Best rock bass player


Today is the 11th anniversary of John Entwistle's death. I had the pleasure of seeing him play live a few times and was always impressed by his musicality and ability to keep up with Keith Moon- much less lay a foundation for Pete Townshend. I also have always enjoyed Chris Squire, Stanley Clarke, and Flea for similar reasons. Who are some of your favorites?
maxnewid
Oops! I had this thread confused with the current best rock guitarist thread that I didn't answer.
Ok, if he did play bass, he'd be the best.
Iso,

When did Danny play bass? I know he played a double neck with a bass side, but I don't think I've ever heard him play a straight up bass. If there's a record you could point me to, I'd love to check it out.

Staying on this subject, if people wanna go the "virtuoso guitarist when he was briefly a bassist" route (see Jimi, above), I guess someone's gotta give Jimmy Page a shout-out for his days in the Yardbirds, too.

Marty
Wc65mustang-I was waiting for the correct answer! Gary Thain and Greg Ridley deserve recognition.
Everyone I would nominate has already been mentioned, except for Jimi Hendrix.
Graham Maby(Joe Jackson Band),Anthony Jackson(Steely Dan, Al Dimeola) John McVie(Fleetwood Mac}
Taking the liberty of expanding the rock genre to soul and funk would encompass James Jamerson and Larry Graham, whom I would guess influenced the majority of the great players mentioned above.
And Donald 'Duck' Dunn......of Booker T & MGs as well as the original Blues Bros?
Max - ah a kindred spirit...playing Mountain from various You Tube as I write.

I know of Jaco but not really familiar with his work (I do have Hejira).

Will have to check our Saunders & Hook. Thanks.
Ghosthouse- Felix is a fantastic addition. Might have to dust off some Mountain this evening.
Some great talent here. A couple of more off the run suggestions:
Jaco Pastorious- his contributions to Joni Mitchell's catalogue are great. I especially like 'Hejira'
Fernando Saunders- adds to some of Lou Reed' best works. I like Live in Italy.
Peter Hook from New Order helped create their sound.
These players use the bass to "sing' as a lead instrument more than just provide an underpinning for the other instruments.
Lot's of very good bass players listed. I especially like Chris Squire and Greg Lake. BUT for me, there's only one "best": Jack Bruce.
Jack Casady (Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna)
McCartney
Jack Bruce
Carol Kaye (60's sessions player on many well-known songs)
James Jamerson (Motown sessions player)
Jim Fielder (Blood, Sweat & Tears)
Entwistle
Sting
David Pegg, Chris Squire and Jon Camp all approach the bass as a lead instrument, Squire in particular. Pegg plays lead and carries the melody as well. His 43 year career in Fairport Convention (not to exclude his 16 years in Jethro Tull) as well as session appearances is a remarkable body of work.
John McVie

The bass figure that kicks off the breakdown in The Chain is my defining bass moment in rock n roll.

Marty
I have been listening to Geezer Butler on the latest Black Sabbath and have to say his tone and style are killer (in a good way!) I agree about Entwistle, Squire but also Greg Lake, John Myun, Mike Rutherford, Percy Jones, John Wetton, Paul McCartney, Jack Bruce, Dee Murray and of course, let's not forget the great John Paul Jones.
Les Claypool (Primus, Fearless Flying Frog Brigade), Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel and others), Tal Wilkenfeld (Jeff Beck), and Alphonso Johnson.

-RW-
Phil Lesh (on a good day), though his idiosyncratic style really is different from the "classic" Rock Bass player.