In various issues over the past year, Rolling Stone has published several "best ____ of all time" lists, filling the blank with stuff ranging from bands to albums to guitarists to moments in rock 'n' roll history. This got me thinking, who are these behind-the-scenes rock 'n' roll authority figures who come up with these lists? And what do they know that I don't? \nSo I did some thinking, and I came to the conclusion that I know a little bit about rock and/or roll. I have been listening to rock religiously since sixth grade. I took Glen Gass' rock of the '60s class and Andy Holliden's rock of the '70s and '80s class. I have played in a few different bands. Therefore, I have authority enough to present a list of my own, and this list will not be entirely redundant. \nYou may have your own opinion on the matter, but being a bass player, I feel that bassists simply don't get enough recognition. There are some amazing bass players out there, and it seems they are often the last name spurted out when listing members of a band. \nSo here it is, my list of the best bass players to hit rock music. I am leaving many out, but that is only due to a lack of space. In no particular order here they are, along with a song that epitomizes each musician's bass genius.
Stanley Clarke \nWhen I saw Stanley and his band come to town a year ago, I was in tears watching the man play. Before Stanley, the bass was just a backup low end sound. He made the bass a lead instrument, playing solos like it was a guitar. Essential track: "Touch," a solo song on an upright bass that sounds like a drummer is playing along.
Les Claypool\nLes and his band Primus are half the reason I started playing bass. He borrowed from several of his influences to create a unique style of playing that mixes traditional plucking, finger tapping and speed slapping, which makes for a sound unlike anything else. Primus songs are structured around the bass, which is difficult to do because the bass is traditionally a background instrument. It's hard to believe he once tried out for Metallica and didn't make the cut because he couldn't keep a straight beat. Essential track: "Tommy the Cat."
Jaco Pastorius\nPerhaps the most technical and proficient bassist ever, Jaco did what no one before or since has been able to accomplish. The man could play an entire song using bass harmonics, and the math behind that alone is beyond belief. His musical genius is outside my range of explanation so I will stop there. Essential track: "Portrait of Tracy," beautifully performed using only harmonics.
Michael "Flea" Balzary\nFlea is the other half of the reason why I started playing bass. Not only did he help bring the funk bass back to rock, but combining his love of punk and funk he crafted a style of speed slapping that revolutionized early Chili Pepper music. Essential track: "Naked in the Rain," great slapping, even greater solo.\n \nGeddy Lee\nHe may sound like an eerie woman when he sings, but Geddy Lee is a monster on the bass. His heavy low end sound and the way he completely connects with the drums will blow you away live. His bass virtuosity aside, Geddy often plays keyboard with foot pedals and sings while playing his bass. Countless bassists of today have clearly been influenced by Geddy's aggressive but controlled style. Essential track: Rush's "YYZ."\nBootsy Collins\nAt the age of 18, Bootsy joined James Brown's group and funk music would never be the same. He later went on to join Parliament Funkadelic. Bootsy could move up and down the neck while barely moving his arm. With the flick of a finger he could play a handful of notes. He could make a paraplegic stand up and groove with his basslines. Essential track: "Roto-Rooter."
Larry Graham\nThe man who brought slap to the electric bass, Larry Graham helped put Sly and the Family Stone on the map. His influence can be seen anytime a bass player uses his thumb to strum. While he has never been in the spotlight, his style certainly has. Bootsy Collins once called him "the ultimate slap machine." Essential track: "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)."
Mike Watt\nMike Watt is the best punk bassist ever … no contest. He took a style that was known for its lack of talent and added brilliance, and he has won the respect of some of the greatest musicians around, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who dedicated its Blood Sugar Sex Magik album to him. Essential track: Firehose's "Chemical Wire"
