Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>Sorry, but for me it is not very hard to tell who is my "hero" on the bass-guitar…Les Claypool of course!!! >>Primus is a very good band anyway, but the way he plays his intruments tapping with both hand… >>and sing at the same time… >>if you know any other bassists who are like Him, please mail me! >>The race-car-driver >I don’t quite know who Les Cesspool is, but the best bassplayer in the world >can not be any other than STEVE HARRIS of Iron Maiden. Just listen to him on >the "Maiden England"-video. He’s f****in’ unbelievable, playing so fast only >using his fingers. >Skalman > > I think your forgetting someone: Geddy Lee. > I’d put him against anyone in a contest of technique, style, tone, and come out a winner (IMHO). > Lerxst
Iron Maiden bites my nut sack, and so does their bassist! I think you’re forgetting George Burwick. He rocks my world! He plays with that great band Reuben 274.
Response:
…Les Claypool …Steve Harris …Geddy Lee Man… tough call guys — comparing Steve, Les and Geddy really is like comparing apples and oranges. BUT: even though he doesn’t necessarily play alternative or heavy metal, the man can do some damage on his Zon Hyperbass (3 octave fretless fingerboard–not including his de-tuning keys all over): Michael Manring The guy’s simply phenomenal. No doubt about it–he’s got to be in the running somewhere! – I, on the other hand, don’t have to be in the running anywhere… But that doesn’t mean I’m gonna stop playin’! – See ya, Chazzz (happy to recommend Modulus Graphite basses!, btw) —
Response:
>Sorry, but for me it is not very hard to tell who is my "hero" on the bass-guitar…Les Claypool of course!!! >Primus is a very good band anyway, but the way he plays his intruments tapping with both hand… >and sing at the same time… >if you know any other bassists who are like Him, please mail me! >The race-car-driver
I don’t quite know who Les Cesspool is, but the best bassplayer in the world can not be any other than STEVE HARRIS of Iron Maiden. Just listen to him on the "Maiden England"-video. He’s f****in’ unbelievable, playing so fast only using his fingers. Skalman
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>Sorry, but for me it is not very hard to tell who is my "hero" on the bass-guitar…Les Claypool of course!!! >>Primus is a very good band anyway, but the way he plays his intruments tapping with both hand… >>and sing at the same time… >>if you know any other bassists who are like Him, please mail me! >>The race-car-driver >I don’t quite know who Les Cesspool is, but the best bassplayer in the world >can not be any other than STEVE HARRIS of Iron Maiden. Just listen to him on >the "Maiden England"-video. He’s f****in’ unbelievable, playing so fast only >using his fingers. >Skalman > >I think your forgetting someone: Geddy Lee. >I’d put him against anyone in a contest of technique, style, tone, and come out a winner (IMHO). >Lerxst
You are all missing the mark here. The Ultimate God Of Bass is Tony Levin of course no one can match this man’s style and sound. I have heard play music from new age to rock to classical to jazz and so on. The man IS a genius on Bass. That my story and I’m sticking with it. Luc.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>>Sorry, but for me it is not very hard to tell who is my "hero" on the bass-guitar…Les Claypool of course!!! >>>Primus is a very good band anyway, but the way he plays his intruments tapping with both hand… >>>and sing at the same time… >>>if you know any other bassists who are like Him, please mail me! >>>The race-car-driver >>I don’t quite know who Les Cesspool is, but the best bassplayer in the world >>can not be any other than STEVE HARRIS of Iron Maiden. Just listen to him on >>the "Maiden England"-video. He’s f****in’ unbelievable, playing so fast only >>using his fingers. >>Skalman > >I think your forgetting someone: Geddy Lee. >I’d put him against anyone in a contest of technique, style, tone, and come out a winner (IMHO). >Lerxst >You are all missing the mark here. The Ultimate God Of Bass is Tony Levin of course >no one can match this man’s style and sound. I have heard play music from new age >to rock to classical to jazz and so on. The man IS a genius on Bass. >That my story and I’m sticking with it. >I agree that Tony is one hell of a bass player I suggest you check out
Hugh Mcmillan from Spirit Of The West, This man can play!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Luc.
Response:
John Entwistle.
