but I would say that is good but not particularly demanding bass playing.

And I am a bass player. Usually, the bass is a very different instrument from a voice or a lead guitar, in that it isn't a solo instrument (and some people go as far as to say that bass players are like referees: When they're doing their job, you shouldn't be aware of them.)

In the Trevor Horn example the enjoyment you get from it - which is ultimately what matters - comes from the fact that the arrangement is highlighting the bass, rather than the skill of the playing. And there's nothing wrong with that.

But this is both entertaining and skilful (from about 2:40)...

And yes, Patrick's right. It also sounds like he's missing a few notes at the beginning, too, and doesn't really get into the groove of the piece until about 2/3 of the way through.

Funny story, though. I met the guy who taught me how to play bass when I heard him practicing along with Close To The Edit from the room upstairs in my halls of residence at Uni. Except he was playing it in a Mark King style thumb-slap fashion, which actually sounded better (certainly more crisp and funky)than the plectrum fashion Our Trev is using in that video.

...one never hears enough about Colin 'Bomber' Hodgkinson in the role call of greats. Just found this on youtube - it's understated, deft and lovely:

Youtube really doesn't do the Tuba any justice.

...towers over the Ox:

but that's by the by as, honestly, I can't see past the fact he's playing a 5-string. Eurgh!

I appreciate the insight from those who play and/or know about these things.

I do like Lucky Tiler's comment that you shouldn't really be aware of the skill of the bass player.

I remember a Neil and Tim Finn concert in Belfast where the whole sound was lifted and improved amazingly for the encore.

It took quite a few seconds to realise that Nick Seymour had arrived on stage as a special guest and taken over the bass from the Finn's usual player on that tour.

I also read that Seymour isn't necessarily the most consistent player but is very creative. Time to listen again to my Crowded House albums!

..on "Donny Hathaway Live"
A bass solo that is playful and funky.
There's a tasty Cornell Dupree solo first.

is to be found on Ian Dury's album, New Boots & Panties. The bassist is Norman Watt-Roy, who has a beautiful sound on his bass & comes up with brilliant basslines. Listen, e.g., to "My Old Man"; it's the bass that gives it its magical, memorable quality.

Or Hooky to his former wife. Energy and deeply memorable structures of JD and NO songs.

3 faves,but go straight to 6.25 in the first clip. I'm sure it's dead simple but it's utterly gorgeous.

Likewise, thru'out:

I'm told this is quite, um, nimble also. There is a great story about when Dave Pegg auditioned for Fairport, after Ashley Hutchings left. Apparently the band played as fast as they could, trying to throw him off the scent. No chance!

I agree, bass players should be felt and not heard. By which I mean that as soon as you become aware of the bass playing, it's missed the point. Even though I am partial to a bit of Jaco Pastorius every now and then, his playing was best when it grooved rather than flashed (imho).

My opinion of, ah, more obvious playing (trying to avoid a certain word here) is best summed up by the hoary old rock joke below. And apologies if you've never heard it before (no apologies if you have heard it before, it's too late for you!)

A scientific expedition disembarks from its plane at the final outpost of civilization in the deepest Amazon rain forest. They immediately notice the ceaseless thrumming of native drums. As they venture further into the bush, the drums never stop, day or night, for weeks.

The lead scientist asks one of the natives about this, and the native’s only reply is "Drums good. Drums never stop. Very BAD if drums stop."

The drumming continues, night and day, until one night, six weeks into the trip, when the jungle is suddenly silent. Immediately the natives run screaming from their huts, covering their ears. The scientists grab one boy and demand "What is it? The drums have stopped!"

The terror-stricken youth replies "Yes! Drums stop! VERY BAD!"

The scientists ask "Why? Why? What will happen?"

Wild-eyed, the boy responds,

" . . . BASS SOLO!!!"

Laugh at Level 42s music if you wish but he *is* a staggeringly capable bass player (and, by all accounts, an all round nice guy)

Macca yet?

Pick a song. Any song.

Paul McCartney during his Beatle days - particularly on Sgt Pepper, which is far from my favourite Beatles album.

I'd like to say Nick Lowe, but I am not sure. He is the only person I have ever seen doing a solo set with a bass rather than an acoustic guitar.

Was a bit of a pioneer. As I understand it, none of the Beatles wanted to play bass when Stu Sutcliffe left because it just plodded in the background and thus was not as successful in supporting the picking up of young ladies. Macca turned into a bit of a lead instrument. As somebody said, Sgt Pepper is a bit of a high spot but without the bass playing on Paperback Writer, it wouldn't be the same song.

You can't come in, you can't come in...

One of the first songs I "properly" learned to play bass on. Great bass player

featuring I don't know who on bass. Ah well.

has some great bass playing on it. Anybody got any ideas who it was?

My favourite bit of bass playing which can be found on the brilliant With Teeth album. It sounds like an elephant!

I'm at work so I can't vouch for this video I've posted:

Three basses better:

...is like a great sports referee: you only notice him when he screws up.

Squire?

Know How - though I don't know who the bassist is.

I'm not sure if it's particularly hard to play but you cannot but tap your feet to this.

Probably in the same class and coming from the same place as James Jamerson. Has great feel - has played on so much stuff it is not true - hear him on Tim Buckley's Greetings From L.A.

