones fanboy :).  I guess other "politically correct" answers would be John Entwhistle and Cliff Burton, but for me I just enjoy what Stefan Lessard(DMB) brings to the table.  He's not a flashy guy, but he holds it down and what-not.  Not like I really know what I'm talking about but when has that ever stopped anybody on the Internet? :)

-sam
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: mAlice aforeThought on 01 Feb 2005, 20:36
craig adams.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Johnny C on 01 Feb 2005, 21:07
Lars Friedriksen. I know it is a choice out of left field, but he is a fucking awesome bassist, especially considering that he is in a punk band.

Also, Carlos D is pretty solid.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: jeph on 01 Feb 2005, 23:28
James Jamerson.

Everyone who plays the instrument owes a debt to him whether they realize it or not.

Somewhat off-topic: I don't think the bass makes a very good "lead" instrument. People like Jaco and Wooten (and to a lesser extent Claypool) bore the shit out of me, technical skills or no. Full disclosure- I've played bass for over 10 years now.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: RaideR on 02 Feb 2005, 00:41
Steven Ude from  the german band Guano Apes. that guy is awesome
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: muffy on 02 Feb 2005, 01:57
further proof of the might of the bass is in Death From Above 1979 - ace band, no guitarist...
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: rynne on 02 Feb 2005, 06:50
While I don't know if he'd be the absolute best bass player, I think Cliff Burton should be high on the list.  It's widely understood that he was the guy in Metallica who actually knew his music theory, and the drop-off in quality of the music after his death points to how much he brought to the table.

Rika mm' from Melt-Banana is impressive to watch, if for nothing else than seeing such a tiny woman belt out such insanely high-speed riffs.

That being said, for the most part, I like bassists that aren't necessarily showy, but who understand how the bass should anchor songs.  Folks like Alex James or Justin Chancellor.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Apathy on 02 Feb 2005, 07:47
I wouldn't be able to say who I think is the 'best' in whatever manner of the word, but as far as the instrument goes, I love it.  Never played properly, would love to learn, & I love the sound of decent bass in a song whether it's carrying or simply following.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: catflea on 02 Feb 2005, 07:54
Jim Reynolds from The Open.    He is the second coming!

He even looks like jesus.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Spencer on 02 Feb 2005, 08:03
Quote from: Johnny C
Lars Friedriksen.


What you meant to say was Matt Freeman, and I must admit, he was the first name that came to mind for me as well. He's definitly one of the, if not the, best punk bassists (Lars is Rancids lead guitarist).

Jeordie White (aka Twiggy Ramirez) probably has/had one of the most interesting and fun stage presences of any bassists I've seen, but then again, everyone that has been in Marilyn Manson has got stage prescence.

While Im not proclaiming this guy to be the best or anything, whomever plays Bass for Franz Ferdinand gets a nod as one of my favorites. I love the basslines in most of the franz tunes. It just makes me want to jump around and shake my ass.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Apathy on 02 Feb 2005, 09:45
I'm going to nod to Carlos D (Interpol, see avatar).  The bass lines in that are seriously cool.  Especially on tracks such as Narc, or Slow Hands, where I feel it really makes the song.  Also, out of the entire band, he most definitely has the biggest stage presence.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: blindsuperhero on 02 Feb 2005, 10:10
Quote from: Spencer
What you meant to say was Matt Freeman, and I must admit, he was the first name that came to mind for me as well.


He was the first name that came to my mind as well, but probably only because he wins every single 'best bass player' thread I've seen (I mis-spent my youth in more punk-rock orientated forums). Actually, no, the first name that came to my mind was Mingus, which was my insta-reply, but I guess that wasn't the kind of bass player they were looking for. Matt Freeman is good, but because of the very limited style of music Rancid play I don't think he could be the best bass player. Colin from Radiohead is pretty good, musically, as opposed to technicality-y, one thing that I always noticed about Radiohead was how prominent the bass is, far more so than any similar bands (not that there really are similar bands, but anyway) and Colin's bass playing is really unique, one of the most important factors in the unique Radiohead sound
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Count_Zero on 02 Feb 2005, 12:55
Another vote for Carlos D. He just seemed to hold the whole group together when I saw them live a few weeks ago.

