Best Bass Player of All Time

[aquaman]

Since this is the site with the most knowledgable (and opinionated) bass players on the planet, I wonder which bass player my fellow Alembicans believe is the all time best?  In addition to naming the bassist, which signature track is the best example of the playing?  Any links to the performance track would be most appreciated, too.  Thanks.

[white_cloud]

Aquaman..I think I can see where this is going! I can just hear the large can of worms being opened

[811952]

Bill Wyman!  Miss You
 
 
*slinks silently back into his gutter to watch*

[pas]

I think it's more appropriate to appreciate individuals based on their own merit, rather than try to establish some sort of arbitrary heirarchy.  
 
Pardon me for saying so, but the premise behind the question seems rather puerile.

[cozmik_cowboy]

Well, Rich, I really don't think I can name you best ever - the most I could do is tell you who my favorites are (that would be Phil Lesh, Jack Casady, David Frieberg, E.E. Wolf III, and so forth - I mean, where do you stop?  Edgar Meyer? Charlie Mingus? Kevin McCormick? Jim Kerwin?  I love them all, and could go on for about a page - though all time fav, I'd have to go with Phil.)  But best?  Is Lesh better that Stanley Clarke?  I much prefer listening to Phil, but Stanley's got some chops about him, no question - they're just too different to compare, so how can you say which is better?  One could even make an argument that Dusty Hill belongs in the running because he's the ultimate I-V-I-V player (mind you, that's not an argument that I'd make ) As to signature tracks; for Lesh, try Momma Tried off Grateful Dead (aka Skeleton & Roses, aka Skullf**k) for a brief taste (and the best bass tone ever recorded, IMHO) or sides one, two, & three of Live/Dead (that's tracks 1-4 to you digital kids) for the full treatment.  For Casady, anything off Crown of Creation; Frieberg, all of Happy Trails.  
 
Peter
 
(Message edited by cozmik_cowboy on December 08, 2007)

[aquaman]

Pas,
 
As anticipated, let the opinions fly!  I really want to know what the Club members think on this question, which I may naively expect will be based solely on an appreciation of the bassist's merit.  I also hope to expand my knowledge of standout recorded performances.  No bettter place to ask, IMHO.  
 
No need to seek a pardon for saying so, you are welcome to opine that the premise behind my question seems rather puerile to you, but with all due respect, your response smacks of one who is supercilious. :>

[keavin]

Here's every Bass ever on the internet from A to Z...> http://www.bassplayersontheinternet.com/

[white_cloud]

Well for what its worth I will put my head above the parapit and declare that , for me , its Jaco.  
 
In his prime his timing, groove, soloing, perfect intonation, tone and compositional/arangement talents marked him out as a genius!
 
So there!

[David Houck]

Personally, I don't think of anybody as being the best.
 
Nor do I see a need to.
 
There are just lots and lots of great players, and I can appreciate them without the need for ranking them.  They each contribute their own voice to those who are in a position to hear what they're saying.
 
(Message edited by davehouck on December 08, 2007)

[Bradley Young]

James Jamerson.

[bassman68]

''Can of worms, Can of worms dum dum dum de dum!''
It's a bit like art appreciation, all personal & subjective?
Different players, different styles, different tones...As long as the music moves you emotionally....
Aarghh my head!

[olieoliver]

I'm with Dave here. There are just so many great players out there and best is relative anyway. What's best for/to me is not for someone else.
 
I have some favorites though (in no particluar order); Jaco and Stanley of course, Jamerson, Wooten, Geedy Lee, Will Lee, Steve Bailey, ....and list could continue endlessly.
After watching that video clip of Trip Wamsley yesterday on youtube I've added him to that list, WOW great player.
 
Olie,
(Suddenly I have the urge to practice)

[aquaman]

Gentlemen,
 
OF COURSE, my question will result in a response that is subjective and thus based on unique, personal musical impact to the responder.  Hence, no one person can speak on behalf of all as to a definative best player.  The question is posed to all members for a response.  Perhaps we are overthinking the whole matter.  Who among us hasn't commented at one time or another - That guy has gotta be the best bassist ever?  I care to know, so please share!    
 
For me, I believe that over the span of recorded music, JE was the most all-round innovative, technically proficient and inspiring bassist.  One example of his virtuoso playing ability is Emminence Front.  Fantastic really.

[white_cloud]

Well...the problem here for me is that I think Im not really going to disagree with any of the names that pop up on this subject (olie's choices all being particularly tasteful indeed!)
 
What I would say though is this..out of all of the guys doing their thing at the moment has any player got as nice a tone as Jimmy Johnson? He's one of my favourite players at the moment..delightful!

[jagerphan84]

Lots of greats mentioned already - just thought I'd add a few of my favorites:
 
Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen
Leland Sklar
Bill MacCormick
Mike Gordon