Number 5

  Photo courtesy of rocknightmare.com

 In the number 5 position is Chuck Wright.  Chuck is undisputedly one of the most talented bassists alive.  The first thing that comes to mind for most people is his time spent with Quiet Riot.

Chuck was the bassist on “Bang Your Head” and others from Mental Health even though he briefly left the band before its rapid rise to popularity. ​Wright is the man behind the bass on most Quiet Riot albums, even though he would periodically exit the band lineup to work on other projects.  Speaking of other projects – oh MY, what a list of accomplishments!   He’s worked with a massive amount of high profile bands and musicians as well as helped compose many film scores and done digital art.

Chuck’s passion is why he is on my countdown.  That is not to say none of the other artists here aren't passionate about their work, because they all are; however, Chuck stands out because of the vast array of work he has done over the course of three plus decades.  As it stands he has no intentions of slowing down anytime soon.  I recommend visiting http://www.chuckwright.com  to fully experience the magnitude of Chuck’s life’s work.  He has everything on his site, including some of his art.  Nowadays you can catch Chuck jamming out with friends at Ultimate Jam Night (https://www.facebook.com/ultimatejamnight) at Lucky Strike Live in Los Angeles (http://www.bowlluckystrike.com ). 

I have never been to California, but if my life ever slows down enough for me to make a trip you can be damn sure I will be in L.A. for Ultimate Jam Night.  Although not one to make anything like a bucket list, if I were to ever do so this would be at the top.  Thank you, Chuck Wright, for your tireless contributions to music, film, and art.  You are definitely among the best of the best.

​"Whole Lotta Love" clip from Ultimate Jam Night. (Chuck Wright, Stephen Perkins, Gilby Clark, Damon Fox, Paulie Z) Special "thank you" to Ira Black for providing this video.