Count
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Finding Emo on 02 Feb 2005, 13:18
Yu~ki from Malice Mizer is pretty friggin' awesome.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Banana_Hammock on 02 Feb 2005, 16:04
Leon "The Mad Hatter" Wilkeson - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Hands down the greates ever!
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: MilkmanDan on 03 Feb 2005, 03:19
Squarepusher.
Actually, I have no idea, as Squarepusher is the only person I've ever seen play the bass as a solo instrument, so he kinda wins automatically.
Though I did see Amp Fiddler at Dedbeat last year and their bassist was fully seventies and played awesome funky basslines with the bass behind his head.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Burninated Peasant on 03 Feb 2005, 11:37
If you guys had seen Orgasmo, you would know that the best bassist ever is Geddy Lee from Rush! :D

Seriously though, I rarely focus on bass unless the band intentionally showcases it, i.e. Les Claypool or Death From Above 1979. While I enjoy it in those two examples I would hardly call either the best bassist ever.

Time to go through my music collection... Who knows, maybe it is Geddy Lee. ;p "Fly by night to Mountain Dew..."

(Bonus points to anyone who gets the Mountain Dew reference.)
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: c1utch on 03 Feb 2005, 16:05
John Paul Jones - Led Zepplin
Flea - RHCP
Tim Commerford - RATM
and yes Jaco Pastorious and Les Claypool are very good as well

:)
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: BehringerBoy on 04 Feb 2005, 08:15
i have seen Flea of the chili peppers jam some amazing in some fotage i have from a concert... hes the greatest i know of...
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: DeathrockZombie on 04 Feb 2005, 09:41
Quote from: jeph
James Jamerson.

Everyone who plays the instrument owes a debt to him whether they realize it or not.


Damn right! Also.. BOOTSY!

~ basim
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: RaideR on 05 Feb 2005, 02:15
Quote from: c1utch
John Paul Jones - Led Zepplin
Flea - RHCP
Tim Commerford - RATM
and yes Jaco Pastorious and Les Claypool are very good as well

:)



i agree, but add Stefan Ude from Guano Apes to the list and it's perfect


Stefan Ude
(http://img.muzikus.cz/clanky/002443_01.jpg)
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: est on 05 Feb 2005, 05:33
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/est_xplosif/bootsy-new2.jpg)

gg everyone.  thanks for playing.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Sturge on 05 Feb 2005, 05:44
Quote from: rynne

Rika mm' from Melt-Banana is impressive to watch, if for nothing else than seeing such a tiny woman belt out such insanely high-speed riffs.


yes! you will also notice if you've seen 'em live, that the bass is about the same size as her.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Kai on 05 Feb 2005, 09:11
Quote from: Burninated Peasant


(Bonus points to anyone who gets the Mountain Dew reference.)



"It's nightblade the halfling theif and he's carrying a 12 pack of Mountain Dew."
"No way! His character is carrying mountain dew too?!"
"If I roll a ten or above then yes.... Eleven."
Title: No one mentioned:
Post by: blooflame on 05 Feb 2005, 16:26
Mary Huff - Bassist for Southern Culture On The Skids (if you haven't seen this band, check them out next time they're in your area)


Entwhistle of The Who? countless great  bass lines

Ron Carter who has spanned decades from playing jazz to playing with hip-hop fusion folks?

Larry Taylor - Canned Heat and various John Mayall projects? Well, I'm not surprised, he's not well known in current music circles.


On another note - I met Jaco Pastorius once, not because of music, but I played "pee wee" football with his little brother
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Conatonc on 05 Feb 2005, 20:19
Jeph's pick of James Jamerson was a good nod to an often-ignored player. Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a great movie about all of the Motown backing musicians that any music fan should check out.

I tend to lean towards Claypool myself. He can run the show or just sit back and play a support role, depending on the band.

If we're talking punk bass, I feel that Karl Alvarez of The Descendents and ALL deserves a mention. He's been doing really creative basslines for 2 decades now.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Burninated Peasant on 05 Feb 2005, 22:49
Quote from: Kai
"It's nightblade the halfling theif and he's carrying a 12 pack of Mountain Dew."
"No way! His character is carrying mountain dew too?!"
"If I roll a ten or above then yes.... Eleven."


