The Low-Down on the Best Bassists! Quiz

Answer:

The first electric bass guitar was created in the 1930s by Paul Tutmarc; it looked much the same as it does today. It was not until the 1950s, however, that the Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Company began to mass produce the instrument. A revolution in music was created! Rather than using the huge, heavy upright bass, musicians could easily carry and transport a lighter bass. In addition, the new design featured frets for better pitch accuracy and, of course, electric amplification. The lowest pitched guitar, a bass typically has four strings that are plucked with the fingers, thumb, or pick.

Bass players - whether they use the electric bass or a traditional double bass - don't typically get a lot of attention. Even the legendary Paul McCartney, who took over the role in the Beatles, said, "Nobody wanted to play bass, they wanted to be up front". Nevertheless, the bass, along with the drums, keeps the time and rhythm of the band, which is so important to any style of music.

Many musicians collaborate with other artists on songs and even albums, however, there are three on the Top Ten list who stand out more as session musicians. This means that rather than being a permanent member of a specific group, these people typically worked as professional musicians in single sessions.

At #10 on the Top Ten List is Ron Carter, who received a Guinness World Record in 2016 for being the most recorded bassist in jazz history. He has over 2,220 credits to his name and has been a leader on the collaboration of many albums, such as "Blues Farm" (1973) and "Peg Leg" (1978). While he plays the cello and electric bass, the double bass is his preferred instrument. He has a Master's Degree from the Manhattan School of Music (1961) and taught at the City College of New York for twenty years.

Carol Kaye, who is #5 on the list, began her musical career in the 1950s as a guitarist and guitar teacher; she became a bassist in 1963 in order to fill in for someone who didn't show up for session work! Kaye became a member of The Wrecking Crew, and it has been said that she has played on over 10,000 recordings. Listen to the bass on Sonny & Cher's "The Beat Goes On" (1967), or the Beach Boys "California Girls" (1965), two songs that showcase her talent.

James Jamerson, at #1 on the Top Ten list, spent much of his career as an uncredited bassist on Motown recordings; prior to 1971 it was the policy of Motown Records to not list individual names of sessions artists. He is said to have revolutionized the role of the bass, taking it from a basic support instrument to one that played melodies and harmonies. If you listen to the Temptations' recording of "My Girl" (1964) or Gladys Knight's "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (1967), you will hear examples of his bass playing. Paul McCartney has credited Jamerson with being his "hero, "although I didn't know his name until quite recently".

The other bassists on the list are largely connected to being members of a particular group. Paul McCartney, who really doesn't need an introduction, made the list at #9. Bass was not his original instrument, and there is some speculation as to how he became the bassist for The Beatles; he has said, however, that it was a job nobody else wanted to do, and he had no choice when Stu Sutcliffe left the group in 1961. If you listen to "Paperback Writer" (1966) or Wings' "Silly Love Songs" (1976), you will hear the McCartney bold bass at its best. Some say that what makes him great is that he knows exactly what the best bass approach is for every song. Sometimes the part is simple. Sometimes it is melodic.

Jaco Pastorius Of Weather Report, a jazz fusion group, is listed as #8. He is known for using a fretless bass, although he said he couldn't remember if his 1962 Fender Jazz bass came without frets or if he modified it himself. Pastorius was a rather flamboyant performer whose bass sounded different from the others, and many have emulated his technique since his death in 1987. You can hear his bass on "Punk Jazz" (1978) and "Teen Town" (1977).

Sly and the Family Stone's Larry Graham is #7 on the list. He has said that he used his innovative slap-bass technique, which he called "thumpin' and pluckin", while he was a young musician playing in a trio with his mother. When the drummer quit the group, Graham had to do something to make up for the lack of percussion. The songs "Thank You" (1970) and "Dance to the Music" (1967) are good examples of the technique he used.

And we can't forget about #6 on the list - Jack Bruce. Did you know that he was a classically trained musician? Even though he mostly played jazz and blues both before and after his time with Cream, it is for that two years from 1966-1968 with Cream that Bruce is mostly known. Considered to be one of the first super groups, the members of Cream played off each other and were amazing at improvisation. Bruce became an influential example for other aspiring bassists, and for a long while was considered to be the best in the business. Oh! And don't forget to enjoy Bruce on the bass while listening to "Sunshine of Your Love" (1967) and "White Room" (1967-1968)!

Bootsy Collins, #4 on the list, is known for his soul and funk bass playing of the 1970s, and also for influencing musicians in several genres of music after that. He played with James Brown on "Superbad" (1971) and joined George Clinton (1972) before he formed his own group, Rubber Band, in 1976. Rubber Band's hit, "Bootzilla" (1978), which shows off Bootsy's bass, made it to #1 on the R&B chart that year. He is known for hitting the first beat of a measure hard, and then filling in the rest "with funkiness".

Just listen to the bass solo on "My Generation" (1965) and "Won't Get Fooled Again" (1971), and you will understand why The Who's John Entwistle is #3 on the list. Nicknamed Thunderfingers, he wanted to make sure that his bass was heard when on stage with other members of the group. It has been said that he made the bass the lead guitar of the band.

At #2 on the Top Ten list, Charles Mingus was mostly a jazz musician who played the double bass and is known for making it a solo instrument. Early in his career he made a name for himself playing with the likes of Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Parker, and Duke Ellington. He later became a band leader, playing in New York clubs, touring Europe, and recording music. Good examples of his contributions to bass music would be "Mingus Ah Um" (1959), and "Money Jungle" (1963).

This article in "Rolling Stone" definitely didn't agree with other Top Ten lists that have been based on fan voting, but it is apparent that the group that produced the list engaged in careful thought and consideration. Each person on the Top Ten list has contributed to bass playing in their own unique way.

"Rolling Stone" published an article in October 2023 of the top 250 guitarists of all time, a list that is continuously revised and updated. The incorrect choices on the quiz were all on that list, but they are some of my favorite guitarists. And was it was easier to recognize their names? Of course, it was!