Who's Your Favorite Bass Players; Why?

Some that seem to have not mentioned so far after a quick scan...

Michael Manring
Gary Willis
Paul McCartney (give him his dues..Come Together!)

Normally I don't want to hear the bass player, just notice if he's gone. But there are exceptions:

1. Scott LaFaro - because he is the greatest, most musical, most expressive, most talented player there ever was.

2. Thomas Yearsley (formerly with The Paladins) - excellent player and songwriter, but mostly for his live playing: the most facially expressive person I'd ever seen perform. He is a riot to watch. You go, Thomas!

3. "Pistol" Pete Midtgard (Frantic Flatops; Twistin' Tarantulas) - he can rock (play and sing/holler) like no other. Plays and sings his guts out. He'll beat yer ears with his doghouse bass and switch-blade voice, then kick yer ass in the parking lot if warranted.

I wish everyone described things like you Rockadanny. It helps me understand. lol

Paul McCartney; his work with Beatles and Wings and all his solo stuff has been very rewarding through out my life.

Tommy Shannon; He's filled the holes in not one but TWO three member bands and behind two of the greatest modern day Blues guitarists Johnny Winter and SRV.

Charles Mingus; a pioneer and to watch his hands glide up and down the bass effortlessly he truely was at one one with it.

John Entwhistle; he was as solid as they came and when called upon stepped up to the plate for various solo's.

I'm SHOCKED only two people mentioned Les Claypool, as good as Flea is (and he is great) I don't think he can touch what Les Claypool has accomplished with the bass during the 90's. Perhaps not the best recording "quality wise" but if your interested in bass performance pickup "tales from the punchbowl" circa 95'.