| Author | Message | ||
| aquaman
Junior Username: aquaman Post Number: 39 Registered: 9-2006 |
Since this is the site with the most knowledgable (and opinionated) bass players on the planet, I wonder which bass player my fellow Alembicans believe is the all time best? In addition to naming the bassist, which signature track is the best example of the playing? Any links to the performance track would be most appreciated, too. Thanks. | ||
| white_cloud
Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 97 Registered: 11-2007 |
Aquaman..I think I can see where this is going! I can just hear the large can of worms being opened  | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1247 Registered: 10-2003 |
Bill Wyman! "Miss You" *slinks silently back into his gutter to watch* | ||
| pas
Intermediate Member Username: pas Post Number: 106 Registered: 3-2003 |
I think it's more appropriate to appreciate individuals based on their own merit, rather than try to establish some sort of arbitrary heirarchy. Pardon me for saying so, but the premise behind the question seems rather puerile. | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Advanced Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 234 Registered: 10-2006 |
Well, Rich, I really don't think I can name you best ever - the most I could do is tell you who my favorites are (that would be Phil Lesh, Jack Casady, David Frieberg, E.E. Wolf III, and so forth - I mean, where do you stop? Edgar Meyer? Charlie Mingus? Kevin McCormick? Jim Kerwin? I love them all, and could go on for about a page - though all time fav, I'd have to go with Phil.) But best? Is Lesh better that Stanley Clarke? I much prefer listening to Phil, but Stanley's got some chops about him, no question - they're just too different to compare, so how can you say which is better? One could even make an argument that Dusty Hill belongs in the running because he's the ultimate I-V-I-V player (mind you, that's not an argument that I'd make ) As to signature tracks; for Lesh, try "Momma Tried" off Grateful Dead (aka Skeleton & Roses, aka Skullf**k) for a brief taste (and the best bass tone ever recorded, IMHO) or sides one, two, & three of Live/Dead (that's tracks 1-4 to you digital kids) for the full treatment. For Casady, anything off Crown of Creation; Frieberg, all of Happy Trails. Peter (Message edited by cozmik_cowboy on December 08, 2007) | ||
| aquaman
Junior Username: aquaman Post Number: 40 Registered: 9-2006 |
Pas, As anticipated, let the opinions fly! I really want to know what the Club members think on this question, which I may naively expect will be based solely on an appreciation of the bassist's merit. I also hope to expand my knowledge of standout recorded performances. No bettter place to ask, IMHO. No need to "seek a pardon for saying so," you are welcome to opine that the premise behind my question seems "rather puerile" to you, but with all due respect, your response smacks of one who is supercilious. :> | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1304 Registered: 12-2002 |
Here's every Bass ever on the internet from A to Z...> http://www.bassplayersontheinternet.com/ | ||
| white_cloud
Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 98 Registered: 11-2007 |
Well for what its worth I will put my head above the parapit and declare that , for me , its Jaco. In his prime his timing, groove, soloing, perfect intonation, tone and compositional/arangement talents marked him out as a genius! So there! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5761 Registered: 5-2002 |
Personally, I don't think of anybody as being the best. Nor do I see a need to. There are just lots and lots of great players, and I can appreciate them without the need for ranking them. They each contribute their own voice to those who are in a position to hear what they're saying. (Message edited by davehouck on December 08, 2007) | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 853 Registered: 12-2004 |
James Jamerson. | ||
| bassman68
New Username: bassman68 Post Number: 5 Registered: 10-2007 |
''Can of worms, Can of worms dum dum dum de dum!'' It's a bit like art appreciation, all personal & subjective? Different players, different styles, different tones...As long as the music moves you emotionally.... Aarghh my head! | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1655 Registered: 2-2006 |
I'm with Dave here. There are just so many great players out there and "best" is relative anyway. What's best for/to me is not for someone else. I have some favorites though (in no particluar order); Jaco and Stanley of course, Jamerson, Wooten, Geedy Lee, Will Lee, Steve Bailey, ....and list could continue endlessly. After watching that video clip of Trip Wamsley yesterday on youtube I've added him to that list, WOW great player. Olie, (Suddenly I have the urge to practice) | ||
