Can anyone suggest their top 5 jazz recordings for someone who is picking up the double bass for the first time? What should I be listening to?
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Double Bass Suggestions for 5 Recordings
- Thread starter gmpiper
- Start date
Everything you can get your hands on, but I'll mention a few off the top of my head...
Wayne Shorter- Speak no Evil
Brian Bromberg- Wood or Wood II
Benny Green- Naturally, or really anything with Mcbride on it
Bill Evans- Live at the Village Vangaurd, or Waltz for Debby
Keith Jarret- Still Live
I don't think those are my top five or anything, but they are some good stuff with some good bass playing on all of them to check out and some generally good music in general, but personally I would grab Todd Coolman's The Bass Tradition book and just check out all the players in it to give you a good start into well rouded playing.
Oh and I have to mention Chops, the album Joe Pass and Niels Pederson did together.
Wayne Shorter- Speak no Evil
Brian Bromberg- Wood or Wood II
Benny Green- Naturally, or really anything with Mcbride on it
Bill Evans- Live at the Village Vangaurd, or Waltz for Debby
Keith Jarret- Still Live
I don't think those are my top five or anything, but they are some good stuff with some good bass playing on all of them to check out and some generally good music in general, but personally I would grab Todd Coolman's The Bass Tradition book and just check out all the players in it to give you a good start into well rouded playing.
Oh and I have to mention Chops, the album Joe Pass and Niels Pederson did together.
Oscar Peterson- "We Get Requests" Ray Brown on Bass
Miles Davis- "Cookin," "Steamin," "Workin," and/or "Relaxin" Paul Chambers on Bass
Jim Hall/Ron Carter Duo- "Alone Together" Ron Carter on Bass
Sonny Rollins- "Saxophone Colossus" Doug Watkins on Bass
Bill Evans- "Waltz for Debby" and/or "Sunday at the Village Vanguard" Scott LaFaro on Bass
Miles Davis- "Cookin," "Steamin," "Workin," and/or "Relaxin" Paul Chambers on Bass
Jim Hall/Ron Carter Duo- "Alone Together" Ron Carter on Bass
Sonny Rollins- "Saxophone Colossus" Doug Watkins on Bass
Bill Evans- "Waltz for Debby" and/or "Sunday at the Village Vanguard" Scott LaFaro on Bass
All good. My current recommendations:
Miles Davis, "Kind of Blue" with Paul Chambers
John Coltrane, "Blue Trane" also with Chambers
Charles Mingus, "Presents Charles Mingus" with -- ready? -- Charles Mingus
Chick Corea, "Light As A Feather" with Stanley Clarke
Chris Potter, "Gratitude" with Scott Colley
I could just as easily have said:
Duke Ellington w/ Jimmy Blanton
Sonny Rollins' "Freedom Suite" with Oscar Pettiford
Bill Evans' "Sunday @ The Vanguard" with LaFaro
Branford Marsalis, "Bloomington" with Robert Hurst
Ravi Coltrane, "In Flux" with Drew Gress
Welcome. Explore!
Miles Davis, "Kind of Blue" with Paul Chambers
John Coltrane, "Blue Trane" also with Chambers
Charles Mingus, "Presents Charles Mingus" with -- ready? -- Charles Mingus
Chick Corea, "Light As A Feather" with Stanley Clarke
Chris Potter, "Gratitude" with Scott Colley
I could just as easily have said:
Duke Ellington w/ Jimmy Blanton
Sonny Rollins' "Freedom Suite" with Oscar Pettiford
Bill Evans' "Sunday @ The Vanguard" with LaFaro
Branford Marsalis, "Bloomington" with Robert Hurst
Ravi Coltrane, "In Flux" with Drew Gress
Welcome. Explore!
