Bilbo Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 Whilst I am aware that these polls are a crock, it is interesting to note that NONE of my favouries even registered. Why? Because the importance of a player is proportionate to the popularlity of the band he or she plays in, the public profile of those bands and the number of records they sell. So, even though there are some astonishing players out there that noone here has mentioned, they won't get any 'votes' because their music appeals to a minority, doesn't get played on tv or radio and doesn't get acknowledged by high volume sales. So, lets call this a 'Most Popular' poll rather than a 'Best' because, objectively, most of the players everyone here is raving about are pretty limited and, considering the full basket of skills, are likely to be found wanting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean-Luc Pickguard Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='marcus bell' post='316790' date='Oct 28 2008, 03:50 PM']who else sings, and plays complex bass lines, and insured his thumb for a million quid???[/quote] Who cares Can "thwakkata thwakkata thwakkata thwakkata thwakkata thwakkata thwakkata thwakkata thwakkata" even be considered a bass line? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverfoxnik Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='bilbo230763' post='316795' date='Oct 28 2008, 03:54 PM']Whilst I am aware that these polls are a crock, it is interesting to note that NONE of my favouries even registered. Why? Because the importance of a player is proportionate to the popularlity of the band he or she plays in, the public profile of those bands and the number of records they sell. So, even though there are some astonishing players out there that noone here has mentioned, they won't get any 'votes' because their music appeals to a minority, doesn't get played on tv or radio and doesn't get acknowledged by high volume sales. So, lets call this a 'Most Popular' poll rather than a 'Best' because, objectively, most of the players everyone here is raving about are pretty limited and, considering the full basket of skills, are likely to be found wanting.[/quote] Good point... Though the notion of a 'full basket of skills' does seem odd in the context of being a bass player.. Isn't it as important or relevant to be a specialist with a finely honed talent in one particular area of music or bass playing styles, as opposed to being a bass playing 'jack of all trades'? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='marcus bell' post='316790' date='Oct 28 2008, 03:50 PM']who else sings, and plays complex bass lines, and insured his thumb for a million quid???[/quote] So that alone is what makes him the best ever? Past and Present? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William James Easton Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='marcus bell' post='316790' date='Oct 28 2008, 03:50 PM']who else sings, and plays complex bass lines, and insured his thumb for a million quid???[/quote] Level 42 blow goats. period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcus bell Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 not really, i just like him hey eaach to their own i guess happy days! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='marcus bell' post='316829' date='Oct 28 2008, 04:26 PM']not really, i just like him hey eaach to their own i guess happy days![/quote] Exactly, but I think most will agree there is no definite best bassist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctor_of_the_bass Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='bilbo230763' post='316795' date='Oct 28 2008, 03:54 PM']Whilst I am aware that these polls are a crock, it is interesting to note that NONE of my favouries even registered. Why? Because the importance of a player is proportionate to the popularlity of the band he or she plays in, the public profile of those bands and the number of records they sell. So, even though there are some astonishing players out there that noone here has mentioned, they won't get any 'votes' because their music appeals to a minority, doesn't get played on tv or radio and doesn't get acknowledged by high volume sales. So, lets call this a 'Most Popular' poll rather than a 'Best' because, objectively, most of the players everyone here is raving about are pretty limited and, considering the full basket of skills, are likely to be found wanting.[/quote] +1 Mark King himself said many years ago that to be called the best is a load of crap! `I've thought about it a lot and what I am is a very popular bass player...'. Nuff said! On saying that, he is a very good and visible bass player; I'm a big fan too but L42 did some crap stuff as well as some superb stuff - they have sold over 30 million albums so they must have been popular to a point! Nick O Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waynepunkdude Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='Josh' post='316831' date='Oct 28 2008, 04:28 PM']Exactly, but I think most will agree there is no definite best bassist.[/quote] Just people who wanna be as good as me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcus bell Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 yeah mr king said... 'i kind of rationalised it with the fact that what i am is a popular bass player, and if your popular people vote for you' lol fair accompli 1989 , bit sh*te really the video, but i like it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverfoxnik Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='marcus bell' post='316861' date='Oct 28 2008, 04:59 PM']yeah mr king said... 'i kind of rationalised it with the fact that what i am is a popular bass player, and if your popular people vote for you' lol fair accompli 1989 , bit sh*te really the video, but i like it [/quote] Gotta say that has pushed Mr King way up in my estimation... It's not often you hear that kind of objectivity and common sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
