underrated bassists

[Subsong]

Who do you think needs a mention as one of the world's great bassists?

For me it has to be Joe Lally from Fugazi, some of the hookyest basslines ever. Listen to his solo stuff for a real treat, there are other instruments, but it's very bass centric music, very well done. It's great for us bassists to listen to, but I don't think it would put non musicians off listening either, nice trick if you can pull it off.

 

[WayneS]

Mark Mendoza - Twisted Sister

 

[zagralin_arf]

Markus Grosskopf of Helloween rarely gets mentioned...anyone who hasn't heard him listen to the song "Eagles Fly Free"

 

[4-string]

Mark Mendoza - Twisted Sister

+1. Check out Michael Ruff's live CD "Feels Good", he does a great job.

 

[barbarbass]

Ray Manzarek's left hand.

 

[Thunder Pulse]

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/search.php?f=28

Two examples:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=368530

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9135

 

[Subsong]

I see Mike Watt mentioned on one of those threads, oh so true. Have you ever tried learning one of his bass lines? Drove myself mad learning Brave Captain.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Mike Mesaros from the Smithereens.

Bob Thompsen from Big Drill Car.

Robert Sledge from the Ben Folds Five.

 

[landry.bass]

Martin Mendez of Opeth fantastic bass player. Knows what rythm is all about, and can play wild riffs without breaking a sweat. Also best use of slap in metal that I've ver heard.

 

[Muddslide]

Joe Lally is a good choice.

I'll go with David Wm. Sims (Scratch Acid, Jesus Lizard, Rapeman...)

Honorable mention: Tracy Pew (Birthday Party.)

 

[capnsandwich]

Adam Nitti comes to mind. He's up there talent wise with Victor Wooten but usually hardly ever gets mentioned on here. Great player and cool guy. Here's a video:

 

[Subsong]

Here's another one, less well known I'm sure but I promise you she's one of the best bass players I've ever heard (or seen). Sissi Schulmeister from Alice Donut. I went to their 20th anniversary show in New York and she was amazing, then again, so were the rest of the band. One of the most underrated bands in rock history I think. From a bassist's perspective "The Puny and Revolting Men of Advertising Smile" is the track to start with, the intro is bass heaven.

 

[artdrtr]

Bruce Foxton from The Jam

 

[Muddslide]

One of my faves that never gets much mention is Dennis Dunaway from the original Alice Cooper band.

Alice Donut were cool! Haven't listened to them in ages.

 

[Subsong]

One of my faves that never gets much mention is Dennis Dunaway from the original Alice Cooper band.

Alice Donut were cool! Haven't listened to them in ages.

I LOVE Alice Donut. They're still going, not gigging much these days, but still making music. Check out www.alicedonut.com.

 

[Barkless Dog]

Colin Molding & Peter Hook

 

[HashbrownCOBM]

Alright! Someone else finally mentioned Bob Thompson. Dude is killer. Him and Karl Alvarez from the Descendents. Very similiar styles. I think Karl might be a little faster

 

[BassMan250]

Troy Sanders of Mastodon ... not overly flashy, but he has a great command of the ever-changing time signatures and polyrhythms, and really fills out Mastodon's sound without intruding on the other members' sonic space. Plus although I don't consider myself to be biased against pick players, I like that he's a fingerstyle player, something that seems to often be out of favor in metal.

 

[srxplayer]

Bruce Foxton from The Jam

+1

I love that old song...I'm a big fan of the Jam

I would add John Taylor and Dee Murray to that list as well.

 

[phat daddy]

I'd have to say:

1) Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle)
2) Joe Gittleman (Mighty Mighty Bosstones)
3) Nathan East (Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Fourplay)
4) Leeland Sklar (Phil Collins, thousands of recordings)

#3 and 4 are popular because of the musicians they support, but people truly don't recognize their playing talents as much as they should.