Louie Louie

Ok, I'll call this week "Easy Week". Nice songs with really easy basslines, selected by myself and a couple of other Talk Bass members. I'll start with my own pick, Louie Louie - only root notes on this bass line.

Song: Louie Louie
Artist / Band: Richard Berry and The Pharaohs
Album: Louie Louie (single)
Bass: The bass player for The Pharaohs (if you know his name, please post a comment)
Year: 1957

bass tab (external link) Not that you really need it...

Goodbye Pork Pie Hat

Mingus is probably the most famous jazz bassist - partially because he was not only a jazz bassist, but also a great composer and the leader of his band. His amazing technique and inventiveness make him one of the greatest American musicians ever.

So, without any further ado, Goodbye Pork Pie Hat.

Song: Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
Artist / Band: Charles Mingus
Album: Mingus Ah Um
Bass: Charles Mingus
Year: 1959

Where to find Sheet Music (external link)

So What

A great bassline with a great melody that perfectly complements everything else in the song.

Song: So What
Artist / Band: Miles Davis
Album: Kind of Blue
Bass: Paul Chambers
Year: 1959

Bass tab (external link)

Blue Rondo A La Turk

This jazz masterpiece has a very interesting bassline: after almost two minutes of mostly root notes, it develops into a very smooth and classy walking bass. The unusual time signature (9/8) of the first section is remarkable as well.

Song: Blue Rondo A La Turk
Artist / Band: Dave Brubeck Quartet
Album: Time Out
Bass: Eugene Wright
Year: 1959