History of Jazz Bass

[Dogbertday]

So I'm writing a paper on the history of the bass in jazz. I've decided on the format of picking a few predominant bassists (Page, Blanton, Brown, Chambers, Carter, Haden.. so far) and preparing a bio and musical profile (style, discography, etc). I will also be citing notable advances in technique and technology so aside from the 5 or 6 main figures there will be reference to specific recordings of other bassists.

So far I'm off to a good start, but I'm wondering if there are any resources online that anyone knows about that may help. Also if I'm blatently missing any obvious figures that should have their own category.

please note. I plan on including electric players as well but that's not what this section is for... however materials pertaining to this is also welcome

Thanks in advance!!

[Dogbertday]

oops... i'm also including Mingus... slipped my mind a minute ago

[Mark Perna]

You can't miss Scott Lafaro. He's probably the most important bass innovator of the last 50 years. He started an entire style of the bass playing.

mark

[Will Yager]

check out goldsby's book

[jsbarber]

You might want to include Pops Foster (born in about 1890) and Milt Hinton (born 1910). There are excellent biographies of both of these great bassists. (I think Milt's is called Bassline, as there is a second book that is primarilly photos and is called Overtime) I especially enjoyed Milt's book, what a terrific person he was.

Jim

[Dave Speranza]

Goldsby's book is helpful, as are Pops' and Milt's

Here is a link that may also be helpful:

http://www.somersetjazz.com/id49.html

[Eric Hochberg]

I don't know if Ron Carter or Charlie Haden really redefined the role or sound of the bass in jazz or should be considered innovators, although they are both favorites of mine and popular bassists. You have to add Jaco to the list, he transcends instrument categories like double bass or bass guitar. I think Dave Holland also pushed the boundaries more than Ron and Charlie. His work with Circle (Anthony Braxton, Chick and Barry Altschul) was quite extraordinary at the time. I also think Gary Peacock was a sound innovator with his work with Paul Bley.

[Eli_Upright12]

Maybe you could include a section about Neils Henning Orsted Pederson and Eddie Gomez, because they have a solo style that is pretty different happening at the time. Faster more guitar like playing and using the upper register more prominently.

Also you might mention Renaud Garcia Fons as where jazz bass playing might be heading.

[Paul Warburton]

Be sure and don't mention Oscar Pettiford OR Red Mitchell...Even though Charlie Haden, Gary Peacock and Scott LaFaro studied with Red.

I'm disgusted.

[robgrow]

+1 for Oscar Pettiford and Red Mitchell. Two of my all-time favorite bass players and both constant sources of inspiration.

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

Be sure and don't mention Oscar Pettiford OR Red Mitchell...Even though Charlie Haden, Gary Peacock and Scott LaFaro studied with Red.

I'm disgusted.

Come on, man, don't be disgusted, educate us. I, for one, haven't been as exposed to Oscar (although I thought about mentioning him) or Red, and I certainly don't consider myself a jazz bass historian. Not intended to be a slight on anyone's part, I think.

[billoetjen]

Oscar Pettiford +1

[Nathan Parker]

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

Be sure and don't mention Oscar Pettiford OR Red Mitchell...Even though Charlie Haden, Gary Peacock and Scott LaFaro studied with Red.

I'm disgusted.

I think your sarcastic manner and general tone will do more to turn people off from opening up their ways of thinking than it will do to inspire them to learn more.

But hey, whatever floats your boat.

[Dogbertday]

I was diffinately going to include Milt in there along with Blanton, but in a smaller role as in just taking a track I have of him and talking about his person style of play on the track and all that.

A LOT of good stuff guys deffinately keep it coming. I'm not going to make this paper extremely long so maybe I'll pick a smaller number to do large sections on and then concentrate more on specific cuts by all these guys?

[koricancowboy]

Originally Posted by Nathan Parker

I think your sarcastic manner and general tone will do more to turn people off from opening up their ways of thinking than it will do to inspire them to learn more.

But hey, whatever floats your boat.

You must be new around here.

Anyhow, Israel Crosby, Percy Heath, Leroy Vinnegar and Slam Stewart need a mention. Also not jazz but definitely influential is Willie Dixon.

[Nathan Parker]

I have been reading the boards for quite some time, I just don't post anything all that often.

I am used to PW's demeanor, but he seems to have gotten more nasty lately. Before, he would tell people a cool story about Red, or offer insight. Now, he just replies with hostility. And it saddens me.

That being said, Red and O.P. are definitely 2 very influential jazz double bassists, and deserve more than just lip service.

[Kevin Hsieh]

i think PDub was just fooling around, but those cats are definitely worth a mention

i saw the initial post before any comments came in and i was sure there were going to be riots.

everyone's going to be pulling for their favorite...

and here we go!

[Dogbertday]

Originally Posted by Kevin Hsieh

i think PDub was just fooling around, but those cats are definitely worth a mention

i saw the initial post before any comments came in and i was sure there were going to be riots.

everyone's going to be pulling for their favorite...

and here we go!

then i feel grateful as the person litterally asked for it that i'm level headed enough to take everything with a grain of salt.

[Kevin Hsieh]

good luck on the paper.

time to go write mine on ideology in post-Mao China!

cheers!

[MR PC]

Red Callender, George Duvivier.