Hi All,
Some great bassists mentioned: Abe, Stan, Louis & Jaco - I'd like to add my bit from the European end!
Mark King - Brit bass supremo! Don't be distracted by the 80s pop he did with Level 42 - check out his amazing solo album "Influences" (avail on Amazon!).
Pino Palladino - Fretless Fanatic
And not to leave the yanks out...
Tommy Simms - not just great songwriter/producer (Change Your World, Eric Clapton) the most beautiful melodic bass lines...
And finally...
Randy Hope-Taylor (Incognito) - Great all round funkster...
Personal #1 must be Abe for sheer innovation & explosive joy!