Hehehe, you got it, Kai. I think my favourite sketch was the first roleplaying one, though:

"Ogres? Hey, I have a +9 Ogre slaying dagger!"
"You're not there! You're at the tavern getting drunk!"
"Well okay then, but if there's any girls there, I wanna DO THEM!"
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: badbum61 on 06 Feb 2005, 06:44
I'm an old bastard (and bassist) who grew up on early '70s rock, so my three favourite bassists are McCartney (c'mon, you can't deny it...), Gene Simmons (he may be an asshole, but he sure knew how to rock that thing back in the day), and Dennis Dunaway, from the original Alice Cooper band. It's not that any of them are virtuoso players, but they know what's required, and their basslines are interesting and TASTEFUL, dammit!

I agree with conatonc, too.....from the more recent crop, Karl Alvarez deserves major props. Damn, that boy knows melody!

And Andrew Weiss, the Bassosaurus.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: mAlice aforeThought on 06 Feb 2005, 07:50
from what band was weiss?  i ask because i only know him from pigface, but we all know that noöne is 'from' pigface.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: badbum61 on 06 Feb 2005, 17:50
Weiss was originally with Greg Ginn in Gone, then moved on to the Rollins Band. Also (and most memorably, for mine) played with and produced Ween.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Johnny C on 06 Feb 2005, 22:05
Quote from: Spencer
What you meant to say was Matt Freeman, and I must admit, he was the first name that came to mind for me as well. He's definitly one of the, if not the, best punk bassists (Lars is Rancids lead guitarist).


*swearing*

I do not know how I always mix those two up but I do.


Also, what the hell is this D&D stuff because it makes me laugh.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Cpt.Fantastic on 07 Feb 2005, 11:32
mmm-k

John Entwhistle - The Who (you MUST watch live footage)
Jack Bruce - Cream
Greg Lake - Emerson, Lake and Palmer


sounds good to me...
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Kai on 07 Feb 2005, 15:56
Quote from: Johnny C

Also, what the hell is this D&D stuff because it makes me laugh.


Got to your favorite filesharing program and look up "The Deadale Wives".
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Burninated Peasant on 07 Feb 2005, 17:12
Actually, the group's name is Dead Alewives, not Deadale Wives. I think they're Canadian, but I'm not 100% sure. Their first D&D spoof was popularized by appearing on Dr. Demento's radio show and at least one of his albums. You can find the pieces Kai and myself quoted at http://www.planetadnd.com/humor/misc_humor/index.php.  They are called "Dr. Demento D&D & Satanism" and "The Dead Alewives AD&D part 2". and are near the bottom of the page. The next file, "Always the First to Die," is a funny song about the often disastrous choice of deciding to play a low level mage.

Yes, I'm a geek. And proud of it. :)
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Kai on 07 Feb 2005, 17:15
Aah. I've seen their name spelt Dead Ale Wives, Deadale Wives, Dead Alewives, and some other variations, so pardon me.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Jolouie on 08 Feb 2005, 22:06
Brian Gibson from Lightning Bolt would probably be my favorite, because as we all know, there is no best anything.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: CidHighwind on 09 Feb 2005, 14:44
I agree with the above guy.  There is no best.  My favorite is Cliff Burton-Metallica.  Because well, I've been into the metal scene since I started buying CDs.

(http://www.nunnie.com/cliff-1.jpg)
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: RaideR on 21 Feb 2005, 12:27
Fieldy is a really good bassplayer

(http://www.outtrax.com/home/gfx/bass_fieldy.jpg)
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Jooooosh on 21 Feb 2005, 12:32
I want to steal my sisters bass, but i think she'll notice.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Johnny C on 21 Feb 2005, 12:34
My bassist friend says David Ellefson of Megadeth is pretty good. Having paid little attention to their bassist in the past, I am in no position to disagree.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: blindsuperhero on 21 Feb 2005, 12:47
Quote from: RaideR
Fieldy is a really good bassplayer


roffle.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: mee-kay-la on 21 Feb 2005, 13:20
Quote from: c1utch
John Paul Jones - Led Zepplin
Flea - RHCP


FRIEND!
Title: YES!
Post by: Super Dave on 21 Feb 2005, 16:37
Quote from: Johnny C
My bassist friend says David Ellefson of Megadeth is pretty good. Having paid little attention to their bassist in the past, I am in no position to disagree.


