Yes! Mick Karn! Japan! Absolutely a prog band, and Tin Drum is a prog classic. Great choices, Andy. Chris was the giant (in every sense) of prog bass. Pure musicality.
I'd have these players in there: Ray Shulman - astonishing musical genius, what can't he do? Tom Fowler - iconic basswork with Uncle Frank, gorgeous tone Trey Gunn - brilliant with KC, eg. Construkction of Light Bill McCormack - 801, Quiet Sun and Phil Manzanera - not sure why people forget about him. Great sound, chops, groove and ideas.
Here's a list of my favorites, in no particular order: Chris Squire, Tony Levin, Percy Jones (is he prog or fusion?), John Wetton, Geddy Lee, Bill Laswell (he fits in almost all categories), Jeff Berlin, Hugh Hopper, Jeff Clyne, Ray Schulman
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Okay, looks like you rose to the occasion and you came up with some pretty good names that I didn't think of initially when I put that list together above. Jack Bruce is a good choice. Richard Sinclair occurred to me as well, but I left him off, perhaps because I had picked Hugh Hopper. Mick Karn has a real thick, distinct bass sound, sort of like Chris Squire. And Yes I agree, Japan is a prog band. Chris Squire has to be number 1. Good video, as I have come to expect.
One of the great talents of Tony Levin is his understanding of "negative space." Tony never felt like he had to play lots of notes, he just needed (& was able) to play the necessary notes.
There was an interview with Bill B about the first time he played with Tony Levin. He noticed that Tony wasn't playing a lot of notes so Bill played more and more notes to get him fired up, but Tony was then playing fewer and fewer notes. He soon picked up what was happening. I loved Bill and Tony as a rhythm section.
I DON'T NECESSARILY DISAGREE WITH ANY OF YOUR CHOICES, BUT SINCE I'M A BASSIST MYSELF (FOR APX. 55 YRS.), I'M SADDENED YOU LEFT OUT THE ASTONISHING, AMAZING RAY SCHULMAN !!! I'VE SEEN MOST OF THE BASSISTS ON YOUR LIST (YEAH, EVEN HUGH HOPPER) AND LOVE THEM ALL BUT NEVER IN MY LIFE HAVE I SEEN A BASSIST LIKE SCHULMAN !!! AN INCREDIBLE MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST LIKE LEE & BRUCE, AN INCREDIBLE HARMONY SINGER LIKE CHRIS SQUIRE, SOMEONE WITH AN INDIVIDUAL STYLE AND A GREAT SHOWMAN WITH AN EQUALLY GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR (LIKE ALL IN GENTLE GIANT), THE ABILITY TO PLAY "SPACE" AS WELL AS "GUITAR" ON HIS BASS GUITAR (LIKE ANTHONY JACKSON), YEAH, I'M DISAPPOINTED, NOT IN YOUR SELECTIONS BUT THAT YOU LEFT RAY OUT !!! MAYBE THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A TOP 15 OR TOP 20 !!!
Ray was on the list but I swapped him for Richard Sinclair to make it more interesting and because Mumps is astonishing! But that is the ommission that troubles me the most...he should be on it really
I'm so glad to see Percy Jones and Mick Karn on the list. IMHO they are two of the most original voices on the fretless bass that didn't surcome to the temptation to sound like Jaco. I also agree about Japan. I've thought of them as prog. I think a deep dive into the music and influence of Japan would make a good video.
Yep absolutely Mick Karn (and Tony Levin for me, throw in Les Claypool perhaps and not a progger at all Peter Hook), genuinely progressive if you look at Japan's evolution over a very short time. Steve Jansen is also an amazingly creative drummer, no - here look at me playing from any of them, disciplined interesting parts serving the muse and nothing else.
Kudos for putting Mick Karn on the list - I'm a big fan and been listening to Japan, JBK, Rain Tree Crow, Polytown - and all those guys other solo and group projects. Japan is the most underrated band I know, because even while adoring David Sylvian, many people diss Japan. Great channel!
As a Canadian, it was nice to see Geddy Lee on your list. But I was even more glad to see Hugh Hopper get a mention. My eyes lit up when you showed the CD cover for Soft Machine's 'Third' album. When I heard 'Volume Two' and 'Third as a 20-year-old in 1988, it'changed my life (musically, at least). I discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago and have been very interested in your knowledgeable musings on progressive rock and fusion. Between the two of those, I'd been anticipating, hopefully, an appearnace of SM or one of their albums on a list of yours, but I hadn't been served in that regard until this video. I had hoped that Mike Ratledge would make your Top 10 Prog Keyboardists list, but, alas, no! Anyway, thanks for doing what you're doiing.
Percy Jones has always gotten short-changed by the American bass community. It's partly, imho, because he's a much more band-oriented player than his contemporaries, and less of a soloist. But, Percy did appear on a major release a good year before Jaco, and did all the technical things Jaco is famous for (but more of them).
@@scottmyers9360 Indeed!!! Percy was doing his thing before Jaco hit the scene... not to take anything away from Jaco, but im exhausted by the constant "Jaco" conversation.... Alphonso Johnson, Percy, Mick Karn , Tony Levin were ALL potent...
