YA'LL SLIPPIN!!!!! YA'LL BETTA GO TO THE RECKA STOW AND GET DAT MADHOUSE ALBUM!!! PRINCE'S BASSLINE & SOLO ON MADHOUSE'S "ONE" SHUTS THIS WHOLE THING DOWN!!!! CAN U SAY "PURPLE JAZZ"??? soundcloud.com/brian-b-nyce-irving/madhouse-one
She’s an excellent player. I can’t speak to her status in the Danish funk scene. But she’s not in the same league as Andrew Gouche, Rhonda Smith, Sonny T and Brownmark. That said, she clearly has great talent and will continue to improve as well. There’s no shame in being Prince’s bassist but not being quite as good as Gouche, Rhonda, Sonny, Mark or Cymone. That list is hard to eff with.
It’s a shame we didn’t get to hear the full connection between Prince and MonoNeon develop. I think out of all the players ,Dywane would have shown to be the one closest to Prince himself in creativity. I think Prince saw a lot of himself in Dywane,and I think they were about to take the world by storm.
Brown Mark is incredible. I witnessed him through all the epic tours with prince, The controversy tour 1999 & Purple rain tour. He is simply the truth.
I don't have anything against Mark...I very Much, dig the fact he brought Mazarati to the table....IS IT JUST ME, OR WERE HIS CONTRIBUTIONS, WHAT, ON RECORD? IT SEEMED MIXED-DOWN, OR UNDER??!! I can't recall to my Spirit, what was his contribution ON RECORD ONLY!!! On record, it was all Prince in the studio, except for notable circumstances.. Back on the 'DirtyMind' lp: who was the drummer, then:. Prince or 'BobbyZ,'??? (Iknowhoitwas)
I like Andre Cymone. I think he had a lot of good bass patterns that Prince probably wouldn't bother with at the moment. What he did for Jody Watley was excellent work.
For me the best player Prince ever had was Rhonda Smith. She was the most versatile, solid, and imaginative bass player he ever had. The fact that she didn't show all the time the slappy pyrotecnics as other bassists Prince had before and after her does not mean anything wrong. She just simply was on another, superior musical level. She could play jazz, rock, funk, soul, blues or pop with the same level of sound quality and precision. Most of the other bass players Prince had could shine on one musical aspect, but it wasn't a choice, it was because they did not mastered other different musical languages and styles. In Rhonda's case, she did master all of them. She could funk and slap, but also play fusion fretless, or solid rock, or jazzy double bass, or whatever Prince or the music needed. Sonny T was also really, really good and versatile, but a little step below Rhonda regarding tone and sound.
Rhonda Smith sho nuff funky, but I think Ida Nielsen truly was the best, Ida both a technical and very musical bass player. Her funk so incredible Prince was learning from her.
Bassist of nearly 40 years here. To me, Andrew Gouche was easily the best bassist he ever had, followed by Rhonda Smith and then Sonny T. Both Brownmark and André Cymone were terrific and of course, Ida is excellent and Prince himself was amazing. He always had great bass players.
I have a feeling that outside of the drummer position, Prince is probably going to outrank everyone on all of the other intrument list. It actually makes perfect sence, well at least to me lol
Very excited for this video to finally be out. Took weeks to get it just right. I also unveiled my new camera in this video, so you should see a discernible difference in video quality for my portions. Let me know what you think.
Ida Nielson is fantastic,but I need to hear more from her besides Prince's work with her.Anyway, I think out of fun it was fairly critiqued. Our scathing reviews on these more than skilled musicians are futile. But,its fun to participate in the dialogue.
I have a question Prince's Friend. I've seen you do a review on Michael Jackson's work as well. I want to request from you a review if I may . I'm an enamor of both Michael's work and Prince's. There is a movie that I feel for it's time didn't get a fair shake with critics. It's Michael Jackson's movie debut "The Wiz" Michael's performance got rave reviews. But,the critics pounded hard on the film. It can be a cult favorite. My childre as I write this are watching it again. They request it frequently to view. So if you can ,review it. It was released back in 78 . It could be a children's favorite. My 4yr. old requested it. Along with my 10yr old. Ok have a good one.
Not necessarily. I saw an excerpt from a live show where PRINCE did a kinda bass battle with either IDA or RHONDA and they smoked him. Obviosly PRINCE was an amazing multi-instrumentalist, but that doesn't necessarily mean he excelled equally on all of them. I read that he was strongest on guitar and keyboards.
@@andrewilson7538......FACTS & I just recently checked out that “VladTv” interview with Morris Day & an old Donnie Simpson “Video Soul” interview with Jesse Johnson & they spoke open & candidly about some of the foul, fkd up shit that Prince did to the majority of musicians who were around him when he was at the height of his career & that shit was not cool!!! I’m a multi-instrumentalist & have been playing & singing over 30yrs & I’ve definitely crossed paths with dudes & dudettes like Prince & I would let them know EARLY on, that I LOVE music & the opportunities it brings, but I will NEVER lower my standards & allow ANYONE to disrespect me & if they chose to disregard my words I’d casually tell them.....”thank you for the opportunity, but FUCK YOU VERY MUCH” & bounce or I’d be fired!!! And I’ll admit that it’s caused me to miss out on some opportunities, but I had to & still have to be able to look at myself in the mirror & in the eyes of my 4 Sons (who are all grown, successful young Men, with their Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees) & COMMAND RESPECT, as well as gives it to everyone they’ve come in contact with!!!!🙌🏽🙏🏽✊🏽💪🏽
Andre Cymone, he actually invented that Minneapolis sound with Prince. I named my son after him. Listen to his songs Trouble, Ritz Club, MOTF, and Mrs Jody Watley Still a Thrill. Which he played bass and lead guitar on and produced.
I would say Prince, Sonny T, Andre, Brown Mark, Rhonda, Levi, Ida, Josh. Honorable mention for after show performances would be Victor Wooten, and Larry Graham...
