Reggae has gained tremendous popularity and recognition since its beginning in the late 1960s. Because of its beauty and strength, UNESCO has included it in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
Only some other genres have attained the amount of notoriety and influence it has while maintaining their cultural roots. Additionally, the bass line is one of the most crucial parts of this genre, and reggae has some of the best bass lines in music. Today we’ll look at some of the top bassists who have influenced and contributed to this style at the highest level.
Lloyd Brevett
Lloyd Brevett, the bassist for the Skatalites, was an essential part of the early reggae movement. As an upright musician, he drew inspiration from Latin music, jazz, blues, and traditional Jamaican slang. His furious drive and the Latin-influenced, syncopated “hitches” in his walking bass lines were crucial components of ska.
Fully Fullwood
Fully Fullwood of the Soul Syndicate was among the foremost bass players in the ’70s. His soulful, gracefully timed lines are a crucial component of King Tubby’s dub mixes that define the genre. Fully never wastes a note, and his timing and note choices are perfect.
Flabba Holt
Flabba Holt, the bassist for the Roots Radics, ruled the JA charts in the early 1980s. Flabba performs minimalistic lines with a powerful tone and a grounded vibe. Not a single flashy line can be found in Flabba’s playing, but it’s time and groove moving the groove exceptionally.
Robbie Shakespeare
Robbie, together with Sly Dunbar, have been performing together for decades. They are one of the most recorded reggae duos of all time. Furthermore, they collaborated with the bests in rock and r&b as well. Robbie, listed as the 17th best bassist of all time by Rolling Stone, frequently employs thumb strokes and light palm muting to produce a rich, defined sound that is good for recording.
Aston “Family Man” Barrett
Wailers’ mainstay, the most renowned bassist in reggae, is undoubtly Aston “Family Man” Barrett. His lines have wide open spaces and strong melodies. He is ranked #28 in Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest bassists ever.
