Bruce Hornsby has had a number of world-class bass players on his records and in his touring band. Here’s a list of who played on which record.
Played by:
Joe Puerta on:
Charlie Haden on:
Jimmy Haslip on:
J.V. Collier on:
John Pierce on:
David Bendeth on:
Mark Fain on:
Bruce Hornsby on:
Blake Mills on:
Brad Cook on:
Chris Croce on:
Mike Lewis on:
Bass guitar: an overview
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument known for its deep, resonant tones and rhythmic role in music. It serves as the foundation of many musical genres by providing a strong bassline that complements drums and drives the rhythm. While similar in shape and playing style to the electric guitar, it typically has four thicker strings tuned one octave lower, giving it its characteristic low-frequency sound.
Origins
The instrument was invented in the early 1930s, with the first production model attributed to musician and inventor Paul Tutmarc. Tutmarc’s electric model, called the “Audiovox Model 736,” featured frets and a shorter neck, making it more compact than the upright double bass, which had been a primary instrument in jazz and classical music. However, Tutmarc’s invention saw limited success until the 1950s, when Leo Fender popularised the instrument with the release of the Fender Precision Bass in 1951. This model standardised the instrument’s design with frets and a solid body, making it easier to play and transport.
Fender’s Precision Bass, known for its accuracy in pitch (hence “Precision”), allowed bassists to play with more precision and consistency than was possible on the fretless double bass. Its practicality led to widespread adoption in rock, jazz, blues, and pop music.
Development and use
By the 1960s and 1970s, it had become an essential part of contemporary music, particularly in rock, funk, and jazz. Players like James Jamerson, Paul McCartney, and Jaco Pastorius expanded its role, exploring melodic, rhythmic, and soloistic possibilities beyond simple basslines. The 1960s saw the introduction of new brands and models, such as the Rickenbacker 4001 and Gibson EB series, adding different tonal qualities and features.
They also diversified in terms of design. Five- and six-string versions became popular, especially among jazz and fusion musicians, offering extended range and flexibility. Innovations in electronics allowed for active pickups and onboard equalisation, which gave players greater control over their tone and volume, allowing the bass to shine in various musical settings.
Varieties and playing techniques
There are various configurations, from standard four-string models to five-, six-, and even eight-string versions, each suited to different musical demands. Playing techniques have also evolved; bassists may use fingerstyle, slapping, popping, or pick playing to create different sounds. Each technique adds a unique texture and rhythm, especially in funk, jazz fusion, and rock music.
Contemporary use
Today, the instrument remains central to nearly every genre, from rock, jazz, and funk to electronic, hip-hop, and metal. Bassists like J.V. Collier, Victor Wooten and Jimmy Haslip have pushed the instrument’s boundaries, demonstrating its versatility and expressive range. The bass guitar continues to evolve with digital effects and hybrid acoustic-electric models, allowing it to blend seamlessly into both traditional and modern musical styles.
The bass guitar’s adaptability, rhythmic power, and distinct tonal range ensure its importance in modern music, where it holds a pivotal role in shaping the groove and supporting the harmonic structure across musical genres.