Top 10: The Best Bass Videos (September 2011)
From a wacky snowboard bass, to the return of BassGirl and lots of solo bass performances, here are the top 10 bass videos in September 2011, based on views by No Treble readers.
Annie sent us this new video of BassGirl, who we’ve featured before to rave reviews. Annie says, “[Here’s BassGirl’s cover of Jaco Pastorius’s] “Amerika”. Not sure if you’re posting any special [videos on 9/11], but thought this might be appropriate.” We agree. On this 10th anniversary of 9/11, we’re reminded of the tragedy we faced…
2. Signal Snowboards’ Duff McKagan Fender Snowboard Bass
Some people play bass, and some people ride it. Signal Snowboards is a company that makes handmade boards, and on every third Thursday they get a little adventurous. In their latest edition, they hook up with bassist Duff McKagan and build a snowboard out of his signature Fender bass. The kicker? It’s still playable.
3. Simon Fitzpatrick: “Family Guy” Theme for Solo Bass
We shared Simon Fitzpatrick‘s solo bass performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” from our archives last night, and Simon responded with his latest video, a solo bass performance of the “Family Guy” theme.
4. Steely Dan’s “Peg”: Instrumental with Chuck Rainey
This is cool beyond words… Chuck Rainey laying it down in this instrumental reunion remake of Steely Dan’s “Peg”, from Aja. Bonus: Bernard Purdie on drums. This is from the DVD, Steely Dan – Aja.
5. Steve Metcalf: Red Hot Chili Peppers “Can’t Stop” Upright Bass Cover
Mind blown. Bassist Steve Metcalf, an undergraduate performance major studying at Indiana University recorded this (almost) all-bass version of the Red Hot Chili Peppers tune “Can’t Stop”. Steve says he creates these videos “to escape from the world of orchestral excerpts”. Keep ‘em coming, Steve.
6. Carol Kaye, Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey Jam at NAMM
Old school meets new school in this clip from Winter NAMM 2000, where session legend Carol Kaye jams with bass virtuosos Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey on a blues. They may have different backgrounds, but one thing they all share is a groove that just won’t quit.
7. Jonas Hellborg: Live Solo Bass
Here’s bassist Jonas Hellborg showing off his signature Warwick bass in a live performance… and his crazy skills.
8. King Crimson: “Sleepless” Live in Japan with Tony Levin
This song opens up just right: with some awesome percussive slap bass by Tony Levin. And he doesn’t stop there. The tune, “Sleepless” is from King Crimson’s 1984 release, Three of a Perfect Pair, with Levin on bass and Stick, Adrian Belew on vocals/guitar, Robert Fripp on guitar and Bill Bruford on drums.
9. Aerosmith: Sweet Emotion (Tom Hamilton Bass Solo)
Aerosmith has been together for 40 years. That takes some serious hustle. In this clip, Tom Hamilton plays a simple groove-based solo in this clip before kicking into one of the most recognizable bass riffs in rock history.
10. A Taste of Honey: Boogie Oogie Oogie (1978)
Like it or not, disco produced some great bass lines. Jeff Kerestes shared this music video of A Taste of Honey, featuring bassist/vocalist Janice-Marie Johnson, on our Facebook page. The song, “Boogie Oogie Oogie,” is a classic example of groovy bass from the ‘70s. “I just came across this video,” Jeff said. “Classic bass line!…