Response:
It is really hard to pick a best bassist, because everyone plays a different style. I play bass, too, and it is really hard to tell. I can think of a few, though. Another person posted and said Geddy Lee. One of my picks also. For slower songs, I would have to pick Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith. No one can run in slow songs like he can. For good, straight-ahead rock’n'roll, I would choose Michael Anthony of Van Halen. He combines all-out thumping with highly skilled runs and riffs unlike any other. And, in metal, Megadeth bassist James Usted kicks ass. Marcus Brackman
Response:
>I like John Entwistle of The Who. He introduced one of the first bass solos in >rock n roll.
So he’s the one to blame eh? BTW Les Claypool shouldn’t be on the bass list, he plays lead guitar using a bass. And what about COLIN MOULDING of XTC check out Mayor of Simpleton or Earn Enough For Us or English Roundabout….he’s the man…
Response:
>It is really hard to pick a best bassist, because everyone plays a >different style. I play bass, too, and it is really hard to tell. I can >think of a few, though. > Another person posted and said Geddy Lee. One of my picks also. For >slower songs, I would have to pick Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith. No one can >run in slow songs like he can. For good, straight-ahead rock’n'roll, I >would choose Michael Anthony of Van Halen. He combines all-out thumping >with highly skilled runs and riffs unlike any other. And, in metal, >Megadeth bassist James Usted kicks ass. > Marcus Brackman
Isn’t it Dave Ellefson of Megadeth, and Jason Newsted of Metallica?
Response:
> I play bass, too, and it is really hard to tell.
Maybe you should turn up a little louder.
Response:
Best Bassist? Why Danny Partridge of course!! He didn’t NEED all of those fancy scales and slapping and such. Just a stupid answer to a very stupid question. — Will Wolski, Bell-Northern Research Ltd. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada / / / Opinions expressed above are my own and do not necessarily / / reflect those of BNR or Nothern Telecom Ltd. /
Response:
> terrific musicians in there own right. So I hope no one is putting too much > stock into the Greatest Player of All Time mess because the answer you get
The greatest bass player of all time was Bango. Or was it Irving? Ahhh, I’ll have to watch that Gilligan’s Island episode again. I’ll get back to you. . . "I will give you the shirt off my back if you ask for it, but I’ll be damned if I let you take it from me." — Ken Hamblin "The Black Avenger" * 1st 2.00b #567 * I may be schizo, but I still have each other.
Response:
>This thread is old, 2 B sure, but Stanley Clarke is a great player. My >favorite album of his, though, came out later in the 80’s with _If >This Bass Could Only Talk_. His use of bass chords is incredible. He >is also a melodic pimp. >P.S. -> don’t dis the "computer generation." =) I am 19 years old and >listen to everything, because it makes me a better player. certainly i >have styles that i like more than others, but iI think I can safely >speak for most of the younger people on this list when I say that we >aren’t all the "grunge-listening-flannel wearing-head banging-kids" >that the media portrays. =)
Well, that’s very refreshing to hear! From all the talk I was picking up on, I was beginning to think I was the only one here who had every heard of Mr. Clarke. I happen to be a 33 year old mechanical engineer who has been playing bass for about 19 years, so I kinda grew up on some of the more noted players of the not-too-distant past. For me, Stanley was the Man! Of course, so was Jaco Pastorius, Larry Graham, Louis Johnson, Bootsy Collins, Donnie Beck, Mark Adams, Marcus Miller, etc., etc. This should only serve notice that no one in particular has a "lock" on increadible talent. Hey, I mean great players come and go, and they all are terrific musicians in there own right. So I hope no one is putting too much stock into the Greatest Player of All Time mess because the answer you get depends on who you ask, and when you ask them. To me what should matter more than anything is playing and listening to everything you can in an attempt at becoming the best player that you can be. I do know that this thread has been going on for quite some time, but I had been away from the Network for awhile and had some catching up to do! I hope no one out there things this is too preachy, but I couldn’t resist voicing my own opinion. If no one agrees with what I’m say: REBROCK – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->– >_/_/_/ _/ _/ _/_/_/ _/_/_/ _/_/_/ _/_/_/ _/_/_/ University of > _/ _/_/_/ _/_/ _/_/_/ _/ _/ _/_/_/ _/_/ Southern California > "U can be the President, I’d rather be the Pope…" 0{+> the pope 1993
Response:
This thread is old, 2 B sure, but Stanley Clarke is a great player. My favorite album of his, though, came out later in the 80’s with _If This Bass Could Only Talk_. His use of bass chords is incredible. He is also a melodic pimp. P.S. -> don’t dis the "computer generation." =) I am 19 years old and listen to everything, because it makes me a better player. certainly i have styles that i like more than others, but iI think I can safely speak for most of the younger people on this list when I say that we aren’t all the "grunge-listening-flannel wearing-head banging-kids" that the media portrays. =) — _/_/_/ _/ _/ _/_/_/ _/_/_/ _/_/_/ _/_/_/ _/_/_/ University of _/ _/_/_/ _/_/ _/_/_/ _/ _/ _/_/_/ _/_/ Southern California "U can be the President, I’d rather be the Pope…" 0{+> the pope 1993
Response:
What I can’t understand is why hasn’t anybody named John Paul Jones? I mean, so what if Zepellin is a little old (OK, prehistoric) but Jones is probably one of the greatest of all time. Just listen to Lemon Song on Zeppelin II, or the way he holds the bottom on Dazed and Confused. I’m surpised no one listed Mike Rutherford, Chris Squire, John Entwhistle, Tony Levin, or even Flea or Les Claypool (if you prefer the newer kids on the block? What about Jaco, Stanley Clarke, or Mingus? Look, I’m a hardcore fan of "new music" (sorry if you don’t like the label, but it’s all so fragmented anyhow so who gives a fuck?), but at least acknowledge the real talent. Anyone can play loud and fast, but versatility and vurtuosity still has it’s place and should cont for something. — <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> <> Just an average guy named <> <> Mike from New York <> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Response:
> Yeah, I read about Bella Fleck and the Flecktones in this >newsgroup a while back, and I somehow managed to catch them on this cable >channel I have called Black Entertainment Television.
BET has a show called "Jazz Central" on from 11:30 PM to 1:30 AM Eastern. It’s a great show — the first hour usually is amateurs who have sent in video tapes and some pros critique them. The second hour is usually videos or concert tapes. Lately, however, it’s been pre-empted for some political type stuff… :-< – Mark Malson
Response:
: I hate to post on a topic that has "Best" anything in it, but I feel like : I have to put my two cents in for Victor Lemonte Wooten. I saw The : Flecktones play here in Asheville, NC at a free street concert a couple of : years ago. I managed to squeeze through the crowd and get right up : against the stage where Wooten was and just watch as the guy tore it up. : Fast or slow, he’s got an amazing feel for his instrument. True, some of : the speedier stuff is pure show, but there is no shortage of substance in : his playing. For a sample, you might check out a tune called "Bonnie and : Slide" from UFO TOFU, or "Star of the County Down" from Cosmic Hippo. : Damn, wish I could do that! Yeah, I read about Bella Fleck and the Flecktones in this newsgroup a while back, and I somehow managed to catch them on this cable channel I have called Black Entertainment Television. Anyway, they have this one show that has a lot of good, live Jazz stuff and the Flecktones were on there one time. Wooten is just incredible. In one of the tunes they played he was playing a low end rythem and simultaneously tapping a harmony on the higher end. He made it look so easy. I worship him.
Response:
: What I can’t understand is why hasn’t anybody named John Paul : Jones? I mean, so what if Zepellin is a little old (OK, : prehistoric) but Jones is probably one of the greatest of all : time. Just listen to Lemon Song on Zeppelin II, or the way he : holds the bottom on Dazed and Confused. : I’m surpised no one listed Mike Rutherford, Chris Squire, John : Entwhistle, Tony Levin, or even Flea or Les Claypool (if you : prefer the newer kids on the block? What about Jaco, Stanley : Clarke, or Mingus? John Paul Jones, Mike Rutherford, definitely. Entwistle; no way! He’s got no feel. Among the best players I’ve ever heard, are the players who’ve worked with Steve Morse, like Andy West, Jerry Peek, and Dave LaRue. Check out LaRue on the latest Dixie Dregs cd Full Circle. JT
Response:
I hate to post on a topic that has "Best" anything in it, but I feel like I have to put my two cents in for Victor Lemonte Wooten. I saw The Flecktones play here in Asheville, NC at a free street concert a couple of years ago. I managed to squeeze through the crowd and get right up against the stage where Wooten was and just watch as the guy tore it up. Fast or slow, he’s got an amazing feel for his instrument. True, some of the speedier stuff is pure show, but there is no shortage of substance in his playing. For a sample, you might check out a tune called "Bonnie and Slide" from UFO TOFU, or "Star of the County Down" from Cosmic Hippo. Damn, wish I could do that!
