Double Bass Christian McBride

[sean_on_bass]

Interesting to hear the difference in sound between both bassists. Mr. McBride using what appear to be spiros and getting a punchy sound that really cuts through, and Mr. Hall using what appear to be a full set of Olives (I could be wrong) and disappearing a bit. I am generally a gut guy but I have to say that I preferred Mr. McBride's sound.

Yes Mcbride was much more present in the mix, although i have a feeling it was largely due to where the mic was pointing, at least during the duo(from a pure volume perspective). But comparing when each player was supporting the band on their own, McBride still had a clearer and brighter sound...the Spiros are certainly a part of that! He leads the band from the bass very well.

 

[damonsmith]

I think they both sound great. There is a reason people stopped using gut, and you can hear that reason here! There is a reason some people go back and keeping digging into gut and you can hear that here as well - Hall has a beautiful tone and great facility.
Also, something I've come to realize is that that list of names on your resume is not just that. Each one of those great players shapes and changes your sound when you have to put your sound in the mix with theirs.
When you think of all the things Christian has done you can hear it when he walks and solos. Of course he as done so much, but one think that sticks out is a trio with Sonny Rollins and Roy Haynes. You can't do something like that and walk away the same musician that walked on that stage if you have any degree of artistic sensibility.

My way of playing pizz and set up is very similar to Christian. I've played two bass things with a couple beautiful gut players, Nate McBride & Ingebrigt Håker Flaten. Both of them felt fairly balanced with my acoustic sound, so there are ways to get more punch from gut, but I don't think that is what Hall is going for. His solo is beautiful.
Anyway, fantastic music.
A clip of just the duo came up in my YT feed:

Interesting to hear the difference in sound between both bassists. Mr. McBride using what appear to be spiros and getting a punchy sound that really cuts through, and Mr. Hall using what appear to be a full set of Olives (I could be wrong) and disappearing a bit. I am generally a gut guy but I have to say that I preferred Mr. McBride's sound.

 

[damonsmith]

I also love this video, his arco sound great:

 

[Sean Riddle]

McBride's sound is also very present acoustically. I got to hear him with Chick Corea and Brian Blade at the Ravinia Festival in 2016 and was lucky to be given tickets for 4th row dead center by two women who only came for the opening band. Because I was so close, I was hearing more of the acoustic sound of the band rather than what was going through the monitors and it floored me. Particularly how clear McBride's sound was coming through with such little effort. Definitely stands as one of the best concerts I've seen.

 

[marchone]

I got to spend a good amount of time with Christian over a few months some years ago. We were on a promotional tour for Davidoff cigars. The guy is a mensch. Down to earth, super talented, no ego to speak of.

 

[marchone]

I got to spend a good amount of time with Christian over a few months some years ago. We were on a promotional tour for Davidoff cigars. The guy is a mensch. Down to earth, super talented, no ego to speak of.

One evening we were at a cigar club in Ohio that had a jazz trio playing. Guitar, double bass and drums. The bassist was gobsmacked that McBride was there. He asked if he could get any tips from the master. Christian very softly told him his tuning was a quarter step off, tuned it, and then proceeded to play a few bars on his bass. I thought the guy was gonna wet his pants.

 

[damonsmith]

no ego to speak of.

Well, he is probably in a real sweet spot, as far as the old ego is concerned! His accomplishments on the instrument and in music are unimpeachable. On the other side, he has been on stage next to true greatness more than anyone his age who is alive right now has, and the bass will humble anyone!

 

[Joshua Pickenpaugh]

I also love this video, his arco sound great:

Great video! I love how he says he can’t play with a German bow and then proceeds to shred with a german grip on a French bow!

 

[Sam Sherry]

Obviously it's the operator not the gear, but Mr. McBride does have a running start with that refrigerator-size bass too.

 

[kerrycares]

You like what you like and what you don’t like isn’t worth discussing ..... ha ha !
Technique and personality aside, every time I hear him I enjoy it .
Solid , soulful , articulate.
His teaching on the open studio platform really show how wonderful a musician he is.
Same with John Patitucci, Dave Holland , Rodney Whitaker, Edgar Meyer, Robert Hurst.
I judge music with my ears , not with my eyes.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

A note on the edit window changes, announced by the site owner about 18 months ago: Post Edit Window Expansion + Guidelines

 

[Jim Dedrick]

I just him play at Keystone Korner in Baltimore. Stayed for both shows. Really has monster chops. Historically I have heard lots of Ray Brown in his playing. Tonight, to me, it was like he showed us a different voice. Very modern to avant-garde. Lots of free jazz which I did not expect. Super pleased. His bow work was outstanding.

 

[damonsmith]

More wisdom here. Carl Allen sounds amazing.

 

[CryingBass]

Saw this before. I like his “hey man, this sxxt ain’t easy even for me” attitude. Right that!

 

[sean_on_bass]

 

[pdbass]

When all is said and done, I totally believe that McBride will go down as the GOAT. That is, until the next McBride shows up. He’s definitely the greatest bassist of our (his & my) generation. It’s been a blast watching his arc over the last 30 years and someday we’re gonna tell those kids that he was the baddest!

I also echo sentiments expressed earlier. There is no pretense with him and getting to know him or spend time with him will only make you love his playing even more. Many of us have had the displeasure of meeting a musician we idolize only to be crushed by their (sometimes) lack of humanity or grace. McBride is the type of guy to greet you with a hug. It’s easy to see why he is so in demand. Good humans make the best musicians.

 

[Alexis Duntov]

More wisdom here. Carl Allen sounds amazing.

Is it me or did they slow down a lot!?

 

[Earl]

Is it me or did they slow down a lot!?

Yep! I did not want to be the first to say that haha

 

[HelpImaRock]

I'm butting into this thread. This 2 minute video may be the most influential thing on my own bass playing.



I'm not a double bass player. I'm not even a jazz player. I play rock bass with a pick. Christian isn't my favorite jazz bassist of his generation. That's probably Chris Wood. But here, he gets right to the heart of the matter. Simplify. Do what works. Sound like yourself. Everything else is noise.

 

[damonsmith]

I can't imagine a 2 minute video with more impact and information on the instrument than this one. I've watched it many times and recommended it even more.
I think there are some great players in his generation, but as he moves into his "old master" phase he gets more and more inspiring. Anyone even half awake during the experiences he has had would be great, but he seems have been fully present for every bit of it. Chris Wood is beautiful player, too, though! Pick bass is way underrated!

I'm butting into this thread. This 2 minute video may be the most influential thing on my own bass playing.



I'm not a double bass player. I'm not even a jazz player. I play rock bass with a pick. Christian isn't my favorite jazz bassist of his generation. That's probably Chris Wood. But here, he gets right to the heart of the matter. Simplify. Do what works. Sound like yourself. Everything else is noise.