Best of 2021: The Top 10 Bass Videos
Today, we wrap up our “Best of 2021” Top 10 lists with this one. Every day of the year, we share a video. Here are the top 10 most-watched on No Treble in 2021.
1. Ellen Alaverdyan: Penny Lane
Ever since we first saw a video by Ellen Alaverdyan, we’ve been completely knocked out. This video is as impressive as any by the young bassist. Ellen simultaneously handles the bass and vocals on The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” in this clip.
2. Prince: Play That Funky Music / Hollywood Swinging / Fantastic Voyage
Today’s video comes from Prince’s “Welcome 2 America” Deluxe Edition Blu Ray and his performance “Live at the Forum 4/28/11”. Ida Nielsen lays down the funky groove, and then Prince grabs a bass and takes it to the next level.
3. Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Joni Mitchell: “Cantaloupe Island” and “River”
Recorded in 2008 in Los Angeles, here’s Herbie Hancock, Bob Sheppard, Marcus Miller, Lionel Loueke, and Vinnie Colaiuta performing “Cantaloupe Island” and “River”. Joni Mitchell took the stage for the second song, and Marcus switched to double bass.
4. Blackberry Smoke and Allman Betts Band: Jesus Left Chicago
Blackberry Smoke joined with members of Allman Betts band from their 2021 “Spirit Of The South” Tour and performed ZZ Top’s “Jesus Left Chicago” as a tribute to Dusty Hill, who passed away in July.
5. Jeff Beck/Buddy Guy: Live at Crossroads Festival 2010
Here’s a great clip from the Crossroads Festival in 2010, which kicks off with Jeff Beck performing with Rhonda Smith on bass. The video closes out Buddy Guy performing “Five Long Years” with Jonny Lang, Ronnie Wood, and Orlando Wright.
6. Charles Berthoud: If “Back in Black” Was The Hardest Song In The World
I love Charles Berthoud’s “Hardest Song In The World” series. In this one, he decided to turn AC/DC’s “Back in Black” into the hardest song ever. The solo is pretty epic.
7. Yes: I’ve Seen All Good People (Live – 1973)
A Youtuber who goes by Professor Chocolate Cake put together this impressive video of Yes performing “I’ve Seen All Good People” live in 1973. The footage of Chris Squire and the band is fantastic, as is the production work.
8. Jaco Pastorius Quintet: Donna Lee (1981)
Here’s a live, rare, and unreleased clip of the Jaco Pastorius Quintet (with Michael Brecker, Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer, and Don Alias) performing “Donna Lee” in 1981. Thanks to Rick Suchow for recording/sharing this one!
9. REO Brothers: Sultans of Swing
With each new video the REO Brothers shares, I’m more convinced there’s nothing this band can’t pull off. Here’s their latest, with a superb cover of Dire Straits’ hit tune, “Sultans of Swing.”
10. Levin Brothers: Elephant Talk
Tony Levin shared this video on Facebook saying, “Here’s something different: a version of ‘Elephant Talk’ quite unlike the others.” Here’s The Levin Brothers performing their own take on the King Crimson classic live.