Michael Manring isn't very popular and plays in other genres like new age, but he is an absolute monster! Check out Thonk. Also, Stu Hamm could be on this list. His solo albums are proggy and he has cool lines and monster chops.
Interesting, but Mike Rutherford should have definitely been on this list!! Also, John Paul Jones was doing odd times, classical counterpoint,etc,etc........ everything prog bass players do but musically better.And if you but Percy Jones on there then Jeff Berlin should be there also..... played with Bruford and Yes.On the more obscure end, Doug Keyser's work on Watchtower's Control and Resistance is the best Prog Metal bass playing I have ever heard if you want to talk about underrated........
As a bass player I feel like I need to comment, but overall I like your list. Just my opinion of course… Les Claypool from Primus needs to be on the list simply for his creative playing. Geddy needs to be higher in the ranking, maybe second. I def see Percy as more of a Jazz Fusion player but good to see him mentioned. Jack Bruce is legend… Some fusion bassists like Jeff Berlin are big Bruce fans. John Deacon from Queen has some nice proggy lines. Most underrated player. Colin Edwin from Porcupine Tree should sneak in. Tony Levin is def underrated in the bass world.
I saw Mick Karn live a couple of times and I can tell you he was a master of his instrument. The ease with which he played was astonishing. Great work Andy
I think people would be remised if they didn't acknowledge Mike Rutherford contribution. Not a virtuoso but a solid bass player with incredible muscle memory for the extended epics they did. He lost a bit of edge when Hackett left and had to double up on guitars but just listening to "Genesis Live 73" and the pocket he has on "No Reply At All" from Abacab. I had to tip my hat. I bought a Wal bass because of Mick Karn, just an inventive beast. Cheers.
Totally agree with you Andy. So no point listing mine, you got it bang on for me. Maybe I could have squeezed in, Jonas Rheingold somewhere along the line.
Great Video. Great humor along the video. Really laughed out loud. Great list. Bass is really the instrument that makes prog rock - rocky. I love that.
I saw your Top 10 Progressive Albums, then Top 10 Progressive Drummers and then guitarist, and I hardily agree with most everything. But Let me say the inclusion of Francis Dunnery was a highlight and the way you have elevated my 2nd favorite group. UK. With Bill and Alan and John as you held up that Masterpiece. Fantastic. I had the great luck to see them in Philadelphia, WITH Alan and Bill, playing a few songs from the not yet recorded Danger Moey was a thrill. I can still hear Alan double the bass in Evrything She Needs. And then their was the blue spotlight reflecting from Eddie's Giolin back to the Audience. Perhaps my fondest concert memory. Of courese I was 16 yeasr old! I did see Terry Twice with them as well
Hi Andy!! thought you would include the one and only Ray Schulman in your list, what a surprise not to find him. All the best, always following your videos from Buenos Aires (Argentina) /Diego
The things I like most about this channel: Andy never pretends to know more than he actually does, and he isn't trying to be perfect. The effect of this: authenticity in the age of plastic.
My first experience of Percy Jones was seeing him live with Brand X on the Masques tour. He and Morris Pert did some ridiculous things playing off each other.
As always, I go in line with your choices .... Chris Squire is a co inventor of Prog Rock, of the entire genre, ... and perfectly fits on nr.1, ... I was thinking of Paul McCartney as an inventor of modern bass playing and the Beatles did become a little proggy towards the end .. in a way ...
I think Soft Machine is actually more of a jazz-fusion band than a prog rock band. They started as psychedelic but definitely became a lot more jazz-influenced.
Chris Squire really deserves the first place! Percy Jones is my absolute favorite jazz-rock bass player (even slightly preceding Jaco) but indeed British jazz-rock is very proggy, so I agree to also put him on this list. By the same token, Gong's Hansford Rowe would fit the bill.
A very good list! I am pleased (and surprised) to see Jack Bruce included here. Only, if Jack was considered, he would be No. 1 on my list. I would like to mention a few names I would put into my top 10 list: Sean Malone (Cynic, O.S.I., Gordian Knot), R.I.P., Joey Vera (Fates Warning, Chroma Key, O.S.I.), John Myung (Dream Theater) Pete Trewavas (Marillion, Transatlantic). Jack Bruce, Tony Levin, Chris Squire, John Wetton, Geddy Lee and Richard Sinclair (or Hugh Hopper) I would keep. :)
Curious as to Greg Lake's standing here. I used to joke that he and John Wetton were twins from different mothers. Similar vocal character- similar careers- (even replaced each other in Crimson and Asia). Not to get morbid, but they even died of similar causes one month apart.
If Mick Karn can be called a prog bassist then so can Jean-Jacques Burnel who had a very distinctive style - growling rock with a dash of deep pulsating dub.
I agree. JJ Burnel is an awesome bassist, and the Stranglers were more "proggy" than Japan was. JJ sounded like a jackhammer hooked up to an amp. But of course with a melodic touch.
Squire is the compositional master of the bass. Just for one example hear how he controls the energy of South Side of the Sky, from yearning counterpoint to near metal, he made it prog, like you said. Recently returned from a deep dive in the Gates of Delirium and Squire was at an amazing bass compositional peak there. Again, the energy of that epic modulates through his concept. Listen again if you haven't in a while...
