Musical bassists

**bassybill** · #1 01-31-2007, 05:07 PM

Okay, could be controversial here I guess. Just wanted to sound people out on this, as I think some of us often tend to focus on chops and tricks/techniques here on TB (myself included) and it might be nice to give some props to bassists who just do what suits the music they're playing REALLY well.

I have to confess that this occurred to me as a direct result of the last Jeff Berlin thread (sorry, James). Yes, I know Jeff's hard to cope with in some ways and I'm not overwhelmed by a lot of his solo stuff myself, but his work with "Bruford" epitomises what I'm talking about here. I think "One of a Kind" should be compulsory listening for every bassist who wants to know what the role of the instrument is and how to approach playing that role with style whilst not overwhelming the music.

So, who are the other undersung heroes who do a bassist's job for the sake of doing a great job rather than for the "glory"?

905 · #2 02-01-2007, 07:42 AM

John Entwistle
Justin Chancellor - Even with the occasional solo, his lines are never in my face.

vegas532 · #3 02-01-2007, 08:44 AM

Jeff Caxide - Give a listen to Isis' "In the Absence of Truth", paticularly "Not in River, But in Drops" and "1000 Shards".

Simon Gallup - Never been really technical, but his bass melodies carry a vast majority of the Cure's post-"Seventeen Seconds" catalog.

Pino Palladino - whether it be Paul Young, John Mayer, or the Who, the man carries the groove with phenomenal phrasing that never steps on any toes!

Just for starters.

James Hart · #4 02-01-2007, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

(sorry, James)

Have at it!

Musical Bassist that suit the song, over chops and speed...

Mike Mills (REM)
Tony Levin (everywhere)
Scott Bannevich (Edwin McCain)
Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree)
Charlie Colin (Train)
Bob Nyswonger (The Bears / Psycodots)

**bassybill** · #5 02-01-2007, 09:19 AM

Okay, I'll add a few more myself...

Verdine White
Bernard Edwards
+1 to Pino
Richard Finch (KC and the Sunshine Band)
Glenn Hughes stuff with Deep Purple

MixBass · #6 02-01-2007, 09:28 AM

Pino
Lee Sklar
Jimmy Johnson
Mel Davis
Chuck Rainey
James Jamerson
James Genus
Tom Barney, a few off the top
Lee said in an interview something to this effect," I just love the role of the bass in music". It made me realize, so do I,and it reaffirmed my quest to hang lower more often. Employers seem to like it too.

jomahu · #7 02-01-2007, 09:47 AM

i have to say, i'm a little bit confused - i thought ALL bass players were supposed to be musical.
bassybill, who comes to mind when thinking of "non-musical" bassists? not to argue, but more for clarification and perspective.

that said, i think Family Man's approach to bass is awesome.

Eric Grossman · #8 02-01-2007, 11:00 AM

At the risk of being flamed, Me.

Phantopeth · #9 02-01-2007, 12:52 PM

Mike Gordon of Phish. Very unique voice on his instrument, but IMO always seemed to play just what the other 3 band members needed to complete the sound. He always seemed to have a good sense of melody about his improvised lines while staying within the rhythm section.

Also, Nick of Death Cab for Cutie, but I don't know how their writing process works. For all I know, Chris writes the bass lines as well.

Eric Grossman · #10 02-01-2007, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantopeth

Also, Nick of Death Cab for Cutie, but I don't know how their writing process works. For all I know, Chris writes the bass lines as well.

Unbelievable band, great bassist!

agreatheight · #11 02-01-2007, 02:29 PM

+1 on Nick from Death Cab, great player (Crooked Teeth is a standout for sure).
+1 on Eric Grossman as well, love the K's choice stuff (Butterflies Instead is killer).

How about Drew from Dredg? Great lines filled with musicality there...

BassGod · #12 02-01-2007, 02:31 PM

Dougie Thompson of Supertramp. Totally underrated. His grooves in "School" are awesome.

Graeme

emblymouse · #13 02-01-2007, 02:41 PM

Boz Burell (RIP)
Lee Sklar
Jerry Scheff
Ray Brown
Jack Casady
and many others already acknowledged. Although I think this is a skill that comes with time and experience, I am interested to know of the younger players who show this musical maturity and will read on...

Eric Grossman · #14 02-01-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agreatheight

+1 on Nick from Death Cab, great player (Crooked Teeth is a standout for sure).
+1 on Eric Grossman as well, love the K's choice stuff (Butterflies Instead is killer).

Thanks, that is the exact opposite of being flamed.

**petch** · #15 02-01-2007, 05:34 PM

Benny Rietveld (Santana) fits this description.

And yes, Dougie Thompson was awesome... he blew me away live with his Stingray. My favorite "unsung" player has always been Martin Turner of Wishbone Ash, but he was a bit more upfront than this thread calls for perhaps.

**petch** · #16 02-01-2007, 05:41 PM

I'm unsure how often country bassists get a nod, but a few years ago I saw Trisha Yearwood, and Keith Horne (plays left handed strung backwards) grooved away holding it down. He stepped out only to do a short, extremely awesome solo. A really fine player.