2016 Reader Favorites – #1: Victor Bailey

Editor’s Note: At the end of each year, we tally up all the article and video views on No Treble to come up with a list of top 10 most popular bassists. This is entirely based on readership, not on opinions, polls or anything else. Just having some fun.

Victor Bailey

On November 11th, 2016, the bass world was stunned by the news of the passing of Victor Bailey. Our tribute to him was one of the most read stories of the year, with bassists and fans offering up their own thoughts on the legendary bassist.

Throughout the year, we featured some videos which showcase just why we’re all such big fans. Readers also browsed videos from past years, propelling Victor to #1 on this list.

RIP, Mr. Bailey. Thank you for the inspiration you’ve brought us all.

In Memoriam: Victor Bailey

1. In Memoriam: Victor Bailey

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that bass legend Victor Bailey has passed away from complications with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. He was 56 years old. Bailey was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania into a musical family. Here is our tribute…

Weather Report with Victor Bailey: D Flat Waltz, Live in Japan (1985)

2. Weather Report with Victor Bailey: D Flat Waltz, Live in Japan (1985)

Wayne Shorter shared this video of Weather Report performing in Japan in 1985. This particular clip of “D Flat Waltz” really took me back to a time spinning vinyl and admiring Victor’s work as a teenager…

Beka Gochiashvili Quintet with Victor Bailey: Sonny

3. Beka Gochiashvili Quintet with Victor Bailey: Sonny

On March 27th, we celebrated the birthday of Victor Bailey. Here’s a great clip of Victor with pianist Beka Gochiashvili’s Quintet performing at the 2012 Black Sea Jazz Festival…

Victor Bailey: Countdown

4. Victor Bailey: Countdown

Victor Bailey is about to get you to kick your practicing into high gear with this video. It’s a playalong of his take on John Coltrane’s “Countdown” as heard on Bailey’s Slippin’ N’ Trippin’ album….

Victor Bailey, Lenny White & Larry Coryell: “Low Blow” Live (2006)

5. Victor Bailey, Lenny White & Larry Coryell: “Low Blow” Live (2006)

During the 2006 Jazz Triumph Festival, Victor Bailey took the stage with guitarist Larry Coryell and drummer Lenny White. The trio performed Victor’s tune “Low Blow”, from the bassist’s album of the same name. Victor not only plays some impressive bass lines, he sings along with them too. Monster!

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