Response:
How ’bout we just all decide that we’re all going to have different lists of "Best Bassists" and stop wasting random bandwidth on this topic week after week after week, ad infinitum. I don’t care who your favourite bass player is, nothing personal. – z —
Response:
: LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les : claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL : les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES : CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool : LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les : claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL : les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool : victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten : VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN : victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten : VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN : victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN : That’s all I’ve got to say thank you – Paulywog
Response:
sheesh! how’s about…. Mike Watt Tony Levin Mr. Bootsy Collins /c I think if you were falling off the Empire State Building, you should go real limp, because then you’d look like a dummy, and people would catch you, because, hey, free dummy.
Response:
LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool LES CLAYPOOL les claypool victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN victor wooten VICTOR WOOTEN That’s all I’ve got to say thank you – Paulywog
Response:
re:best bassist >Mike Watt >Tony Levin >Mr. Bootsy Collins
I’ve seen Bootsy/Zillatron/fuzzface/Casper live (he was using the names Bootsy and Casper at the time) and there is no doubt in my mind that he is the best bass player I know of. He was and is just so damn funky that noone else comes close. The fact that he is the weirdest person I’ve ever seen and has the most outrageous dress sense is beside the point. _/>
Response:
As a bassist and a long-term aficionado, I couldn’t pick any one best bassist . . . but I think Jimmy Haslip, Flea, Flim (Jimmy Johnson) AND Entwistle all belong in the discussion. Didn’t see any other msgs listing Flim, which means there are some folks out there DEPRIVED of an awesome listening experience! Check out Flim and the BBs’ albums "This is a Recording," "Tricycle," "New Pants" and probably half a dozen others I haven’t heard yet. That’s my $.02.
Response:
: As a bassist and a long-term aficionado, I couldn’t pick any one best : bassist . . . but I think Jimmy Haslip, Flea, Flim (Jimmy Johnson) AND : Entwistle all belong in the discussion. : Didn’t see any other msgs listing Flim, which means there are some : folks out there DEPRIVED of an awesome listening experience! Check out : Flim and the BBs’ albums "This is a Recording," "Tricycle," "New Pants" : and probably half a dozen others I haven’t heard yet. : That’s my $.02. How about Jack Bruce? Can’t leave him out. Check out live versions of White Room for a clinic. Or how about Badge as a classic slow tune. Sean Benak
Response:
Being reletively new to this internet thing, maybe I missed it. I’ve heard some excellent best bassist picks, but I don’t think anyone’s mentioned Chris Squire–one of my all time favorites! Machete Bug
Response:
What the freakin’ hell? You talk about bass players and leave out the immortal Geddy Lee, who has over an umpteen year graced these ears with some of the most tasteful licks. And what the hell anyway? Who cares? When we speak of bass players we should speak of our favorite ones not the best. There are too many good ones to say best ones. Brian"too sweet"Alter
Response:
Bruce Foxton, from the Jam, was totally underrated. Bass tabs of his stuff would be great, if anyone has them.
Response:
: Yepp. You’re right! But listen to the _old_ Metallica stuff – it’s much : better!! I remember the days, when Cliff Burton was in Metallics (Cliff : Burton’s basssolo on "Kill’em All" is great!!!!!)… Yeah right. Ooh…those triads REALLY blow me away. Burton’s overrated by garage bands across the world. Besides, there were other bassists who were doing solos with distorion and wah while Cliff was still in diapers. Bill
Response:
>It’s kind of sad that the only real modern player I see people listing >is Flea. I mean he’s good and all, but there are other players. Check >out Ben Sheppard of Soundgarden. That guy’s grooves are beyond the bells >and whistles I used to love in Flea. Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth deserves >a mention because she makes the bass sexy.
