Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Even though I'm in the midst of a bad cold (and soon to self medicate with Nyquil - yeah baby!) I thought I'd post about seeing and then buying Bass Player magazine's "Bass Giants" issue, which is to be displayed till April 30, 2007.

The special issue lists "25 Players Who Changed Everything." I recommend it, as it includes an interview they'd done with Paul McCartney in the past - yep, he's on the list of course.

Ric bass players that I can identify are: Cliff Burton, Geddy Lee, and of course Paul McCartney. When there isn't an interview, you can see what people think of a certain player - such as James Jamerson (who amazingly only used his index finger, coming from an upright bass background).

I also liked the interviews with Carol Kaye and Joe Osborn, two of the studio bassists we hear a ton of from 60's era music.

The glaring omission to me is that Chris Squire isn't one of the 25. He *is* interviewed about the effect that John Entwistle had on his playing. As an example, I wonder if Flea (who's certainly done some work that sticks out) should be in front of Chris Squire...

The slight downer is that Paul has seemingly moved back to the Hofner, Lee is playing a Jazz (as Paul has done too), and Cliff Burton is deceased (will have to get some older Metallica stuff!).

Anyway, just thought I'd summarize. I got my copy at the local Barnes and Noble bookstore here in the U.S. a couple of nights ago.

Bass player did something similar a year or two ago...it was called rock bass legends. Chris Squire was included in that one as were the ric players you mentioned.

I can't belive Chris Squire isn't in the 25...him and the rest of Yes pretty much invented Prog Rock...if that's not changing everything I don't know what is!

Hope you start to feel better David...I too am very sick with a cold.

for me McCartney followed by Jones followed Entwhistle followed by Squire followed by Lee followed by Flea and Whooten, Dunn, Baxter... . Man there is a bunch out there, but those would be my foundation. It's all opinions, which will change from time to time. And that's my opinion.

Many of us started when there were excellent players paving the way for us. If it was not for Geddy, i would not have had any idea what a Ric was. I heard the tone and it became my first want in bass world...the first Ric I had was bought by my parents brand new in 1986. it had a ZG serial number....kinda wish I had that one back..ah well

Surely Chris Squire is a Bass Giant in more ways than one!

Any article about 25 players who changed everything that does not have Mr. Squire near the top of the list isn't worth reading, IMO. Sometimes these articles focus too much on personal opinion and ignore objectivity... that's fine, it's their right to do so, but I stopped reading stuff written from that point of view long ago. For example, I'm no Elvis fan, but I certainly understand his impact. Objective writing would give Squire his due, not that he needs it. I think he gets the credit he deserves, certainly from me.