small_lump_of_green_putty Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='silverfoxnik' post='316960' date='Oct 28 2008, 06:31 PM']Gotta say that has pushed Mr King way up in my estimation... It's not often you hear that kind of objectivity and common sense.[/quote] Most of that video is on You Tube IIRC. In the same video he talks about how he decided to stop drinking because he was getting too obnoxious when pissed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy67 Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='silverfoxnik' post='316804' date='Oct 28 2008, 04:02 PM']Good point... Though the notion of a 'full basket of skills' does seem odd in the context of being a bass player.. Isn't it as important or relevant to be a specialist with a finely honed talent in one particular area of music or bass playing styles, as opposed to being a bass playing 'jack of all trades'?[/quote] being an individual? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcus bell Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 haha, the fait accompli video thats on the internet (youtube), is the one which was broadcast on t.v. however the video is longer and has more better footage peace marcus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
small_lump_of_green_putty Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='marcus bell' post='316972' date='Oct 28 2008, 06:43 PM']haha, the fait accompli video thats on the internet (youtube), is the one which was broadcast on t.v. however the video is longer and has more better footage [/quote] the jokes are still bad though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markytbass Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 My votes are for:- Zender Claypool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6h5g Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='andy67' post='316769' date='Oct 28 2008, 03:17 PM']??[/quote] is it just me that can't see that name up there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy67 Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='6h5g' post='316985' date='Oct 28 2008, 06:54 PM']is it just me that can't see that name up there?[/quote] what names that then? ps, still waiting on an explanation re your earlier post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huge Hands Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 (edited) [quote name='bilbo230763' post='316795' date='Oct 28 2008, 03:54 PM']Whilst I am aware that these polls are a crock, it is interesting to note that NONE of my favouries even registered. Why? Because the importance of a player is proportionate to the popularlity of the band he or she plays in, the public profile of those bands and the number of records they sell. So, even though there are some astonishing players out there that noone here has mentioned, they won't get any 'votes' because their music appeals to a minority, doesn't get played on tv or radio and doesn't get acknowledged by high volume sales. So, lets call this a 'Most Popular' poll rather than a 'Best' because, objectively, most of the players everyone here is raving about are pretty limited and, considering the full basket of skills, are likely to be found wanting.[/quote] Woah, I sense a backlash from tBBC coming, and if I'm right, I think I'd agree with him. Whilst I agree most polls are a crock, and this one certainly didn't appear to be taking itself that seriously, I don't think "best" to each individual person necessarily needs to mean "most skilled". I am aware of Victor Wooten and co and and also had my own full on jazz phase for a while (listening to, not proclaiming to be able to play). Maybe it is because I don't think I can play it and shut down against that type of music, but spending an hour listening to a bass virtuoso does not make him the greatest in my book. Talented yes, obviously worth his place in music, but not the greatest (to me). Having said the above, I don't think I could play much of Jamerson's stuff, and don't often attempt to, but I can never get enough of listening to him. Yes, to some he probably overplayed, but to me, his role in the Funk Brothers was pivotal. I don't expect everyone to agree with that, but I think so. I guess I can only liken it to Buddy Rich when I was learning to play drums. I was loaned two cassettes of him (those were the days!) - one of his big band orchestra, the other was him playing on his own for a whole 60min tape. While the chops on the latter tape were impressive, I couldn't listen to it, and all of that only made sense when hearing him with his band, at which point I thought he was amazing. Anyway, back on track. Sorry Bilbo, I don't want to start another Jazz versus tBBC thread, but inevitably people are going to pick their faves and the ones who made them pick up the bass in the first place. Funnily enough, I am guilty of trying to fix the poll in that way - one of the people I wanted to put was Russell Jackson, an amazing guy who played with BB King in the late seventies/early eighties. He was probably the defining player that made me think "I want to play bass". I didn't put him, because I figured no one will have heard of him and I didn't want to waste my vote. Therefore, I'm probably agreeing with you Bilbo! Now then, who are some of your faves that we've not heard of? Name names and we can all go check them out! I will admit it does make me laugh when Channel 4 does these "100 greatest hits" as voted for by the public, and last year's X Factor winner is in 3rd place with their nondescript one hit wonder single! All the young girls spending a fortune on the "Resend" function when text voting. Edited October 28, 2008 by Huge Hands Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6h5g Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='andy67' post='317001' date='Oct 28 2008, 07:22 PM']what names that then? ps, still waiting on an explanation re your earlier post.