| aquaman
Junior Username: aquaman Post Number: 41 Registered: 9-2006 |
Gentlemen, OF COURSE, my question will result in a response that is subjective and thus based on unique, personal musical impact to the responder. Hence, no one person can speak on behalf of all as to a definative "best" player. The question is posed to all members for a response. Perhaps we are overthinking the whole matter. Who among us hasn't commented at one time or another - "That guy has gotta be the best bassist ever"? I care to know, so please share! For me, I believe that over the span of recorded music, JE was the most all-round innovative, technically proficient and inspiring bassist. One example of his virtuoso playing ability is "Emminence Front." Fantastic really. | ||
| white_cloud
Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 99 Registered: 11-2007 |
Well...the problem here for me is that I think Im not really going to disagree with any of the names that pop up on this subject (olie's choices all being particularly tasteful indeed!) What I would say though is this..out of all of the guys doing their thing at the moment has any player got as nice a tone as Jimmy Johnson? He's one of my favourite players at the moment..delightful! | ||
| jagerphan84
Advanced Member Username: jagerphan84 Post Number: 245 Registered: 10-2003 |
Lots of greats mentioned already - just thought I'd add a few of my favorites: Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen Leland Sklar Bill MacCormick Mike Gordon | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1248 Registered: 10-2003 |
NHOP was phenomenal. I got to see him in Montreux with Oscar Peterson, and they did a bunch of Harry Nilsson tunes. It was heaven. I can't believe nobody's called me out on the Wyman/Miss You post already... Olie's right on the money. The list is endless. Lately I've been listening to a lot of Audioslave. Broken City has one of the coolest basslines (in the chorus) that I've heard in a long time. John | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1799 Registered: 4-2004 |
I AM THE BEST AND SO IS EVERYBODY ON THE SITE WHO PLAYS BASS aint that right guys? | ||
| eligilam
Member Username: eligilam Post Number: 82 Registered: 2-2006 |
Cliff Burton. Harley Flannagan. Martin Lopez. Juan Alderete. | ||
| 5stringho
Intermediate Member Username: 5stringho Post Number: 173 Registered: 11-2006 |
Hey, John; Maybe I'm all wet on this, but didn't Keith Richards play the Bass line on "Miss You"? I know he's done a lot of the Stone's recorded bass lines......?But is is pretty cool! Mike, Tho | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1249 Registered: 10-2003 |
Mike, Close, but no cookie. Billy Preston played it after unsuccessfully trying to teach it to Wyman! ;) It's the best bass line in a 'Stones song ever, imho.. John | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1507 Registered: 10-2002 |
You could be right Mike. Richards certainly played bass on Sympathy for the devil leaving wyman to wave his tamourine (as seen in jean luc godard's movie). No wonder wyman looked miserable all the time. As for the original question, it may have been better to ask who would be one's favourite bassist although that's just as difficult a question to answer, especially when I (for one) enjoy a huge variety of music. Anyhow, for rock i'd maybe choose Squire or entwistle or levin or john paul jones or pete agnew or john myung or phil lesh. For Jazz, the list is never ending. I love marcus, stanley, victor and berlin but i also love miroslav vitous, paul chambers and ron carter. Jimmy johnson manages to fit into just about any genre that asks him; then there are the funk players like tm stevens, bootsy and verdine white. Oops, almost left paul Mccartney out of a list that can't be complete anyway! Graeme | ||
| 5stringho
Intermediate Member Username: 5stringho Post Number: 174 Registered: 11-2006 |
Dang. No cookie again :[ "Best". Now, that's a realtive term. "Best", meaning most proficient and innovative on the instrument overall(Jaco, Stanley) or upright (Ron Carter, Paul Chambers, John Pattiticci) Jazz (Victor, Marcus, Jonas Helborg), Groovemeisters (James Jemerson, Chuck Rainey) or just your personal, listen-to-em-and-learn-all-U-can favorites (Allen Woody, John Entwistle, and one of the most underrated of all time, Leon Wilkeson)? It's all good, even if you happen to be blown away by Sid Vicious.... Mike, Tho (Message edited by 5stringho on December 08, 2007) (Message edited by 5stringho on December 08, 2007) | ||
| danny_bryant
Junior Username: danny_bryant Post Number: 21 Registered: 9-2007 |
