“You Mostest girl” Slap fills….

That might be one of the hardest rockabilly tunes for bass!

I spent so much time trying to figure out who played bass on it. Record company didn’t know, Bobby Lee Trammell forgot… It’s a shame that such an amazing bass player was not credited. After long and intense research (talking to Bobby Lee, Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana; DJ played drums on that song and they were recording it at Scotty’s studio in Nashville), I’m almost positive that was Joe Zinkan (one of my favorite slap players) on the bass.

The closest I can think what he played is quadruple for the main riff during a verse. That quadruple was played probably Dixon’s way (2 double slaps when you mute second tone). The fill he does in the break is definitely some kind of a drag/roll.

It’s interesting that version from 1973 has slap and the one from 1958 doesn’t.

Any other thoughts on this subject?

hmm, i thought the 58′ version was the one with slap in it ?
this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep2RwrCJJUQ&feature=related ?

OK Dan, that was some freaky shit to listen to.

I’m glad to find your fourm,, its really great. Zinkan was the greatest,,he used a wrist roll to do some of those slaps,, I have some real good close up footage but he doesnt do any of the real complex slaps,,I will try to figure out how to you tube some of it soon,,,Kent

Hey Kent!
Great to “see” you here!

I was sure you’ll show up when I mentioned Zinkan!
He’s definitely one of the best slap players in the history and unfortunately not so well known outside of the Nashville studio scene. Information that we shared about him were very helpful for me and my study about history of the upright slapping. Hope you’ll share your knowledge here as well! Thanks so much!

Dan,
the YT clip you posted says ’58, but that version is definitely from the 70’s. It’s obvious when you hear cheezy 70’s guitar sound:) Believe me, I spent so much time searching for the info on that tune. Even talked to Bobby Lee Trammell about it.

I’m with Djordje on this one….to me, it sounds like he is just doing a drag/fast triple combo into it with a drag leading into the walk down…

Kevin, it kind of sounds like he’s doing what you did on the beginning to your solo for ‘Lone Empty Stretch Of Highway’ B)

try this