The Greatest Bass Line of all Time

I know nothing about greatest bassline as such. For me, three of the most memorable is perhaps:

The one that came to mind first, is the bassline Rutherford starts playing ca. 3:40 into Fountain of Salmacis. One of the few basslines that sometimes get stuck in my head (and I don't even mind it).

The second I thought of was Cecil McBee's walking double bass line that goes on throughout Journey in Satchidananda's opening title track. It sings.

Thirdly my Zeuhl-awaking started with the infectious groove of Francis Moze introductory bass riff on Kobaïa - the opening song on Magma's masterful debut album.

-others will come to mind as soon as I post this, I'm sure:)

The late, great Gary Strater on Starcastle's "Dawning of the Day":

John Myung's bass line is amazing throughout this entire epic song.

The studio track that may be a perfect introduction to progressive jazz-rock is Stanley Clarke's composition Vulcan Worlds (ft. Return to Forever) from 1974; this fantastic piece features complex time signatures, intricate instrumental passages, and a dynamic range of emotions. It also has an incredible bass line that drives the track forward, making it an excellent representation of the genre's ability to create tension and release.

Yes, I love that thumping bass-line from Chris Squire on City of Love.

Atavachron wrote: Squire, 'Does it Really Happen?' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL68VE-Qi7Y

Squire dominates Drama. Tempest Fugit is also great.

Such a thread is never complete without mention of the bassists of Tower of Power!

Francis "Rocco" Prestia — the OG master of articulation.



Bobby Vega, ToP's "stunt bassist" and the Plectrum Paladin.



Julia Hofer, a superb bassist in her own right (currently playing in The Cream of Clapton), demonstrates her five favorite ToP basslines!



Anyone who's seriously into bass must watch Paul Thompson's YouTube vlog, @pdbass. He unearths some really great basslines and pays homage to many names who aren't household, but should be (and he's a great player, as well).

This is Thompson's analysis of ToP's masterful structural approach to their brand of funk, which has been replicated by no other band.

Always loved the bass by Jones in this one......

One great bass is great, but what can you do with more of them? (Not sure whether it's two or three but anyway, isn't this spectacular?) 

mellotronwave wrote: Golden Earring Radar Love

Fantastic and a huge hit