Well, I think that Mark King should be in the top 10 guys. I have never heard someone sing and play like that. Listen to Love Games, Chinese Way, etc. The guy is a monster. Entwistle is still my all time favorite. The Real Me is a monster and I really like Sister Disco live in Chicago. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1656 Registered: 2-2006 |
HEY-Ho, Your right on about Leon, then again I've always been a big Skynard fan. I think Leon Wilkeson, Dusty Hill and Tommy Shannon are all great groove players. Can't ever think any one of the three playing a solo but every time I've heard them live they were always right in that groove with the drummer. "O" | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1252 Registered: 9-2002 |
Different horses for different courses. Lots of guys I admire at one thing would stink at something else. Would they really show up on the radar had they not been in the band/situation the record company decided to push? And as much as I can think of a list of certain favorites from my heart, intellectually I'd lean towards the Carol Kayes and Neil Steubenhaus' and Will Lees in terms of having to play the right thing, right now, when the red light goes on, in a master session, the Grammy broadcast, or any number of other 'NO second take' situations, whether it's jazz or pop or country or movie/TV soundtracks. And of course, that's in modern times: Remember, anything cut prior to the early 60's was recorded all at once, mono, no track stacking or touch-ups. Giants REALLY walked the earth in those days ! J o e y | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1253 Registered: 9-2002 |
And . . . . this ain't the Olympics. If there were some empirical scoring system, you might arrive at a 'best'. I still hope that art ain't like that . . . yet. J o e y | ||
| spose
Intermediate Member Username: spose Post Number: 159 Registered: 5-2002 |
I'm with flax... I'M THE BEST! George Porter Jr is pretty good too | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 721 Registered: 6-2002 |
I vote for J.S. Bach - those Cello (a.k.a. electric Bass) Preludes, Suites, Sonatas and Partitas are out of this world. Otherwise, I agree with Flax... I'm a legend in my own mind! ;) | ||
| davr35
Member Username: davr35 Post Number: 66 Registered: 12-2004 |
I am the best bass player in my house although my 5 year old gives me a run for my money at times | ||
| 5stringho
Intermediate Member Username: 5stringho Post Number: 177 Registered: 11-2006 |
Hey, Spose! Man I can't believe I forgot to mention George Porter, Jr. What a monster! I saw him with Gov't Mule a few years back, and he did a SLAMMIN" solo on "Mule". As he was KILLIN' it, he broke his "D" string. Kept on playin, never missed a beat. Amazing BCooool,Mike, Tho | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5765 Registered: 5-2002 |
John F.; after you posted Wyman, I ran a search. Since I knew Richards and Mick Taylor played a lot of the Stones' bass lines in the studio, I wanted to check to see if Wyman even played on "Miss You". While I did find that Jagger and Preston co-wrote the song before a gig, I didn't find a reference to anyone but Wyman playing the bass line on the recording. Personally, I never liked the song; it felt to much like disco to me, and I was not a fan of disco. [edit] Ok, I've run another search. Here's a quote from Wyman that I found here: "The idea for those (bass) lines came from Billy Preston, actually. We'd cut a rough demo a year or so earlier after a recording session. I'd already gone home, and Billy picked up my old bass when they started running through that song. He started doing that bit because it seemed to be the style of his left hand. So when we finally came to do the tune, the boys said, Why don't you work around Billy's idea? So I listened to it once and heard that basic run and took it from there. It took some changing and polishing, but the basic idea was Billy's." (Message edited by davehouck on December 09, 2007) | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1251 Registered: 10-2003 |
Dave, that info came from either an interview with Wyman in Guitar Player or with Billy Preston in Keyboard back in the late '70's. I'm thinking it was the Wyman interview, where Bill pretty much told a story of a guy who couldn't play bass but was the bass player in perhaps the most successful rock band of all-time. He also said that Charlie Watts dropped beats rather often. ;) Disco was but one National Tragedy of our lifetime.  John | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2750 Registered: 7-2004 |
"Best of all time"? Impossible to answer. There are many greats, many of whom have already been mentioned above. One who hasn't, and who I was lucky enought to see in the mid 70's: Ray Brown. Bill, tgo | ||
