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Well known, Female Bassists?!?!?!?

1SHOT1HIT

Guest
Feb 17, 2012
1,865
244
USA
My G/F asked last night if, & how many female bassists were in the professional music industry.
Since I still barely know all the male bassists, I've had little, to no time to become familiar with what the ladies are doing.
Can anyone give me an idea, who the top pro female bassists are? In your opinion's of course!!!
 
Tal Wilkenfield is pretty amazing.

The first time I'd heard of her was on a Jeff Beck DVD, Live at Ronnie Scott's. If she's good enough that Jeff Beck chose this little 'kid' to be in his band that should tell you something.

OOoooo the DVD is on youtube!


Of the two Tal is probably the more inspiring choice as a musician, but I'm huge Maiden geek so...
 
The Wikipedia list didn't include Emma Anzai of Sick Puppies nor Nikki Monninger of Silverside Pickups. Just thought I'd add them. Also, I really like Wendy Drennen of Fireflight. Not sure if any of them stand up skill wise with the likes of Tal, but thought I'd throw them out there anyway.
 
Yea but you can't forget about how Esperanza made Beiber cry. Just a little cherry on top of massive amounts of talent. The lady has a great voice, great stand up and electric technique, songwriting, scatting, and she's cute and friendly!!!
 
Because it was still seen as rare back then and Carole Kaye was in the studio and unknown I will nominate Janice-Marie Johnson of A Taste Of Honey as the first that came to my knowledge. Then Tina Weymouth of thre Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.. After that the women were just other musicians as likely to be on bass as any other instrument until Esperanza Spaulding playing an upright emerged when I still expected someone of Stanley Clarke's stature to be standing there
 
I don't think Tal Wilkenfeld belongs on this list, it's way to short. She's one of the top pros in the world (male or female) :)
Here she is with Lee Ritenour, Vinnie colaiuta and Zamajobe-(vocals) from Lee's record Rhythm Sessions.

 
Because it was still seen as rare back then and Carole Kaye was in the studio and unknown I will nominate Janice-Marie Johnson of A Taste Of Honey as the first that came to my knowledge. Then Tina Weymouth of thre Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.. After that the women were just other musicians as likely to be on bass as any other instrument until Esperanza Spaulding playing an upright emerged when I still expected someone of Stanley Clarke's stature to be standing there

+1 love Janice an inspiration of mine.
 
Jhengsman said:
Because it was still seen as rare back then and Carole Kaye was in the studio and unknown I will nominate Janice-Marie Johnson of A Taste Of Honey as the first that came to my knowledge. Then Tina Weymouth of thre Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.. After that the women were just other musicians as likely to be on bass as any other instrument until Esperanza Spaulding playing an upright emerged when I still expected someone of Stanley Clarke's stature to be standing there

Between Carole Kaye and Tina Weymouth, from about 69 to mid 70s, there was Jean Millington from Fanny and the L.A. Allstars. And she can still play.