2012 Readers’ Favorite Bassists – #6: Pino Palladino

Pino Palladino

For decades, Pino Palladino has laid down some of the most incredible bass lines in the most diverse musical settings imaginable.

Our video features of Pino over the years have generated lots of views, comments and shares, which helps him remain a fixture on our top ten reader favorite lists… this year being no exception.

Though it didn’t make the list, news of the new Gaddabouts album contributed to Pino’s spot on the list.

Here are the top five most viewed Pino Palladino videos over the course of 2012. Be sure to check out our complete Pino Palladino archive for even more.

John Mayer Trio with Pino Palladino, Live at the Crossroads Festival 2010

1. John Mayer Trio with Pino Palladino, Live at the Crossroads Festival 2010

We’ve featured the John Mayer Trio performing this tune before, but had to share this version, from the 2010 Crossroads Festival. The band plays “Who Did You Think I Was”, ending with Hendrix’s “Power of Soul”. Pino Palladino can do no wrong!

Simon & Garfunkel with Pino Palladino: The Only Living Boy in New York

2. Simon & Garfunkel with Pino Palladino: The Only Living Boy in New York

While preparing to interview Joe Osborn, I became borderline obsessed with this song. Originally played by Joe on Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water, the bass line has such a beautiful melody to it while holding down the harmony in all the right spots…

Paul Young with Pino Palladino: I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down (1984)

3. Paul Young with Pino Palladino: I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down (1984)

Our Facebook friend Jeff Kerestes shared this video with us, with Pino Palladino working his magic on the fretless, way back in 1984. Ignore the hair. If you can.

Joni Mitchell: Hejira, Live in Japan with Pino Palladino

4. Joni Mitchell: Hejira, Live in Japan with Pino Palladino

I never thought I’d hear a version of “Hejira” without Jaco and love it. But then Pino Palladino proved me wrong with this incredible live performance of the title track to Joni’s 1976 album by the same name. Doesn’t hurt that Wayne Shorter joins in either.

Paul Young: “Wherever I Lay My Hat” Live, with Pino Palladino (1985)

5. Paul Young: “Wherever I Lay My Hat” Live, with Pino Palladino (1985)

I never cared for the 80?s music scene (then or now). But when I listen to Paul Young’s recordings, I’m amazed how Pino Palladino‘s bass lines have aged so well, even if the rest of the music of that era hasn’t…

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Leave a Reply to Corey Brown Cancel reply

  1. ? Another that should be in the top 5, right next to Jamerson. (wow, I must be really cranky today).

    • Ha. It is okay Don. Like we say on the main reader favorite page, “There’s one guarantee with lists: someone will always be able to say there’s someone missing (or lots of people missing). And they’d be right.” This isn’t one of those bogus “we think these bassists are the best” type things… This is a list based on who readers paid attention to the most on NT this year.

  2. Thank you for this post, I’ve had such a hard time finding performances with Mr. Palladino

  3. he is the working man’s bassist.

  4. It’s quite remarkable how such a mediocre bassist can have such a prolific career.

    Overrated and boring.

  5. mediocre? says the man with one string to his rod.