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Double Bass Influences

BrettBelanger

BrettBelanger

May 13, 2013
98
32
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Charleston, SC
www.brettbelanger.com
#1
To those who still lurk here; Who are your biggest influences in jazz bass history? Is there a list of players you think everyone seriously studying jazz bass should check out even if you don't like all of them personally? If you had to pick one favorite of all time, who would it be and why? Do you have a favorite album with them on it?

Mine favorite is Ray Brown for his sound, soulfulness, great taste, great technique, time feel, basically everything about him. Favorite album with him on it is tough to choose, but probably "Listen Here" w/ Gene Harris, Ron Eschete, and Jeff Hamilton.
 
#2
The bassist I've spent the most time with is Paul Chambers, the first record that I listened to that really got to me was MEETING OF THE TIMES with Ron Carter. The bassist that I think everybody would benefit from checking out is Sonny Dallas, the bassist whose concept I was most surprised to hear surface in my playing is Steve LaSpina, the bassist I'm currently the biggest fanboy of is Neal Miner.
 
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#3
Like Ed, Paul Chambers was Door Number One, quickly followed by a fountain of genius: Scott LaFaro, Ron Carter, Michael Moore, Stafford James, Gary Karr and all of Chick Corea's DB players, especially Stan Clarke, Dave Holland and Eddie Gomez. I can't seem to shake Mr. Gomez for long -- he keeps inviting himself in. My most recent bassist "kick" was Christian McBride.

One favorite moment: It's hard to top Chick Corea's "Light as a Feather" with 21-year-old Stanley Clarke ripping down walls on the double-bass.

The one player people need to check out more of is Michael Moore. His work is all about constant risk brought about with such musicality that people just hear "inside." It ain't.

Next . . .
 
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#6
Tough question for me, as i have only been playing the upright bass for a little under a year, but have listened to jazz in various forms for about 14 years.

My influences obviously then started way before i picked up the instrument, and while i was an electric bassist. This is likely to change in the coming years as i grow as an upright player.

Chris Wood - I was listening to alot of Medeski, Martin, & Wood earlier in my development. I think i still hold Chris' style near and dear when playing anything with a static funky rhythm.

Stanley Clark - In my late teens, i got really into jazz fusion, and of course Return to Forever. I put in some solid listening time to all of their output. Listening to those Corea compositions and how Stanley played them heavily influences my latin feel.

Paul Chambers - For a long time, Kind of Blue was the only standard jazz album i was familiar with. As a result, Chambers' playing was almost all i knew.

Sam Jones - Another major player on many notable jazz recordings. He rubbed off on me primarily through his recordings with Grant Green, one of my favorite jazz guitar players.

Jaco Pastorious - An electric player, but greatly influenced me. Transformed my perception of what bass can sound like, primarily by way of playing a fretless instrument. One of the stepping stones that led me to upright bass.

Organ players - Huge fan of the organ trio. Before picking up the upright i was focusing on jazz guitar quite a bit, and listening to organ trios quite often. The pedal bass feel really stuck with me. Dr Lonnie Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Larry Young, Jimmy Smith.
 
#10
Two of my favorites that no one has yet mentioned are Israel Crosby (for his laser-like focus and George Duvivier for his insane punchy tone. Can't find the version of Ahmad's Blues (Ahmad Jamal with Israel Crosby on bass) but here is a good example of George Duvivier's playing:

 
#13
Ron Carter got my attention first,being a early 70's beginner on DB. That led to discovery and ongoing love for,Paul Chambers,Ray Brown,Red Mitchell,and later Scott La Faro,George Mraz,Eddie Gomez,Dave Holland. The newer guys are really playing also John Pat. and Christ. Mc Bride...but they are a lot of great players that are out there!
 
#15
oliebrice said:
Barre Phillips was a massive early influence for me, probably the first bassist I heard who made me want to play the bass, and remains a hero and inspiration
Click to expand...
Hey, Olie!
Barre is no doubt a mother#&*@$%. I've had a few lessons with his son, who is no slouch either.

Charlie Haden turned my head pretty hard early on, then Scott LaFaro, everybody who was ever on a Blue Note record, Marc Johnson, & Gary Peacock. There have been plenty of others since then, but those guys are the ones to blame, so to speak....
 
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#20
School Days is the reason I picked up the bass - Stanley Clarke

My Funny Valentine/4 and More is the album that first got me excited about jazz - Ron Carter.

Cannonball and Coltrane was my first big transcription project - Paul Chambers

Oscar Peterson Trio Live at the London House made me leave a day late for vacation once - Ray Brown

Fred Hersch Live at the Village Vanguard was stuck in my cd player for year - Drew Gress

Footsteps of Our Fathers reminded me what swing was. Eric Revis
 
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