I have watched a ton of these videos in the last week or so and have really enjoyed them. This is the first I've commented on cos I'm also a bass player... But it's not a bass related comment. I was very pleased to see Richard Sinclair feature on the list because I really enjoy his work, primarily, Hatfield and The North but also Camel and Caravan. What I'd like to say about him though is that I think he maybe doesn't get the credit he deserves for his singing. Next to Jon Anderson I'd say he probably has the purest, I think that's the word to describe it, voice in Prog/Rock/Jazz. Just a phenomenal singing voice.
Hi Andy, Great list. Totally agree about Mick Karn! He never gets the accolades he deserves. Another overlooked prog bassist is Mike Sary from the band French TV. Cheers!
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Check this out and remember this is his first foray into bass after 8 years as a guitarist. Isolated bass and drums for Schizoid Man: ruclips.net/video/E_7Db-Q7XoU/видео.html
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer He was a phenomenal bassist. Keeping up with Emerson and Michael Giles was no mean feat. I don't know how many others here could have.
It's a bit hard to argue with most of those choices, especially Mick Karn. But where is Lee Jackson; most people probably don't like his singing voice, but his bass playing is so prog it's off the charts. It's no accident that Yes played many gigs with The Nice, and you can hear some of Lee's stylings in Chris Squires playing and tone.
I will mention one great bass player not mentioned in the list or comments and then I'll shut up: Phillippe Bussonnet of Magma is an absolute monster, especially live. His work, for example, for the recording Mythes Et Legendes, Vol. 3 on the songs Hhaï and Zombies is amazing.
Lol - You temporarily sent me into an alternate dimension where John Entwistle was one of the founding members of Cream. Then you pulled me back to reality.
Mike Rutherford is a highly underappreciated bassist in my opinion. The bass playing on Foxtrot alone is enough to earn him a spot on a list like this. Borderline prog, but you could make a decent argument for John Paul Jones, too! Anyway, I enjoy these videos! :)
Excellent video Andy. Your number 10, I have just purchased a Frost album, mainly to check out your musical credentials and I'm looking forward now to listening to the bass. Richard Sinclair, great shout, when he joined Camel, he bought a more fluid jazz feel to replace Doug Ferguson's rooted rock style, I really like Rain Dances, it would be in my top five Camel albums. Chris Squire had to be number one, and just look at who you have put as number one in your various top tens: Bass: Chris Squire, drums: Bill Bruford and Guitar: Steve Howe, this proves what a genius and talented band Yes were , ( and I'm sure vocalists would be Jon Anderson).
This is probably the best top 10 prog bass list I've seen. Assume to see so many great players high up on the list that don't make the cut or are lower down on most of the other lists on RUclips.
Got to see Yes in concert only once - and Chris Squire, aside from being a genius bass player on record, was also a giant on stage. A massively charismatic performer.
One question: Isn't it getting boring to always rate things from 1 to 10? It doesn't matter if someone is 6 or 7. If you're good, you're just good. And the rest is subjective, isn't it?
If I did a video called 'some prog bass players I like' no one would click on them. It's not my fault that people are idiots. I do lots of much more in depth philospophical videos but they don't do as well...so that is why you get ranking videos. Thanks for watching though :)
My 11 like in football.. in no order; Mike Rutherford, Chris Squire, Percy Jones, Mick Karn, Fernando Saunders, Doug Rauch, Patrick O'Hearn, John Wetton, Scott Thunes, Jack Bruce, Kasim Sulton
Good to see Wetton in there. He never seems to get enough credit as a bass player. Love Caravan, especially when the two Sinclairs were in the band. It's too bad Richard Sinclair's time in Camel wasn't longer. Percy Jones is a master. Oddly enough, he seemed to drop off the radar during the 80's and 90's (aside from the occasional Brand X reunion). Another vote for Jeff Berlin (ok, maybe more fusion than prog). Having said that, he too seemed to adopt a lower profile post-Bruford (and, I believe, post ABWH). I'm sure both these guys were working, but I sure didn't see it (but, then again, maybe that's on me).
Yes, I think John Wetton was very underrated as a bass player. Anyone who really listens to him can see he was a stellar bass player who never tooted his own horn about it.
Agree with your number 1: The incredible Chris Squire. I was hoping Greg Lake may have sneaked in…his bass playing on karnevil 9 is fantastic. You should have mentioned that John Jowitt was also fabulous in the band Arena.
I like your style Andy and when I get bored, I usually end up watching one of your "10 Greatest" videos because I find them so entertaining. Glad you included Richard Sinclair because his bass is so lyrical and melodic. I love the whimsicality of Caravan and my favourite album is "If I could do it all over again..." which is also quite jazzy. Wasn't sure if would include Jack Bruce but Tales of Brave Ulysses is definitely prog. Good list and Chris Squire will always be number 1.
Oooo ….the first time I’ve found one of your vids that I couldn’t get pretty much 100% behind. I’m primarily a bass player, and it feels like you’ve committed that predictable fallacy that you, oddly recognise across other examples. Having yourself pushed up in the mix, and being busy using blues boxes and other predictable shapes doesn’t necessarily put you at the apex of Prog bass players,(does it ???), but I also recognise that it shouldn’t exclude you,(Paul McCartney hasn’t been , …. and shouldn’t be excluded), but it does seem it will give you unwarranted kudos. Rutherford has experimented with harmony, melody and rhythm in ways that many don’t touch. For me he’s No.1. Happy to get into detail with anyone up for it. (Equally happy to be persuaded otherwise… it’s all music, and all good).
