You know, it's people like Eric Atkinson and Tones that spread the stereotype of jazz snobs.
OK, I listen to metal. Therefore I suck.
I listen to heavy rock. Therefore I suck.
I listen to a little punk. Therefore I suck.
I listen to hardcore. Therefore I suck.
Is that right?
Grow up, both of you. If you were to take a guitarist or a drummer and let them listen to a bass solo, they wouldn't see the emotional point of it. They might appreciate the solo, but not in the context of the song. Which, at the end of the day, is the most important thing. The song is what you play for, not to see how your solo *ahem* improves it.
As for Greg K., he seems to play for the song. He is "solid and functional'.
BUT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
According to Eric Atkinson, all bassists should think like drummers.
But what do you look for in a drummer? Functionality and Solidness.
Ergo, a bassist who is solid and functional is closer to a drummer, therefore is a better bassist than someone else. So, by the combined logic of Tones and Eric Atkinson, Greg K. is a better bassist than Jaco.
BTW, in classical, there isn't a drummer OR a guitarist...so all of the 'better' bassists that listen to classical, how do they proceed?