I tried listening to bass soloists like Stu Hamm and others and it's mind numbing (for me) to listen to solo bass playing after 10 minutes. I just can't get into it and it bores me to tears. I feel the same about drum solos that last for more than 90 seconds. Give me a bass that is an integral part of a team of musicians any day!
Ditto. Brings to mind a statement made by Rocco Prestia years ago in an interview (paraphrased):
"I feel like I'm soloing all the time - I never actually step out and take a solo."
Bass as part of the bigger picture is what I strive for. I can still incorporate all sorts of ghost notes, mutes, scales and modes into my playing to keep things interesting for me and add to the layering effect. At the end of the day, listening to someone shredding on a bass leaves me cold. Give me Kenney Gradney of Little Feat anyday.