I've heard the bass player is the most important member of the band. I think that's true. Best prog bass player? -- Whoever's playing for King Crimson.
Chris Squire is special in so many ways. His counterpoint, his voice leading, his melodicism, his virtuosity, his originality. But he is a lousy soloist! (And he did a feature solo every concert). His genius is in the parts he created. Percy Jones is more Fusion than Prog but a great player. Tony Levin is terrific but doesn't have a "style" per se. Wetton is a good rock bassist who can cut the intricate parts, as was the case with Greg Lake, but Lake was also a great acoustic guitarist.
When i was little, I remember seeing a live concert video of Yes and thinking I had never seen anyone on that level, also seeing Widespread Panic, was an Oh shit moment.
I think it's a good list. It would be a great list with Mike Rutherford in it. Mike Rutherford influence in Genesis is really big. I could mention so many songs with his really wonderful bass playing.
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer completely agree, Myung has pockets especially in his early work that I take notice of. This is subjective but does he fall into modern as Images and Words have been out for 30 years and on the scene since 85?😂
I completely agree with #1 and am very happy to see Mick Karn get more notoriety. Here are some honorable mentions, Pete Trewavas and "Bootsy" Collins.
![Summer Walker - Heart Of A Woman [Official Lyric Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SFddctbZzw8/mqdefault.jpg)
Great to see Percy and especially Mick Karn on this list! A couple of unique players ... in my opinion two of the best ever!
Yes! Mick Karn! Japan! Absolutely a prog band, and Tin Drum is a prog classic. Great choices, Andy. Chris was the giant (in every sense) of prog bass. Pure musicality.
Rutherford anyone ?
Nice guy! Met him at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Asked if they were going to play "Can Utility...". He grinned and shook his head.
Rutherford on "afterglow" Is brilliant
I'd have these players in there:
Ray Shulman - astonishing musical genius, what can't he do?
Tom Fowler - iconic basswork with Uncle Frank, gorgeous tone
Trey Gunn - brilliant with KC, eg. Construkction of Light
Bill McCormack - 801, Quiet Sun and Phil Manzanera - not sure why people forget about him. Great sound, chops, groove and ideas.
I would include Patrick Djivas of PFM. Awesome bassist.
yeah man Fowler tone for days good call, and he could hold down the complicated stuff too and make it sound smooth and easy
Great to see Mick Karn getting recognition..the most creative and inventive player ever.
Roundabout the quintessential prog rock bass song.
I think we all remember the first time we heard that song was the rumbling galloping bass line.
Mike Rutherford. Listen to his bass playing on ' Trick of the tail' for instance , it's perfect.
Here's a list of my favorites, in no particular order: Chris Squire, Tony Levin, Percy Jones (is he prog or fusion?), John Wetton, Geddy Lee, Bill Laswell (he fits in almost all categories), Jeff Berlin, Hugh Hopper, Jeff Clyne, Ray Schulman
Ha ha..wait till you see the video, unless you have been peeking...
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Okay, looks like you rose to the occasion and you came up with some pretty good names that I didn't think of initially when I put that list together above. Jack Bruce is a good choice. Richard Sinclair occurred to me as well, but I left him off, perhaps because I had picked Hugh Hopper. Mick Karn has a real thick, distinct bass sound, sort of like Chris Squire. And Yes I agree, Japan is a prog band. Chris Squire has to be number 1. Good video, as I have come to expect.
One of the great talents of Tony Levin is his understanding of "negative space." Tony never felt like he had to play lots of notes, he just needed (& was able) to play the necessary notes.
spot on
Sir … you have a deep understanding of groove?? Impressive. TONE 11 is indeed one of the greats!!
@@randyclere7756 TONE 11 - LOL took me a few seconds to figure that out
There was an interview with Bill B about the first time he played with Tony Levin. He noticed that Tony wasn't playing a lot of notes so Bill played more and more notes to get him fired up, but Tony was then playing fewer and fewer notes. He soon picked up what was happening. I loved Bill and Tony as a rhythm section.
Great ranking. This is interesting with the fact that Chris Squire makes YES a rock band. No. 11. Greg Lake.
Good call. No slouch on guitar .. and what a voice
Yes! Mr. Lake! Overshadowed by bandmates.
This guy exudes stupidity through his pores. I'm talking about our host gentleman.