| aquaman
Junior Username: aquaman Post Number: 42 Registered: 9-2006 |
Hang on. Am I correct in understanding that Bill Wyman didn't play on all of the recorded Stones tracks because he wasn't "good enough"? If true, was it because of band politics? Hard to believe that Wyman wasn't a full-fledged contributing member of the Stones as a BASS PLAYER! | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 915 Registered: 2-2005 |
Well after Ronnie Woods joined it was reported he played a number of the bass lines on their recordings. I'm guessing there was more than one reason for this. Keith | ||
| white_cloud
Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 100 Registered: 11-2007 |
Les Claypool is very good...but Primus suck! | ||
| darkstar01
Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 90 Registered: 6-2005 |
Primus definitely doesn't suck. I kind of thought this board was past the point of saying any band with some kind of creativity 'sucks'. guess not. | ||
| spose
Intermediate Member Username: spose Post Number: 160 Registered: 5-2002 |
FYI- Claypool started the Primus Sucks thing...sort of the anti-rock star thing I guess. If you're in the know, it's a band/fan thing. I think white cloud is showing he is a true fan ;) | ||
| spose
Intermediate Member Username: spose Post Number: 161 Registered: 5-2002 |
oh yeah.. Gorge Porter Jr...MULE! HELL YEAH!! one of my favorite living bands. woody was no slouch as well. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1252 Registered: 10-2003 |
Dave, If somebody has the old GP interview, I specifically remember that he said he did not play it in the studio. I was apalled, though it did completely reinforce my disdain for the Rolling Stones. My memory isn't what it once was, and that was, what, almost 30 years ago, but I'm fairly certain that's what he said about it at the time.. I'll see if I can find the article online somewhere, if for no other reason than to verify whether my mind is going south as fast as I'm afraid it might be! ;) What were we talking about? :P John edited to add: that it looks like Wyman was the cover story in the December 1978 issue. There, I'm old. ;) (Message edited by 811952 on December 09, 2007) | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1253 Registered: 10-2003 |
Mike Rutherford did some excellent stuff with Genesis, although I wouldn't consider him a groove player. Chris Squire builds bass lines that are truly integral to the composition. His note choices engage me like none other. Geddy Lee's more recent stuff is neat to me because he's just playing way more than anyone else could ever get away with in a rock band. I love the dissonant chords in the lower range of the instrument! Lee Sklar has always been a favorite, for reasons that are probably obvious to everybody here. Just a good, solid yet creative player with a huge and very listenable body of work. My friend J.T. tells me that he's also just as nice a guy as you'd hope he would be. Peter Cetera. His line on Dialogue pt. I is nothing short of perfection. God, I wish I could build tension like that! Mel Schacher (sp?) of Grand Funk had marvelous tone and solid lines that drove the songs.. Tyran Porter was another reason I always wanted a Thunderbird bass, after seeing/hearing the Doobs on The Midnight Special.. (Chris Squire playing one sealed the deal for me) Greg Lake, McCartney, JPJ, JE, David Hood, John Wetton, Flax.. Where to end? John | ||
| bassman68
New Username: bassman68 Post Number: 6 Registered: 10-2007 |
Whilst i would never entertain the thought of 'a best bass player' per se, I can think of several bass players who inspired me. The strange thing for me,Learning my trade in the early 80's were the number of players who, altho i did not realise at the time, were indebted to other greats... I remember the first time i heard Pino Palladino on fretless bass,Then i heard Jaco a few years later.. I thought Mark King was a 'slap god', then i heard Stanley Clarke. Then in the space of just a couple of years i saught out as many of the older greats as i could see live in the uk..Entwistle, Jack Bruce, Macartney, Wyman. Then there are the more modern players that have come through..Flea, Stu Hamm, Les Claypool & guys like Marcus Miller who have perfected the 'session side man' tag who go about their business almost anonimously to the great record buying public occasionally making a solo appearence at obscure Jazz festivals. All these guys have moved & inspired me personally, it just seems a shame very few new names get a chance of public recognition in this bland computer pop world we live in at the moment. Steve | ||
| white_cloud