Loved this..This video blog was very educational on the line up of various bass players and their roles as collaborators and musicians in the journey of Prince career. It was also very respectful, entertaining and effervescent. Keep it coming 'Prince Friend'.
Good post, I really thought Brown Mark would’ve been higher, he played with Prince when he was definitely into choreography, so doing those steps and handling the bass parts too puts him higher than a 33 to me...
EXACTLY: Dude plays Prince's Style like NOONE else. Next to Prince...no one can play 777-9311 like him. Terry Lewis included. He even holds the bass low like Prince and Andre. That adds a degree of difficulty only a bass player can speak to. And he doesn't miss a step. None of Prince's other bass players had to keep up on that level.
Larry might not have the technical skills of some of the players in Prince’s actual regular band... but Larry is easily one of the most important electric bassists to ever pick up the instrument. Any argument to the contrary will just make one sound foolish.
Sonny T., Prince, Mark Brown, bring that 'extra', outer-dimensional, je-ne-sais-quoi, cant'-put-it-to-words, edge? funk? vibe? to Prince's music - live performances in particular - that I do not feel to the same extent with the other players, although all of them are rock solid gold. I've put Sonny T. first because I've heard him do stuff I still do not understand up to this day, I only feel it. Maybe it's because he plays like he's doing the dishes indeed, like Jimi Hendrix or perhaps Miles Davis; it starts off by the way in which they hold their instrument, like it's part of their body.
Really enjoying this series if for no other reason than to highlight all the various musicians Prince has worked with over the years. The rankings and whatnot are cool and obviously subjective but the best part is the opportunity to praise the sometimes unsung heroes that helped Prince achieve his visions.
Agreed! The scores are just for fun and to have some sort of “reason” for us all to come together. I love highlighting not only the artists but also the other channels and friends I have on as judges. Wins all around
I am a bassist and a huge fan, but I think this has many sides. Andre Cymone and Brown Mark are my top two. Both can move effortlessly while still holding it down. No other bassist can do both like them.
My List.. 1) Andre Cymone *( Andre Played Bass on many early Prince songs.*uncredited..like Let's work..Dirty mind project) 2) Larry Graham 3) Rhonda Smith 4) Mark Brown 5) Sonny Thompson 6) Levi Seacer Jr 7) IDA Nelson
Tough category this one glad i had to do the drums instead!!! Think it's deff between Prince, ida and sonny t. Good 2 see Ida getting some love as she is amazing saw her live in a pub function room last year in London and she was off the hook. She also commands respect for the way she has carried herself since prince passed. She's out there doing her own thang. Saw Josh and cc Dunham with Prince at one of the indigo2 aftershows back in 07 and they were incredible and what transpired was one of those famous nights. It's in Hamish wittas book about the best bootlegs just incredible.
Top of the ranks is Prince. I've seen Prince play bass live a few times, especially during his Emancipation tour where he made it part of his set. Best slap bass and rythm bass player I've seen. Even playing it under one leg while standing on one leg with heels. But as far as his cohorts, iron sharpens iron. They're all good!
Great Review guys!! I have two favorite Prince bassists. Sonny T. is just a great bassist no matter how how you stack it. My second choice is Rhonda Smith because she’s second to none imo, while performing live concerts... I love Mark Brown and Andre’ too! love the Bass! Lol! Tough category to choose....
Love this big fan. Brown Mark style is the America and Computer Blue holds down the one got a good slap. However the Head breakdown from June 1981 in Paris you played I believe is Andre thinking this is his last tour so this boosts Andre for me. Him and Prince in the early days played really similarly. Cheers bro.
It's Larry Graham even before I watch the video find out who really wins Larry Graham or brown mark. Mogul...the kid on the panel makes Me laugh doesn't even look old enough to know the history hahahaha
Great video Bro. But it's unfair to put Prince on that list. EVERYBODY knows when LOVE calls You gotta go. And Prince is Mr. EVERYTHING & that's WHY PRINCE should not have been on that GREAT list of Bass Players. But that Ms. Nielsen is a SERIOUS BEAST of a Bass Player.
1 Prince/Larry Graham (Larry Graham is god ! How can you forgot him ?!) 2 Andre Cymone 3 Brown Mark 4 Rhonda Smith 5 Levi Seacer Jr. 6 Sonny T 7 Josh Dunham 8 Ida Neilsen
I know you guys probably left MonoNeon off because he was so new but,he may have been the best if Prince hadn't passed away... He told me about some of the music they were recording at the time of his death...he said it was gonna be killer!! Dywane was actually headed back to Paisley the morning Prince passed away! :-( :-(
This is a hard one for me, since I favor the bass guitar and each of these players are superb. Prince aside, my favorites are #1 Sonny T, #2 Rhonda, and #3 Brown Mark, with special props to Ida for sheer talent.
PERIOD. Although....His chemistry with Larry Graham Was INSANE. The way they got down with Lenny Kravitz.. That's the only band I would that could rival the Revolution. (The Time is the Exception)
As a bass player, I think how the top 3 shook out is fairly accurate. Prince probably has the bigger music vocabulary of the 3, but I think Sonny T's technique and execution (especially of his own musical ideals), is better. Ida's technique is up there with Sonny, but I don't get the sense that she can sing everything she's improvising. Sonny T, Marcus Miller (my 1st fav), Esperanza Spalding (my 2nd fav), Richard Bona and Oteil Burbridge can sing (or hum) everything they're improvising...in real-time :-)
Mark Brown hands down. Sonny was great also. Levi wasn't bad either! But that's it! Can't top that triage of thunderous bottom greasy Funk n Roll! End of discussion! ----Gary (Did I every post a story about Prince playing 777-9311 on his One-Eyed bass like 6, 8 feet in front of me, and I was the only fan present? Well I can tell you from first hand experience... Prince was Prince's greatest player!)