Also, Ray Brown made some great duo albums with pianist Jimmy Rowles in the 70's.. I had one called "As Good as it Gets" where Ray just gives a clinic on great bass playing throughout the whole album. I hope it's still in print, if not you may be able to find a used one. There's a cool picture of the front of a Rolls-Royce on the cover. Miles Davis' "Bags Groove" is a great, great album. Bassist Percy Heath sounds amazing on this. And one band to definitely check out is the John Coltrane Quartet with Jimmy Garrison on bass. The albums "Crescent" and "A Love Supreme" are two of the best as well as the compilation "The Gentle Side John Coltrane."
Oo, I can do this!!
Bass - Pettiford/Burke (Oscar Pettiford/Vinnie Burke)
Tricotism - Lucky Thompson
Alone Together - Jim Hall/Ron Carter
Duets and Trios - Duke Ellington
Kind of Blue - Miles Davis
Bass - Pettiford/Burke (Oscar Pettiford/Vinnie Burke)
Tricotism - Lucky Thompson
Alone Together - Jim Hall/Ron Carter
Duets and Trios - Duke Ellington
Kind of Blue - Miles Davis
1. Sonny Rollins "Live at the Village Vanguard" w/Wilbur Ware
2. Red Mitchell - the one with the cat on his bass
3. Mingus - "The Clown" or "Blues and Roots"
4. Paul Chambers "Whims of chambers" or any Miles Davis lp with him on it
For # 5 I'll reccomend a pick your own ending:
a. playing the sh** out of quarter notes: Leroy Vinnegar " Leroy Walks" or "Leroy Walks again" or Lee Konitz "Motionlee" with Sonny Dallas just killing quarter note walking lines.
b. A more soloistic approach: Ellington/Mingus/Roach "Money Jungle" or some Bill Evans with Lafaro.
Actually, if you are on a budget just get the Rollins cd. Wilbur Ware really lays it down hard.
2. Red Mitchell - the one with the cat on his bass
3. Mingus - "The Clown" or "Blues and Roots"
4. Paul Chambers "Whims of chambers" or any Miles Davis lp with him on it
For # 5 I'll reccomend a pick your own ending:
a. playing the sh** out of quarter notes: Leroy Vinnegar " Leroy Walks" or "Leroy Walks again" or Lee Konitz "Motionlee" with Sonny Dallas just killing quarter note walking lines.
b. A more soloistic approach: Ellington/Mingus/Roach "Money Jungle" or some Bill Evans with Lafaro.
Actually, if you are on a budget just get the Rollins cd. Wilbur Ware really lays it down hard.
1) The Blues and The Abstract Truth (Oliver Nelson w/ Paul Chambers)
2) Kind of Blue (Miles Davis w/ Paul Chambers)
3) The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady (Charles Mingus)
4) Conference of the Birds (Dave Holland)
5) Brilliant Corners (Thelonious Monk w/ Oscar Pettiford and Paul Chambers)
Alternatively, just about anything with Paul Chambers, Oscar Pettiford, Charles Mingus, Jimmy Garrison, Reggie Workman. If you really want to hear the bass lines out front, try Paul Chamber's solo albums. They don't have the "top 40" on them, but you can really hear what he is doing. A repackaging of these is available from Mosaic records in a boxed set. Highly recommended for close study of Chamber's style.
I've also really enjoyed just about anything from Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Brian Bromberg. You'll find the same players over and over again, Chambers, Pettiford, Mingus, Ron Carter, Dave Holland, etc.
2) Kind of Blue (Miles Davis w/ Paul Chambers)
3) The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady (Charles Mingus)
4) Conference of the Birds (Dave Holland)
5) Brilliant Corners (Thelonious Monk w/ Oscar Pettiford and Paul Chambers)
Alternatively, just about anything with Paul Chambers, Oscar Pettiford, Charles Mingus, Jimmy Garrison, Reggie Workman. If you really want to hear the bass lines out front, try Paul Chamber's solo albums. They don't have the "top 40" on them, but you can really hear what he is doing. A repackaging of these is available from Mosaic records in a boxed set. Highly recommended for close study of Chamber's style.
