Ollie's Essential Bass Albums

In A Jungle Groove - James Brown

Bassists - Bootsy Collins / Charles Sherrell / Fred Thomas

Starting with a Collins!! A classic Bootsy record. Essential bass groove listening. "Talking Loud Sayin Nothin" etc.

Marcus Miler - Tales

Bassist - Marcus Miller

Of all the Marcus albums, I pick this one as being the definitive. The previous album The Sun Don't Lie and later M2 are also good but this one really stands out. Partly because of the vocal contributions from Meshell Ndegeocello and Layla Hathaway. The noteworthy tracks are - "The Blues" (melodic slap bass), Rush Over (with Meshell) and True Geminis (wonderful fretless melody).

Level 42 - Physical Presence Live (Polydor Records 1984)

Bassist - Mark King

This is the record that really got me in to playing slap bass and I think this is the definitive Level 42 record. It might not contain the hits we all know and love but the band line up with the Gould brothers and Krys Mach on Saxophone is the original line up and best. Mark King's bass sound is fuller and less tinny than the subsequent live recordings. I literally wore both of the LPs out, learning all the bass lines. The original CD version of the record omitted some of the best tracks, however the full version was later re -released on 2 CDs, I promptly bought a copy.

This record boasts new versions of original Level album tracks, heaps better live than in the studio!

Weather Report - Heavy Weather

Bassist - Jaco Pastorious

One of the monster recording performances that made Jaco a legend. This album credits him as composer and multi -instrumentalist. As well as the stunning bass on his own Teen Town, check out his drumming on the same track for proof! The fretless Gem "A remark You Made" raises hairs, whilst the solo on Havona is probably the best on record.

Also; Black Market, Night Passage, 8:30 Live.

Laurence Cottle - Four Seasons & Live

Bassist - Laurence Cottle

The only Amazon link I could find for Laurence Cottle was his Live album. Which is great.....but you have to check out this bass genius at work in the studio (Four Seasons), where he flawlessly displays his awe inspiring wonder chops on his own material. So musical...So much feel. If you have never heard Laurence.........man, it don't get much better than this.

I you visit his website (see links page) Laurence very generously allows you to listen to many tracks off several albums of various artists he has played for.

 

Vital Information - Fiafiaga (Celebration)

Bassist - Kai Eckhardt

Drummer Steve Smith (also co collaborator with Victor Wooten Vital Tec Tones) leads this super fusion group on an album full of quality material. The track Babaluwaiye (The Creator) contains a stunning slap bass performance from Kia Eckhardt well worth the price of the album alone.

Rush - Power Windows

Bassist - Geddy Lee

There's plenty of great Geddy Lee bass moments in many of the hundreds of Rush Songs and Power Windows boasts a fair few of them.

I think of Geddy's style as Chris Squire meets James Jamerson.

Led Zeppelin - II

Bassist - John Paul Jones

JPJ must have thought he was on a Motown session when he recorded this album! If you listen to track 2 "What Is And What Should Never Be" and track 3 "Lemon Song" - you can hear proof of the Jamerson influence. Led Zeppelin II represents JPJ as the real back bone and time keeper of this legendary band.

Incognito - Vibes Tribes And Scribes

Bassist -Randy Hope Taylor

There are some wonderfull basslines and features from London's Incognito.The albums Vibes Tribes And Scribes and 100 Degrees and Rising are the best. On V.T &S Randy H - Tayor opens with a stunning groove to Jazz funk track "Collibri" , Check out the solo to Magnetic Ocean and if that's not funky enough check the bassline to Pyramids.

 

Incognito - 100 Degrees And Rising

Bassists - Randy Hope Taylor / Julian Crampton

Another great bass album, with more melodic grooving lines from Randy Hope Taylor and also Julian Crampton. Check out the 5 string lines on "Where Did We Go Wrong" and "Good Love" . The highlight and bass treat of the album is "Jacobs Ladder" written and performed by Julian Crampton. The insrumental piece opens with a solo bass melody then builds up to a string orchestral climax which kind of reminds me of Jaco.

Primus - Sailing The Seas Of Cheese

Bassist - Les Claypool

My first encounter with Primus was watching their support show for Rush in 1993 (I think). The support sound was terrible in Sheffield Arena, however I could see how talented Les Claypool was as vocalist, two handed six string fretless bass player as well as writer and dynamic performer.

Also - Frizzle Fry

Stuart Hamm - Radio Free Albemuth

Bassist -Stuart Hamm

I had to include a record from this great bass player. Stuart is a technician and funky groover in one! He is renowned for his solo two hand tapping performances, on this album Stuart performs a technically stunning two hand version of Moonlight Sonata. Also check out "Sexually Active" joined by guitarist Joe Satriani more great Slap and Tap moments.