Awesome break down of the purple one's bass players. I do think that although he wasn't an official member..Larry Graham deserves the most honorable mention.. when playing with Prince he was by far the best bassist to have played with him. Sonny T and Ida are up there but no one can touch Larry. The other honorable mention that should have been in there is Mononeon. Although he didn't get to tour with Prince he did play with him at Paisley park and after hours shows and is such a monster on the bass that I'd put him and Sonny about equal. Just my humble opinions.. other than leaving the two of them out..I think everything else is pretty much on point. 💜✌️
Great topic! I make my living primarily playing bass inspired by all of these cats, but I just want to highlight the importance of chemistry in a rhythm section - Sonny T and Michael B, Rhonda and John, Sticky like glue... But Prince over anyone I'm still perplexed as to what he did on this instrument - as with anything he played, he didn't play the instrument, he played the music. Chemistry...? He was the whole damn periodic table! P.s Ida, I'm waiting for you in China!
Andre hasn't really made any memorable basslines? Lets Work, Do Me Baby, Uptown and I guess also I'm Yours. And on his own records, Trouble is a good example of a certain bass style that Prince has taken to his heart. I do think they both learned a whole lot from each other. I still listen to Living in The New Wave every now and then. But his newest albums as better songs. Andre has not only developed as an overal musician. He is a very good album producer that can do much more than dancable rnb/funk and new wave pop.
He recorded it, yes. Prince took/stole and was given ideas from his bandmates all the time. Band rehearsals, demos etc. If you analyse Andre Cymone's albums, you can clearly hear that this style wav very natural to him. Trouble is an early example of that style. Prince even reworked the drum pattern of Neon Pussycat to become Black Sweat.
@@jgutie1552 I'm not saying that every rumour is true. But since Andre Cymone has mentioned Lets Work and Uptown himself, and its known that he wrote atleast the main idea of Do Me Baby, it's quite possible he wrote the bassline of that one too. But we haven't heard that version. Anyways, Trouble is his song, and that bassline would be more memorable than most Prince basslines (if the song was better and bigger as a whole), and a style Prince loved.
Cool video. I like Levi a lot. He's probably my favorite, other than Prince himself - but I must admit I'm not that familiar with the work of some of his later bassists. Sign O' The Times (movie) and Lovesexy (album and tour) is enough evidence for me, though. It's fine if some like others more, but I don't think it's fair to rank him lower because he plays (or prefers) guitar. After all, Prince played a bit of guitar, too ;-) Anyway, Levi played bass with Prince before moving to guitar. Sonny T played guitar also; Prince once said in a magazine interview (Guitar World, I think) that Sonny T was his favorite guitarist.
All of these bass players should get a 10....I've seen all of these bass players live and they all play there asses off, not to mention prince all ways keep top notch musicians in all of his bands...THEY ALL GET A 10....
Andre Cymone and Prince had Obviously learned a Whole Lot from EachOther while they were growing up in Minneapolis-St.Paul and I would give Andre the same as Prince either 9 or 10 !
Andre Cymone. The “Let’s Work” Bass line was his. In your sample you could have included the Cymone song “Trouble”. and “Games” from Minneapolis Genius with Pepe Willie.
I agree with the evaluation esp. the top three. I think the others are good too, but the top three would make you sit up an take notice and inquire into who they are if you didn't already know.
Prince of course!! The bass on Partyman is superb. When Eric Clapton was asked how he felt about being the best guitarist of his generation , he said, I don't know ask Prince.
Why does it say Levi was with Prince only till 1991, when he was part of the Diamonds & Pearls Tour in '92? I also clearly remember him from the Frankfurt show I saw.
I always assumed that Prince only played bass in concert. Prince shouldn't count hes a given, we know this already. Andre is my favorite on Bass that bias won't change.
The best bassist Prince ever has was himself, the best instrumentalist Prince has was himself considering he mastered over two dozen instruments. Prince 4ever.
They say he played over 2 dozen instruments. But I never believed that. I only saw him play guitars , drums, piano. He was on a sax and a violin in the video Face Down. But he wasn't really playing that sax or violin. Eric Leeds his old sax player even said, Prince didn't play a sax.
Love Prince as a bassist... but Ida all the way! 10000000! Because she continues to explore in the Prince way! Love Sonny, Rhonda, and Brown Mark too for their accomplishments!
As a Grammy winner with 35 years in the business, including 40 tours, & countless session work with TLC, the Gap Band, DJ-Quik & Jamie Foxx. Not to mention having Alex Al as my brother. I have to say Andre Cymone is #1, (I believe AC pioneered & shaped Prince's signature bass sound) Prince #2, & then a tie between Brown Mark & Sonny Thompson! With an honorable mention nod to Ms. Ida Neilson...she's a killer!
Tough category because many of his bassists were tour bassists and they played what Prince created. I was in love with Ronda so I pick her hands down. I wonder what 3rdEyeGirl would have sounded like with her, no offense to Ida but they made great music together. Brownmark was part of the iconic years, but how much did he create outside of what Prince laid down? Really, all of the bassists played what Prince laid and we only got to see them chop it up during live performances and some of the bassists were around when Prince was all about precision so they didn't get to show a lot of out of the box stuff.
I heard Prince once said if he had to throw together an all star band on tour he would have Sonny T as his bassist. Michael B on drums. Tommy Barbarella on keys. Sheila on percussion, Wendy on rhythm guitar, Maceo Parker on horns, Candy D on sax. I heard him say in an interview.
If only Prince was around longer, we would have heard more from Mononeon. Prince saw this guy as a beast too. Sadly, he only played with him briefly. 😔
Bro, with all your subscribers you have to give the guy a shout out. 👍🏽. He very easily is among the top even if it’s brief. All the others are well known and planted. This guy is still building a legacy you have to help him out. Make a brief pt 2. Tuff enuff was a song prince performed with him. But Mono wrote it. Prince did the vox. 👍🏽
Naturally it has to be Prince himself! Remember Prince was a genius and comparing him with his band members isn’t fair . But naturally all these people who played with Prince had to be unbelievable good
Another great video! I agree, Prince had a style that nobody else had. My favorite bass solo on a Prince song is on the long version of La La La, He He Hee.. Is that him? That song is sooo funky...Have you done research on that song? There is so much going on in that song! It is amazing ..
