The Father of Modern Bass

PastorofMuppets · #1 08-10-2006, 10:16 AM

Which single bassist do you consider to be the father of modern bass? Not modern bass guitar but modern bass.

I am having a bit of a debate on another forum regarding a person who has made that claim.

Please share with me your pick and your reason for it

thanks

Dr. Cheese · #2 08-10-2006, 10:23 AM

I think that question is way too broad for my musical knowledge.

PastorofMuppets · #3 08-10-2006, 10:26 AM

i understand completely Doc
i think its funny how defensive someone is when you tell them someone they like isnt it

It is a hard question subject to personal opinion
not technique or tone or whatever
but the father of modern bass

spindizzy · #4 08-10-2006, 10:53 AM

Bach, Beethovan and Mingus.

PastorofMuppets · #5 08-10-2006, 10:54 AM

haha pretty funny

TL5 · #6 08-10-2006, 11:18 AM

Danny Partridge, no doubt about it.

PastorofMuppets · #7 08-10-2006, 12:14 PM

isnt anyone willing to throw a genuine opinion into this

slapcracklepop · #8 08-10-2006, 12:34 PM

Jaco has deffinatley had his fair share of contribution to the advancement of the electric bass guitar

JimK · #9 08-10-2006, 12:40 PM

Jimmy Blanton.

Mojo-Man · #10 08-10-2006, 12:42 PM

Tuff question?
But I'll give it a shot?
James Jamerson.
Jamerson took electric bass playing to another level, in the early 60's.
He influenced countless players.
Anyone playing bass from 1965-1975 knew who Jamerson was.
He played on more hit songs, than anyone in that era.
He was the big cheese of bass before JACO.
From 1975-1985 Jaco became the man?
After 1985, there was and expolsion of great player on the seen.
Not to say there weren't many great player before 1985?

You have to look at it like this.
This was the pre-internet era.
No video's, C D's, instructional tapes, the world was alot bigger.
Great player were in different parts of the world.
Spread all over the USA.
It was all word of mouth?
Sometimes you did't know who played on what songs?
They wouldn't list player on records?

I guess no one answer to question.
I'll stop know.

JMX · #11 08-10-2006, 12:48 PM

Jamerson and Pastorius

spindizzy · #12 08-10-2006, 01:01 PM

I was being serious...sort of.

Actually I think this is a question with many answers all of which are in the eye of the beholder. So many influences over so much time. Bach begot the four cord progression (giving belated birth to blues, rock and some aspects of jazz). Beethovan the drama and dynamics and...well great hair. Mingus the stretch out of the traditional role and the incorporation of out there styles and approaches from his peer group (Parker & Coltrain). Miles for giving so many bass brothers a break and leading yet another generation of risk takers. Jaco, Stanley and every experimental fusion jazz out there rock r&b player in the seventies who dared to be different. Anthony Jackson for going beyond 4 strings. James Jamerson for showing us how to be creative and tasteful in a limited setting. Beaver Felton for being the ultimate inspiration for players wishing to overcome any obsticle (and a damn fine instructor as well). Hamm for popularizing two hand tapping. Every luthier since the 70s that expanded the capability and range of bass instrument. Leo Fender for inventing (or at least popularizing) the electric bass. And most of all you guys who through this site are doing more than you realize to take our art to the next level. The list of players and contributors to the advancement of the art is too long and to not recognize the broadest possible set of contributors (which I have not managed to do here) is only good for setting up fist fights amongst TBers convinced that thier choice is the only right one. Nuff said?

PastorofMuppets · #13 08-10-2006, 01:01 PM

Does anyone think that Rocco Prestia could be a contender?
asking honestly

Jazz Ad · #14 08-10-2006, 01:03 PM

I don't know what defines modern bass. Music is a continuum to me.

spindizzy · #15 08-10-2006, 01:03 PM

I know I know...you asked for a player. I just got carried away.

Tamochantern · #16 08-10-2006, 01:06 PM

For me, I would have to say the father of 'modern' bass would be Paul McCartney. He was the first bass player that was more than "the guy standing in the back". He changed the way people approached the bass IMHO.

The_Ryst · #17 08-10-2006, 01:14 PM

John Enwistle completely revolutionized the rock bass style IMO the first "in your face" bass guy tone and playing wise in a rock band at that time.

PastorofMuppets · #18 08-10-2006, 01:14 PM

I appreciate your replies so far please keep them coming.

I define modern bass as bass recorded since the invention of electric bass.

My honest opinions are that its a title that no one person can hole but I am willing to name a few people that should share it.

Certainly Jamerson comes to mind. He is a master without question and has played on more hits than any other bassist in history. Also in mind for me would be Paul McCartney and Carol Kaye, both of whom laid down parts that are instantly identifed. I would add Larry Graham to the list for really inventing slap, and Rocco Prestia for really inventing 16 note fingerstyle funk. I dont think that any of those names can hold the title of father of modern bass by themselves. I also agree with an above poster who said that modern is always evolving. There have been so many players who have added to bass and made it what it is today. There have been alot of players come along who can play certain styles better than those people who invented it.

BassJunkie730 · #19 08-10-2006, 01:26 PM

Yup Leo Fender.

Sure he wasn't proficient - hell he never even played the thing.

BUT

Leo Fender is THE father of modern bass playing

he invented the standard by which all recordings, players, bands, and listeners attribute modern electric bass.

As far as zeroing in on a player - good luck.

But in my opinion the undisputed father of modern bass (marking a massive shift from uprights)

is Leo

everything else is left to debate

SamJ · #20 08-10-2006, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PastorofMuppets

Which single bassist do you consider to be the father of modern bass? Not modern bass guitar but modern bass.

I am having a bit of a debate on another forum regarding a person who has made that claim.

Please share with me your pick and your reason for it

thanks

without a doubt.. James Jamerson. Without a doubt.