Intermediate Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 102 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thankyou spose for catching the irony in my Primus sucks statement! Les actually takes that statment as a compliment...so there! For the record I love Primus and Les Claypool! | ||
| bigbadbill
Senior Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 409 Registered: 10-2003 |
"Different horses for different courses. Lots of guys I admire at one thing would stink at something else". Couldn't agree more. I'm sure Jaco would suck in Motorhead just as bad as Lemmy in Weather Report. Put either of them in Abba and I'm taking my ball home. For the record, a list of bassists I love in their respective context: Chris Squire, Stanley Clarke, Lemmy, John Entwistle, Leigh "Leroy" Gorman, Mark King, Stuart Zender, John McVie, Jean Jacques Burnel, Geddy Lee, Mike Rutherford, Roger Glover, Glenn Hughes, Jah Wobble, Phil Lynott, Gary Thain, John Paul Jones, James Jamerson, Jon Camp, Rutger Gunnarson, Paul McCartney....and probably countless others, but I think those are the main ones. I also have to completely agree with this statement: "Chris Squire builds bass lines that are truly integral to the composition. His note choices engage me like none other". | ||
| ttwatts
Junior Username: ttwatts Post Number: 13 Registered: 9-2004 |
I would have to say Louis Johnson. There is just something about his style that takes me to Bass heaven. TT | ||
| terryc
Advanced Member Username: terryc Post Number: 387 Registered: 11-2004 |
There is no best, they do the job they wanted to do, whether it is grooving in the pocket, slapping and tapping at a million miles an hour or thumping to a 4/4 beat at 80bpm, we all do it at the best of our abilities. | ||
| terryc
Advanced Member Username: terryc Post Number: 388 Registered: 11-2004 |
There is no best, they do the job they wanted to do, whether it is grooving in the pocket, slapping and tapping at a million miles an hour or thumping to a 4/4 beat at 80bpm, we all do it at the best of our abilities. | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1306 Registered: 12-2002 |
to me the best bass lines are the ones that puts food on my table & lines my pockets/pays some bills.............& i believe we call those the pocket! | ||
| muller1007
Intermediate Member Username: muller1007 Post Number: 175 Registered: 5-2002 |
The best? I don't know. But the ones that influenced me the most: Mark King and Stanley Clarke (these guys got me started. Living legends, period!) Brian Bromberg (very pleasant and down to earth person, wonderful teacher, great composer, musically developed, incredibly virtuoso on electric and upright bass.) Jimmy Johnson (One hell of a nice guy, appearantly modest but technically extremely skilled, refined, subtle and always very present in the mix. This guy plays truly breathtaking bass lines!) | ||
| alembic_doctor
Advanced Member Username: alembic_doctor Post Number: 375 Registered: 8-2002 |
Jaco | ||
| darkstar01
Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 94 Registered: 6-2005 |
right, despite how ridiculous of a thread this is, here's my input. william parker,henry grimes,dave holland,jimmy GARRISON,paul chambers,MINGUSMINGUSMINGUSMINGUSMINGUS kent kessler,trevor dunn,gary peacock,eddie gomez,SCOTT LAFARO,larry grenadier,drew gress,james genus,charlie HADEN and the list goes far longer than i care to continue. 'the best bass player of all time'... what a pointless concept. personally, most of the bass players named in this thread don't do much for me. Jaco and Stanley and MK are all great, but i would never even place them close to my favorites. say free music ruined my taste, but i'm bored with jaco clones. this subject's already gotten me too upset, time to move on.... | ||
| bigbadbill
Senior Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 411 Registered: 10-2003 |
I actually went to see Allan Holdsworth the other week, with Jimmy J. It was a small club so I was up close; about 3 feet from Jimmy. I was a little concerned beforehand because I'm not the biggest fan of Allan's music (it's a little too "out" for my tastes), and I must admit my fears were confirmed; genius though he undoubtedly is it left me cold. What did surprise me was Jimmy Johnson; I love his playing and tone on everything I've ever seen/heard, but live I actually thought his tone was far too hifi for me. Great player though. Darkstar, you're right, "best bassist of all time" is indeed a ridiculous concept, but it's nice to hear some people's influences/preferences; sometimes that's how you discover new players that you haven't heard before. Speaking of which, I forgot to mention Matt Garrison and Janek Gwizdala in my list. (Message edited by bigbadbill on December 12, 2007) | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1027 Registered: 6-2002 |
