Today music fans are not only listening in the comfort of their
homes but they are also watching. Thirty years ago, there may have been
one or two TV shows a week - other than Lawrence Welk - that featured
any kind of musical performance. Today, not only does cable TV
regularly offer performances, but videos of all kinds of musicians -
some famous, many unknown (and for a reason) - are available both
commercially and free on the Internet at sites such as YouTube.com.
Happily, bass players have not gone ignored in this new age of video
clips. There are amazing videos of your favorite bassists, sometimes
performing with people who might surprise even the most knowledgeable
fans. In addition to presenting some jaw-dropping videos of the world's
greatest bass players, we will also offer up some the funnier bass
performances on video. Warning: Videos on YouTube and similar sites
have a habit of disappearing quickly for all kinds of reasons - most of
them legal - so catch them when you can. Sorry if they are already gone
by the time you try to view them.
Richard Bona, the man sometimes referred to as the African Jaco, can do
it all: sing, compose, groove and play stunning solo bass. Here
he is displaying what makes him one of the most entertaining bassists
as well as one of the most gifted.
Michael Manring introduces himself here as a "crazy bassist from
California." After watching this display of unworldly
superpowers, complete with constant detunings, you will doubt that his
place of origin is anywhere on this planet.