To me Ida Nielsen is the best ever. No matter how manic she gets she always holds the rhythm. Many highly reputed bassists sometimes go manic and I guess the rhythm is in their heads but its often lost on me!!
Hahaha...this was fun😄 I love all of Prince bass players but if I was to cheat and include live performers my three favourites are Prince first, next Rhonda, then Ida.There’s just something so amazing about Rhonda..she looks like she’s loving every moment performing live, I just have to watch her. But listening to the music on your video I would chose Prince first, next Sony T, then Ida
Tripp here. Shelby J Bassist. Now the advantage of any of the the newer bassist is that they get to cover the whole career spectrum of Prince. So with that said. Ida gets a strong vote from me. Now had Prince who was working with Mono Neon before his passing. OMG CAN YOU IMAGINE. But Rhonda Smith!! But I’m going to tell you Brown Mark. Because he danced and held it down and sang BG vocals. Just my 2 cents.
Number one is Andre Cymone. Dre had the skills, style and showmanship. Dre would play the bass behind his head and stomp around on stage. Second is Sonny T. Sonny could play the measurements of Thelma from Good Times in French and Stevie Wonder could see it.
Andre Cymone was on the early Prince recordings. He wasn’t credited, but was definitely the player you credit Prince as playing. Taking nothing from Prince, but Cymone should be credited for what contributed.
WATCH NEXT: Prince: Nothing Compares 2 U - Best Cover/Version - Judge's Panel th-cam.com/video/lwKUohE6T8g/w-d-xo.html
YA'LL SLIPPIN!!!!! YA'LL BETTA GO TO THE RECKA STOW AND GET DAT MADHOUSE ALBUM!!! PRINCE'S BASSLINE & SOLO ON MADHOUSE'S "ONE" SHUTS THIS WHOLE THING DOWN!!!! CAN U SAY "PURPLE JAZZ"??? soundcloud.com/brian-b-nyce-irving/madhouse-one
Prince's Friend th-cam.com/video/Imd9KzcHc0I/w-d-xo.html
For the record Josh Dunham Played a 4 string Ritter bass during his stay with Prince!
So glad you got that Chanel together it never gets old..
Lots of material though😂
Ida Nielsen is a legend! and a great representative of the funk scene for denmark.
I need to disagree. She’s not up as the best but I’m proud of ida
She’s an excellent player. I can’t speak to her status in the Danish funk scene. But she’s not in the same league as Andrew Gouche, Rhonda Smith, Sonny T and Brownmark. That said, she clearly has great talent and will continue to improve as well. There’s no shame in being Prince’s bassist but not being quite as good as Gouche, Rhonda, Sonny, Mark or Cymone. That list is hard to eff with.
She's CLEARLY not his best bass player...not even top 3...stop lying
Ida’s nice. She has great sound and feeling.
She's so beautiful and talented. That alone puts her as my favorite.
It’s a shame we didn’t get to hear the full connection between Prince and MonoNeon develop.
I think out of all the players ,Dywane would have shown to be the one closest to Prince himself in creativity.
I think Prince saw a lot of himself in Dywane,and I think they were about to take the world by storm.
Agree!!
Brown Mark is incredible. I witnessed him through all the epic tours with prince, The controversy tour 1999 & Purple rain tour. He is simply the truth.
I don't have anything against Mark...I very Much, dig the fact he brought Mazarati to the table....IS IT JUST ME, OR WERE HIS CONTRIBUTIONS, WHAT, ON RECORD? IT SEEMED MIXED-DOWN, OR UNDER??!! I can't recall to my Spirit, what was his contribution ON RECORD ONLY!!! On record, it was all Prince in the studio, except for notable circumstances..
Back on the 'DirtyMind' lp: who was the drummer, then:. Prince or 'BobbyZ,'??? (Iknowhoitwas)
He is even greater in person! Truly a nice guy…I miss hangin’ out with him in Mpls. 😊
I like Andre Cymone. I think he had a lot of good bass patterns that Prince probably wouldn't bother with at the moment. What he did for Jody Watley was excellent work.
For me the best player Prince ever had was Rhonda Smith. She was the most versatile, solid, and imaginative bass player he ever had. The fact that she didn't show all the time the slappy pyrotecnics as other bassists Prince had before and after her does not mean anything wrong. She just simply was on another, superior musical level. She could play jazz, rock, funk, soul, blues or pop with the same level of sound quality and precision. Most of the other bass players Prince had could shine on one musical aspect, but it wasn't a choice, it was because they did not mastered other different musical languages and styles. In Rhonda's case, she did master all of them. She could funk and slap, but also play fusion fretless, or solid rock, or jazzy double bass, or whatever Prince or the music needed. Sonny T was also really, really good and versatile, but a little step below Rhonda regarding tone and sound.
@YouStink yep YOU stink.!!!!!
@Liberals Hate kcalB People 🏳️🌈⃠ nah... it's because she's an extremely talented musician!
Rhonda and ida
Check the Prince interview with Chris Rock: Bass - Rhonda
Rhonda Smith sho nuff funky, but I think Ida Nielsen truly was the best, Ida both a technical and very musical bass player. Her funk so incredible Prince was learning from her.
Bassist of nearly 40 years here. To me, Andrew Gouche was easily the best bassist he ever had, followed by Rhonda Smith and then Sonny T. Both Brownmark and André Cymone were terrific and of course, Ida is excellent and Prince himself was amazing. He always had great bass players.
