By Thomas Semioli

“Because nobody wanted to play bass, I was instantly in a band!”

Leslie Edward Claypool is a genre unto his own…

He is a prolific, dexterous, multi-faceted master of poly-rhythmic bass artistry which he plies on a variety of instruments by way of numerous techniques (some self invented – such as his Flamenco stroking coupled with finger-tapping) which defy convention.

And if that’s not enough for one world class bassist, Les has additionally distinguished himself as a composer, record and video producer, author, actor, wine maker, stage performer, humorist, session player, film / television soundtrack composer, collaborator / bandmember (Oysterhead), and solo recording artist – among other endeavors.

Leader of the iconic funk punk progressive experimental ensemble Primus – which came to prominence during the 1990s grunge era zeitgeist – Claypool’s collaborations span Metallica, Rob Wasserman, Spinal Tap, Jerry Cantrell, Govt. Mule, Jack Irons, Firehose, Tom Waits, Adrian Belew, and Hank Williams III to reference a very “conservative” few.

Les cites Larry Graham, Sir Paul, Geddy Lee, Bootsy, Stanley Clarke, and John Paul Jones among his influences, and scores of bassists list Les among their heroes.

To see and hear Les live is to appreciate him: keep tabs with Claypool via www.LesClaypool.com . Claypool is on that very, very short list of bassists you must experience in your lifetime!

Dig Les with Primus:

“My Name is Mud” https://youtu.be/953PkxFNiko

“Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” https://youtu.be/aYDfwUJzYQg

“Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” https://youtu.be/LBQ2305fLeA

“Lacquer Head” https://youtu.be/kY7jSesdxl0

Dig Les with Oysterhead (with Stewart Copland, Trey Anastasio) Live at Bonnaroo 2006 https://youtu.be/X9uk9IcoQ0w