LBO member's poll

[Dave W]

I don't think I've ever bought anything because a specific bass-player was on the recording - I've always gone for the "ensemble-piece" - that would be my problem with a "strict" top-ten (Alice Cooper, Allman Brothers, Who, Rush, etc...)

Same here. That's why I haven't posted a list. I either like the music as a whole, or not. Even then, the bassist doesn't necessarily have to stand out. If he does, then I'll take notice (e.g. Wyman, Entwistle) but that's not necessary.

[Chaser001]

I used to focus more on the music as a whole.  Now I focus way more on the bass.  I really prefer the way it used to be.  When I used to sing as well as play bass, I was able to focus on all the music more.  That doesn't completely make sense, but it's true.   Now that I rarely sing, I concentrate way more just on the bass.  This isn't just when I'm playing, but also when I'm just listening to music.  I appreciated music more when I wasn't so keyed in on just the bass.  Nevertheless, this isn't just something that you can will to be so one way or another.  I'll just say that in theory I prefer listening to the music as a whole, but in practice I now seem to do it another way. 

[Highlander]

Same here. That's why I haven't posted a list. I either like the music as a whole, or not...

That's why I had to view mine as "influences" and not "faves"... Who did you enjoy listening to when you first started playing - try that approach...

[Dave W]

That's why I had to view mine as "influences" and not "faves"... Who did you enjoy listening to when you first started playing - try that approach...

Britpop and country.

Speaking of country, I only recently found out that one session bassist was responsible for more hits coming out of Nashville (country and otherwise) than anyone else from about 1960-1990. Probably more number one hits and total sessions than the names we're familiar with (Osborn, Kaye, Jamerson etc). And yet his name has never been mentioned here and I would be surprised if more than a few of us would recognize his name.

[Chaser001]

I've heard about the Nashville A-Team.  I'd guess Bob Moore.  I'm not that far from Nashville; this really shouldn't be something I have to guess.   

[Pekka]

I don't think I've ever bought anything because a specific bass-player was on the recording

I've bought for example Lenny White's "Venusian Summer" because of Doug Rauch. Luckily it turned out to be a fine fusion album. I'm a collector anyway and have bought and been drawn to some albums because of some musicians playing on them.

[Stjofön Big]

Sh-t! I forgot to mention Charlie McCoy, the harmonica player who played bass on Dylan's John Wesley Harding, a bassist who really impressed me with his simpleness. I enjoy just listening to them bass parts on that album.
And last (maybe), but not least: The Truly Great man from The Blockheads, and Wilco Johnsons band, yes... we're talking about the explosive Norman Watt-Roy. Got a truly amazing stage style, cramped over his Jazz bass, looking like a panther waiting for another booty. And a great funk player in a cool style. Listen to Ian Dury's Sex and drugs and rock'n'roll, and you'll hear what I mean.

[Pilgrim]

I think most of us admire and listen to many more than 10 bass players, even if we can't name them.  There are great bass parts scattered throughout music, and any of them can inspire us to try a sound, technique or bass line that we hadn't thought of before.

[Stjofön Big]

Agree completely, Pilgrim. And now, that you mention it, did I remember to mention, eh... what's that name again... Played on... no, must have been... Scheiße, can't remember... Is it all right if I come back, later?

[clankenstein]

The Truly Great man from The Blockheads

norman watt-roy.

[Grog]

One name I thought someone would have mentioned is Willy Weeks. I really don't know much about him, but several of my bass playing friends think he's one of the best they've ever heard.  

[patman]

Emory Gordy jr.

Bill Black

Timothy B. Schmidt

[uwe]

Timothy B. Schmidt?!! Great backing vocals, but as a Randy Meisner fan I dissent!!!

[leftybass]

The top 10 is just a metaphor much like 'the top 10 in Austin'. more or less

Aww..don't be jealous, it's kinda cute but also very unbecoming. It would be impossible for you to affect how proud I am of the recognition I received from fans/peers in a HUGE music town. Enjoy your day.

[nofi]

i am sure no one is jealous.