• 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.

Mike Gordon- Best Bassist ever?

#41
Okay, so who's the greatest football player of all time? Under what conditions? Sure, there's some that have better stats than others, but that doesn't tell us other things, like what team was he on (a great running back with a great o-line vs. a great running back with a poor o-line, makes a difference), vs. what defenses, etc, etc, etc. I'm sure if you consider scoring in the NBA or NCAA hoops it makes a difference WHEN one played, as rules and other things have changed over time (3-point line, zone defenses, shot clocks, etc, etc).

Even so, music is subjective, so there is simply no "best".

Time to put this one to bed........

Mark
 
#42
Mike Gordon has a tendency toward excess wankery, and I often recoil in horror at his tone -- particularly live, though that may be the fault of the engineer(s). That said, I do enjoy listening to him. He sounded unusually tasteful and focused with Kottke on Clone.

I'm with Mark on "putting this one to bed," but if this thread does continue, let's cut down on the off-topic squabbles (you know what I mean).
 
#43
While Mike himself will tell you that he isn't "the best ever, he is my personal fave. In fact, by some sort of bizarre default, my style tends to most closely resemble his, sans pick.

His lines are so incredibly tastefully orchestrated and I have learned a lot from studying him.

Sadly, sickly, or whatever you want to deem it, I actually dreamt that I met him after a show the other night and rapped with him about theory - especially his infatuation with 6ths! ;)
 
#44
peteroberts said:
yep, and maybe you should check out some Jeff Berlin, Chris Squire, Jimmy Haslip, Stu Hamm, Adam Nitti, Victor Wooten, Rocco Prestia...do I need to go on?
Click to expand...
Gordon has shaken more booties in one night than all these guys in there careers. It's not all about technical proficiency. Consider the improvisation, quirkiness, various time signatures, etc... phish embraces.
 
#49
the Ernie said:
I love this guy. NOt only can he jam like no other bassist i know of but he can also hold his own with greats like Loe Kottke. Maybe Im just partial to him because im a phish phan but If you havent heard him yet I feel sorry for you. This guy plays some of the best music on the bass that ive ever heard and I definately put him atop my list. What does everyone else around here think of him?
Click to expand...
My problem is I don't like players who play bass like a guitar ala with a guitar pick. That said he's got a great groove and obviously 3 other worldclass musicians think he's a great bass player. Enough said . I will admit that I love Chris Squires playing and he played with a pick. I think it's best to only use a pick for when you need a heavier percussive sound. But that's just me. My 2 favorite bass players are Jaco Pastorius and Charles Mingus!
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back