Favorite session bassist

[Low_End_Theory]

Doesn't necessarily have to be the "best", just who you think exemplifies the best qualities of the low end. For me, it's James Jamerson. Listen to the bassline on "I Was Made To Love Her", and you'll understand.

 

[GianGian]

Tony Levin, although he tours too.

 

[j.a.e.r.i.p]

i'ma go with jamerson on this one

 

[jerry]

There are so many greats, but I'll say Will Lee. I've been following his career and been a fan for almost 35 years, to be at the top of your game in this business for that long is quite a achievement.

 

[NickBass81]

It's so hard to choose just one...
Maybe, in terms of "most complete", I'd go for Nathan East: great groove and precision, tone "fat" and clear at the same time, he knows what to play and where to "rise" and let something special out of his fingers...

 

[UncleBalsamic]

Tony Levin. I don't listen to any stuff with Jameron on though.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Marcus Miller and Anthony Jackson are my two favorites.

 

[capnsandwich]

I'm a big fan of Adam Nitti, Jimmy Johnson, and Tom Kennedy.

 

[bill_banwell]

Kennedy, Johnson, Garrison..

 

[Baryonyx]

I like Anthony Jackson, but for me the best is Bakithi Kumalo. His work with Paul Simon is just fantastic, beyond words.

 

[kesslari]

Funny, I don't think of Jamerson as a session bassist (although of course when you think about it he is pretty much the defition of "session bassist") - he's just Jamerson, in a class by himself.

Jimmy Johnson and Pino Palladino definitely both come to mind for me.
And Chuck Rainey.

 

[knarleybass]

I have to say Carol Kaye. So many hit records, movies and Tv shows. I wish I did more sessions.

 

[thycrusader]

Jamerson all the way for me.

 

[Dogbertday]

Deffinately Pino...

 

[Twnty1inRF]

All of the above plus Lee Sklar, Joe Osbourne, Duck Dunn, Tommy Cogbill, Jerry Jemmott and David Hood.

 

[Bassman822]

I second on Leland Sklar

 

[jmaestro]

Chuck Rainey and Pino.

 

[kevin_lindsay]

Pino!!!! As you know, when I first saw you play live on New Year's Eve 1981 supporting the Police, you changed the way I looked at being a bass player. Thanks for being an inspiration, and for being a friend.

Jimmy Johnson is great also - the James Taylor stuff he plays is fantastic - exceptional articulation.

Paul Turner - great to hear him being able to stamp his own tone on the recent Jamiroquai stuff. (had to get you in there matey!)

Tony Levin - MONSTER player. Anthony Jackson - incredible player with so much focus and dedication to his art.

Nathan East - great player too.

 

[Tom Howland]

Pino
Lee Sklar
Anthony Jackson
Willie Weeks

 

[Eminentbass]

Pino, Lee Sklar, Mike Porcaro and Abe Laboriel.