Albums where DB players play a prominent melodic role?

You're already aware of Scott LaFaro's playing with Bill Evans? At the Village Vanguard is a good starting point.

 

LaFaro has been accused of destroying jazz, singlehandedly, because he was soloing while the soloist was soloing. An exaggeration, IMO, but his voice leading basslines are much busier than anything that was recorded before him. Maybe, since those recordings too. Still, if you're seeking melodic basslines, I can't think of a better example. Charlie Haden is also credited with pioneering melodic basslines, but LaFaro makes a counterpoint unlike anyone before or since, IMO.

 

Going back and reading Stanley "I write about it cause I can't do it" Crouch's take on Scotty ("The LaFaro approach also avoids swing") is always good for a belly laugh.

 

I would say LaFaro much more than Charlie Haden for "melodic," although I love Charlie Haden's playing. Probably heresy on this side of the board but for melodic there's also Jaco Pastorius. Sounds like you are already listening to Edgar Meyer. You might also enjoy Brian Bromberg's work on upright with Alan Broadbent on piano, and Red Mitchell's work with Jim Hall on guitar.

 

I would also get some of Edgar Meyers other albums such as Work in Progress, Uncommon Ritual (one of my all time favorite albums), Short Trip Home, Appalachian Waltz and Appalachian Journey (I think these are under Yo-Yo Ma's name) Also one of his students Paul Kowert (Punch Brothers bassist) has an album out with the trio Haas Kowert Tice. In the jazz realm Ray Brown, Dave Holland and as many others have already mentioned Scott Lafaro.

 

I don't know the McBride rekkids, but from your mention of BASS ON TOP it sounds like you are looking for recordings where the bassist is playing not just melodically, but the actual melodies to songs. I'd recommend pretty much any of the recordings of Neal Miner, but in particular THE REAL NEAL. Also pretty much anything with Red Mitchell on it but, again in particular, two recordings that were made live at SWEET BASIL's, both duo reocords, one with Jim Hall and one with Warne Marsh.
There are also recordings under the leadership of George Mraz, Ron McClure, Miroslav Vitous that feature front line bass; even if not on every tune.

 

Terry Plumeri has an amazing recording called "Blue In Green", on which he plays the melodies of a great collection of standards. It's available on ITunes.

Michael Moore is a great melodic player as well.

Joe

 

Bowin' Singin' Slam, Slam Stewart; Bass Ball, Francois Rabbath w/drums;
Double Bass, NHOP and Sam Jones (duets) w/ guitar.

 

To quote Jim Hall: "Red Mitchell played the most gorgeous melodic solos of anybody on any instrument, I think maybe he and Lester Young were in the same league. The fact that it was coming out of a string bass is mind boggling."

 

Oscar Petitford

 

There are many melodic bassists, but I believe the original poster wanted albums where the featured bassist played the melodies of the tunes, not just melodically.

 

Dave Holland Emerald Tears, One's All

Ron Carter Piccolo

Slam Stewart and Major Holley Shut Yo Mouth

 

One of the things that lead me to play free jazz/improvised music is that each musician/instrument always takes an equal role. And you actually get to play the entire bass and everything it is capable of. It ranges from very melodic - a lot of this area is documented by the ECM label to the extremes of what each instrument can do.
Maybe check out some Barre Phillips albums as a good starting point for this music. This duo with Dave Holland is good:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/music-from-two-basses/id79331054
if you REALLY want to go for it, try this duo with Barry Guy:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/arcus/id292385611

 

Whims of chambers

 

The Colours of Chloe by Eberhard Weber

 

Just listened to that on his birthday! He has so much power in his melodies.

 

Compost "Life Is Round" Jack Gregg, bass
McCoy Tyner "Super Trios" Eddie Gomez, Ron Carter, bassists
Lee Morgan "The Last Session" Jymie Merritt, bass