Just An Observation...

[Jeff K]

I was sitting in a little bar having a beer with a guitar player from my band, and our original drummer (who moved away 3 years ago, but was "home" for a visit). "Just A Gigolo" by David Lee Roth came on the radio, and I commented what a great bass player Willie Weeks is. Neither one of them had ever heard of Willie Weeks.

I gave them a little background, but later, I got to thinking about it. As bass players, we tend to know a lot about drummers and guitarists, and other musicians generally. But it seems like many non-bass playing musicians don't know very much about those whom we consider to be "famous" bassists. Anyway, it just struck me as odd. Maybe we bassists are just more well-rounded when it comes to music appreciation. (This isn't meant as a slam toward anybody, just my humble opinion...)

[GM60466]

Willie Weeks is a household name among studio cats. Like a modern day Joe Osborn. Not a lot of flash, but more bass than most of us are capable of in our lifetime. David Hood is another bass player we should all know. Thanks for raising this subject.

G

[Eric Grossman]

Originally Posted by Jeff K

I was sitting in a little bar having a beer with a guitar player from my band, and our original drummer (who moved away 3 years ago, but was "home" for a visit). "Just A Gigolo" by David Lee Roth came on the radio, and I commented what a great bass player Willie Weeks is. Neither one of them had ever heard of Willie Weeks.

I gave them a little background, but later, I got to thinking about it. As bass players, we tend to know a lot about drummers and guitarists, and other musicians generally. But it seems like many non-bass playing musicians don't know very much about those whom we consider to be "famous" bassists. Anyway, it just struck me as odd. Maybe we bassists are just more well-rounded when it comes to music appreciation. (This isn't meant as a slam toward anybody, just my humble opinion...)

That's an interesting observation. I'll have to pay more attention. I think that the musicians I know, are pretty hip to what's good, no matter what.

BTW, Willie Weeks is one of the greats. Donnie Hathaway "Live" is one of the great bass performances in recorded history. Don't you think?

[JEDI BASS]

Dang, I must educate myself more . The only name I recognize, that you guys have mentioned is Joe Osborne, and only because I own a Lakland and they make his sig model. Maybe it's musical tastes differences and the fact that I let my bass mag subscriptions (prescriptions if your my great aunt Ruth, God rest her soul) run out years ago.

For the most part, I think bassist don't care so much for notoriety. Maybe they just wanna make memorable basslines in songs that are hits.....that's what I want.