"Her name is Rhonda..." Y'all know the rest...😸
The first shot of Live at Aladdin: with that lip pout. 😻😻😻😻😻♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Smith, that is.
I have a feeling that outside of the drummer position, Prince is probably going to outrank everyone on all of the other intrument list. It actually makes perfect sence, well at least to me lol
Correct. We're judging from the level of 'PRINCE music.'. He defines 80's Funk. "Air-body" was IMITATING HIM!!!
Very excited for this video to finally be out. Took weeks to get it just right. I also unveiled my new camera in this video, so you should see a discernible difference in video quality for my portions. Let me know what you think.
Its much sharper definitely and the colour looks warmer and richer! :)
Andre Cymone.Brown Mark,Levi Seacer Jr, Sonny T Rhonda Smith Larry Graham Josh Dunham,Ida Neilson
The best player is hard, although I don't like to be astute.. Where was Larry Graham on this list? Maybe he didn't play as much on Prince's records.
Ida Nielson is fantastic,but I need to hear more from her besides Prince's work with her.Anyway, I think out of fun it was fairly critiqued. Our scathing reviews on these more than skilled musicians are futile. But,its fun to participate in the dialogue.
I have a question Prince's Friend. I've seen you do a review on Michael Jackson's work as well. I want to request from you a review if I may . I'm an enamor of both Michael's work and Prince's. There is a movie that I feel for it's time didn't get a fair shake with critics. It's Michael Jackson's movie debut "The Wiz" Michael's performance got rave reviews. But,the critics pounded hard on the film. It can be a cult favorite. My childre as I write this are watching it again. They request it frequently to view. So if you can ,review it. It was released back in 78 . It could be a children's favorite. My 4yr. old requested it. Along with my 10yr old. Ok have a good one.
Best bassist is Prince himself!!!!!!
Not necessarily. I saw an excerpt from a live show where PRINCE did a kinda bass battle with either IDA or RHONDA and they smoked him. Obviosly PRINCE was an amazing multi-instrumentalist, but that doesn't necessarily mean he excelled equally on all of them. I read that he was strongest on guitar and keyboards.
@@andrewilson7538......FACTS & I just recently checked out that “VladTv” interview with Morris Day & an old Donnie Simpson “Video Soul” interview with Jesse Johnson & they spoke open & candidly about some of the foul, fkd up shit that Prince did to the majority of musicians who were around him when he was at the height of his career & that shit was not cool!!!
I’m a multi-instrumentalist & have been playing & singing over 30yrs & I’ve definitely crossed paths with dudes & dudettes like Prince & I would let them know EARLY on, that I LOVE music & the opportunities it brings, but I will NEVER lower my standards & allow ANYONE to disrespect me & if they chose to disregard my words I’d casually tell them.....”thank you for the opportunity, but FUCK YOU VERY MUCH” & bounce or I’d be fired!!!
And I’ll admit that it’s caused me to miss out on some opportunities, but I had to & still have to be able to look at myself in the mirror & in the eyes of my 4 Sons (who are all grown, successful young Men, with their Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees) & COMMAND RESPECT, as well as gives it to everyone they’ve come in contact with!!!!🙌🏽🙏🏽✊🏽💪🏽
Andre Cymone, he actually invented that Minneapolis sound with Prince. I named my son after him. Listen to his songs Trouble, Ritz Club, MOTF, and Mrs Jody Watley Still a Thrill. Which he played bass and lead guitar on and produced.
The power trio of P, Michael B and Sonny T were just amazing.
The bunkers boys
I've heard just about all of them rehearse and live. Sonny T is fricking scary!
Ida Nielsen 100! Slap bass to eternity! Ms Funkhauser is in the HOUSE!
I would say Prince, Sonny T, Andre, Brown Mark, Rhonda, Levi, Ida, Josh. Honorable mention for after show performances would be Victor Wooten, and Larry Graham...
Prince and Andre made up that unique Minneapolis sound bassline...🎶🎵🎸
Mononeon jammed with Prince in his later years, that dude is a beast, to me he is on another pedestal.
WORD!
mono's great, I love him... tho too technical imo, for the rawness
He’s tremendous. Just funky as hell.
@@jimmymack9440 the beauty of mono to me at least, is how sloppy he sounds through all of it
Loved this..This video blog was very educational on the line up of various bass players and their roles as collaborators and musicians in the journey of Prince career. It was also very respectful, entertaining and effervescent. Keep it coming 'Prince Friend'.
Good post, I really thought Brown Mark would’ve been higher, he played with Prince when he was definitely into choreography, so doing those steps and handling the bass parts too puts him higher than a 33 to me...
Brown Mark is great, but there is some stiff competition too
EXACTLY: Dude plays Prince's Style like NOONE else. Next to Prince...no one can play 777-9311 like him. Terry Lewis included. He even holds the bass low like Prince and Andre. That adds a degree of difficulty only a bass player can speak to. And he doesn't miss a step. None of Prince's other bass players had to keep up on that level.
Ida Neilsen, I saw her in her first band ZAP MAMA. She was amazing.
Prince and Rhonda Smith are the only people that I know that can make that bass pop like they do.
CyberShadow 411 u havent listened to a lot of bass at all lol
Have you heard of Larry Graham?..or Bootsy Collins?...
I know he wasn’t his bassist but I LOVE Prince’s collabs and live performances with Larry Graham.
I was fortunate enough to see Larry Graham play with Prince at the Hop Farm Festival in the UK mind blowing
Dr. Simple Beauty 300 Me to..Prince and Larry were most awesome together live😀😀😀
If Larry is on the list, he'd be #1. If he isn't on the list, he should be.
Larry might not have the technical skills of some of the players in Prince’s actual regular band... but Larry is easily one of the most important electric bassists to ever pick up the instrument. Any argument to the contrary will just make one sound foolish.
Prince, Mark Brown, & Sonny Thompson all day...
