Originally Posted by Tom Tracy
As far as "great" goes, you have to define great. I think it narrows the list down to one (maybe two):
Carol Kaye - being great doesn't mean being able to play super fast (like what we typically use as a gauge to consider "great guitarists"), but playing what's right for the part tastefully. Carol wins hands down on this category. And she's probably been on more recordings than anyone on your list of greats.

The second one I'd consider as great is a relative newcomer, Tal Wilkenfeld - who has been dropping jaws with her proficiency. She accompanied Jeff Beck at the 2007 Crossroads festival, and I think we'll be seeing and hearing a LOT more from her in the near future. And she can shred if she wants to.

+2.. Carol Kaye, no question, and all the bass greats we listed would probably agree. And that Tal is astonishing...can't wait to see what she will do as the years fly by.