There were 3 bass players that were a huge influence on me all around the same time which led to me wanting (and getting) a bass guitar as a Christmas present in 1982.
Derek Forbes (Simple Minds), John Taylor (Duran Duran) and Mick Karn (Japan).
All with their own style but a common theme, for me at least, was that they all brought the bass to the fore within their bands' songs. Creative bass lines being an integral part of the song, as well as a functioning rhythmic instrument.
I have seen the former two live several times, but I only saw Mick Karn live on the Sons of Pioneers (Tin Drum) tour. I was in awe watching him play. His style, in every sense of the word, including his unique "stage shuffle" whilst delighting us with those sounds from his Wal, is something I won't forget.
Saw him a few times in the late 70's when playing bass for Leamington punk band, The Shapes...They were great live and he was a really good player and still is..(still got the Batman in the Launderette single, thank goodness).....now based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I don't want to be argumentative, but all the bass players posted are all great, and renown in their own rights. Talented all. But who is overlooked / invisible? Try to find Misa in a Band Maid video. I'll wait.
Oh, that's her standing to one side just shredding.
@Alec I need to look into that SVT. Jack's bass that Phil is holding is a very special, one of a kind instrument. The Diana bass, named after his late wife, has a special compartment that holds a lock of his late wife’s hair.
Andrew Powell - better known as an arranger for many big name acts of the 70s, but his bass playing on Stomu Yamash'ta's Floating Music album is phenomenal. Check out the track Xingu:
I think I will start with Willie Dixon. So much music is born from the blues, so no better place to start and with this giant. He predates rock 'n' roll, but became a major influence to performers everywhere.
Let's get funky with Bootsy Collins.
There were 3 bass players that were a huge influence on me all around the same time which led to me wanting (and getting) a bass guitar as a Christmas present in 1982.
Derek Forbes (Simple Minds), John Taylor (Duran Duran) and Mick Karn (Japan).
All with their own style but a common theme, for me at least, was that they all brought the bass to the fore within their bands' songs. Creative bass lines being an integral part of the song, as well as a functioning rhythmic instrument.
I have seen the former two live several times, but I only saw Mick Karn live on the Sons of Pioneers (Tin Drum) tour. I was in awe watching him play. His style, in every sense of the word, including his unique "stage shuffle" whilst delighting us with those sounds from his Wal, is something I won't forget.
Check out Mariusz Duda from the band Riverside. I had the opportunity to see them live earlier this year. Great show!
Beatle Paul
Mark E King
The Queen of bass, Carol Kaye.
I'll add John Deacon later. The bass of Queen.😎
Paul Gardiner from Tubeway Army is my 'overlooked' entry.
I gotta give props to Flea from RHCP and Geddy Lee from Rush. They're legends! As for overlooked bassists, I'd say Pino Palladino.
The Ox
Also Eberhard Weber - a double bassist.
I'd add Tony Levin and Steve Mostyn
Tim Lefebvre -
Tedeschi Trucks Band, Elvis Costello and bassist on David Bowie's final album 'Blackstar'
Brian Helicopter (Gareth Holder)
Saw him a few times in the late 70's when playing bass for Leamington punk band, The Shapes...They were great live and he was a really good player and still is..(still got the Batman in the Launderette single, thank goodness).....now based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I don't imagine anyone has a clue
Oteil Burbridge
Tony Levin
.
Jean Jacque Burnell? Everyone wanted to play bass - very loud! - when he appeared on the scene.
Same goes for Lemmy.
Sting, very memorable basslines in all the hits.
Charlie Tumahai - never a bum note, much like his guitar playing bandmate!
TC
Squarepusher ( aka Tom Jenkinson)
Stop me if you hear this before: Band-Maid.
I don't want to be argumentative, but all the bass players posted are all great, and renown in their own rights. Talented all. But who is overlooked / invisible? Try to find Misa in a Band Maid video. I'll wait.
Oh, that's her standing to one side just shredding.
Gail Ann Dorsey
Then there is Guy Pratt - really enjoyed his book and enjoying his "Lock Down Licks" videos on Youtube.
Stanley Clarke – photo by MIGUEL ÁNGEL MOLINA
.
Colin Moulding.
This person's cover of Mayor Of Simpleton bass part is pretty cool . . .
The late John Wetton, the late John Gustafson, the late Alan Spenner, Geddy Lee and Bill MacCormick for a start.
John Entwistle
Lemmy
Charlie Tumahai
Jim Lea
JJ Burnel
Roger Glover
Geezer Butler
Mark King
Mick Karn
Pete Way
Chris Squire
Jack Bruce
Stanley Clarke
Geddy Lee
Rainy
John Paul Jones
Sting (he is a fantastic bass player)
Stewart Morrow
Peter Hook
..lots more, ofc, but this is a pretty solid list of bass excellence, charisma and attitude.
Can't be bothered to post all the pics.
Flea
A twofer...Phil Lesh AND Jack Casady
Laura Lee, bass player of Khraungbin
Dwayne Johnson, Jr. (also known as MonoNeon)
Oscar Pettiford
And of course, there's the one and only Les Claypool.
Someone to watch out for in the future - Georgia South of Nova Twins. Her pedal work is very impressive.
Chris Squire - no bassist list is complete without him.
Andrew Powell - better known as an arranger for many big name acts of the 70s, but his bass playing on Stomu Yamash'ta's Floating Music album is phenomenal. Check out the track Xingu:
Steve Bruner, a.k.a. Thundercat
John Wetton
Gail Ann Dorsey
Jim Smith (Cardiacs)
Kinga Glyk
Tal Wilkenfeld
Bootsy Collins
Janice Johnson
Miroslav Vitouš
.
Tina Weymouth
Carol Kaye
Derek Smalls
I think I will start with Willie Dixon. So much music is born from the blues, so no better place to start and with this giant. He predates rock 'n' roll, but became a major influence to performers everywhere.
Iain Denby
Andonis Michaelides (better known as Mick Karn),
Joe Hubbard,
Pino Palladino
Gary Peacock
Malachi Favors