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Mar 2024 · Creative

Inspiring women bass players

Women bass players who inspire me, in celebration of International Women's Day—from Carol Kaye to the indie kids who shaped my sound.

Also posted to: Grace Notes

Collage of women bass players including Carol Kaye, Tina Weymouth, Meshell Ndegeocello, and others.

In celebration of International Women’s Day this year (on 8 March), I thought I’d call out a number of the women bass players who inspire me.

This year’s theme is ‘Invest in women—accelerate progress’. I don’t know about you, but when I see those words, I think of ‘business’ or ‘STEM’—both of which are critically important (and both things that I’ve long been an advocate for). But we must also remember the importance of investing in culture—which includes musicianship. As with many sectors, women are vastly underrepresented in the music industry. And in recent years, creative industries support has very much waned—both in terms of governmental support and the directions of the industry itself.

Bass was my ‘first love’ as an instrument. When I fall into a groove, close my eyes, I feel like I’m on another plane. In more recent years I’ve wrestled with finding time and motivation to do this thing that I love. The women listed here are a constant source of inspiration for me to continue to pick up my instruments, play, and experience that joy and grounding and higher connection.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of the players mentioned here, or anyone that I might have missed that inspired you?

Carol Kaye

What list of great bass playing women could not start with Carol Kaye. She is THE sound behind countless hits. Like, literally, countless… too many to mention here. There is a ridiculously impressive, yet incomplete, list, so go check that out!!

And here are just a few more highlights, played by the fabulous Julia Hofer:

Tina Weymouth

I knew Tina’s work before I knew who she was—as a founding member of Talking Heads, she played on a number of my favourite songs on the radio in my childhood. I’ve since come to appreciate the unique combination of styles that she brought to the table, and particularly her sophisticated use of space to create great grooves.

Here’s a good backgrounder, including a list of some of the great lines she created:

Tina Weymouth playing bass—No Treble feature on Bass Players to Know

Meshell Ndegeocello

As a singer and songwriter, I must confess I really love one of Meshell’s less bass-driven albums (Bitter). But, her debut album Plantation Lullabies is an absolute killer collection of grooves. She has such a great pocket and depth to her playing… Here’s a breakdown of one great groove:

Gail Ann Dorsey

Gail Ann Dorsey is probably best known for her performances with David Bowie—I remember seeing a number of killer live tracks with her on bass and Reeves Gabrels on guitar. But she’s also lent her wonderful tone and groove to Lenny Kravitz, Tears for Fears, The Indigo Girls, Gwen Stefani, Seal, and more…

I’m a massive fan of Tears for Fears, including two albums that mostly fly under the radar—Elemental and Raoul & the Kings of Spain—which she played on.

Here’s a fab interview with Gail on Scott’s Bass Lessons (where she’s also provided classes):

Mohini Dey

Mohini has been on my radar for some time, but her recent appearance on Rick Beato’s YouTube channel seems to have her lighting up my socialz left, right and centre! She has monstrous chops, with a tight finger style and flawless slap technique. Check out her metal-genre upright playing (yes, you read that right!) in this Instagram clip:

And, of course, be sure to check out that conversation with Rick:

Tal Wilkenfeld

Tal Wilkenfeld performing

Photo from: “Top 5 Tal Wilkenfeld Performances”

Another player that’s been on my radar for quite a while is Tal Wilkenfeld. Again, just monstrous groove and feel, and such expressive solo chops. I think I first heard about her debut solo record, which was quite bass centric. (Her second album is more songwriter driven.) But I think her live performances with Jeff Beck (alongside Vinnie Colaiuta—one of my fave drummers of all time) might be what has garnered her most widespread recognition. Here’s a breakdown of one of her solo performances from a live show with Jeff Beck:

Kinga Glyk

YouTube popped some of Kinga’s short performances in front of me some years ago, and I’ve been a fan ever since. A player who I watch whenever something new pops in my feed. Another wonderful finger-style tone and groove meisterin. Her solo’s can be jaw dropping, but it’s her pocket that floors me over and over. I’m really looking forward to hearing more of her collaborations with Snarky Puppy leader, Michael League:

Kinga Głyk

Ellen Alaverdyan

I am totally inspired by Ellen’s enthusiasm for the instrument, and music in general (a trait she shares with another young multi-instrumentalist and YouTuber, Nandi Bushell—check out Nandi’s recent performance of Caravan on Drumeo for just one example).

I chose a clip of her playing fretless as I think it shows just how good she is technically. Even more so when you consider her age. But there are countless examples on her YouTube channel that demonstrate her infectious joy and depth of skill. I sincerely hope that passion continues to grow over the years and am looking forward to seeing her continue her musical journey.

Prince alumni

During his career, Prince enlisted the talents of a number of woman players, including bass players, especially in his live bands. As one might expect from an artist of his calibre, they’re all amazing players. Many have gone on to forge successful solo careers, and/or played with other top-level artists too. But I learnt of them through their connection to Prince, so here they are…

Rhonda Smith

Bass Players To Know: Rhonda Smith

Ida Nielsen

Check out this short vid on Bass The World:

Nik West

NIK WEST—Top female bassist and vocalist

The “indie kids”

(I consider myself an “indie kid”—no disrespect intended.)

I wanted to call out a bunch of players who are essential to the sound of the bands I love in the indie-rock genre. Not all of these folks have the chops nor notoriety of some of the folks I’ve mentioned above, but they are still a big part of my musical existence and influences in my writing and performing, especially for the Forgotten Lights.

Mebbe I’ll dig in and provide a few more highlights pointers for these folks in a future post…

Honourable mentions

The only reason these folks are here is that I haven’t been able to dig into their catalogue to the depth I would like. What I do know, already, is that they’re each great in their own right, and I’ve provided some pointers for you to check them out…