bigbadbill, I saw Allan Holdsworth the other week too and Jimmy was playing fantastically. However the sound out-front was a bit muddy on the bass end so the clarity of individual notes on his bass did not come out too well through the PA. He said he had di'd his bass. I have to say I have not heard any of his playing. So can't really comment other than what I've heard on that day. Any pointers to albums I can check him out on? Jazzyvee | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1520 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jazzy.. Depends what kind of music you like. I have Holdsworth's 'Secrets' and 'Sand'. Both are typical holdsworth and JJ's playing is fantastic. However, I prefer his playing with James taylor, alot less self-indulgent (not the right expression but hopefully you'll understand). Any of the last 3 JT albums will highlight Jimmy's less busy, more tuneful side.. October Road, new Moonshine or hourglass. I'm pretty sure his Live CD will be recent enough to include Jimmy too. You could also try to track down his own band, Flim and the BBs but I think anything you find would have to come from the states. graeme | ||
| white_cloud
Intermediate Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 111 Registered: 11-2007 |
I have to say that Im a big Holdsworth fan and have been listening to him since the 80's, but Im ashamed to say that I have never checked out any James Taylor material. Im going to check him out now to hear how Jimmy fits into his thing! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1260 Registered: 10-2003 |
The Holdsworth/Wetton combo on the first U.K. album was killer. I really, really liked them together! John | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 898 Registered: 11-2004 |
The best? I don't know. The ones who have inspired me and taught me a lot? Many of the above + Berry Oakley. Rich | ||
| jet_powers
Advanced Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 350 Registered: 2-2003 |
I seem to recall a whole lotta people writing to Bass Player mag a few years ago to tell them it was Entwistle. I like his response when asked about receiving the honor. " I don't think I'll get it again." My own perspective has always been that it's art, not sport. There's no official scorer in art. JP | ||
| bigbadbill
Senior Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 412 Registered: 10-2003 |
"My own perspective has always been that it's art, not sport. There's no official scorer in art". JP, I love it! | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2767 Registered: 7-2004 |
That's why Van Gogh never took steroids! Bill, tgo | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1725 Registered: 6-2002 |
Van Gogh did attend arts class (age 13 to 15) with the godfather of one of his later favourite French novelists, but that's a different story altogether. | ||
| bassman68
New Username: bassman68 Post Number: 7 Registered: 10-2007 |
But he did a bitchin slap solo at the end of the second set!!! | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2774 Registered: 7-2004 |
But he could only hear it in mono. lol Bill, tgo | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1264 Registered: 10-2003 |
Left channel or right? | ||
| skydigger
Junior Username: skydigger Post Number: 18 Registered: 11-2007 |
Wolfgang Van Halen is the greatest there ever will be!!! Just kidding. james jamerson is my fav (and Mike Watt). (Message edited by skydigger on December 15, 2007) | ||
| paulman
Advanced Member Username: paulman Post Number: 267 Registered: 2-2005 |
Babe Winkleman...'nuff said! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5823 Registered: 5-2002 |
Roger, I believe the question referred to bass guitar and upright bass players rather than bass anglers. That said, there was a Bobby Winkelman who played bass on a Steve Miller Band album. Don't know if anyone called him Babe. | ||
| inthelows
Advanced Member Username: inthelows Post Number: 386 Registered: 11-2006 |
Was Babe from the movie Babe? Always loved Wettons sound. Was it Jamerson on Tears of a Clown? I dug that pounding bass riff. I think so many contributed things we take for granted now, It would be impossible for me to pick just one. Hey wait a minute. You people are the best. Well there you have it. Just IMHO..NLP | ||
| bigbadbill
Senior Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 414 Registered: 10-2003 |
I heard "Tears" was Bob Babbitt. | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 125 Registered: 10-2006 |