Sonny T., Prince, Mark Brown, bring that 'extra', outer-dimensional, je-ne-sais-quoi, cant'-put-it-to-words, edge? funk? vibe? to Prince's music - live performances in particular - that I do not feel to the same extent with the other players, although all of them are rock solid gold. I've put Sonny T. first because I've heard him do stuff I still do not understand up to this day, I only feel it. Maybe it's because he plays like he's doing the dishes indeed, like Jimi Hendrix or perhaps Miles Davis; it starts off by the way in which they hold their instrument, like it's part of their body.
Really enjoying this series if for no other reason than to highlight all the various musicians Prince has worked with over the years. The rankings and whatnot are cool and obviously subjective but the best part is the opportunity to praise the sometimes unsung heroes that helped Prince achieve his visions.
Agreed! The scores are just for fun and to have some sort of “reason” for us all to come together. I love highlighting not only the artists but also the other channels and friends I have on as judges. Wins all around
For sure. Stone seems like he’s the coolest cat ever.
Brown Mark all the way I give him a 9
My faves are Sonny T and Rhonda Smith
Thanks So much for having me on! It was a lot of fun :)
You were great! Everyone needs to sub to your channel (link in the description)
funkchild u were fantastic 😊
I think that other than drums, Prince is gonna win all the instrument contests. Just saying.
U think better on the keys than Jimmy Jam
Brownmark style was the best for the revolution period. Sonny t for Npg.
Drums, too. Just saying.
Does anyone know the name of the song used between Sex in the Summer and Mad Sex? Its around 21:30. That groove had my head boppin'!
I am a bassist and a huge fan, but I think this has many sides. Andre Cymone and Brown Mark are my top two. Both can move effortlessly while still holding it down. No other bassist can do both like them.
My List..
1) Andre Cymone *( Andre Played Bass on many early Prince songs.*uncredited..like Let's work..Dirty mind project)
2) Larry Graham
3) Rhonda Smith
4) Mark Brown
5) Sonny Thompson
6) Levi Seacer Jr
7) IDA Nelson
Prince's sample bass lines should have included 777-9311 and Alphabet St
True, BUT the drum line in 777-9411... SIMPLY ICONIC!!!
Tough category this one glad i had to do the drums instead!!! Think it's deff between Prince, ida and sonny t. Good 2 see Ida getting some love as she is amazing saw her live in a pub function room last year in London and she was off the hook. She also commands respect for the way she has carried herself since prince passed. She's out there doing her own thang. Saw Josh and cc Dunham with Prince at one of the indigo2 aftershows back in 07 and they were incredible and what transpired was one of those famous nights. It's in Hamish wittas book about the best bootlegs just incredible.
Brownmark, was the best. Super underrated bass player.
Top of the ranks is Prince. I've seen Prince play bass live a few times, especially during his Emancipation tour where he made it part of his set. Best slap bass and rythm bass player I've seen. Even playing it under one leg while standing on one leg with heels. But as far as his cohorts, iron sharpens iron. They're all good!
Yea I agree about the Emancipation tour. He was flawless
Great Review guys!! I have two favorite Prince bassists. Sonny T. is just a great bassist no matter how how you stack it. My second choice is Rhonda Smith because she’s second to none imo, while performing live concerts... I love Mark Brown and Andre’ too! love the Bass! Lol! Tough category to choose....
One thing not mentioned about Rhonda Smith: didn't she play the fretless bass on the Newpowersoul and NEWS albums? I believe so, but was not sure.
1. Prince
2. Brown Mark
3. Andre Cymone
4. Ida Nielsen
Love this big fan. Brown Mark style is the America and Computer Blue holds down the one got a good slap. However the Head breakdown from June 1981 in Paris you played I believe is Andre thinking this is his last tour so this boosts Andre for me. Him and Prince in the early days played really similarly. Cheers bro.
Prince all day!
Of course Prince tops the list. My personal favs in no particular order are Sonny T, Rhonda, and Ida. Brown Mark is also a top in my book.
When you have Voctor Wooten saying your a great bass player then you are without a doubt Great!
Victor Wooten is overrated. Mono Neon is way more expansive.
1. Prince
2. Brownmark
3. Andre Cymone
Prince himself, he called it the B.A.S.E instead of bass.
Eye'm always gonna say Prince is the best bassist! He's the best at EVERYTHING!
It's Larry Graham even before I watch the video find out who really wins Larry Graham or brown mark.
Mogul...the kid on the panel makes
Me laugh doesn't even look old enough to know the history hahahaha
Larry Graham was never a member of the band. And FunkChild is awesome. You don’t have to be old to appreciate the music.
No Larry Graham?
Funny enough, he was never officially a member of Prince’s band and only played on like 2 tracks the time he was around.
@@PrincesFriend ...oh ok.
I was thinking the same thing.
If you look at the video Rave into the year 2000 Larry Graham played bass in the band the whole concert.
@@Foghorn908 ..plus few other too
Great video Bro. But it's unfair to put Prince on that list. EVERYBODY knows when LOVE calls You gotta go. And Prince is Mr. EVERYTHING & that's WHY PRINCE should not have been on that GREAT list of Bass Players. But that Ms. Nielsen is a SERIOUS BEAST of a Bass Player.
I like Ida Nielsen the best!
1 Prince/Larry Graham (Larry Graham is god ! How can you forgot him ?!)
2 Andre Cymone
3 Brown Mark
4 Rhonda Smith
5 Levi Seacer Jr.
6 Sonny T
7 Josh Dunham
8 Ida Neilsen
Didn’t forget Larry Graham. He was never officially part of Prince’s band and only played on like 2 tracks of any kind.
Alright. I had misunderstood, I was thinking mostly about concerts for Larry
Prince's Friend And oh yes I love Larry ! 😄
I know you guys probably left MonoNeon off because he was so new but,he may have been the best if Prince hadn't passed away...
He told me about some of the music they were recording at the time of his death...he said it was gonna be killer!!