My top five in no particular order:
John Wetton
Greg Lake
Chris Squire
Tony Levin
Mike Rutherford or Ray Shulman
yep, Mike Rutherford AND Ray Shulman should be in any prog bass players list
I DON'T NECESSARILY DISAGREE WITH ANY OF YOUR CHOICES, BUT SINCE I'M A BASSIST MYSELF (FOR APX. 55 YRS.), I'M SADDENED YOU LEFT OUT THE ASTONISHING, AMAZING RAY SCHULMAN !!! I'VE SEEN MOST OF THE BASSISTS ON YOUR LIST (YEAH, EVEN HUGH HOPPER) AND LOVE THEM ALL BUT NEVER IN MY LIFE HAVE I SEEN A BASSIST LIKE SCHULMAN !!! AN INCREDIBLE MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST LIKE LEE & BRUCE, AN INCREDIBLE HARMONY SINGER LIKE CHRIS SQUIRE, SOMEONE WITH AN INDIVIDUAL STYLE AND A GREAT SHOWMAN WITH AN EQUALLY GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR (LIKE ALL IN GENTLE GIANT), THE ABILITY TO PLAY "SPACE" AS WELL AS "GUITAR" ON HIS BASS GUITAR (LIKE ANTHONY JACKSON), YEAH, I'M DISAPPOINTED, NOT IN YOUR SELECTIONS BUT THAT YOU LEFT RAY OUT !!! MAYBE THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A TOP 15 OR TOP 20 !!!
Ray was on the list but I swapped him for Richard Sinclair to make it more interesting and because Mumps is astonishing! But that is the ommission that troubles me the most...he should be on it really
I agree a gazillion% with everything you you have said in regards to ray shulman
I'm so glad to see Percy Jones and Mick Karn on the list. IMHO they are two of the most original voices on the fretless bass that didn't surcome to the temptation to sound like Jaco. I also agree about Japan. I've thought of them as prog. I think a deep dive into the music and influence of Japan would make a good video.
Yep absolutely Mick Karn (and Tony Levin for me, throw in Les Claypool perhaps and not a progger at all Peter Hook), genuinely progressive if you look at Japan's evolution over a very short time. Steve Jansen is also an amazingly creative drummer, no - here look at me playing from any of them, disciplined interesting parts serving the muse and nothing else.
No Japan...no Porcupine Tree...literally
Thanks Andy, another great ranking video - keep them coming. 👍👍
Kudos for putting Mick Karn on the list - I'm a big fan and been listening to Japan, JBK, Rain Tree Crow, Polytown - and all those guys other solo and group projects. Japan is the most underrated band I know, because even while adoring David Sylvian, many people diss Japan.
Great channel!
As a Canadian, it was nice to see Geddy Lee on your list. But I was even more glad to see Hugh Hopper get a mention. My eyes lit up when you showed the CD cover for Soft Machine's 'Third' album. When I heard 'Volume Two' and 'Third as a 20-year-old in 1988, it'changed my life (musically, at least).
I discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago and have been very interested in your knowledgeable musings on progressive rock and fusion. Between the two of those, I'd been anticipating, hopefully, an appearnace of SM or one of their albums on a list of yours, but I hadn't been served in that regard until this video. I had hoped that Mike Ratledge would make your Top 10 Prog Keyboardists list, but, alas, no! Anyway, thanks for doing what you're doiing.
So glad to hear the appreciation for my Fav Bass player who deserves the title of #1! ❤
Percy Jones has always gotten short-changed by the American bass community. It's partly, imho, because he's a much more band-oriented player than his contemporaries, and less of a soloist. But, Percy did appear on a major release a good year before Jaco, and did all the technical things Jaco is famous for (but more of them).
I love Percy's playing on the Eno albums. Really unique sound.
@@scottmyers9360 Indeed!!! Percy was doing his thing before Jaco hit the scene... not to take anything away from Jaco, but im exhausted by the constant "Jaco" conversation.... Alphonso Johnson, Percy, Mick Karn , Tony Levin were ALL potent...
My top 5 favorite bass players in no particular order: Ray Shulman, Tony Levin, Chris Squire, Glenn Cornick and Roger Waters.
Check out the relatively new band PAKT, featuring Percy Jones, along with Alex Skolnick, Kenny Grohowski and Tim Motzer. Incredible stuff!
Michael Manring isn't very popular and plays in other genres like new age, but he is an absolute monster! Check out Thonk. Also, Stu Hamm could be on this list. His solo albums are proggy and he has cool lines and monster chops.
Interesting, but Mike Rutherford should have definitely been on this list!! Also, John Paul Jones was doing odd times, classical counterpoint,etc,etc........ everything prog bass players do but musically better.And if you but Percy Jones on there then Jeff Berlin should be there also..... played with Bruford and Yes.On the more obscure end, Doug Keyser's work on Watchtower's Control and Resistance is the best Prog Metal bass playing I have ever heard if you want to talk about underrated........
ahhh yes...you make a good case for jeff Berlin, especially as Percy Jones is on the list
Good List! I would add Pekka Pohjola, Jannick Top and Kengo Sakamoto!!
Excellent choice with Richard Sinclair. One of the most important.
You could also make a case for Macca.
He might be THE prog bass player and he wasn’t even mentioned. I didn’t even think of it
Very good list Andy. Glad you added John Jowitt. Love his playing in I.Q. Honorable mentions: Greg Lake and Mike Rutherford.
As a bass player I feel like I need to comment, but overall I like your list.
Just my opinion of course…
Les Claypool from Primus needs to be on the list simply for his creative playing. Geddy needs to be higher in the ranking, maybe second.
I def see Percy as more of a Jazz Fusion player but good to see him mentioned.
Jack Bruce is legend… Some fusion bassists like Jeff Berlin are big Bruce fans.
John Deacon from Queen has some nice proggy lines. Most underrated player.