Bela Fleck And The Flectones

Bassist - Victor Wooten

I have a large number of Wooten feature records in my collection, but this one is one of my favorites. If you have heard or seen Victor Wooten play you would have to agree he is something of a bass genius! However I find his solo work a tad over bearing at times. This Flectones record showcases Wooten's most tasteful yet intricate side.

also; Flight Of The Cosmic Hippo, UFOTOFU, Left Of Cool, Little Words

solo albums; Show Of Hands, Live In America,

Joni Mitchell - Shadows An Light

Bassist - Jaco Pastorious

I think that some of Jaco's finest playing was with Joni Mitchell. There was plent of space in Mitchell's arangements for Jaco to do what he did best. To hear what I mean listen to the live album Shadows and Light.

Brand X - Product (also Morrocan Roll, Masques)

Bassist - Percy Jones

Percy Jones is one of the bass world's lesser known fretless bass heros. Some say that he was a big influence on Jaco's fretless bass playing. His trade mark sliding harmonics and octave glisandos have inspired many (including myself). I think the best Brand X album in terms of material is Product. It also features the vocals and drums of Phil Collins. Check out "Wal to Wal" a bass duet with John Giblin.

Donny Hathaway - Live

Bassist - Wille Weeks

One of the great soul groove players "Willie Weeks" On this record Weeks demonstrates his cool laid back groove. Check out the solo on Everything Is Everything.

Tower Of Power - Self Titled

Bassist - Francis Roco Prestia

Tower's first album and possibly the definitive. FRP is another one of Jaco's influences. He played super tight 16th note finger funk locked with the kit playing of David Garibaldi. Check out the tracks Soul Vaccination and What is Hip. Also check the albums "Back To Oakland" and "Urban Renewal".

Alain Caron - Rhythm And Jazz

Bassist - Alain Caron

If you've not heard of French Canadian Alain Caron I strongly urge you to buy one of his records. They feature great bass as well as tunes, Alain truly is a master of Slap and Fretless playing. Also check out records by UZEB Alain's former band.

 

Bootsy Collins - Fresh Outa P University

Bassist - Bootsy Collins

This is a great soul/funk/hip hop influenced record, great tunes and bass grooves. The best solo Bootsy outing to date - Well worth splashing out for. .

Graham Central Station - The Jam ( 3 CD Anthology)

Bassist - Larry Graham

A definitive collection of the "super heavy weight" bass pioneer Larry Graham. GSC really were a funk force to be reckoned with. Check out my transcription of Hair in the Transcriptions page.

Michel Camilo - One More Once

Bassist - Anthony Jackson

This is one of two very contrasting albums which feature the 6 -String bass innovator Anthony Jackson. On this fabulous record Jackson's role is supportive with the occasional "mouth dropping fill" just to remind you why Jackson has such a reputation. The highlight of the album for me is "Not Yet". I remember covering this with a group at the Manchester Jazz Festival - A humbling experience.

Jaco Pastorious - Self Titled

Bassist - Jaco Pastorious

If you are a bass player you must own a copy of this record. Released in 1976 serves as something of a scripture in bass history. The opening 10 minuets are stunning. From the breath taking fretless rendition of Miles Davis' "Donna Lee" to the Tower Of Power esk "Come On Come Over". As well as a bass genius Pastorious was highly regarded in the jazz world as a composer and this album boasts many of the Jaco classics.

Other albums - Invitation, Word Of Mouth, The Birthday Concert.

Paul Simon -Graceland

Bassist - Bakithi Kumalo

What can I say.....This record made me want to play the fretless bass! Particularly after seeing the concert on TV one Christmas eve, Bakithi looked so cool, slaping, sliding and wearing cool shades! Graceland is a fab album with many speaker popping bass moments. My favorite tracks are "Call Me All" with Kumalo's double tracked parts and "Diamonds On The Souls Of Her Shoes" possibly one of my favorite bass parts ever.

Marvin Gaye -What's Goin On

Bassist - James Jamerson

There are simply too many great bass moments from the Motown label to list here. However "What's Going On" demonstrates why Jamerson is often hailed as the godfather of the Electric Bass. The basslines on this album encompass everything that gave Jamerson his bass genius stature.

Also - Motown singles collection 1959-1971

Sly And Robbie - Rhythm killers

Bassist - Robbie Shakespere

I have a fair few sly and robbie records in my collection but I think this one is my favorite. Shakespere has such a great feel and sound. Note worthy trakes are the Ohio Players cover of "Fire" and the nimble finger funk of "Let's Rock".

