If you ever get to hang one on one with Carol Kaye, you will realize what a badass she is on the bass. Of course, we've all heard the records she's been on, from Beach Boys to various TV shows, but when she's just playing bebop, she is positively astounding. I took a lesson with her about 10 years ago and I was blown away. Imagine Charlie Parker combined with John McLaughlin and packed in the body of someone who looks like someone's grandmother.
I'd also like to give props to Kim Clarke. Best known for her playing in Defunkt, she plays it all and is a monster player.
But, really, do we think it's possible to hear gender in playing? Some symphonies have taken doing auditions behind a curtain so as not to make judgments on things like this.
Edwin