I must definitley agree; i <3 Megadeth to death
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: muffy on 21 Feb 2005, 16:47
OK, so he's not the best by any stretch of the imagination, but he was so cool in his day:
(http://www.staybeautiful.net/pictures/00316.jpg)

The Wire..
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Jooooosh on 21 Feb 2005, 16:48
Is he wearing a dress?
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: muffy on 21 Feb 2005, 16:58
Either that or he should sack his tailor...
Yup, nothing quite like a 6' Welshman in a Laura Ashley frock..
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: KharBevNor on 21 Feb 2005, 17:13
If we're talking the coolest bass player ever, it's the guy from Ephel Duath. All their pictures seem to be have taken at cunning angles to disguise it, but their bassist is actually a midget. Ephel Duath are one of the most insanely fun live experiences I've ever had, they were simple, unreconstructed awesome mofos, and that little guy was damned awesome.
Title: Re: YES!
Post by: Johnny C on 21 Feb 2005, 20:19
Quote from: Super Dave
I must definitley agree; i <3 Megadeth to death

David, is that you?
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: ev0lve on 21 Feb 2005, 21:26
Quote from: Burninated Peasant
If you guys had seen Orgasmo, you would know that the best bassist ever is Geddy Lee from Rush! :D
 Who knows, maybe it is Geddy Lee. ;p


i was going to answer Geddy Lee. and i'm completely serious :(
Title: Re: YES!
Post by: Super Dave on 24 Feb 2005, 19:49
Quote from: Johnny C
Quote from: Super Dave
I must definitley agree; i <3 Megadeth to death

David, is that you?



         Only on sundays.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: dagny on 24 Feb 2005, 20:01
Geddy Lee is, in my books, tied with Tony Levin as being the best bassists.   Has any of you ever seen King Crimson play live, or seen Tony play live with Peter Gabriel?  He's freaking insane on that bass.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: TatInTheHat on 24 Feb 2005, 22:58
Eric Axelson from the Dismemberment Plan.

But I supposed that's my own bias talking.  :-P
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: dontstaylong on 25 Feb 2005, 12:09
Quote from: jeph
James Jamerson.



jeph, not only can you draw a mean comic, but you know your shit.  i'd say 3/4s of the people mentioned on this thread are nothing compared to jamerson.

bootsy, while i know he's an awesome bassist, also wins the award for Coolest Motherfucker on the Planet.  hands down.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Conatonc on 26 Feb 2005, 10:55
Quote
Fieldy is a really good bassplayer


Fieldy isn't a bass player, he's a percussionist who happens to use a bass guitar as his chosen instrument.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: m4cphisto on 26 Feb 2005, 17:30
flea- not just the playing of bass, but his personality is funny too. *see can't stop, chili peppers video*

john paul jones- because he can also play mandolin
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Beorht-Dana on 03 Mar 2005, 21:32
Well if by best you mean the person who has come closest to mastering the instrument I guess it would have to be someone like Wooten, Mingus, etc.

Best bassist I know: Basim Usmani :)
(http://mil.sinsanctuary.com/61704_7.jpg)
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: andrew116 on 04 Mar 2005, 14:37
hmmm best bass player? well besides me i'd have to say Cone from Sum41
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Haver on 04 Mar 2005, 15:06
Ben Kenney isnt the best, but he's a mean bass player.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Kyoku on 04 Mar 2005, 17:39
Though Les Claypool of Primus has made the bass guitar his bitch, and tough Geddy Lee (Rush), Paul McCartney (The Beatles), Flea (RHCP) are some all time greats, and people like Larry Graham (Sly and the Family Stone), Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead), John Myung (Dream Theater), Mike Watt (The Minutemen) and Chris Squire (Yes) are either revolutionaires, pioneers or just plain awesome...

NO ONE could make a bass sound as spine-meltingly beautiful as the late, great Bobby Sheenan.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: ElRodente on 04 Mar 2005, 17:53
STING

maybe not the best ever


and the guy from rancid is pretty ok at it

edit: matt freeman
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: m4cphisto on 05 Mar 2005, 16:44
Quote from: andrew116
hmmm best bass player? well besides me i'd have to say Cone from Sum41


*chokes* nooooooooooooooooo
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Kai on 05 Mar 2005, 21:41
Quote from: andrew116
hmmm best bass player? well besides me i'd have to say Cone from Sum41



Dear god. I spit my drink all over my desk when I read this. Jesus christ.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Super Dave on 05 Mar 2005, 21:46
Quote from: andrew116
hmmm best bass player? well besides me i'd have to say Cone from Sum41


You will not live that down.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Trollstormur on 06 Mar 2005, 00:03
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: ElRodente on 06 Mar 2005, 07:56
i've met and had my arm signed by kelley from goldfinger :)
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: ElRodente on 06 Mar 2005, 07:59
Quote from: Haver
Ben Kenney isnt the best, but he's a mean bass player.


i have seen incubus live, and while he isnt the most talented, he is one cool bassist

i know someone that has his pick :) her boyfriend gave it to her

edit:

(http://www.ci-photos.com/Musicians/DerekSmalls.jpg)
derek smalls bitch ;)
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Verek on 06 Mar 2005, 12:00
Best bassist ever...hmmm...