Colin Edwin from Porcupine Tree should sneak in.
Tony Levin is def underrated in the bass world.
I saw Mick Karn live a couple of times and I can tell you he was a master of his instrument. The ease with which he played was astonishing. Great work Andy
I was a bit cheeky putting him in....
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer cheeky no...inspired. Thanks for the knowledge and entertainment
I think people would be remised if they didn't acknowledge Mike Rutherford contribution.
Not a virtuoso but a solid bass player with incredible muscle memory for the extended epics they did. He lost a bit of edge when Hackett left and had to double up on guitars but just listening to "Genesis Live 73" and the pocket he has on "No Reply At All" from Abacab.
I had to tip my hat.
I bought a Wal bass because of Mick Karn, just an inventive beast. Cheers.
Love your top two picks!
I would argue for Mike Rutherford and.......that's right...Sir Paul McCartney!!!......who I believe laid the foundation
Totally agree with you Andy. So no point listing mine, you got it bang on for me. Maybe I could have squeezed in, Jonas Rheingold somewhere along the line.
Great Video. Great humor along the video. Really laughed out loud. Great list. Bass is really the instrument that makes prog rock - rocky. I love that.
I saw your Top 10 Progressive Albums, then Top 10 Progressive Drummers and then guitarist, and I hardily agree with most everything. But Let me say the inclusion of Francis Dunnery was a highlight and the way you have elevated my 2nd favorite group. UK. With Bill and Alan and John as you held up that Masterpiece. Fantastic. I had the great luck to see them in Philadelphia, WITH Alan and Bill, playing a few songs from the not yet recorded Danger Moey was a thrill. I can still hear Alan double the bass in Evrything She Needs. And then their was the blue spotlight reflecting from Eddie's Giolin back to the Audience. Perhaps my fondest concert memory. Of courese I was 16 yeasr old! I did see Terry Twice with them as well
Hi Andy!! thought you would include the one and only Ray Schulman in your list, what a surprise not to find him. All the best, always following your videos from Buenos Aires (Argentina) /Diego
Yeah Percy what a beast .thats cool you included Japan ! And Levin with that Chapman stick ! .Cool Squire !
The things I like most about this channel: Andy never pretends to know more than he actually does, and he isn't trying to be perfect. The effect of this: authenticity in the age of plastic.
Plankton! You forgot Richard Sinclair was also in Camel and played a major part in developing their sound with Raindances and Summer lightening albums
My first experience of Percy Jones was seeing him live with Brand X on the Masques tour. He and Morris Pert did some ridiculous things playing off each other.
Great very listenable nerdy enough to keep rhe interest thanks Andy
Im glad you got John Wetton there.🤘
As always, I go in line with your choices .... Chris Squire is a co inventor of Prog Rock, of the entire genre, ... and perfectly fits on nr.1, ... I was thinking of Paul McCartney as an inventor of modern bass playing and the Beatles did become a little proggy towards the end .. in a way ...
I would also add Göran Lagerberg! (Who played with: Kebnekajse, Egba, Bo Hansson, Joakim Skogsberg and many more!)
I always thought Neil Murray played bass in National Health. Maybe I'm mistaken.
He did, after Mont Campbell, before John Greaves.
I think Soft Machine is actually more of a jazz-fusion band than a prog rock band. They started as psychedelic but definitely became a lot more jazz-influenced.
Chris Squire really deserves the first place! Percy Jones is my absolute favorite jazz-rock bass player (even slightly preceding Jaco) but indeed British jazz-rock is very proggy, so I agree to also put him on this list. By the same token, Gong's Hansford Rowe would fit the bill.
and Mike Howlett...love him on Shamal...
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Agreed, Chandra's outro in 11/8 comes to mind.
I agree, Chris Squire was the man of prog rock bass!
A very good list! I am pleased (and surprised) to see Jack Bruce included here. Only, if Jack was considered, he would be No. 1 on my list.
I would like to mention a few names I would put into my top 10 list:
Sean Malone (Cynic, O.S.I., Gordian Knot), R.I.P.,
Joey Vera (Fates Warning, Chroma Key, O.S.I.),
John Myung (Dream Theater)
Pete Trewavas (Marillion, Transatlantic).
Jack Bruce, Tony Levin, Chris Squire, John Wetton, Geddy Lee and Richard Sinclair (or Hugh Hopper) I would keep.
:)
Curious as to Greg Lake's standing here. I used to joke that he and John Wetton were twins from different mothers. Similar vocal character- similar careers- (even replaced each other in Crimson and Asia). Not to get morbid, but they even died of similar causes one month apart.
You're absolutely right I've always said the same thing. Please tell me this guy included Greg Lake or this is my last video I'll be watching of his.
@@edljnehan2811 He didn't.
@@lashedbutnotleashed1984 thanks dork. I wouldn't have made it without you. Haha
@@edljnehan2811 No, you would have easily made it without me. Straight into the shit can where you feel the most comfortable.
As a prog fan, I am overjoyed to hear you welcome in Japan as prog.
Very surprised that I did'nt find Nick Beggs here! He is one of the greatest in my ears. Worked a lot with e.g. Steven Wilson.
I plumped for my mate John Jowitt...completely subjective but these lists always are....