Also - Grace Jones Nightclubing.

Japan - Tin Drum

Bassist - Mick Karn

Mick Karn was one of my early bass influences back in the early 80's when the Brits were at the forefront of pop music. Khan has an unusual style similar to Percy Jones but with a flavour of Eastern/Terkish sound. Mick's solo albums are also worth a listen.

Sly And The Family Stone - There's A Riot Goin On

Bassist - Larry Graham

I like all the S&TFS records but in many ways this is my favorite because it is oozing with funk attitude which the band do best. The tracks "Thank You For Letinmebemyself Again" and "Sex Machine" groove like crazy. What I love about Larry Graham on this record is how he provides the sound with the dirty/fuzz dynamics whilst the guitar remains clean.

Chaka Khan Watcha Gonna Do For Me

Bassist -Anthony Jackson

My second instalment representing Anthony Jackson. This record shows off the more funky side of Anthony Jackson. The title track contains some trade mark AJ fills - well funky.

Face Value - Phil Collins

Bassist - Alphonso Johnson

I've always admired the work Alphonso did with Weather Report even though he was often shadowed by Jaco. Face Value is a great album, great songs, playing and basslines from Alphonso. My favorite being "This Must Be Love" played on fretless bass. I heard this album at an early age and didn't notice the bass. At a later date I couldn't believe how great the basslines were .

Tears For Fears - Sowing The Seeds Of Love

Bassist - Pino Palladino

This was the first Compact Disc I ever bought. The album apparently took over 2 years to record and X amount of £$ too. It was worth it -a great album. Pino Palladino plays bass on most of the record. His signature fretless style is apparent, but perhaps a little more understated than his work with Paul Young and Go West. The Track "Bad Man's Song" is more of a groover and demonstrates Palladino's more Anthony Jackson style approach.

Also Check - Oleta Adams - Circle Of One

 

John Mclaughlin Trio - Live At The Royal Festival Hall

Bassist - Kai Eckhardt

Another record on my list featuring Kia Eckhardt. This time Eckhardt played mainly fretless with occasional slap features to change the texure. This record is a classic and by far the best recording and repertoire Mclaughlin has done to date. The trio compises of Trilok Gurtu on percussion (Tabla) and Mclaughlin on acoustic guitar. A wonderful sound and combination of instruments.

I was excited to learn that Kia Eckhardt had recently released a solo album "Honour Simplicity, Respect The Flow". Sadly this record fell way below my expectations - it has some fantastic bass on it though.

Meshell Ndegeocello - Plantation Lullabys

Bassist - Meshell Ndegeocello

This was the debut by Meshell and along with her second album "Peace Beyond Passion" - Both great records. Meshell writes, sings, plays keys and guitar, but it is her bass playing that grabs the attention of the listener. She really has her OWN feel, so funky fluid and she dreams up great melodic lines which lock with the drums and sound at the forefront of the mix.

Her three subsequent albums where a bit disappointing though, kind of more the same but not a good.

David Sanborn - Upfront

Bassist - Marcus Miller

Marcus Miller also produces and contributes to the writing on this album. The opening track Snakes is the highlight to possibly the finest Sanborn record.

 

Also Voyeur, Straight To The Heart

Stanley Clarke - School Days

Bassist - Stanley Clarke

My list wouldn't be complete without a Stanley Album. School Days was my introduction to Stanley and is still my fav. The tile track is blend of jazz rock articulated by Stanleys strummed power chords and splendid solo. I love his feel and choice of notes when soloing. "Hot Fun" demonstrates his double thumbed slap technique which inspired players like Victor Wooten.

Also - If Only This Bass Could Talk, Journey To Love, East River Drive and 1,2 The Bass.

 

Paul Young - No Parlez / Secret Of Association

Bassist - Pino Palladino

No Parlez and Secret Of Association represent some of the finest bass playing of Pino Palladino. No Parlez features the household classic fretless intro/bassline to "Wherever I Lay My Hat" I often wonder just how Palladino comes up with such melodic parts, check out the power octave bass line on "I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down" off "Secret Of Association". The 16th note passage at the end is stunning. Also the track Hot fun opens up with some great slap, just to confirm that you can slap on a fretless bass (also "Sex" on no Parlez).

Also - Other Voices

 

Groove Collective - We Are The People

Bassist - Jonathan Maron

Another album i've been hooked on! Jonathan Maron is the bassist with Groove Collective. He also contributes heavily to the compositional aspects of the record. Evidence of his work can be heard by the dominant presence of hooky bass lines which surely put the word Groove In to "Groove Collective"!