Greatest bassist of all time?
I'd put him ahead of Entwistle and Geddy Lee.
shareCouldn't say. Sorry.
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MovieChat Forums > Flea Discussion > Greatest bassist of all time?
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shareWho would you put as the best?
shareThis whole line of thinking starts breaking down because the fastest and flashiest aren't necessarily the best, and we are probably leaving Jazz musicians out entirely. Charles Mingus is probably the greatest Bassist of All Time because he was a beautiful composer of music.
I also feel the physical aspect of a bass instrument (any bass instrument?) limits how much we can appreciate it's qualities. Those murky tones don't lend themselves to excitement, unless someone is just showing off, hence my first comment.
I think that's why a lot of people like Les Claypool. The bass is the dominant instrument in Primus and it's easier to appreciate. As far as Jazz goes, I know a lot of people like Victor Wooten.
shareFrom what little I know of Primus, I can def see why Les would have his appreciators.
I'm sure Vic Wooten deserves all the cred he gets, but I do wonder if it's style and technique over filling out the sound in a tasteful manner.
Not that he CAN'T do that, but it's not going to promote his "brand" if he just plays in the background and stays "in the pocket" (as people say about drummers that serve the song more than their urge to show off).
Not ragging on Wooten, just the place of the bass in music.
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shareFlea is definately one of the best. Is he the greatest? Probably not.
Geezer Butler is underrated. Also overlooked is Peter Cetera on all the early Chicago albums (before he lost interest in playing bass, & sadly gained an interest in writing schmaltzy ballads!)
No mention of Jaco Pastorious here, who was a demon on Bass. (Unfortunately was also plagued by internal demons which led to him getting killed)
Tony Levin comes to mind too.
I will never understand why no one talks about Geezer. I don't think I've ever seen him appear on any lists.
shareI'd say Joe Osborne or Chris Squire
shareMaybe the best bassist who's never allowed to show off his bass skills. I'm sure the money is good but I have no idea why this guy stays in the band.
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