>the interesting difference between rock and "black music" is
>that in "black music" the bass is treated like its own
>independent (and very fundamental) instrument, while in
>rock, it's the "bass guitar"… a kind of guitar, and in many
>cases, an inferior one, relegated to standing behind the
>lead guitar and adding extra depth and volume by replicating
>the lead line.

True.. it's a supplement to the geetars.

>then again, I think it was lonesome_d who offered a minor
>dissertation a while ago about the complexity of speed metal
>bass-playing…

Yeah, the focus seems to be on high levels of technical ability and not necessarily musciality (for lack of a better term).