Victor Lamonte Wooten
Les Claypool
John Myung
Steve DiGiorgio (Mad props to the fretless players)
Cliff Burton
Jaco Pastorius (The "original" fretless player)

And just in sheer coolness, Peter Steele. THE MAN IS SEVEN FEET TALL AND PLAYS AN UPRIGHT BASS ON A LENGTH OF INDUSTRIAL CHAIN! If that isn't awesome, I have no idea what is.

And that list is in no particular order, just to clear that up.
Title: Best Bass Player
Post by: Learned Hand on 06 Mar 2005, 14:58
Coolest bass player ever (without a doubt in my opinion):

Sid Vicious

There's just no comparision.  Of course, we could start a debate about whether he actually qualifies as a bass "player".

Musically, I vote for Flea.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Signum_Tenebrae on 06 Mar 2005, 22:25
Sean Malone
Jon Myeung
Timi Hansen
Roger Patterson
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: ColdSteelRain on 07 Mar 2005, 15:27
I'd have to agree with everybody who has said Flea.  I like Krist Novoselic too  .
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: mAlice aforeThought on 07 Mar 2005, 16:19
peter steele (Type O Negative)
charles levi (My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult; Pigface; Chemlab)
Title: I hate to invoke the "you kids ... " meme, but
Post by: blooflame on 07 Mar 2005, 20:37
You really should investigate (in the rock/blues realm) Larry Taylor who played in Canned Heat and a lot of John Mayall projects (and if you don't know who John Mayall is, you've got homework to do - Mayall's bands created opportunities for Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and many others).  The best reference I can give you is an extended solo on the "Jazz Blues Fusion" LP, but really everything he did was/is excellent (I'm not sure what he's doing now). This is not to disparage any of the other great rock bassists - but to point out someone you're overlooking.

In the jazz realm, Jaco Pastorius was good (but dead); Ron Carter is good (and alive, and extending his horizons with some hip-hop fusion work at times).
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Inlander on 07 Mar 2005, 20:52
I notice there's no genre stipulation on this topic - there's a whole world of extraordinarly talented jazz bassists out there, though understandably given that this is a Q.C. forum jazz hasn't been much mentioned thus far (apologies to those who have nominated Mingus, Pastorius et al).  For my money possibly the greatest would have to be Scott LaFaro - get your hands on an album by the Bill Evans trio (Evans, piano; LaFaro, bass; Paul Motian, drums) called "Waltz for Debby", recorded live in 1961.

I also have to chuck in a mention for Jimmy Blanton (played with Duke Ellington briefly before his untimely death in the early '40s).  Absolutely ALL modern bass players, regardless of genre, owe this man a huge debt of gratitude.

And just to reassure you all that I'm not a completely unreconstructed Jazzbo, I'm currently listening to "Blank Generation" by Richard Hell & the Voidoids.  Cheers!
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: dontstaylong on 07 Mar 2005, 23:51
everybody needs to get some motown and just listen to the bass parts.  jamerson, people.  jamerson.  those parts just groove.

mingus is known more for his arrangements and orchestrations, as well as his role as an activist, more so than a bassist, isn't he?  granted, he was a terrific player, but the reason he's so well regarded isn't simply how he played.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: gypsy giblet on 10 Mar 2005, 09:38
i once had the pleasure of being in a band with a man called..................... alex john williams, and i believe he has the most beutiful understanding of what music needs and he feds it wonderfully. i also witnessed him compose and play in a barn music baseed on a conceptual story of french revolution
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Beorht-Dana on 10 Mar 2005, 11:06
Nobody has mentioned Jonas Hellborg yet. He's deffinately up there.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: fleetingBassist on 10 Mar 2005, 12:48
ahh, how could i not post to this topic...  i apologize in advance for not being able to pick just one... or ten.  i'm gonna rehash some for sure, but hopefully there are some new names too.  there are so many ways to judge a bass player...

