Favorite DB Recordings?

[misterbadger]

I'm a couple of months into to DB, and looking to add to my library of bass-centric recordings, particularly in popular/swing/jazz areas. I've got a fair bit of bluegrass, both original and modern, and am trying to expand my horizons.

What are your favorite recordings? I'm looking for the albums that you'd want with you if stuck on a desert island (assuming that the island has power and a first-class sound system) or that you consider "must-listens" in appreciating the potential and range of this magnificent instrument.

Thanks for any advice and direction!

[Sam Sherry]

Well it looks like the cat has the collective tongue so I will jump in anyway.

I listen to jazz mostly. Most of the music I listen to isn't 'bass-centric.' But if you're interested in stretching into some jazz you might enjoy these sides:

John Patitucci, for example, "Line by Line."
Dave Holland, how about a classic like "Conferfence of the Birds."
Ray Brown, try Sonny Rollins' landmark "Way Out West."
Stan Clarke, check Chick Corea's great "Light as a Feather."
Scott LaFaro, a hero of the instrument, on Bill Evans iconic "Sunday at the Village Vanguard."

That oughta get you going. Have fun!

[jeffbonny]

Dave Holland's solo release One's All is the only "bass-centric" recording I keep coming back to.

[richhansen]

I would suggest some of the more radical players who have REALLY expanded what the Double Bass can do:

Any recordings by Renaud Garcia-Fons (Particularly Oriental Bass)
Catalin Rotaru: Bassic Cello Notes
Brian Bromberg: Wood II and II, Downright Upright
Any NHOP recordings (Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen),
Ray Brown, Christian McBride, John Clayton: Superbass, Superbass 2
Brad Mehldau (with Larry Grenadier on Bass): Day is Done, or Trio Live
Any Bill Evans recordings (he always had the best bassists)
Miles Davis: Kind of Blue (of course), E.S.P., Round Midnight, Seven Steps to Heaven

I would recommend that you youtube some of these guys to see what you like. Or you can hear these recordings on Grooveshark.com before buying them.