Double Bass Question for Jazz Aficionados

[CoreGrinder]

Hi All,


I'm a metalhead in need of help.

I have been trying to learn more about Jazz since picking up the bass and have been trying to listen to more of it to improve as a bassist (and a person? Haha). Problem is, with the jazz universe being as large as it is, there is some stuff I love, and some I hate.

I love Paul Chambers' line on "So What" by Miles Davis... Can anyone suggest other songs that are as awesome as this one?

I'm pretty sure it's the pounding rhythm that I really like. Could also be the key though as it's a bit morose/somber in the beginning, which is kind of like some of the darker metal.

Any suggestions for songs to check out would be greatly appreciated! (Especially by my wife! )

 

[mdcbass]

You might like Milestones, another great bassist, (Scott LaFaro) to listen to.

Bill Evans Trio - Milestones - YouTube

 

[bassramos]

Oscar Peterson: Night train, , live in chicago, West side Story. Any of the Miles Davis: Cookin, Steamin, Workin or Relaxin albums. Ahmad Jamal live at the Pershing

 

[valenore]

Where's Sly? by Medeski Martin and Wood has an awesome feel and a good upright bass part.

Medeski Martin and Wood - Where's Sly - YouTube

 

[TroyK]

Check out some Oscar Pettiford, he was a big influence for PC. Bohemia After Dark is a good place to start.

If you haven't, you might dip your toe into some Mingus as well. More Avant Guard, big arrangements, not quite the same thing, but a lot of songs open with really cool riffs and he could play like a mofo. "Haitian Fight Song" would give you a feel for whether you're up for Mingus or not.

I could start listing my favorites, but these two came to mind based on your question.

 

[eee]

I swear to god, Dave Holland is the most metal dude in jazz, whether he realizes it or not. Check out any of his more recent stuff, the stuff with Robin Eubanks and Chris Potter. His big band stuff is pretty heavy too.

The Dave Holland Big Band - YouTube

dave holland quintet - looking up - YouTube

Invalid Link Removed

and some Robin Eubanks, just cause he's a bad ass.

Pentacourse - Robin Eubanks and EB3 - YouTube

 

[64jazz]

I'll suggest Ron Carter, who played with Miles for years.

 

[John Crosley]

Although not Jazz exactly, check out Danny Thompson's Whatever.

Invalid Link Removed

Danny Thompson - Idle Monday (1987) - YouTube

Danny Thompson - Lovely Joan (1987) - YouTube

Danny Thompson - Crusader (1987) - YouTube

 

[flowinowen]

NHOP on oscar peterson's Nigerian Marketplace. Or Lester Young for inspiration outside the low end

 

[CoreGrinder]

Really enjoying some of this stuff... greatly appreciate all of your input.

 

[retardedpossum]

great thread!

 

[shwashwa]

so much stuff out there, but i thought id contribute this one. it was one of the first jazz things i listened to when i was still a metal head and it really appealed to me for some reason. its Paul Chambers too

Paul Chambers - Dear Old Stockholm - YouTube