Jaco gets points for reinventing the electric bass as a lead instrument while still being able to lay down a tight grove when necessary.  Portrait of Tracy is hands-down my favorite bass solo/song.

John Myung of Dream Theater is straight up technical as hell, though I think he lacks a unique sound.  He doubles the guitar so often that I really doubt he composes his lines.

Aside from rocking with King Crimson and Peter Gabriel, Tony Levin is probably the most prolific studio bassist alive.  Just check out this list and be amazed  http://www.tonylevin.com/discography.html.  I had the privilege of meeting Tony a few years ago and had him sign my copy of Beyond The Bass Clef, a great book with insight, tips and hilarious stories about playing bass.  He also rocks the Chapman Stick.

John Entwistle and Paul McCartney and are two guys who really developed the art of the bass line in rock music.  Of course, combine their first names and throw in a Jones and we've got a trio of bass players who found the perfect balance between function and creativity.  Flea is a more recent member of that club.

When I saw a live Vic Wooten bass solo three years ago i almost shat myself.  I was literaly speechless for a good hour or so.  With my eyes glued to him, I still have no clue how he was creating some of those sounds.

Jim Creegan from Barenaked Ladies is great at putting subtle variations in his basslines.  And he plays an upright on stage which is always cool.

The best bassist whose name I don't know is the guy who played on Zero 7's tour.  He took the album's very simple basslines and made them ridiculously active with spontaneous fills and patterns without taking away from the music.  I just watched him the entire show.

Bonus points to any bassist who sings.  Especially in a three piece band.  Sting and Geddy Lee get 7 points each.  And an extra 5 to Geddy for having fifty octaves between the low range of his instrument and the high range of his voice.  And for playing bass lines that have absolutely nothing to do with his vocal melodies half of the time.

Speaking of power trios, Les Claypool gets an obvious nod for creativity.  A less obvious nod goes to my personal favorite bass player Robert Sledge from Ben Folds Five.  Highly underrated/overlooked.  A great blend of creative, non-repetitive bass lines, technical skill, unique sound and killer backing vocals.  Plus, he's the only bassist I've seen unplug his instrument and "play" his patch cord.

there were a lot of guys listed that i've never really checked out like jamerson and lafaro.  i'll have to get on that.  sorry to be that stupid noob with the long ass post, but it's who i am :-)
Title: great bass players
Post by: inakitrescero on 27 Apr 2006, 14:28
My two personal favorites are Mic Todd from Coheed and Cambria, and Nate Mendel from Foo Fighters/Sunny Day Real Estate (the original one). I really like their style, because they don't play for attention and just keep it simple most of the time, and every now and then they really impress everyone with a huge groove.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Misereatur on 27 Apr 2006, 14:49
The second Jaco Pastorius was mentioned the thread was won.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Bastardous Bassist on 27 Apr 2006, 15:00
Quote from: jeph
Somewhat off-topic: I don't think the bass makes a very good "lead" instrument. People like Jaco and Wooten (and to a lesser extent Claypool) bore the shit out of me, technical skills or no. Full disclosure- I've played bass for over 10 years now.


How could you not absolutely love Jaco's sense of melody and feel.  There are people 20 times more technically talented out there, but they can't make the bass sing like he could.  His stuff is gorgeous, beautiful and just happens to be played on bass.  It's more lyrical than 99% of all singers I've ever heard, and just JESUS CHRIST HOW COULD ANYONE NOT LOVE JACO!?  Sure, he was a massive prick, but he made such incredible music.  I know I shouldn't care that you don't like it, but I just don't understand how any human being could not be moved by what he plays, seriously.

Quote from: Conatonc
Jeph's pick of James Jamerson was a good nod to an often-ignored player.


Ignored by whom?  I personally prefer Stanley Clarke.  "Rite of Strings" is an amazing album.

