Classic bass tunes

Captain 145 · #1 07-17-2008, 07:21 AM

Hey,
I've been playing bass on off for about 5/6 years now but really want to knuckle down and become good. My main music interests are punk/ska related and part of my improvement plan is to broaden my musical horizon.

Can anyone recommend any classic Jazz/Blues/Rock songs and or groups that are essential listening?

Thanks in advance.

fearceol · #2 07-17-2008, 07:37 AM

FWIW these are some of my favourites :

Early "Crusaders" ( especially their first five albums as "The Crusaders").

Early Jethro Tull : ( again it was their first few albums that appealed to me the most, especially their first two ). "Bouree" from "Stand Up" is a classic.

"Cream" ; Great bass work by Jack Bruce on "Crossroads"

"Beatles" ; Cant go far wrong here.

"Chicago" : Their first album.

"Steely Dan" :

chroma601 · #3 07-17-2008, 07:44 AM

John Paul Jones work with Zep was excellent.
James Jamerson defined Motown. Phenomenal bass work!

rarisgod · #4 07-17-2008, 07:45 AM

I would try some Rush songs. I wouldn't start at YYZ right away, perhaps Closer to the Heart, Tom Sawyer, or Spirit of Radio to get you started? Of course I'm not sure how good you are now, maybe you can play harder ones.

DocBop · #5 07-17-2008, 08:14 AM

Get Standing In The Shadows of Motown and learn some Jamerson. Not just the notes but the time and groove. Learn some DB lines study Ray Brown and Paul Chambers. Walking bass lines are great education in resources for creating bass lines in any style and also is an intro to improv.

VroomVroom · #6 07-17-2008, 08:56 AM

Anything Jamerson. Any Herbie Hancock. Absolutely anything Jaco played on.

If you want a great mix of styles in one sitting, pick up an Aquarium Rescue Unit CD and smile at anything Oteil Burbridge does.

zeppelinfreak · #7 07-18-2008, 10:08 AM

I know its cliche, especially with my name. But Led Zeppelin. John Paul Jones offers a lot to to the beginning and intermediate bassist. For the most part, pure groove, but occasionally some tricky lines for the advancing student.

Captain 145 · #8 07-18-2008, 12:14 PM

Hey guys, thanks for the advice. Will start checkin out some of your recommendations.

UncleBalsamic · #9 07-18-2008, 12:19 PM

Led Zeppelin. Really fantastic bass parts in my opinion.

mellowgerman · #10 07-18-2008, 12:25 PM

here's two videos to check out:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fisrdbYOdtY
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kT196UksWxc&feature=related

the bassist is jack casady. if you like his stuff check out Jefferson Airplane's albums "After Bathing At Baxter's" and "Crown of Creation"
great bass parts and interesting techniques.

mambo4 · #11 07-18-2008, 02:26 PM

I gotta echo John Paul Jones and Jamerson -you may want to explore them in that order too....

For old school funk, check out George Porter JR in The Meters.

also, don't overlook Paul McCartney...he effectively covered a good variety of styles.

Another idea is to check out the Bass Bible by Paul Westwood, it contains a good sampling of a variety of styles, along with analyses and such of particular players.