It seems to me that James Jamerson is in many ways the daddy of all of us who play bass guitar because virtually every bassist of the 1960s swiped something from him and we then swiped it from them. In the post-Jamerson era the most influential bassist was Jaco. He was to the electric bass what Jimi was to the electric guitar. There is bass before and after Jaco, period. My faves and influences include Jacks Bruce and Casady, Phil, Chris Squire, Jaco, and the woefully underappreciated Mick Karn and Norman Watt-Roy. | ||
| darkstar01
Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 96 Registered: 6-2005 |
wait, i changed my mind. mike watt is definitely the best ever. well said, skydigger. | ||
| davr35
Member Username: davr35 Post Number: 67 Registered: 12-2004 |
Mike Watt is the only reason I picked up a bass there are many great player that I love and admire but compared to him they really don't mean a thing | ||
| glocke
Advanced Member Username: glocke Post Number: 281 Registered: 9-2002 |
Best is pretty subjective, and to be honest I do not think you can really lay that label on anyone, as there are just so many great players out there. Its all a matter of taste I think. I know guys that think Jaco, Stanley, etc..are "the best", but I get looked at like I have two heads when I say I cant really listen to guys like that, and prefer the likes of Phil Lesh, Jack Cassady, etc.... | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 904 Registered: 11-2004 |
I read an article a few years ago about who played bass on a lot of the Motown hits. There is a lot of controversy about whose bass part ended up on the final version. It appears that they took the master tapes back and forth between LA and Detroit with several bass tracks on them. Memories were a little foggy about who did which one. There were some hurt feelings about who got credit for the parts. Don't know for sure, but that's what the article said. Rich | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1271 Registered: 10-2003 |
Rich, I think you're referencing the Carol Kaye "I played on a bunch of the Motown hits" thing? I'm not certain I buy it. I understand the story to be that when Motown picked-up and moved to L.A., any Detroit connection was pretty much severed. As for Carol Kaye, who is an excellent bassist, I've heard from people who know her that she's more than a little bit nuts.. ;) Hope you're having a good Christmas in Craig! John | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1302 Registered: 11-2003 |
The debate should be about who is the second best bass player of all time. Obviously Jack Bruce is #1. Hope all are having a great holiday and may your new year be even better than this one has been. Sam | ||
| smuprof
Member Username: smuprof Post Number: 97 Registered: 12-2003 |
If you haven't read "Standing In The Shadows of Mototown," definitely worth reading - lots of great Jamerson information. While I agree with those who hold that you can't name just one, Jamerson delivered groove and funk at a level that others only caught up with 10 to 20 years later - and he did most of it under tremendous time pressure, making many of the lines up on the spot in the studio, rarely straight, and playing a beat up Precision with the action set high like an upright bass, never cleaning the strings or fretboard, and picking with only his right index finger. The latest versions of "Standing in the Shadows" come with two CDs of modern bassists interpreting Jamerson's bass lines - everyone from Entwhistle to Miller - and they are fresh, impressive and phenomenal today. We are all fortunate to have so many superb players to emulate and the world's best instruments to practice with (no excuses ) Happy Holidays to All! JFT | ||
| edwin
Advanced Member Username: edwin Post Number: 263 Registered: 5-2002 |
I know that there is a lot of controversy surrounding Carol, but I drove from Colorado to California to take a lesson from her (it was supposed to be an hour but stretched to almost 3) and found her not only to be completely lucid, but hugely knowledgeable, talented and extremely devoted to music in every way. The student who followed me was essentially a beginner, but is probably by now a very competent bassist. It was one of the musical highlights of my life. And, she can play like a proverbial motherf****er. Seriously. She was ripping off bop licks like they were nothing and it was way beyond anything she did for motown, etc. Like Mahavishnu Parker dressed in the body of someone's grandmother. Edwin | ||
| hankster
Intermediate Member Username: hankster Post Number: 140 Registered: 6-2004 |
If Carol Kaye is "a little bit nuts", we could all use some of that. Her catalogue is unparallelled. Groove knows no geography. Rick | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1274 Registered: 10-2003 |