Now, if you want the greatest bass player ever to have lived (to date), look no further than Edgar Meyer.  This is a pretty objective statement, and I can back it up.  Of course, then we stop talking about electric bassists, and then I really start going off.  Ron Carter, Dave Holland, Charles Mingus, Paul Chambers, John Pattitucci, and more.  They're all incredible and I really haven't heard anybody approaching the kind of expression they're capable of on the electric bass, except Jaco, of course.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Storm Rider on 27 Apr 2006, 15:12
Man, picking a best player of any instrument is impossible. I think that there's just a tier you reach when the quality is extremely high, but incomprable. Beyond that, it's just personal preference.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: onewheelwizzard on 27 Apr 2006, 22:36
Scott Reeder isn't the best bass player of all time, but he's certainly the best bass player a lot of bands could possibly have in their lineup, and it really blows that he's not part of a band right now (his solo album pretty much sucked, unfortuantely).  His feel for whatever music his bandmates are playing is almost unparalleled.  Kyuss was great before him but became fucking legendary once he entered the mix.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Rubby on 27 Apr 2006, 23:45
You guys are going to hate it, but um...









and I'm not saying he's the best by far...





The guy from the Killers. He really pulls the low end out from the rest of the songs and makes them shine, despite the fact that they may not be very good songs. Rarely does he follow the root note or downbeat, he makes the low end something special to notice if you ever get so inclined.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Shaft on 27 Apr 2006, 23:57
I have to disagree wih the person who complained that people like Wooten and Pastorius weren't strictly bass players, but rather people who played music, but it happened to be on a bass... Well.. What? I mean, really?

Just cause a million and seven bands bassists' only play one string at a time doesn't mean that's what playing a bass is all about. There are 24 frets for a reason!

Oh yeah, and Squarepusher is the best person who plays the bass. As in he is awesome enough already without playing the bass. Yes I'm gay for Tom, so what.

*Googles Peter Steele*

He has big boobs and his nipples are really close together.


(http://petersteele.com/photos/22.jpg)
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: TrueNeutral on 28 Apr 2006, 02:55
John Paul Jones
Flea
Tim Commerford
Jaco Pastorious
Les Claypool
And yes, Ben Kenney is, indeed, pretty good.

But really, my favourite is definately Cliff Burton.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: TheCourtJester on 28 Apr 2006, 03:40
Avishai Cohen

He's been playing in the Chick Corea Trio (woo Jazz) and I/we (the jazz group I was in) opened for them at the North Texas Jazz Festival (two days after the pope died? sad). It's fecking AMAZING what he was doing with it (stand up, by the way), solo or not.

Jaco does score high on my list of talented musicians though... "Portrait of Tracy" is one of my favorites of ALL TIME. That music actually got transposed for a jazz choir by Kerry Marsh (as Sac State Uni, not far from here), and that shit is TOUGH, no matter how it's done.

On another note...the girl who played bass when the group I mentioned performed made the bass she played on, and she's been complimented by every person at every competition or festival we ever played. If she keeps doing it she'll be the next (next assholish) Jaco.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Ghostwriter on 28 Apr 2006, 06:39
I'm not really very familiar with the bass or its virtuoso pioneers, so I don't really feel qualified to say.  

I am kinda surprised that nobody mentioned Steve Harris at all, though.  I really like his bass playing.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: TrueNeutral on 28 Apr 2006, 07:11
Dammit. I knew I was forgetting someone.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Bastardous Bassist on 28 Apr 2006, 07:35
Quote from: Shaft
I have to disagree wih the person who complained that people like Wooten and Pastorius weren't strictly bass players, but rather people who played music, but it happened to be on a bass... Well.. What? I mean, really?

Just cause a million and seven bands bassists' only play one string at a time doesn't mean that's what playing a bass is all about. There are 24 frets for a reason!


Jaco transcended the limitations of bass, in my opinion.  He was just playing music.  I haven't heard a single other person bass player who could play with the melody, lyricism, feeling and just plain whatsit that he could.  The only other place I've heard expression like that was singers and horn players.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Thrillho on 28 Apr 2006, 09:07
Not the best, but my favourites:

Roger Waters
Colin Greenwood
Whoever it is that plays bass in BRMC
Macca
Matt Sharp
Mike Mills
Mark Hoppus
'Evil' Jared Hasselhoff
Mike Dirnt
Duff McKagan
Carlos D

And, of course...