Was thrilled to see Mick Karn so high! I only know him through his work with David Torn. He was amazing!
Loving both prog rock and new wave, Mick Karn and Chris Squire are my favourite bass players - and I share Chris's birthday, too!
If Mick Karn can be called a prog bassist then so can Jean-Jacques Burnel who had a very distinctive style - growling rock with a dash of deep pulsating dub.
I agree. JJ Burnel is an awesome bassist, and the Stranglers were more "proggy" than Japan was. JJ sounded like a jackhammer hooked up to an amp. But of course with a melodic touch.
👍👍👍👍
Wetton's playing on "Viva! Roxy Music" was great!
Mogul Thrash. Family.
Greg Lake?
Squire is the compositional master of the bass. Just for one example hear how he controls the energy of South Side of the Sky, from yearning counterpoint to near metal, he made it prog, like you said. Recently returned from a deep dive in the Gates of Delirium and Squire was at an amazing bass compositional peak there. Again, the energy of that epic modulates through his concept. Listen again if you haven't in a while...
Percy Jones is an astounding bass player. Every bit as good as Jaco
I have watched a ton of these videos in the last week or so and have really enjoyed them.
This is the first I've commented on cos I'm also a bass player...
But it's not a bass related comment.
I was very pleased to see Richard Sinclair feature on the list because I really enjoy his work, primarily, Hatfield and The North but also Camel and Caravan.
What I'd like to say about him though is that I think he maybe doesn't get the credit he deserves for his singing. Next to Jon Anderson I'd say he probably has the purest, I think that's the word to describe it, voice in Prog/Rock/Jazz. Just a phenomenal singing voice.
Hi Andy, Great list. Totally agree about Mick Karn! He never gets the accolades he deserves. Another overlooked prog bassist is Mike Sary from the band French TV. Cheers!
I don't know Mike Sary...I will check him out
Not even a peep about Greg Lake. Gotta admire your consistency.
Great list!
Sorry....I did consider him...
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Check this out and remember this is his first foray into bass after 8 years as a guitarist. Isolated bass and drums for Schizoid Man: ruclips.net/video/E_7Db-Q7XoU/видео.html
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer He was a phenomenal bassist. Keeping up with Emerson and Michael Giles was no mean feat. I don't know how many others here could have.
good list. I agree about Japan, I have always referred to Post-punk as Post-prog, it makes more sense to me.
Great list, with my only gripe that Ged should be No 2 after Squire.
I'm in the camp of The Who being Prog curious. I agree with you on Quadrophenia and Tommy fullheartedly.
I would throw in the great Jannick Top.
MICK KHAN - TIN DRUM - Fantastic. Always thought of Japan as Art Rock .. but Proggy they are .. too.
Excellent......luv that Mick Karn is up there........!!!!
Mike Rutherford should be on this list....he's certainly on mine.
It's a bit hard to argue with most of those choices, especially Mick Karn. But where is Lee Jackson; most people probably don't like his singing voice, but his bass playing is so prog it's off the charts. It's no accident that Yes played many gigs with The Nice, and you can hear some of Lee's stylings in Chris Squires playing and tone.
Agreed. Jackson was amazing on bass. And he also played the cello and was a great lyricist as well.
I will mention one great bass player not mentioned in the list or comments and then I'll shut up: Phillippe Bussonnet of Magma is an absolute monster, especially live. His work, for example, for the recording Mythes Et Legendes, Vol. 3 on the songs Hhaï and Zombies is amazing.
Lol - You temporarily sent me into an alternate dimension where John Entwistle was one of the founding members of Cream. Then you pulled me back to reality.
Mike Rutherford is a highly underappreciated bassist in my opinion. The bass playing on Foxtrot alone is enough to earn him a spot on a list like this. Borderline prog, but you could make a decent argument for John Paul Jones, too! Anyway, I enjoy these videos! :)
Excellent video Andy.
Your number 10, I have just purchased a Frost album, mainly to check out your musical credentials and I'm looking forward now to listening to the bass.
Richard Sinclair, great shout, when he joined Camel, he bought a more fluid jazz feel to replace Doug Ferguson's rooted rock style, I really like Rain Dances, it would be in my top five Camel albums.
Chris Squire had to be number one, and just look at who you have put as number one in your various top tens: Bass: Chris Squire, drums: Bill Bruford and Guitar: Steve Howe, this proves what a genius and talented band Yes were , ( and I'm sure vocalists would be Jon Anderson).
This is probably the best top 10 prog bass list I've seen. Assume to see so many great players high up on the list that don't make the cut or are lower down on most of the other lists on RUclips.
Thanks Jack
Japan is fantastic! Karn on " In Vogue"! What a bass line!
A really excellent list from 1 to 9. I will have to listen to 10 now, to give him a chance.
Got to see Yes in concert only once - and Chris Squire, aside from being a genius bass player on record, was also a giant on stage. A massively charismatic performer.
One question: Isn't it getting boring to always rate things from 1 to 10? It doesn't matter if someone is 6 or 7. If you're good, you're just good. And the rest is subjective, isn't it?