I've also really enjoyed just about anything from Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Brian Bromberg. You'll find the same players over and over again, Chambers, Pettiford, Mingus, Ron Carter, Dave Holland, etc.
Hey all,
I was surprised that I couldn't find a thread with this topic - please direct me to the appropriate place if you know it in the archives, etc.
My idea was to create a thread that hopefully would become a sticky to reference. Can we agree on say 10 of the most essential bass performances in jazz? They can be lines, solos, etc. My hope is to get as specific as possible - for example:
"So What" - Kind of Blue; Miles Davis (Paul Chambers)
"How High the Moon" - The Oscar Peterson Trio at the Stratford Shakespearean Festival; Oscar Peterson (Ray Brown)
Keep in mind, we're looking for as close to absolute musts that we can get - so think tradition and really influential recordings.
I was surprised that I couldn't find a thread with this topic - please direct me to the appropriate place if you know it in the archives, etc.
My idea was to create a thread that hopefully would become a sticky to reference. Can we agree on say 10 of the most essential bass performances in jazz? They can be lines, solos, etc. My hope is to get as specific as possible - for example:
"So What" - Kind of Blue; Miles Davis (Paul Chambers)
"How High the Moon" - The Oscar Peterson Trio at the Stratford Shakespearean Festival; Oscar Peterson (Ray Brown)
Keep in mind, we're looking for as close to absolute musts that we can get - so think tradition and really influential recordings.
"Jack the Bear" The Blanton-Webster Band; Duke Ellington (Jimmie [or Jimmie] Blanton
"But Not For Me" Live at the Pershing [or Cross Country Tour]; Ahmad Jamal Trio (Israel Crosby)
"Acknowledgement" A Love Supreme; John Coltrane (Jimmy Garrison)
"I Got Rhythm" {Not sure of the album name, but duo with Don Byas} (Leroy "Slam" Stewart)
"Tricotism" Tricotism; Lucky Thompson (Oscar Pettiford)
"Footprints" Miles Smiles; Miles Davis (Ron Carter)
"Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise" A Night at the Village Vanguard, Vol 2; Sonny Rollins (Wilbur Ware)
"II B.S." Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus; Charles Mingus
Of course I can think of quite a few others by these same artists off the top of my head. What about you?
What about Scotty with Bill? Sam Jones? Walter Page?
"But Not For Me" Live at the Pershing [or Cross Country Tour]; Ahmad Jamal Trio (Israel Crosby)
"Acknowledgement" A Love Supreme; John Coltrane (Jimmy Garrison)
"I Got Rhythm" {Not sure of the album name, but duo with Don Byas} (Leroy "Slam" Stewart)
"Tricotism" Tricotism; Lucky Thompson (Oscar Pettiford)
"Footprints" Miles Smiles; Miles Davis (Ron Carter)
"Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise" A Night at the Village Vanguard, Vol 2; Sonny Rollins (Wilbur Ware)
"II B.S." Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus; Charles Mingus
Of course I can think of quite a few others by these same artists off the top of my head. What about you?
What about Scotty with Bill? Sam Jones? Walter Page?
Wow, Matt, that's some resume! Whew! We know who's out playing on Friday night . . . and Saturday . . . and probably every day that ends with a "y" as well!
Thanks Sam and Chris - I appreciate the compliment and bringing the threads together. Hopefully everone wouldn't mind putting their ideas for single songs instead of albums.
Some new ones from me:
"Lonely Woman" OR "Peace" The Shape of Jazz to Come; Ornette Coleman (Charlie Haden)
Perhaps replace Ron Carter on Footprints with:
"Seven Steps to Heaven" The Complete Concert 1964; Miles Davis (Ron Carter)
"Gloria's Step" Bill Evans Trio Sunday at the Village Vanguard; Bill Evans (Scott LaFaro)
In addition to all the great selections already mentioned...
1. Paul Chambers on "Straight, No Chaser" from At Newport '58 or "No Blues" from Miles Davis at Carnegie Hall- Miles Davis
Both feature P.C. and Jimmy Cobb displaying their unmatchable mid-tempo groove (with significant help from Wynton Kelly on "No Blues"). Newport has some great alternation between 2 and 4 feels, while Carnegie has some very hip note selection. And the solos...whoa!