Dywane was actually headed back to Paisley the morning Prince passed away! :-( :-(
That's a tough one cuz I haven't heard any of them play the bassline to 777-9311 as FUNKY as he did.
This is a hard one for me, since I favor the bass guitar and each of these players are superb. Prince aside, my favorites are #1 Sonny T, #2 Rhonda, and #3 Brown Mark, with special props to Ida for sheer talent.
It’s ironic of all the names mentioned, it was Prince who said that Brown Mark was the best bassist he ever had.
PERIOD. Although....His chemistry with Larry Graham Was INSANE. The way they got down with Lenny Kravitz.. That's the only band I would that could rival the Revolution. (The Time is the Exception)
Brown Mark
nuff said
As a bass player, I think how the top 3 shook out is fairly accurate. Prince probably has the bigger music vocabulary of the 3, but I think Sonny T's technique and execution (especially of his own musical ideals), is better. Ida's technique is up there with Sonny, but I don't get the sense that she can sing everything she's improvising. Sonny T, Marcus Miller (my 1st fav), Esperanza Spalding (my 2nd fav), Richard Bona and Oteil Burbridge can sing (or hum) everything they're improvising...in real-time :-)
Ida’s solo stuff is great, btw
Awesome topic! This was a fun video to watch & listen to! Thx Prince's Friend! Jeannine
Mark Brown hands down. Sonny was great also. Levi wasn't bad either! But that's it! Can't top that triage of thunderous bottom greasy Funk n Roll! End of discussion! ----Gary
(Did I every post a story about Prince playing 777-9311 on his One-Eyed bass like 6, 8 feet in front of me, and I was the only fan present? Well I can tell you from first hand experience... Prince was Prince's greatest player!)
Awesome break down of the purple one's bass players. I do think that although he wasn't an official member..Larry Graham deserves the most honorable mention.. when playing with Prince he was by far the best bassist to have played with him. Sonny T and Ida are up there but no one can touch Larry. The other honorable mention that should have been in there is Mononeon. Although he didn't get to tour with Prince he did play with him at Paisley park and after hours shows and is such a monster on the bass that I'd put him and Sonny about equal. Just my humble opinions.. other than leaving the two of them out..I think everything else is pretty much on point. 💜✌️
Rhonda Smith. Seriously she was a whole package.
Live:Sonny T, Biggest influence on Prince:Larry Graham, co-creator of Minneapolis sound: Andre Cymone
Andre Cymone and Brown Mark are my two favorites
Great topic! I make my living primarily playing bass inspired by all of these cats, but I just want to highlight the importance of chemistry in a rhythm section - Sonny T and Michael B, Rhonda and John, Sticky like glue... But Prince over anyone I'm still perplexed as to what he did on this instrument - as with anything he played, he didn't play the instrument, he played the music. Chemistry...? He was the whole damn periodic table! P.s Ida, I'm waiting for you in China!
The best Prince bass line is the licks on song Lady CabDriver
Andre hasn't really made any memorable basslines? Lets Work, Do Me Baby, Uptown and I guess also I'm Yours. And on his own records, Trouble is a good example of a certain bass style that Prince has taken to his heart. I do think they both learned a whole lot from each other. I still listen to Living in The New Wave every now and then. But his newest albums as better songs. Andre has not only developed as an overal musician. He is a very good album producer that can do much more than dancable rnb/funk and new wave pop.
Those are all Prince played basslines
He recorded it, yes. Prince took/stole and was given ideas from his bandmates all the time. Band rehearsals, demos etc. If you analyse Andre Cymone's albums, you can clearly hear that this style wav very natural to him. Trouble is an early example of that style. Prince even reworked the drum pattern of Neon Pussycat to become Black Sweat.
@@TundrahSounds That may or may not be true. I have never heard that Andre came up with the basslines to the songs you mentioned.
@@jgutie1552 I'm not saying that every rumour is true. But since Andre Cymone has mentioned Lets Work and Uptown himself, and its known that he wrote atleast the main idea of Do Me Baby, it's quite possible he wrote the bassline of that one too. But we haven't heard that version. Anyways, Trouble is his song, and that bassline would be more memorable than most Prince basslines (if the song was better and bigger as a whole), and a style Prince loved.
Jgutie 15 Tundra Sounds is right.... Andre came up w/ those bass lines.
Cool video. I like Levi a lot. He's probably my favorite, other than Prince himself - but I must admit I'm not that familiar with the work of some of his later bassists. Sign O' The Times (movie) and Lovesexy (album and tour) is enough evidence for me, though. It's fine if some like others more, but I don't think it's fair to rank him lower because he plays (or prefers) guitar. After all, Prince played a bit of guitar, too ;-) Anyway, Levi played bass with Prince before moving to guitar. Sonny T played guitar also; Prince once said in a magazine interview (Guitar World, I think) that Sonny T was his favorite guitarist.
All of these bass players should get a 10....I've seen all of these bass players live and they all play there asses off, not to mention prince all ways keep top notch musicians in all of his bands...THEY ALL GET A 10....
Andre Cymone and Prince had Obviously learned a Whole Lot from EachOther while they were growing up in Minneapolis-St.Paul and I would give Andre the same as Prince either 9 or 10 !
Andre Cymone.
The “Let’s Work” Bass line was his.
In your sample you could have included the Cymone song “Trouble”. and “Games” from
Minneapolis Genius with Pepe Willie.
I agree with the evaluation esp. the top three. I think the others are good too, but the top three would make you sit up an take notice and inquire into who they are if you didn't already know.
Prince played Bass on some of his albums
Prince of course!! The bass on Partyman is superb. When Eric Clapton was asked how he felt about being the best guitarist of his generation , he said, I don't know ask Prince.
Andre Cymone still looks 25 yrs old....
Why does it say Levi was with Prince only till 1991, when he was part of the Diamonds & Pearls Tour in '92?
