Tracing the History of Solo Bass Playing

stuart clayton · #1 11-15-2008, 12:26 PM

Hi all,

As some of you know, I am writing a book called Solo Arrangements for Electric Bass. The book is progressing well and should be out next March, although I keep having new ideas for it which tend to push the deadline back further!

As part of the introduction, I am attempting to write a detailed history of the bass guitar as a solo instrument and thought it might be a good idea to pick the brains of the people on this forum, since you have all been so supportive of my various books and projects in the past (and for which I am very grateful!).

The earliest solo bass album that I have heard of is Jonas Hellborg's Bassic Thing, which I have yet to hear, although several members of another forum have offered me links to the album which I will investigate when I am home (on tour in Europe at the mo).

What I would like to know is if anyone knows of earlier recordings, albums, etc that might be relevant. Also, which players do you consider most important to the genre? I am writing biogs on the ones I consider most influential, as well as interviewing as many as possible.

Also - ANYTHING else you think might be of use. Want to make sure I'm including a specific player? Want to bring my attention to an awesome track I might have overlooked? Please tell me!

You can check out the book in more detail as well as download three bonus arrangements (Nothing Else Matters, Strong Enough and The Jazz Medley) from http://www.basslinepublishing.com. Click on the Coming Soon link to view the book.

Thanks!
Stuart

StyleOverShow · #2 11-15-2008, 02:02 PM

Its an admirable effort. Is this an academic, commercial or both effort?

Its amazing how difficult it is to get to the recent "history" where a survivor from the era or someone who knows by direct contact of the origins of something.

In college, nearly 40 years ago, I was charged with hosting blues artist "Lightnin Hopkins" who was to play at our college coffee house (beat nik) style club. He was ancient then, traveled without an entourage by car with a driver and was the consummate professional. In the hours that I spent with him, he talked about a number of bass players and as I recall mentioned their soloing styles. It was my impression that he was referencing players in the 30's who in small combos were taking bass solos in the blues milieu.

JimmyM · #3 11-15-2008, 03:01 PM

Stuart, are you talking about albums where the only instrument is bass? If so, maybe you should pop a note to Michael Manring and see if he knows anything earlier. I know lots of projects led by bassists before Hellborg, but none with just bass.

BassChuck · #4 11-15-2008, 03:01 PM

I suppose you know about Monk Montgomery, but in case you don't here are some sites.

http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/montgo...k/artist.jhtml

http://myjazzworld.blogspot.com/2008...s-odyssey.html

He started his career as DB and a lot of his BG work is very informed by decades of DB jazz soloing. But he is generally considered to be the first.

superfunk47 · #5 11-15-2008, 04:35 PM

Jaco Pastorius' self titled album would have preceded Bassic Things by a few years. Jaco's was 1976. And Stanley Clarke's School Days was 74, IIRC.

stuart clayton · #6 11-15-2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Stuart, are you talking about albums where the only instrument is bass? If so, maybe you should pop a note to Michael Manring and see if he knows anything earlier. I know lots of projects led by bassists before Hellborg, but none with just bass.

Yes, bass-only albums! Michael Manring has agreed to an interview for the book, so i will ask him what he knows.

Thanks,
Stuart