Probably ought to mention Pino Palladino as well - famous for the Paul Young stuff as well as playing with the 'orrible 'oo.

Before you ask - I'm a guitar player not a bassist - not miserable enough to play bass.

Also, why are bassists such magnets for the opposite sex (think Gail Ann Dorsey, Tal Wilkenfeld from the male perspective)?

Now this is great bass playing. Check out the solo at 1.12

Good to see Carol Kaye get a mention - in addition to the work listed above when Tamla moved to LA (and the Funk Bros remained in Detroit) she played bass on a lot of their hits

Tal Wilkenfeld - Australian by birth working in the US and as well to her own jazz album 'Serendipity' works with Jeff Beck. Keep an eye on BBC4 for the next time they repeat the session he did for them last year you'll see her (and also Joss Stone who - working with decent, disciplined musicians and good material - was surprisingly good)

I have a feeling Doug Wimbish if Living Colour is quite good.

Another favourite of mine is Marcus Miller.

And I am surprised no one has mentioned the Stone Roses yet:

The already mentioned Bernard Edwards of Chic and Robbie Shakespeare, but no mention of Aston "Family Man" Barrett.

For those who like reggae, if Robbie ain't playing bass there's a good chance it'll be Aston.

And he's a father of at least 50 kids apparently - what a busy chap!

for me

Anne Dudley (keyboards) is one of pop music's unsung heroes. If all she'd done was to play keyboards and arrange the orchestra on Lexicon of Love that would be impressive enough, but her CV includes work with most well-known names. Also, as part of Art Of Noise, popularizing sampling and ambient music. Talented enough to not need to be well-known, and judging by her appearance in that clip, ageless.

Isn't that Alan White on one of the drum kits?

I always loved the bass playing on Graceland

http://open.spotify.com/track/4MmaH0gfufdTwY8Lx2jF3b

Hasn't had a mention. His falling out with Costello precipitated EC's disappearance from the charts; he was the alchemist who put the swing and drive into records that could have been no more than 6th Form poetry sung nasally over clunky tunes.

Mr. Percy Jones.

I believe he has also played with some of the favourites of this site..........

Here are two to consider: Sting's brilliant mutant reggae line on the Police's Spirits in the material world (I can't remember the last time I read a reference to his playing with the Police); and the inspired and unique bass line on the Clash's Rock The Casbah.

Almost Wobble-esque

Colin Moulding (XTC), Barry Adamson (Magazine) and, although it's unfashionable to say it, Derek Forbes (Simple Minds)

None were all musos. All were inventive and, ultimately, astonishing.

Steve

Colin Moulding (XTC), Barry Adamson (Magazine) and, although it's unfashionable to say it, Derek Forbes (Simple Minds)

None were musos. All were inventive and, ultimately, astonishing.

Steve

(...unless I've missed it):
Jean-Jacques Brunel of The Stranglers: the ultimate punk bassist. Not a technical jazz-funk wizard/wanker but distinctive and great: just think of Peaches, Nice'n'Sleazy, Five Minutes, etc. Instantly recognisable sound, very cool and, apparently, some sort of karate black belt.

Keep up at the back!

Aaaargh!
This is the sort of discussion I swore i`d never get involved in.

Steve Kilbey of The Church. Melodic, inventive and he sings too!

Percy Jones' tag team partner in Brand X. Listen to "Some People are Crazy" from John Martyn's Grace & Danger album - the bass line is up-front but subtle, melodic but rhythmic. Perfect for the song.

And as for Brand X...which other band produced two bass players of this calibre?

Come to think of it - Percy & John might be the only two bass players to challenge Jaco's pre-eminence on the fretless.

Stuart Hamm, who's played quite a lot with Joe Satriani and did a fabulous bass solo spot when I went to see Satch several years back.

And of course there's Les Claypool, who is also fabulous. Primus may not be to everyone's taste (some of it is to mine) but you just can't deny the guy can play.

Finally, someone earlier mentioned Marcus Miller. I love his playing on Jean Michel Jarre's 1984 Zoolook album, which I was reminded of when listening to the Art of Noise clip.

I don't play the an instrument but I always sort of fancied having a go at the bass as I reckon i'm one of life's natural bassists in temperament.

Garth Watt Roy plays with Gerry and the Pacemakers and The Barron Knights.
I hear Norman has a solo album coming out later in the year.
He is one of the finest players around. Check out Chaz Jankels solo album Chasanova from the early 80's and check out the track Boy that Norman co wrote. And also Johnny Funk. A Blockheads song that ended up on Chaz's album.
Norman played on a few tracks on Sandinista. The better ones as did Mickey Gallagher.
Agree with a lot of the above. XTC, Squeeze, Adamson, Stranglers, Police, Entwistle, Jameson, Nick Lowe, Bruce Thomas etc. But most of all McCartney on Something. Awesome playing and he does play a great solo.
I remember someone asked him once what made a good bass player and he replied "knowing when not to play". Some do overdo it.
And no-one has mentioned Ronnie Lane. Great tuff the Small Faces (Tin Soldier) and Faces (Stay With Me) + loads more of course.
And...whoever played bass on Al Greens early records.
And while I'm at it Charlie Tumahai from Be Bop Deluxe.
Foxton wasn't bad either.

who played on the Al Green stuff

Just discovered this: Quite possibly the first bass supergroup?

Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten have made a record together.