[/quote] the names the explanation re my earlier post - billy sheehan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 [quote name='Huge Hands' post='317029' date='Oct 28 2008, 08:02 PM']Woah, I sense a backlash from tBBC coming, and if I'm right, I think I'd agree with him. Whilst I agree most polls are a crock, and this one certainly didn't appear to be taking itself that seriously, I don't think "best" to each individual person necessarily needs to mean "most skilled". I am aware of Victor Wooten and co and and also had my own full on jazz phase for a while (listening to, not proclaiming to be able to play). Maybe it is because I don't think I can play it and shut down against that type of music, but spending an hour listening to a bass virtuoso does not make him the greatest in my book. Talented yes, obviously worth his place in music, but not the greatest (to me). Having said the above, I don't think I could play much of Jamerson's stuff, and don't often attempt to, but I can never get enough of listening to him. Yes, to some he probably overplayed, but to me, his role in the Funk Brothers was pivotal. I don't expect everyone to agree with that, but I think so. I guess I can only liken it to Buddy Rich when I was learning to play drums. I was loaned two cassettes of him (those were the days!) - one of his big band orchestra, the other was him playing on his own for a whole 60min tape. While the chops on the latter tape were impressive, I couldn't listen to it, and all of that only made sense when hearing him with his band, at which point I thought he was amazing.[/quote] +1 Over the last 2 years I've been distancing myself from all the standard soloist/virtuoso bassists after following different ones for different lengths of time, I just kind found myself listening to stuff although technically brilliant and well thought out it was ultimatley boring half way through, and I'll admit I got tired of trying to play Portrait of Tracy and You Can't Hold No Groove etc... I enjoy watching other people play them more than I do trying to play them, more so if they do something a little different but more or less there are just so many clones out there, we all know the bedroom Mark Kings and Victor Wootens etc... Any lick they come up with is usually going to sound exactly like who they listen to, yes we all borrow and steal and what not, but we usually can tell wether its your sound or Wootens/Kings/Hamms/Pastorius/Sheehans etc... This poll isn't as cliche as I've seen elsewhere, for a change Wooten is joint 8th with many other players, and Jaco isn't on top either which is a nice. We all know it's horses for courses etc... But I like looking at the poll and knowing that the guys I draw my influence from probally wouldn't even make it on a top 50. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KennysFord Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 and where the Fook's Marlowe then eh !! its a swiz seriously though,good work jake.Its good to see James Jamerson out on top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedontcarebear Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 Dirk Lance and Timmy C got multiple votes too but I cannot see them in your list, Timmy C got loads in fact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 Marcus & Stan get my tie break votes. Didn't Rocco get at least 2 votes as well? On the Mark King debate - personally Level 42 leave me colder than a very cold thing indeed, Unfortunately I find it ahrd to get past the material played if I'm thinking about a 'best' bassist. Obviously I'd never question hsi technical ability but if he plays songs I really don't like then I'm not going to rate him as any sort of 'influence'. Probably heresy but Geddy Lee absolutely falls into the same camp for me, I can't stand Rush! As it happens, it's the vocals from both L 42 & Rush that really get on my tits so I'm obviously being a bit harsh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wil Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 [quote name='bilbo230763' post='316795' date='Oct 28 2008, 03:54 PM']Whilst I am aware that these polls are a crock, it is interesting to note that NONE of my favouries even registered. Why? Because the importance of a player is proportionate to the popularlity of the band he or she plays in, the public profile of those bands and the number of records they sell. So, even though there are some astonishing players out there that noone here has mentioned, they won't get any 'votes' because their music appeals to a minority, doesn't get played on tv or radio and doesn't get acknowledged by high volume sales. So, lets call this a 'Most Popular' poll rather than a 'Best' because, objectively, most of the players everyone here is raving about are pretty limited and, considering the full basket of skills, are likely to be found wanting.[/quote] Have you considered the possibility that you may just have poor taste in music? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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