[Salamander]

James Dewar.

Without him Trower’s stuff would not have had the spooky, funky soul it did.

[mellow velo]

Correct.  And he had a soulful voice to match!  Sadly, he passed way too early.

Bridge of Sighs and For Earth Below were two of my most-listened-to albums back in high school.  Dewar's basslines could definitely be described as funky .. and driving.