Bass Videos

Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” has always been a favorite of mine, pretty much exclusively because of Tony Levin’s epic bass line. Here’s a clip of the band performing the tune at the Fila Forum in Milan, in 2003. (And a bonus video!)

Joe Satriani is releasing his 18th studio album, “Shapeshifting,” in April, with Chris Chaney on bass. He’s just released a video for the tune “Nineteen Eighty” as a preview of what’s to come.

I’ve always been fascinated with the story of Jack Casady recording with Jimi Hendrix. Experience Hendrix shared this “behind the scenes” video of Hendrix’s sessions on Voodoo Chile / Voodoo Child, with clips of Casady, Noel Redding, and more.

Jason Raso sent us a new video featuring another one of his killer compositions. Joined by guitarist Robb Cappelletto and drummer Peter Grimmer, here’s the trio performing “Double Double.”

Here’s a great clip of The Wood Brothers performing live at the WFUV studios, and another tune from their new album, “Kingdom In My Mind.” This performance is especially cool, with Chris Wood’s bass work in the spotlight.

As with many Scary Pockets videos, I see the title of the video first and think “I’m not sure how this one is going to turn out.” Then I watch and realize I need to stop doubting. In this clip, the group adds the funk to Imogen Heap’s “Hide and Seek.”

The legendary reggae rhythm section of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare teamed up with Roots Radics for the album “The Final Battle.” Shakespeare’s simple yet perfect groove adds motion to the track, “This Morning.”

Since David Sanborn’s “Sanborn Sessions” debuted, I’m always looking forward to a new episode. In session #3, the band was joined by Jonatha Brooke and Charlie Hunter to perform Brooke’s song, “Inconsolable.” Ben Williams once again is on bass.

Level 42 celebrated their 30th anniversary back in 2010 with a world tour. In this clip from London’s Indigo2, slap monster Mark King leads the group on “43” with an active bass line before switching to fingers for the middle section.

Brandon Shaw sent us this video, and it’s a cool look into the creation of a great bass line by Carmine Rojas. The clip details the evolution of David Bowie’s hit “Let’s Dance” as it morphed from a folksy guitar number to the monster groove it became.

The Martin Miller Session Band is back with another cover. This time around, the group performs their take on Prince’s “Purple Rain.” Benni Jud pulls double duty on this one, handling the bass and lead vocals.

Often we think of Rhonda Smith for her work with his royal badness Prince and jazz/rock pioneer Jeff Beck, but she’s worked with tons of artists. Recently she shared this clip of herself performing with pop singer Katherine McPhee.