best female bassist

[Dr. Cheese]

Somebody may have said this already, but there so many really good female bassists today that I don't see a point in singling them out from male bassists.

 

[ghiadub]

Rana ROss
MeShell

 

[moebass]

laura love.unique style and crazy chopps.

 

[Buslady7803]

Me!

 

[mixtapelove]

Hard to beat Tal Wilkenfeld on sheer talent.

I'm a big fan of Micki Steele from the Bangles. Very understated but she has a really awesome tone and groove, and also had a great singing voice. I always thought she was the coolest Bangle, even though Hoffs got all the attention. I'm a sucker for her big red hair and her eyes. Unfortunately she no longer tours with them, and the songs definitely suffer.

I'll vouch for Aimee Mann too. Check out some of the 'Til Tuesday album cuts, like "Are You Serious" or "Winning the War". There is also an unreleased song called "Boy". She keeps some nice slap grooves going throughout these. Youtube that Til Tuesday show from the Ritz and you'll find all these there.

 

[StKevin]

Kim Deal, #1!

 

[pringlw]

Rhonda Smith!

+1 there. I had a chance to meet her at Wooten camp. Not only does she rock the bass, but she's a very cool lady too. Plus she's Canadian which is also cool.

Any connection Phil?

 

[chicago_mike]

Me'shell...

Also her songs are really really good with, scaringly personal lyrics.

 

[mindwell]

Just found this Aimee Mann performance from back in the 90's. Love the song, and her ensemble playing is just impeccable. Great contrapuntal bass walkup against her vocals in the coda. GK + Hartke = SWEET.

 

[Din Of Win]

Lisa Marr: (Cub/The Beards) CUB my chinchilla - YouTube
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Laura Ballance: (Superchunk)

 

[wagdog]

Another vote for Julie Slick. An amazingly original bassist regardless of sex.

Rana Ross - RIP

 

[srayb]

No mention of Melissa auf der Maur? OK, she's not among the best, but she's pretty

I agree... good to see someone else mentioned her... and she's a fellow Canadian...

 

[sohamorrohit]

Tal Wilkenfield DUH!

 

[weemac]

I'm supprised that no one has mentioned "Clatter"s Amy Humphrey.....

Clatter -- "Limelight" Live - YouTube

She may even be a forum member here too...

emac.

 

[Webtroll]

i love Paz's (Circle) recorded tone, but Wanda Ortiz was very good live

ooo and Tal Wilkenfield amazes me in Youtube videos

 

[dave_p]

Meshell Ndegeocello is the FIERCEST female bassist I ever did see. She kicks ass. Her band rocks too, if they are ever in your neck o' the woods, I highly recommend them. If you haven't heard of her, check out "Peace Beyond Passion". Great, soulful, funky stuff. She's a hell of a singer and songwriter as well. Website = http://www.meshell.net/

this... i caught a clip of her on public television, and she was playing that bass to an inch of its life.

 

[Wayne Kenny]

Greta Brinkman (Moby.Blondie, Druglord) is my current favorite and she plays lefty-strung right. Gail Ann Dorsey of Bowie.
Enjoyed Caz Campbell when she played with Hugh Cornwell.

 

[MEL_BASS]

Tal Wilkenfeld is great!

 

[Root 5]

Carol Kaye comes immediately to mind. Me'Shell is good too but different styles.