Rob Wasserman, bassist who played with Bob Weir, dies at 64

Rob Wasserman, a classically trained musician who became best known for his work as a bass player in RatDog, the group led by the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir, died Wednesday.

Mr. Wasserman was a founding member of RatDog, the group Weir formed in the mid-1990s following his tenure with the Dead.

The band released only one studio album, 2000’s “Evening Moods,” but remained a popular touring attraction until Weir switched gears again and started the band Furthur with another former member of the Dead, bassist Phil Lesh.

Mr. Wasserman released his David Grisman-produced debut album, “Solo,” in 1982, following it up with a set of Grammy Award-nominated collaborative efforts, 1988’s “Duets” and 1994’s “Trios,” which featured Lou Reed, Jerry Garcia, Brian Wilson, Aaron Neville and others.

Mr. Wasserman’s most recent release was the 2005 jazz fusion album “Cosmic Farm.”

In a 2012 interview with For Bass Players Only, Mr. Wasserman talked about his career aspirations: “I’d like to create an album of interstellar bass jams on Mars,” he said.