Examples of complex bass lines in blues recordings?

[JimK]

+1 to Tommy Shannon: don't remember the song names, but I like him in many SRV tracks.

Even better, IMO-
Shannon on the seminal Progressive Blues Experiment...Johnny Winter's debut.

Amazon.com: Progressive Blues Experiment: Johnny Winter: Music

 

[TomB]

Great recommendations for a listen so far! Here's a few more who impress w/their solid playing (of course there are many): Charles Calmese, on early James Cotton recordings (now deceased); Johnny B. Gayden, on many recordings including Junior Wells last offering, I believe, and still going strong today (check FB). Also, just for something different, youtube Willie Dixon "Bassology" for some amazing upright slap blues! What you've got so far should give you a flavor of some special but solid approaches to blues bass, anyway. If they're not "complex" enough for you now, just wait a few years.

 

[bucephylus]

With all due respect, this "music has to be complex" thing is the sign of an inexperienced musician. Nothing could be further from the truth. Some of the most timeless and important pieces of music have nothing about complexity about them.

Blues is a language, and it is first and foremost all about feel. Any complexity that comes into play is because the player is feeling it. This is another thing inexperienced players don't get. If I was ever to train a bass player for pop music, they would go anchor an open mic blues gig for about two years before playing any other pop genre. Takes about that long to "get it." Its like Freshman English. You've got to have the awareness and vocabulary, no shortcuts.

Lots of good suggestions for references here (dig Johnnie B. and NN). Maybe been mentioned, but I'd toss Greg Rzab's work with Buddy Guy in there for additional.

IMO

 

[bassdog]

I just think this is a very cool groove. I'm in bluesy band and may just break this one out.

“John Lee” Style Blues in E | PlayBassNow.com

Bob

 

[JHandley]

When I hear a Band yell out, 'Do You Want to Hear Some Blues??!!?' I immediately think, 'Uh Oh. I guess they're out of material'/ LOL. Many times Blues Basslines ARE boring and simplistic and something a new Bassplayer learns his first lesson. However, it really is not how complicated it, but how you play it. In guitar when you compare John McLaughlin and Duane Allmans you see the former plays at super speed but, 'TO ME' (opinion only so no flaming please) sounds like a computer is playing it and it's boring, but Duane is super tasteful, original, and full of dynamics. Bass also can be slow and super tasteful. simple but with dynamics and when they go into the 12/8 Double Time at 5:14 the walking Bass is both simplistic but tasteful and flawless.

YouTube - Allman Brothers / Stormy Monday

+1 I was going to suggest this one as well

 

[bassinplace]

If I was ever to train a bass player for pop music, they would go anchor an open mic blues gig for about two years before playing any other pop genre.IMO

And who in their right mind would want to join a pop band at that point?

 

[MrLenny1]

Check out Joe Bonamassa with Eric Czar playing bass.

 

[precijazz]

Check out Joe Bonamassa with Eric Czar playing bass.

+1 The Rockpalast live DVD is most impressive. Great bass faces, too.