A Remark You Made wrote:
So, several Jaco Pastorious nominations - no question he was the best - got pushed around by a bouncer at an after hours club - hit his head on the curb - died...tragic end, but had already pretty much hit bottom with the drugs and booze.
I wonder how many who posted their nomination for the best bass player never heard of Jaco until now and how many of them will actually attempt to educate themselves and listen to something of his.
BTW, Geddy is a damn good rock bassist.
I took the time to educate myself about Jaco. I think he is incredible. What he does on a 4 string is much more impressive than the sounds most can get out of a 6. I think innovation is key when determining a true musician. Anyone can practice technical aspects, but few can take that knowledge and apply it to abstract sounds.
With that said, Victor Wooten, Jaco, and Les Claypool are among the top. Who cares if Paul McCartney or Geddy Lee never miss a beat? Victor, Jaco, and Les could probably learn every Rush and Beatle song in a week with no sheet music.
To those of you who said that Geddy is most impressive at singing, using the synth, and playing bass are straying away from the topic. This just shows he's good at multi-tasking.