Top 10 Bass Videos in December: From Newly Discovered Jaco Pastorius Recording to McCartney’s Hofner Comeback

December wrapped up the year with an incredible lineup of bass videos, blending legendary moments with fresh, inspiring performances. From a newly unearthed Jaco Pastorius recording to Paul McCartney’s iconic Hofner bass returning to the stage after 51 years, this month was packed with must-see clips for every bassist and music lover.

From jaw-dropping jazz solos to genre-bending covers and groove-heavy jams, these videos celebrate the depth and diversity of the bass world. Here are the top 10 bass videos that had our readers hitting the play button all December long.

1. Unearthed Treasure: Jaco Pastorius, Alex Darqui, and Rich Franks Live in Fort Lauderdale (1978)

The Jaco Pastorius Archive shared a newly discovered recording of Jaco along with his childhood friends, pianist Alex Darqui and drummer Rich Franks. This was recorded on January 29, 1978 at the Players Club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

2. Postmodern Jukebox and Wild Bill Give Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back In Town” a ’50s Rockabilly Makeover

Postmodern Jukebox's latest collaboration with Nashville powerhouse Wild Bill takes things to new heights. They transformed Thin Lizzy’s rock classic “The Boys Are Back in Town” into a foot-stomping 1950s rockabilly adventure.

3. Ellen Alaverdyan Test Drives Three Markbass Basses

Ellen Alaverdyan tried out three Markbass basses for her latest video, and her playing knocked us out once again. Check out her work on the P-bass, short-scale, and jazz.

4. Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe: Starship Trooper (Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA 1989)

Bill Bruford shared another terrific ABWH video, and a heartfelt story with it. In this clip from their performance at their 1989 Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA, in the band performs “Starship Trooper.”

5. Paul McCartney’s Original Hofner Returns to Action After 51 Years (with “Get Back”)

Paul McCartney’s original 1961 Hofner bass was found after a 51 year search. Sir Paul brought it out on stage in London on December 19, with the help of some special guests: Ronnie Wood and Ringo Starr.

6. The Headhunters: The Stunt Man (Live on KEXP)

KEXP hosted The Headhunters back in September and just dropped some great videos from the session. Here’s the band performing “The Stunt Man,” with a solo by bassist Chris Severin.

7. A Masterclass in Jazz: Mike Stern Band’s “Out Of The Blue” Live at Marciac Featuring Richard Bona’s Standout Solo

Watch Richard Bona shine in Mike Stern Band’s "Out Of The Blue" live at Marciac. A jazz masterclass!

8. Will Lee Shares Footage of George Harrison’s Final Concert at Royal Albert Hall

Will Lee has been sharing a lot of amazing videos lately, and this one is super special. Here's footage of George Harrison's final concert at Royal Albert Hall.

9. Hiromi’s Sonicwonder and Hadrien Feraud Shine at Jazz à Vienne 2024: Watch Their Stunning Performance

Hiromi’s Sonicwonder (with Hadrien Feraud, Adam O’Farrill, and Gene Coye) delivered an unforgettable performance at Jazz à Vienne 2024.

10. Starblaster’s 4am Funk Dance Party: Sam Wilkes Delivers Jaw-Dropping Bass at The York

Starblaster laid down some serious grooves at The York in Los Angeles, CA, and just dropped a video from their performance. "4am Funk Dance Party" lives up to its name, with some heady bobbing funky goodness.