Double Bass John Goldsby's The Jazz Bass Book

[John Goldsby]

Thanks, FatAndy. Glad you like it. Did I really write that if you want to play bop, you shouldn't use a Real Book? Oh well, maybe I did. Chuck Sher's Real Books are very accurate, but the best way to learn those tunes is from recordings, or by playing live with other players who have a handle on playing bop. That doesn't mean that you should just bail and not play the tunes at all! They are very good reference books. BUT, none of the "bebop jazz masters" who I profiled in the book used Real Books.

As for the ledger lines . . . that's about half of the range of your bass, if you start with C on the G string and go upwards. Most of your "money notes" will be below that range, but if you go up into nosebleed territory, you find the more soloistic side of the bass. Ledger lines aren't hard after you read them for a few weeks. BTW, on your youtube channel, a lot of that slap stuff you're playing is in ledger-line territory Sounds good!

 

[FatAndy]

That's my son playing the Fodera in those clips, he's a hellova LOT more able than me on upright, he's often asked to play bass by whichever jazz player/singer is passing through his city. He's a little shy of thumb position too, (though quite capable) I'm thinking/hoping your exercises will break that shyness up a bit.

By the way,......I am criticizing my abilities not your book,...which is fascinating and brilliant.

 

[John Goldsby]

Aaaahh! Now that makes sense -- a father/son bass playing household. Your son sounds very good on the clips.

 

[Jeff Bonny]

I just discovered The Jazz Bass Book. If forty years ago I'd been given the thoughts and observations so beautifully condensed into these 226 pages I would be a much more substantial player than I am today. I cannot recommend it more highly.

 

[Mr Ralph]

This book introduced me to players I did not know. It also gives recommendations of which recordings contain their best material. Just these references and the history make this a must own book for any bass player. The educational material is also outstanding and makes this book an outstanding value for any player. It is like paying for half a lesson and getting a years worth free.

 

[John Goldsby]

Thanks Jeff & Mr. Ralph. I wrote the book for players like us — who just dig the whole history of jazz bass playing. The Jazz Bass Book was a big project for me, and I appreciate your comments. I'm currently working on some new books . . . all I need is the time to finish them

 

[Tulga]

Hello to all! I've just purchased the book from amazon but the ugly thing is the CD is missing. If possible can anyone help me? i've waited for this books for weeks and just can't wait for the CD for weeks again

 

[John Goldsby]

Tulsa — I would just return the book to amazon (they give you the free-of-charge return), and they will send you a new one. It's in stock, so it shouldn't take more than a couple of days . . .

 

[Tulga]

i would love to but the things is it will take weeks again because from where i'm from it will take that much. And i will be spending bucks worth of one more copy of the book i just can't wait that much. Anyways great book thanks for the tip mr Goldsby

 

[Canauos]

I think this book is great. Would a French translation and edition be considered ?

 

[John Goldsby]

I think this book is great. Would a French translation and edition be considered ?

I would consider it of course — But the French sub-publisher would have to make a deal with Hal Leonard to translate and reprint.

 

[Canauos]

Thank you for your response !

I imagine it might be complicated to arrange for such an edition to come to life. However, in French, in the field of jazz, whether for electric bass or double bass, I don’t believe we have such a resource available for study.

The strength of your book lies in the inclusion of a historical section, which is essential for providing references in the jazz field. It also offers many examples drawn from famous bassists, which is often what's lacking when someone wants to learn jazz using a method that focuses solely on technique. I really appreciate your approach. It seems thoughtful, more comprehensive, and beneficial for students.

 

[John Goldsby]

Thank you for your response !

I imagine it might be complicated to arrange for such an edition to come to life. However, in French, in the field of jazz, whether for electric bass or double bass, I don’t believe we have such a resource available for study.

The strength of your book lies in the inclusion of a historical section, which is essential for providing references in the jazz field. It also offers many examples drawn from famous bassists, which is often what's lacking when someone wants to learn jazz using a method that focuses solely on technique. I really appreciate your approach. It seems thoughtful, more comprehensive, and beneficial for students.

Thanks for your kind words ... I also think the book stills holds up after all these years.