Top P bass players. All time.

[Frety_Kruger]

Jamerson and Jones for me as well. As many high-end, zingy basses as I've pursued/traded, I keep coming back to that round thump that pushes through the mix and gives it that fat cushion. I know JPJ wasn't just a 'P-Player', but still. Round and fat seemed to be 'his jam' on those Zep recordings.

Jpj was known more for the jazz bass in zeppelin to my knowledge. Could be mistaken.

 

[Frety_Kruger]

I'm not trying to beat you up. But, man, Jamerson was the foundation upon which many of the iconic bass players built their sound, style, and even choice of notes. I, myself, love to answer the question "Who taught you how to play bass?". The answer is always "James Jamerson and John Paul Jones".

It's not about complexity (although he was certainly capable of complex and melodic lines). It's about the ability to play EXACTLY what a song needed.... every.... single.... time. You can't teach that.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying you're stupid if you don't admire his work as much as I do. Far from it. Love what you love. You don't owe me any explanations.

However, just OBJECTIVELY speaking, Jamerson pretty much has to he on ANY Top 5 P bass players list for that list to have ANY credibility. Without him, it would be like a Jazz bass list without John Paul Jones or Jaco, or a Hofner list without McCartney, or a Stingray list without Flea or Louis Johnson, or a Fodera list without Victor, etc.

Like him or not, Jamerson influenced (and continues to influence) soul, funk, and even rock bass players all over the world.

Fair assessment!

 

[Frety_Kruger]

I only thought Jamerson was slightly overrated for the number one spot. He's on my number two spot. I'm not hating on him don't get me wrong. But I in no way think that influence should make you the greatest ever. As I stated before. Kurt Cobain was one of the most influential songwriters in the last century. I mean the dude only put out two albums and is in the Hall of fame. Would you say he is a better guitar player than Dimebag. Probably not. They also put John from led zeppelin on ever top drummer list ever. You telling me he's a better drummer than some of these heavy metal speed drumming guys. Idk I just can't see it. But I respectfully agree to disagree hope all of you Have a good holiday. And stay away from covid 19

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I always thought Deacon played a stingray for a while. Maybe I'm wrong idk

Both. Mainly Pbass.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Nate Mendel
Bruno Mars bassist..

Jamareo Artis
Good call. He should have been on my list.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

I don't see how Jamerson wouldn't be #1,2 and 3

I totally agree! However, to each their own. Maybe the poll should have been, "who are your favorite P-bass players?" instead of who are the best. Really kind of hard to judge musicians fairly and objectively.

 

[lordradish]

I know most of us when we think of the greatest jazz bass players of all time we think of
1. JACO
2.Geddy
3.John Paul Jones
4 .Marcus Miller
Ect (just my list anyway)

But if you had to pick a list of the top 4 Pbass players ever across all genres who
Who would you put in your top 4

Here is my list. (No rude comments please Santa is watching)
.1 Steve Harris
.2 James Jamerson
.3 Pino Palladino
.4 Duff McKagen

Feel free to dispute my lists.

Cheers!!

Yah had me until Duff. That guy's not worthy of carrying the basses of the other three on that list.

 

[lordradish]

Lets not get out of hand. Most of what Jamerson played was very simple.

Yes, but unlike, say, Duff, people will still be talking about Jamerson's playing and innovations 50 years from now.

 

[lordradish]

Best I could do OP:

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Simmons? Hardly see him in the league of those others. Cetera's a stretch, but he certainly could play.

 

[lordradish]

I always thought Deacon played a stingray for a while. Maybe I'm wrong idk

AFAIK, that was just for a period around The Game/Hot Space. I do believe Another One Bites the Dust was played on a SR. Most of Deakey's stuff was on a P, though. And man, was it good.

 

[lordradish]

Peter Cetera (Chicago)

Definitely underappreciated, and I think a lot has to do with the ultra-cheesy direction he went around 76.

 

[fishdreams]

Pete Farndon

 

[lordradish]

Everyone needs a p bass.

Nah. Everyone just needs what works for 'em. I've never once had a situation where I needed one.

 

[ComeHomeShane]

Carol Kaye

 

[Frety_Kruger]

Yes, but unlike, say, Duff, people will still be talking about Jamerson's playing and innovations 50 years from now.

You don't think duff is a good player or just not on that tier ?

 

[lordradish]

You don't think duff is a good player or just not on that tier ?

I mean, he's alright, as far as 80's hard rock hairband stuff, but, no, not even close as far as being on that tier. Not innovative, particularly unique or technically proficient (not saying it's about chops, it's a combination of the three and I don't see him as having any of those, at least that would get him anywhere near 'best').

 

[thmsjordan]

He was mentioned only once here but Paul Jackson was SICK !!!!! His playing with Herbie Hancock was beyond amazing. He was a beast and probably the best finger style funk player ever to grace a precision bass.

 

[deff]

This was just my opinion and I respect yours completely. But your telling me james jamerson is a better player than this guy. Watch from 2:30 on.

I'm going to preface this by saying Alex is an amazing bass player and this is no slight to him in any sense.
I know Alex at least a little we used to have somewhat adjacent practice spaces, if you told him he was as good as James Jamerson he would laugh in your face.

 

[Bad Bob]

Tommy Cogbill

Really hard to believe that the thread got this far before Tommy Cogbill got a mention.

 

[Deleted member 165050]

Page 7 and no Suzi? So disappointed.