If I did a video called 'some prog bass players I like' no one would click on them. It's not my fault that people are idiots. I do lots of much more in depth philospophical videos but they don't do as well...so that is why you get ranking videos. Thanks for watching though :)
Hugh Hopper on SoftbMachine 4 Virtually masterpiece
My 11 like in football.. in no order; Mike Rutherford, Chris Squire, Percy Jones, Mick Karn, Fernando Saunders, Doug Rauch, Patrick O'Hearn, John Wetton, Scott Thunes, Jack Bruce, Kasim Sulton
Always great to see Doug Rauch getting a mention. He was unique.
Mick Karn!!!!!
What! No Les Claypool?
Good to see Wetton in there. He never seems to get enough credit as a bass player. Love Caravan, especially when the two Sinclairs were in the band. It's too bad Richard Sinclair's time in Camel wasn't longer. Percy Jones is a master. Oddly enough, he seemed to drop off the radar during the 80's and 90's (aside from the occasional Brand X reunion). Another vote for Jeff Berlin (ok, maybe more fusion than prog). Having said that, he too seemed to adopt a lower profile post-Bruford (and, I believe, post ABWH). I'm sure both these guys were working, but I sure didn't see it (but, then again, maybe that's on me).
Yes, I think John Wetton was very underrated as a bass player. Anyone who really listens to him can see he was a stellar bass player who never tooted his own horn about it.
Agree with your number 1: The incredible Chris Squire.
I was hoping Greg Lake may have sneaked in…his bass playing on karnevil 9 is fantastic.
You should have mentioned that John Jowitt was also fabulous in the band Arena.
percy jones is something else!
I could not find any "Rain" album (LP) to buy. Can anybody send me a link if this is possible, please?
This is direct from us...rainprogband.bandcamp.com/album/singularity
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Thank you😀
No Jon Camp?
I've never heard him mention Renaissance! Ouch!
" I'm not a bass player,.. I'm a bass guitarist. " j.entwistle
Good vid thanks though I am not a Yes lover. Listen to Ray Shulman's bass on Gentle Giant's "Advent of Panurge" - my number one.
Ray was on the list but I swapped him for Richard Sinclair to make it more interesting and because Mumps is astonishing!
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Fair enough! I loved the Hatfields. Also Henry Cow (vic Reeve's favourite band) - Wow!
I like your style Andy and when I get bored, I usually end up watching one of your "10 Greatest" videos because I find them so entertaining.
Glad you included Richard Sinclair because his bass is so lyrical and melodic. I love the whimsicality of Caravan and my favourite album is "If I could do it all over again..." which is also quite jazzy. Wasn't sure if would include Jack Bruce but Tales of Brave Ulysses is definitely prog. Good list and Chris Squire will always be number 1.
Thanks 👍
Oooo ….the first time I’ve found one of your vids that I couldn’t get pretty much 100% behind.
I’m primarily a bass
player, and it feels like you’ve committed that predictable fallacy that you, oddly recognise across other examples.
Having yourself pushed up in the mix, and being busy using blues boxes and other predictable shapes doesn’t necessarily put you at the apex of Prog bass players,(does it ???), but I also recognise that it shouldn’t exclude you,(Paul McCartney hasn’t been , …. and shouldn’t be excluded), but it does seem it will give you unwarranted kudos.
Rutherford has experimented with harmony, melody and rhythm in ways that many don’t touch.
For me he’s No.1.
Happy to get into detail with anyone up for it.
(Equally happy to be persuaded otherwise… it’s all music, and all good).
It would have been worth mentioning Jonas Reingold if the personal list was longer.
AND John Glascock? and Jonas Rehingold?
I'm glad someone has mentioned John Glascock at last!
I've heard the bass player is the most important member of the band. I think that's true.
Best prog bass player? -- Whoever's playing for King Crimson.
Chris Squire is special in so many ways. His counterpoint, his voice leading, his melodicism, his virtuosity, his originality. But he is a lousy soloist! (And he did a feature solo every concert). His genius is in the parts he created. Percy Jones is more Fusion than Prog but a great player. Tony Levin is terrific but doesn't have a "style" per se. Wetton is a good rock bassist who can cut the intricate parts, as was the case with Greg Lake, but Lake was also a great acoustic guitarist.
When i was little, I remember seeing a live concert video of Yes and thinking I had never seen anyone on that level, also seeing Widespread Panic, was an Oh shit moment.
I think it's a good list. It would be a great list with Mike Rutherford in it. Mike Rutherford influence in Genesis is really big. I could mention so many songs with his really wonderful bass playing.
Sad to not see Jon Camp from Renaissance on this list. Such an underrated band with incredible musicianship.
Love the list great too see Percy and Mick get recognition. Interesting that no mention of John Myung of Dream Theater
There are a ton of amazing modern prog bass players. Myung is an amazing technician but not much individuality for me...
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer completely agree, Myung has pockets especially in his early work that I take notice of. This is subjective but does he fall into modern as Images and Words have been out for 30 years and on the scene since 85?😂
Kinda bummed that Andy West didn’t get a nod for his work with the Dixie Dregs
I completely agree with #1 and am very happy to see Mick Karn get more notoriety. Here are some honorable mentions, Pete Trewavas and "Bootsy" Collins.
Chris Squire can play bass solos that would make lead guitarists shudder.
Whoever they are, they are all "criminally under-rated."