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JPJ was great, but I think his main strength was his ability to double on keys. I've never been a Ron Carter fan...sacrelige for a bassist to say that I suppose, but he never did it for me. Flea is strong, and unlike a lot of guys, does occasionally lay low on the tune when required.
There are quite a few amazing players out there, and like any other instrument, you have guys that are technically amazing, guys who play just the right note, and those who can do both. Here's an annotated version of the list for those who might not know some of the players:
Paul Chambers - Charlie Parker's main bassist. Perfect pocket at insane bop tempos, and sick arco (bow) solos.
James Jamerson - the sound of Mowtown. Just listen to "I Was Made to Love Her" by Stevie Wonder.
Carol Kaye - Studio player who was on Pet Sounds, a ton of Mowtown stuff, and an incredible number of LA sessions for almost everyone.
Jaco Pastorius - arguably the greatest bassist ever, his chops on fretless defined the instrument. Played straight ahead jazz and helped create "fusion", but my favorite work of his is with Joni Mitchell on Hejira.
Paul McCartney - his bass playing ability was overshadowed by his songwriting, but he is a guy that played exactly the right phrase at exactly the right moment. And he really defined the melodic pop bass approach.
Jack Bruce - jazz sensibilities, rock attitude, helped to create the first supergroups (Cream), then went on to do fusion and other styles.
John Entwistle - Sure, Pete and Roger were the outward face of The Who, but Entwistle drove the bus and held the whole thing together. The first rock player that really flew on the fingerboard.
Verdine White - the definition of fingerstyle funk. With Earth, Wind and Fire, he played on mega hits, always with smooth, sinewy lines that made you get up and move.
Rocco Prestia - While Tower of Power is known for horns, again, it is the bass that drives the music. Just listen to "What is Hip". Then try and play it. Then write a note to Rocco saying "thanks for making my hand fall off..."
Marcus Miller - worked with Miles to help him define yet another sound in his career, he is probably the best technical thumb player around. Listen to his version of "teen Town" (a Jaco tune) played all with the thumb. That song is impossible to play with your fingers, let alone using your thumb. Absolutely sick.
Tony Levin - one of the most creative players ever. Doubles on Chapman Stick, also had a custom 3 string bass made for him, and uses all sorts of ways to strike the strings. His work with Peter Gabriel is inspiring.
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