Peter Hook.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Luke C on 28 Apr 2006, 09:21
Cliff Burton wins this thread.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: pat101 on 28 Apr 2006, 09:34
While she's not outragously technically talented Kim Deal deserves some credit just for the great bass melodys in a lot of Pixies songs.
She sure did get fat though...
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: karl gambolputty... on 28 Apr 2006, 10:03
Kim Deal is a goddess, fat or not.  I have no idea who the best bass player ever would be, like Strom Rider said, it's hard to say.  My favorite basslines are probably Krist Novaselic's, if only because they were the first basslines I ever noticed and liked, when I was a wee lad.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Hat on 28 Apr 2006, 10:12
Wait, when did we stop talking about Geddy Lee? That just seems... you know...


weird.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Misereatur on 28 Apr 2006, 10:29
Props for Avishai Cohen* and Steele (did you know he posed for playgirl? <DONG><). But you guys dont get it: JACO, END OF THREAD.
*There are about 3 Israeli jazz players named Avishai Cohen. One is the afore-mentioned Bass player. Another is a talented Trumpet player of the World Music/Jazz group Third World Love (http://www.thirdworldlove.com). And there's another one that escapes me now.

Actually, I want to be as good as Jaco was on bass. I never will, though, but it will keep me allways striving for perfection out of myself and out of my instrument. Which is my idea of what a profetional musician's mind set should be.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: TrueNeutral on 28 Apr 2006, 11:34
Also, Mike Inez.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Shaft on 29 Apr 2006, 15:38
Quote
Jaco transcended the limitations of bass, in my opinion. He was just playing music. I haven't heard a single other person bass player who could play with the melody, lyricism, feeling and just plain whatsit that he could. The only other place I've heard expression like that was singers and horn players.


:( I was agreeing with you, don't bite me.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Brian Majestic on 30 Apr 2006, 17:38
James Jamerson, agreed. Both in terms of playing, and attitude. The man played bass for Marvin Gaye's "Whats Going On" album while laying on his back, drunk off his ass, and its one of the best albums ever. Now that's rad.

Plus, the bass line for "My Girl" is probably the best known bass parts in all of pop music history.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: razorbladenation on 03 May 2006, 20:19
hmm i think that the bass player from taking back sunday is pretty good, and i agree that the guy from coheed is pretty amazing. I haven't heard claypool so i can't really make an educated decision on his work but my favorite bass player would probly have to be the guy from taking back sunday cause he writes lines that are really fun to play
Title: Nate Mendel
Post by: inakitrescero on 03 May 2006, 20:30
I recommend everyone to pay attention to Nate Mendel's bass lines in about every track on Foo Fighters' "There Is Nothing Left To Lose" album. Long before I played bass or knew anything about music, I noticed he is a kickass bassist. You can also listen to him on early recordings playing on Sunny Day Real Estate, and his relatively new project The Fire Theft.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Jeridus on 09 May 2006, 19:52
This may be a bit left field, and it's quite likely that not many out of Canada will have heard of him, but listening to Eon Sinclair of Bedouin Soundtrack on the track "Criminal"... the guy's pretty damned amazing.

Also, more Canadian bias (and yes, I do also like Geddy Lee), Arif Mirabdolbaghi of Protest the Hero is ridiculously energetic, and very technically skilled. I was in music class in grade nine with the guy (like, five or six years ago), and remember him playing Jaco Pastorius all the time.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: thermodynamics on 10 May 2006, 04:12
Flea of RHCP... he is fucking talented. have you ever heard some of his bass solo stuff when he was messing around? it is nuts!
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: RUSH2112 on 10 May 2006, 07:49
Victor Wooten FTW!
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Praeserpium Machinarum on 10 May 2006, 08:05
You might consider making that avatar a bit smaller, it's awfully large.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: RUSH2112 on 10 May 2006, 08:16
Yeah, I uploaded it thinking that it would be automatically resized like every other forum but oh well...It's pissing me off too believe me. But I can't resize it on the school computers so I'll do it when I get home.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Der Golem on 10 May 2006, 08:18
My, what an awesome avatar you have there Rush.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: RUSH2112 on 10 May 2006, 08:25
I know, I know, it's huge. Sorry. I'll fix it ASAP.
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: Nick Cave's Havalina on 10 May 2006, 16:52
JAH WOBBLE!!
Title: Best bass player EVER
Post by: alyosha on 11 May 2006, 08:20
I have to nominate John Deacon, from Queen, who could play pretty much everything Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and ROger Taylor wrote for the band.  I mention this only because of the musical imagination of these three songwriters/musicians, and the differences between their styles.  ANyone who can play metal, electronica, and rock 'n; roll gets a vote from me...