2. Sam Jones on "Big P" from At The Lighthouse - Cannonball Adderley
Sam plays the first 12 by himself, and swings harder than most full rhythm sections. And after the piano solo the rest of the band quiets way down for the shout chorus, and Sam's freight train groove comes right to the front.
3. Ron Carter on "My Funny Valentine" from My Funny Valentine - Miles Davis
Does Ron miss anything that anybody plays on this tune? On the whole record?
4. Bob Cranshaw on "Doxy" from Our Man In Jazz - Sonny Rollins
See Bob direct traffic in Sonny's "Ornette" band along with Billy Higgins, and play a super-soulful solo to boot.
5. Richard Davis on "Little Pixie" from Village Vanguard Live Sessions- Thad Jones/Mel Lewis
I love the way Richard drives the band during the ensemble, and then stretches out in true R.D. fashion during the solos.
1. Paul Chambers on "Straight, No Chaser" from At Newport '58 or "No Blues" from Miles Davis at Carnegie Hall- Miles Davis
Both feature P.C. and Jimmy Cobb displaying their unmatchable mid-tempo groove (with significant help from Wynton Kelly on "No Blues"). Newport has some great alternation between 2 and 4 feels, while Carnegie has some very hip note selection. And the solos...whoa!
2. Sam Jones on "Big P" from At The Lighthouse - Cannonball Adderley
Sam plays the first 12 by himself, and swings harder than most full rhythm sections. And after the piano solo the rest of the band quiets way down for the shout chorus, and Sam's freight train groove comes right to the front.
3. Ron Carter on "My Funny Valentine" from My Funny Valentine - Miles Davis
Does Ron miss anything that anybody plays on this tune? On the whole record?
4. Bob Cranshaw on "Doxy" from Our Man In Jazz - Sonny Rollins
See Bob direct traffic in Sonny's "Ornette" band along with Billy Higgins, and play a super-soulful solo to boot.
5. Richard Davis on "Little Pixie" from Village Vanguard Live Sessions- Thad Jones/Mel Lewis
I love the way Richard drives the band during the ensemble, and then stretches out in true R.D. fashion during the solos.
Thanks Marcus for checking out the site. I see your in Maui? You know, that's the only state I've never been to. I've at least touched the ground in Alaska, and spent at least a day in every other state. Seems a shame Hawaii should be the last state I visit! 
Thanks Marcus for checking out the site. I see your in Maui? You know, that's the only state I've never been to. I've at least touched the ground in Alaska, and spent at least a day in every other state. Seems a shame Hawaii should be the last state I visit!
23 years this fall.... I came on a cruise ship gig and never left. Come check it out sometime.
Maybe not definitive, but here's what I would check out...
Ornette Coleman- Shape of Jazz to come (Charlie Haden)
Bill Evans- Sunday night at the village vanguard (Scott Lafaro)
Charles Mingus- Presents Charles Mingus (Obviously, Charles Mingus)
Sonny Rollins- At the Village Vanguard (Wilbur Ware)
Kenny Wheeler- Kind Folk (Dave Holland)
Mostly older recordings...left out some obvious ones like ray brown, paul chambers, ron carter...and had a newer feller, dave holland...but not a bad start for a 5 recordings list of jazz.
Ornette Coleman- Shape of Jazz to come (Charlie Haden)
Bill Evans- Sunday night at the village vanguard (Scott Lafaro)
Charles Mingus- Presents Charles Mingus (Obviously, Charles Mingus)
Sonny Rollins- At the Village Vanguard (Wilbur Ware)
Kenny Wheeler- Kind Folk (Dave Holland)
Mostly older recordings...left out some obvious ones like ray brown, paul chambers, ron carter...and had a newer feller, dave holland...but not a bad start for a 5 recordings list of jazz.
