Most Underrated Bassists

[Quinn Roberts]

I'm sure this has been discussed at least a thousand times on this forum, but I also figure it's a nice topic to spark a little conversation (and get me some new musicians to lookup ).

So the question is.. Who, in your opinion, is the most underrated bassist(s)? It can either be someone whom currently is in action or a past "forgotten" great.

I'm going to throw out one of my personal favorites, Jimmy Haslip. I know he's gotten a little more attention than some bassists may have in comparison, but for such a unique bassist I feel he should stand out a little more! Let me know what you guys think!

 

[Dasgre0g]

This comes up every couple weeks, but I will always post on it. Mike Mills of REM to me is one of the most underrated and influential bassist out there. The bassist from Metric has some pretty cool grooves going on as well. The guy from the band Live was awesome back in the day and mixed in a lot of different techniques.

 

[12BitSlab]

Michael Scharf by a mile.

 

[HauntedDave]

Vic Victor of The Koffin Kats, Kim Nekroman, Pistol Pete of The Twistin Tarantulas.

 

[Lee Moses]

Jaco.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Sid.

 

[Quinn Roberts]

Vic Victor of The Koffin Kats, Kim Nekroman, Pistol Pete of The Twistin Tarantulas.

I've been told I definitely need to check the Koffin Kats out, will be sure to do so now after reading this!

Jaco.

And I'd say most people consider him top 10 on average, maybe even top 5. I will say his knowledge for the instrument may be severely underrated however!

 

[JACink]

Sid.

Lol.

 

[two fingers]

@Joe Nerve

 

[tbplayer59]

This question gets asked a lot, and I always answer: Robert Sledge of Ben Folds Five.

 

[Duckophile]

Richard Cousins is a name that rarely seems mentioned, but whose pocket presence I admire.

James Alexander doesn't get as much discussion as you'd think one of the principal bassists for Stax would get.

 

[Obese Chess]

He's no longer in the band for very good reason, but Michael Todd grooved so hard on those first couple Coheed and Cambria records.

 

[Bassa Nova]

I submit:

Gabriel Roth/Bosco Man (Sharon jones and the Dap Kings), Nick Movshon (Menahan Street band, the Arcs, Amy Winehouse) and David Labruyere (early John Mayer). Check these guys out.

 

[baileyboy]

None.

 

[ELG60]

Pete Wentz.

Oops, wrong thread.

 

[js1268]

Pete Wentz.

Oops, wrong thread.

...that was funny, LOL!!!

 

[Quinn Roberts]

I'll add Michael Manring as well. Honestly, quite a recent discovery for me too.

 

[Bassbeater]

Nick Allbrook - Tame Impala (formerly)

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Tina Weymouth (Talking Heads)

Allen McGrier & Oscar Alton (Tina Marie & Rick James Stone City Band)

Janice Marie Johnson ( A Taste Of Honey)

Bobby Watson ( Rufus , Michael Jackson Rock With You)

Aaron Mills ( Cameo)

Paul S. Denman ( Sade)

Raphael Saadiq. ( Tony Toni, Tone)

Roger Troutman (Zapp !! His keyboard bass is pure funk at its best)

 

[Whitenoise17]

Not enough people talk about Adam Clayton of U2.
His bass lines are simple and to the point, and they don’t just follow the guitar all the time.
Chi Cheng of Deftones could also fall into this category. Kept things simple, and just held down the groove.