Great Jazz Bassists 1964-1965
Bassist and educator Michael Formanek zeroes in on a fertile period for modern jazz recordings and for the jazz bass. He highlights five great examples of jazz bass playing during this time, and regrets leaving out more; yet you can hardly go wrong starting with his picks.
The article highlights a selection from Mosaic’s recent release, Charles Mingus - The Jazz Workshop Concerts 1964-65. This set is still in stock, and you can order here.
-Nick Moy
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Percy Heath: Bass Giant in the Background
Bassist Percy Heath was a modest, often self-deprecating gentleman, seemingly content to hover in the background, behind a host of jazz greats. His modesty was unjust. In this two-part All About Jazz interview with R.J. DeLuke, many bass giants parade by — Mingus, Ray Brown, Oscar Pettiford, Ron Carter. Anyone who heard him, especially live, knows that Percy Heath easily belonged up there among all of them.
-Nick Moy
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Ron Carter Gets to the Point with Ethan Iverson
At least at first, Ethan Iverson can scarcely contain his awe of interviewing Ron Carter. Fortunately, that doesn’t deter the two from some penetrating comments on the essential attributes of some great drummers and bassists — including Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Billy Higgins, Wilbur Ware and Percy Heath — and what Carter sees as his role in working with drummers.
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Read MoreShirley Horn sings Jobim
Look in on Shirley Horn’s devastatingly direct performance of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Once I Loved,” recorded in Sao Paulo at this Jobim tribute in 1994. In this all-star group, Ron Carter’s bass speaks with notable eloquence. Have patience with Herbie Hancock’s introduction; he’s rendered virtually speechless by the end. Thanks to @in2jazz for pointing to this remarkable clip.
-Nick Moy
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