Aahh , but there _have_ been quite a few modern players listed already like Mark King (Level 42) Derek Forbes (Simple Minds) Peter Hook (Joy Division + New Order) Mark White (Spin Doctors) Billy Sheehan Mike Dirnt (Greenday) – not as good as _anyone_ listed above him IMHO
David Crowson Oracle Consultant (since ‘83) ‘Hit them in the Face, with a Funky Bass, for a Happy Smiling Race’
Response:
> As a bassist and a long-term aficionado, I couldn’t pick any one best > bassist . . . but I think Jimmy Haslip, Flea, Flim (Jimmy Johnson) AND > Entwistle all belong in the discussion. > Didn’t see any other msgs listing Flim, which means there are some > folks out there DEPRIVED of an awesome listening experience! Check out > Flim and the BBs’ albums "This is a Recording," "Tricycle," "New Pants" > and probably half a dozen others I haven’t heard yet.
"Tricycle" "Tunnel" "Neon" "Big Notes" "New Pants" "Vintage BBs" "This is a recording." Flim is great, and I think Billy Barber is a great pianist too. – Mark Malson – Mark Malson
Response:
> : As a bassist and a long-term aficionado, I couldn’t pick any one best > : bassist . . . but I think Jimmy Haslip, Flea, Flim (Jimmy Johnson) AND > : Entwistle all belong in the discussion.
….Ever heard of Victor Lemonte Wooten, plays in abad caaled Bela Flec and the Flectones. I like his style a lot….. — * Miki Lindstrom, Korkeavuorenkatu 15 C 37 * * fin-00130 Helsinki * * tel & fax +358-0-626 242, mobile +358-50-5562655 *
Response:
Lotsa good bassists mentioned but these were all forgotten, probably because it’s "not cool" to like hard rock anymore. Duff McKagan (GnR) Gene Simmons (KISS) Michael Andrews (Arcade) Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue) Rachel Bolan (Skid Row) I will probably be flamed but I don’t care. If you listen to these guys you will notice that they all have a great style. "Attitude ain’t the only thing…but it helps!" – Nikki Sixx Jimmy Fox Bass Player for Suicide Circus
Response:
>> (in no particular order) > Joe DiBiase – Fates Warning > John Myung – Dream Theater > Eddie Jackson – Queensryche > Paul D’Amour – Tool > Ric wut’s his name – Yanni > John Deacon – Queen >What about John Entwistle? >Heather
what about him? john John C. Jens, Jr. http://www.site.gmu.edu/~jjens/ "You’ve got to learn to let go. Just let go and experience the flight. Try to see from a different side." -"Global Mind" Queensryche _Promised Land_
Response:
The whole idea of discussing the "best bassist" is pretty asinine. Jaco is great, but I know people who find his style too dizzying. I’m a big fan of tony levin and michael manring, but there are tonnes of great players out there. The "best bassist" dialogue reminds me of a couple of old guys sitting around debating whether Babe Ruth could have been a great player today. It just doesn’t matter. Interestingly enough, in India there is (I have read) a government-sponsored competition to determine a "best" tabla player. Strikes me as pretty creepy…
Response:
> The whole idea of discussing the "best bassist" is pretty asinine. Jaco > is great, but I know people who find his style too dizzying. I’m a big > fan of tony levin and michael manring, but there are tonnes of great > players out there.
agreed!!! :) > The "best bassist" dialogue reminds me of a couple of old guys sitting > around debating whether Babe Ruth could have been a great player today. > It just doesn’t matter.
Isn’t it pathetic???? > Interestingly enough, in India there is (I have read) a > government-sponsored competition to determine a "best" tabla player. > Strikes me as pretty creepy…
I wouldn’t mind if people discussed how to become the worlds greatest bass player… some could really need it!!!
Good luck finding your own style and personality in the bass world!!! Jon Inge Paulsen
