• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Bass idols

C

cmac_64

Guest
Dec 12, 2016
24
31
#1
I tried looking around on here and it appears that there is not a thread about people's bass idols, or I am just dumb and don't understand this site fully. Anyway, who are yall's bass idols? Who made you want to play bass? Is there anyone who you strive to sound like and is it a good thing for bassists to try and copy better bass players? I will start, I started playing bass because of Scott Shriner, when I saw Weezer live he really stood out to me and I just fell in love with bass as an instrument. My other favorite bass player and current bass role model is Dave Hollingworth from Dorje, if you guys have not heard him he is absolutely insane and his stage presence is off the charts. This is my first real post so I apologize if I got the location wrong or anything like that, GO.
 
#2
Upon further review I see that this has been broken down into other threads, so could we discuss bassists having a bass idol and if it is a good thing to try and study someone else's playing?
 
#3
cmac_64 said:
Upon further review I see that this has been broken down into other threads, so could we discuss bassists having a bass idol and if it is a good thing to try and study someone else's playing?
Click to expand...
I've taken to Michael League's playing. He's a phenomenal bassist and really knows how to groove. His folks are perfectly placed and sound incredible. I have and continue to learn from his music.
 
#4
My tastes gravitate towards guys who support the group, not virtuoso types who play farty and slappy solos (although I really dig guys like Jeff Berlin, Billy Sheehan, and Vic Wooten for their ability to teach, not so much their playing).

Chuck Rainey
Jamerson
Paul Chambers
Milt Hinton
John Paul Jones
Ron Carter
Aston Barrett
Bob Cranshaw
Jerry Jemmott
NHOP
 
#5
There is not one. It is really whomever I am listening to at the moment.

Right now it is Willie Weeks because I have been listening to Donny Hathaway Live.

George Porter Jr, Jerry Jemmot, Duck Dunn, JPJ, Tommy Shannon, Christian McBride, and so many more...

I tend to listen to a couple albums and then try to play a few of their lines.

It is great inspiration.
 
#9
Geddy Lee... I think he's made me a better musician, not just a better bassist. When I was playing out, many moons ago, my buddy, also a huge RUSH fan, would comment he could 'hear' me channeling Geddy, as I played notable '70-'80s hits, such as, 'Gimme Three Steps' and 'Sharp Dressed Man'...

... I never said Geddy made that band good enough to play RUSH, but I can always dream...
 
#10
My tastes fall into 3 categories: Jam band bassists, Jazz masters and bluegrassers.

Phil Lesh, Jack Casady, Mike Gordon, Dave Schools, Rob Derhak, Oteil Burbridge, Alphonzo...

Jaco, Stanley, Patitucci, Tal, Steve Swallow, Mingus, Ray Brown, Vic Wooten.

Edgar Meyer, Mark Schatz, Rob Wasserman, Mike Bub, Alan Bartram, Missy Raines, Paul Kowert.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Farseer
#15
I wouldn't go as far as calling them idols, but I guess I have a certain special respect and gratitude to pay to these three bass players:

Lou Barlow from Dinosaur Jr.

Justin Chancellor from Tool

Trevor Dunn from Mr. Bungle

Also a special mention goes to Jack Casady, as representing one of the older generation bass players, I really like the stuff he does with his bass as well.
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back