I also clearly remember him from the Frankfurt show I saw.
Because we’re talking about how long he played bass for Prince
@@PrincesFriend Oh, just in the studio then.
Dude Rhonda Smith was all over the Rainbow Children stuff playing her P Bass and her Vektor upright bass. She deserves a 9 easily.
1 of his best LPs ever, among many.
I always assumed that Prince only played bass in concert. Prince shouldn't count hes a given, we know this already. Andre is my favorite on Bass that bias won't change.
The best bassist Prince ever has was himself, the best instrumentalist Prince has was himself considering he mastered over two dozen instruments. Prince 4ever.
Watch and see if you’re right?
They say he played over 2 dozen instruments. But I never believed that. I only saw him play guitars , drums, piano. He was on a sax and a violin in the video Face Down. But he wasn't really playing that sax or violin. Eric Leeds his old sax player even said, Prince didn't play a sax.
His first 5 albums all instruments, and vocals were done by prince, with the exception of a couple of songs on the 1999 album.
Prince, Sonny T., Larry Graham, Brown Marc, Andre Symone
Love Prince as a bassist... but Ida all the way! 10000000! Because she continues to explore in the Prince way! Love Sonny, Rhonda, and Brown Mark too for their accomplishments!
As a Grammy winner with 35 years in the business, including 40 tours, & countless session work with TLC, the Gap Band, DJ-Quik & Jamie Foxx. Not to mention having Alex Al as my brother. I have to say Andre Cymone is #1, (I believe AC pioneered & shaped Prince's signature bass sound) Prince #2, & then a tie between Brown Mark & Sonny Thompson! With an honorable mention nod to Ms. Ida Neilson...she's a killer!
🎸5:50 What Song is that🎸
i really want to know too...
I like Sonny T and Rhonda Smith and Ida Nielsen
Tough category because many of his bassists were tour bassists and they played what Prince created. I was in love with Ronda so I pick her hands down. I wonder what 3rdEyeGirl would have sounded like with her, no offense to Ida but they made great music together. Brownmark was part of the iconic years, but how much did he create outside of what Prince laid down? Really, all of the bassists played what Prince laid and we only got to see them chop it up during live performances and some of the bassists were around when Prince was all about precision so they didn't get to show a lot of out of the box stuff.
Prince: ♾
Andre: 8
Mark: >10
Levi: 7
Sonny: 10
Rhonda: 7
Josh: 8
Ida: 9
also Nik West !!!!
Whats the names of the songs of the bass lines by prince
I heard Prince once said if he had to throw together an all star band on tour he would have Sonny T as his bassist. Michael B on drums. Tommy Barbarella on keys. Sheila on percussion, Wendy on rhythm guitar, Maceo Parker on horns, Candy D on sax. I heard him say in an interview.
If only Prince was around longer, we would have heard more from Mononeon. Prince saw this guy as a beast too. Sadly, he only played with him briefly. 😔
All the stories I've heard say you're 100% correct.
Bro, with all your subscribers you have to give the guy a shout out. 👍🏽. He very easily is among the top even if it’s brief. All the others are well known and planted. This guy is still building a legacy you have to help him out. Make a brief pt 2. Tuff enuff was a song prince performed with him. But Mono wrote it. Prince did the vox. 👍🏽
None could dance and play like Brownmark
Man, Look!!! Rhonda is MY GIRL!!!! SHE GETS A 10 FROM ME!!! She is Awesome!!!
All of them had a special flare..Sonny was really funky..yet they all had a special uniqueness that made them all Bad af in their own rights..
Brown Mark by far... watch him on Purple Rain tour live at Syracuse march 30 1985... He funks the world
I became partial to Levi, based on that Charlie Parker interlude in the “Sign o the Times” video! That was some wicked playing!
Naturally it has to be Prince himself! Remember Prince was a genius and comparing him with his band members isn’t fair . But naturally all these people who played with Prince had to be unbelievable good
Prince 💯💜🙌🏽💜
Another great video! I agree, Prince had a style that nobody else had. My favorite bass solo on a Prince song is on the long version of La La La, He He Hee.. Is that him? That song is sooo funky...Have you done research on that song? There is so much going on in that song! It is amazing ..
True, one of his funkiest no doubt. Towards end of the long version it gets little chaotic but still stays funky
WHERE is Mono Neon?
Yes!
To me Ida Nielsen is the best ever. No matter how manic she gets she always holds the rhythm. Many highly reputed bassists sometimes go manic and I guess the rhythm is in their heads but its often lost on me!!
Ida is amazing!
This was an interesting video really excited for the next best of the best
Hahaha...this was fun😄 I love all of Prince bass players but if I was to cheat and include live performers my three favourites are Prince first, next Rhonda, then Ida.There’s just something so amazing about Rhonda..she looks like she’s loving every moment performing live, I just have to watch her. But listening to the music on your video I would chose Prince first, next Sony T, then Ida
Tripp here. Shelby J Bassist. Now the advantage of any of the the newer bassist is that they get to cover the whole career spectrum of Prince. So with that said. Ida gets a strong vote from me. Now had Prince who was working with Mono Neon before his passing. OMG CAN YOU IMAGINE. But Rhonda Smith!! But I’m going to tell you Brown Mark. Because he danced and held it down and sang BG vocals. Just my 2 cents.
Hey Tripp! Long time no see and thanks for the comment! It’s how I feel too. Rhonda but Brown Mark but also Ida but also... they’re all so good.
Brown Mark was His Best Period
Number one is Andre Cymone. Dre had the skills, style and showmanship. Dre would play the bass behind his head and stomp around on stage. Second is Sonny T. Sonny could play the measurements of Thelma from Good Times in French and Stevie Wonder could see it.
Andre Cymone was on the early Prince recordings. He wasn’t credited, but was definitely the player you credit Prince as playing. Taking nothing from Prince, but Cymone should be credited for what contributed.