Recommend the best power trio basslines

[MooseLumps]

I'm working with a pair of gentlemen creating music, and we've been having a blast. In order to try to keep my thinking fresh when it comes to working in this sort of a group, I'm soliciting the best basslines you know of in a three piece group. I'm trying to avoid being stail in my writing, so I want to reference some artists I might not be familiar with.


So, when it comes to a sound where the bass is one third of the sound of a group; where the bass is not just a backing instrument, but pulling their full weight or more of the song, who should I be listening to. I'm not particular about genera or anything. Jazz, Bossa nova, Christian Rock, Black metal, art rock, Post hardcore, mariachi, meringue, Showtunes, ect. If you know of an example I should know about, please let me know.

Good day to you all!!

[Joe Gress]

For starters. Sleep - Dragonaut

[Spectrum]

Freewill by Rush. Amazing effort by the whole trio, bass included. The guitar solo is like 3-piece heaven.

[stratovani]

So many groups to pick from. In addition to Rush, listen to Cream, The Who, and Led Zeppelin for good power trio basslines.

*I know The Who and Led Zep were foursomes, but there was just three musicians along with a full-time singer.

[Joe Gress]

Russian Circles "Death Rides A Horse" - YouTube

[Sonicfrog]

Police! Sting's lines are fun to play!

[Tanner5382]

I've always been a huge James Gang fan. Tom Kriss and Dale Peters had some fun lines. Some standout tunes basswise from them are Funk #48, Funk #49 and The Bomber. In addition to Cream, check out some tunes of when Jack Bruce was in West, Bruce and Laing. I'd recommend "The Doctor" for starters.

[Tituscrow]

Listen to some Coroner. Ron Royce is a monster player. Also, try some NoMeansNo, Victims Family and High On Fire....

[Roscoe East]

I always turn to early Grand Funk Railroad for textbook power trio bass playing, because Mel seemed so adamant about not doubling the guitar riffs, but rather playing these churning, kinetic counterpoint lines that wove in & out of the guitar.

[bigtexashonk]

Spanish Boots - Jeff Beck Group
Song for Yasgur's Farm - Mountain
Sittin' on a Rainbow - Mountain
Deserted Cities of the Heart - Cream
Manic Depression - Jimi Hendrix Experience

[bigtexashonk]

Spanish Boots - Jeff Beck Group
Song for Yasgur's Farm - Mountain
Sittin' on a Rainbow - Mountain
Deserted Cities of the Heart - Cream
Manic Depression - Jimi Hendrix Experience
I Can See for Miles - The Who
My Generation - The Who
Can You See the Real Me? - The Who
Call Me Lightning - The Who
Helter Skelter - The Beatles

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by Tanner5382

I've always been a huge James Gang fan. Tom Kriss and Dale Peters had some fun lines. Some standout tunes basswise from them are Funk #48, Funk #49 and The Bomber. In addition to Cream, check out some tunes of when Jack Bruce was in West, Bruce and Laing. I'd recommend "The Doctor" for starters.

James Gang with Dale Peters...classic. Rolling Stone said they might tour again this year.

I like Band of Gypsies- Power of Love, Machine gun.

[nortonrider]

JM3

[bassman314]

I will likely get flamed for this...

Green Day... There.. I said it...

Mudvayne
Rage Against the Machine
Early RHCP (They have been a power trio off and on)

[sawzalot]

Rush -- Red Barchetta

[Richland123]

Robin Trower Band
Grand Funk Railroad (earlY)
West, Bruce, & Laing (Jack Bruce)
Pat Travers Band (early)
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble (early)
Mr. Big (3 piece with a lead singer)
Space Ship One

[theretheyare]

From one side of the spectrum:
Cream-Crossroads (live part of Wheels of Fire) (and many more)
to the other side of the spectrum:
The Police-The bed's too big without you (many more)

Other Personal faves:
Jimi Hendrix Experience:
-simple: Driving South (bbc live jams);
-more involved: Freedom (1st rays of the rising sun)

Power Trios with sax instead of guitar:
-Odean Pope Trio - Almost Like Me (Gerald Veasley and Cornell rochester are THUNDERING-trust me this is hardcore power trio playing, amazing record)
-Peter Brotzmann's Full Blast (metal meets screamin sax-you can find them on youtube)

[Yools]

Originally Posted by Roscoe East

I always turn to early Grand Funk Railroad for textbook power trio bass playing, because Mel seemed so adamant about not doubling the guitar riffs, but rather playing these churning, kinetic counterpoint lines that wove in & out of the guitar.

+100 First thing I thought of when I read the OP. Mel is one of the masters at using the bass line to establish melody. Check this out (just be sure to turn it off when it gets to 4:40):

Grand Funk Railroad - I'm Your Captain/Closer to Home

-Y

PS *stale

[MycooLeeyun]

Definitely listen to anything by Muse

[jgroh]

Pretty much all of Rush's songs have really cool basslines.