"If Carol Kaye is "a little bit nuts", we could all use some of that. Her catalogue is unparallelled. Groove knows no geography. " Agreed. :P John | ||
| briant
Junior Username: briant Post Number: 24 Registered: 12-2004 |
My cat is the best bass player ever. | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 905 Registered: 11-2004 |
John, you are right, I was referring to the Carol Kaye article. I don't know about how clear or nuts she is. I think anyone who gets and stays on the ground floor of session work in those days had something going for him/herself. Do I remember correctly that the article said she was living in the Denver area? Craig has been snowy every day for a while. It has stayed in the -12 to +25 degrees range for a while too. A great time to stay inside and sip eggnog. Hope everyone else is having a nice holiday. Rich | ||
| gare
Senior Member Username: gare Post Number: 409 Registered: 11-2003 |
This is a very entertaining thread. Alot of greats mentioned. Even a mention of a couple of my favs..Bach and Cetera. With so many styles out there, can there be one best ? My recent favorite is Bill Kopecki, he never fails to amaze me when I see him. Happy New Year to all ! Gary | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5894 Registered: 5-2002 |
Gary; is this the guy you're talking about? (note: 11mb download) | ||
| gare
Senior Member Username: gare Post Number: 412 Registered: 11-2003 |
Yes Dave..thats the guy. Havent seen that clip, looks like its a few years old. (he looks younger there) Check this site: http://kopecky.8m.com/ The last 5 or 6 times I've seen them Bill was playing a 6 string fretless. The music may not be to everyones taste, but all three brothers in the band are excellent musicans. | ||
| inthelows
Advanced Member Username: inthelows Post Number: 394 Registered: 11-2006 |
I've got a question. So who's the oldest active bassist out there now that has their chops together that you like (or youngest)? Any comments on Tal Wilkenfeld? (Mod, please move as new thread if appropriate, thanks) NLP | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5916 Registered: 5-2002 |
Previous threads on Wilkenfeld here and here. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2814 Registered: 7-2004 |
I don't know about "oldest bass player" with chops, but one guy who has to be in the running for six-stringers is Les Paul. I think he's about 142 years old and still going strong! Bill, tgo | ||
| inthelows
Advanced Member Username: inthelows Post Number: 395 Registered: 11-2006 |
Thanks Dave. Les Paul may be 142 years old. He looks good and still plays a mean six. NLP | ||
| benson_murrensun
Junior Username: benson_murrensun Post Number: 19 Registered: 5-2007 |
Did anybody give props to Mark Egan? Oteil Burbridge? | ||
| mike1762
New Username: mike1762 Post Number: 8 Registered: 1-2008 |
While he doesn't have "How did he do that?" chops, I always thought Bob Daisley was one of the most tasteful players out there. He stayed in the pocket but could show you some licks when the opportunity arose. | ||
| basstard
Intermediate Member Username: basstard Post Number: 157 Registered: 3-2003 |
Why has nobody mentioned Tony Levin?... | ||
| glocke
Advanced Member Username: glocke Post Number: 328 Registered: 9-2002 |
"While he doesn't have "How did he do that?" chops, I always thought Bob Daisley was one of the most tasteful players out there. He stayed in the pocket but could show you some licks when the opportunity arose." Im not sure who that guy is, but those guys who stay in the pocket like that sure do inspire me.... | ||
| white_cloud
Advanced Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 311 Registered: 11-2007 |
I think its purely a personal choice! Just like if someone posted the question "What is the tastiest meal?" If this was posted imagine the diverse responses! There is of course no right or wrong answer at the end of the day (although Jaco IS the greatest, ha ha!) John. | ||
| jet_powers
Advanced Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 358 Registered: 2-2003 |
Was Bob Daisley in a project called Widowmaker back in the 70s'? | ||
| mike1762
Junior Username: mike1762 Post Number: 11 Registered: 1-2008 |
Daisley played w/Rainbow & Uriah Heep among others, but his most significant project was the first 2 Ozzy Osbourne albums. He not only played bass, but was the principal lyricist. He has never been fully credited with the work he did with Osbourne. | ||
| jet_powers
Advanced Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 359 Registered: 2-2003 |
Shortly after asking the question I decided to look him up for myself. Kinda like shutting the barn door after the horse ran away... but it seems Bob did OK for himself after that Widowmaker thing. -JP |
