Bassists you wouldnt normally like, but do!?

[Asomodai]

As the title suggests this is for bassists you may not know why but you really really like.

For example, I will start off with my influences, The usual posse of rock bassists, Geddy Lee, Billy Sheehan, Chris Squire, John Myung.

I like alot of metal music but in general not impressed with the bass playing. I also am not much of a fan of picked bass (Apart from Chris squire) Mostly because most pick bassists are in the solid catagory and not Over the top shred head catagory.

However, I was listening to Children of Bodom over and over the other day, wondering why i kept listening, And i worked it out! The bassist Henkka T. Blacksmith!



I love his lines, They compliment everything in the Song and the band in general. And comes with some great breakdown riffs. My fave being Bodom Beach Terror at 3:59 after the keyboard solo. Its just fantastic. With the bass chords near the end. Its just weird that for ages you think "Christ this bassist is pretty standard" and after actually listening you discover you really really like him! The same with the song Chokehold, I love the way he follows around the guitar occasionally.

It makes me appreciate more simple playing. The less he plays the hard riff and does root notes, When he does actually play the hard riff it seems more pronounced and talented. It really accelarates the music.

But still, i dont know why i like the guy as much as i do. Even though hes not really my taste in playing.

So what bassists do you guys like that you normally wouldnt?

[PrimusNut]

Yeah, Children Of Bodom's bassist is quite good, from what I have heard.

I am also not into pick bassists, or very simple bassists... but...

I'd have to say I like Cliff Williams of AC/DC. He is as simple as it gets, yet, it sounds good. I love the song Gimme A Bullet.

Also Joey DeMaio of Manowar. I love his tone, and aggressive sound, but it is mostly all simple stuff.

[Jake]

Bassists I ordinarily would not listen to that I like often play.....uh.........smooth jazz. I can picture you horrified reactions. There are some good bass players (and drummers) in that sad genre.
I was listening to a smooth jazz show on the way home tonight and the DJ was talking about Gerald Albright and how he replaced Kenny G in Jeff Lorber's band. He said that "you jazzheads" would know that Kenny G "used to play real jazz" (para), but then went on to play smooth jazz.
Isn't all that stuff smooth jazz?
I think that some people that listen to smooth jazz think that its real jazz.