Episode 180: Jazz Bass, Part 1

This episode is part 1 of a three part series on bass players in the world of jazz. I begin with the tuba—which, along with the bass saxophone, was the primary bass instrument in turn of the century New Orleans Jazz.

They couldn’t use a string bass because you couldn’t hear it….as there were no microphones. But there was an exception! I play a recording by a group led by a string bassist who had been playing it as early as 1900.

You’ll also hear Walter Page, Toronto’s Steve Wallace, Norman Bates, a bit of Ron Carter, Ray Brown, and Percy Heath.

I talk about (and play) two of the greatest innovators of jazz bass, Jimmy Blanton and Scott Lafaro, both who died in their mid 20’s. But there influence was incredible.

And somewhere in there you hear a bit of vocalese from Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross, conjuring up the spirit of Paul Chambers, Charles Mingus, Percy Heath, Ray Brown, and Oscar Pettiford.

But it all starts with the tuba—and Chink Martin even gets a little solo.