Bassist that has/had best backing vocal capabilities

[Chrisk-K]

Although I love Chris Squire's unique voice and Maurice Gibb's falsetto, my vote goes to the late Kelly Groucutt of ELO. His very high-pitched backing vocals were superbly mixed up with Jeff Lynne's soft voice and, more importantly, defined the sound of ELO.

Who's your choice?

 

[lowfreq33]

Michael Anthony always did great bgv's.

 

[perfektspace6]

Michael Anthony's real value was his vocals.

 

[Chrisk-K]

So, who's handling Anthony's vocals now? Can Wolfgang sing that high? I haven't followed VH since the early '90's

 

[pnut166]

Jason Newsted

 

[ProgRocker]

Michael Anthony's real value was his vocals.

I second this, though I do like his playing it sounds like EVH wrote VH's music, including the bass lines. As to Wolfgang, I haven't even heard him play bass (though he came out to play guitar with his dad when I saw VH after Sammy's return) let alone sing. It was a great show, it was Michael Anthony's B-Day.

 

[mcm]

MA for sure

 

[hachi kid]

I vote Michael Anthony, as well. lol. it's actually the first person I think of when I think "backing vocals". John Entwistle and Billy Sheehan are good runner ups, imo as well.

 

[rtslinger]

Michael Anthony's real value was his vocals.

+1 Yeah VH is crap without him holding up the back-ups

 

[4001]

Chris Squire

 

[steamthief]

Paul McCartney?

 

[SactoBass]

My vote goes to the deity of bass......Mr. Christopher Russell Edward Squire.

The reason I vote for him in the backing vocals category is due to his amazingly complex and contrapuntal vocal harmonies while simultaneously playing very complex bass lines, often where his vocal lines do not match his bass lines (note-wise and timing-wise).

I was in a Yes tribute band about ten years ago, and I had to practice and practice and practice to get his vocal lines correct while playing my bass at the same time. There were times when I would wonder if he was from some other planet. All I can say is, Chris is an amazing musician.

 

[steamthief]

Ben Orr and Tom Petersson also rock.

 

[Mystic Michael]

Who's your choice?

Funny you should mention Squire. His was the very first name that came to mind - instantaneously at that. Glad to see that others in this thread also hold him in such high regard.

Beyond Squire, McCartney is an obvious choice. Also, Peter Cetera.

MM

 

[PhR]

Tom Petersson also rock.

Hmmm, as much as I like him his backing vocals aren't that great. His lead vocals aren't great either but "I Know What I Want" wouldn't be the same without his nasal tones.

Kasim Sulton is an excellent backing vocalist (also lead), same with John Wetton and John Gustafson.

 

[Tituscrow]

Guilty secret...Johnny Rod! Awful bass player, but one of the few who could match Blackies vocal range.

 

[JimK]

George Hawkins...used to be with Kenny Loggins.
Hands down.

2nd Place-
Alan Gorrie/Hamish Stuart of AWB...

 

[HaMMerHeD]

Simen Hestnaes , AKA ICS Vortex

Most folks here probably aren't going to have any idea who he is, but he is an absolutely amazing singer, and a pretty good bass player.

 

[CTC564]

I gotta go with Chris Squire too...the intricacy of his vocal parts along with his bass lines places him lightyears above the norm....IMHO

 

[sammyp]

MA and Sir Paul....