This month we have interview with two important bass masters. Not coincidentally, both grew up in the church, and their music reflects that feeling that can only be passed on by hitting the pews on a Sunday Morning.
Eventually, we will make up a list of “Most Important Bassists Of All Time.” I cannot in good conscious make one of “Best Bassists Of All Time” because “best” is a matter of taste and time period. “Most Important” can have credibility because some bassists have changed the direction of the instrument, or have taken it to a new area not previously charted.
This month, we are listing the most important bassists that are still alive. What good does it do to list all of the important bassists if you can’t catch them in concert? Sure, there are recordings, but nothing beats the concert atmosphere to not only hear, but feel that thing at work, be it electric or acoustic.
Those marked with an asterisk (*) have an extra urgency, as they are getting on in years and one never knows when their last tour in your area may be.
Steve Swallow* –he’s been on sessions from Benny Goodman to Jimmy Giuffre and George Russell back in the 1960s along with legendary work with Chick Corea, John Scofield, Carla Bley and Gary Burton.
Stanley Clarke-Besides being the bassist for the legendary Return to Forever group back in the 1970s, Clarke has been releasing some inspiring material the past few years, like his summit meeting with Hiromi. A master on acoustic and electric bass.Marcus Miller-the man who originated and mastered the thumb slap, most notably on the late period Miles Davis albums. His concerts can range from R&B to hip fusion.
John Patitucci-best known for his 6 string bass work with Chick Corea’s Elektric Band, Patitucci’s own albums range from Allman Brothers blues to gorgeous chamber moods.
- Ron Carter*-One of the members of Miles Davis’ “Classic Quintet” (with Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams and Wayne Shorter), his concerts are usually
sublime trio settings with guitar hero Russell Malone.
Dave Holland*-Also a Davis alumnus, but during his later, more “fusion-y” period. His duets with pianist Kenny Barron are sublime masterpieces.- Christian McBride-He’s got possibly the biggest tone of all the acoustic players these days; it’s simply viscerally palpable. His electric work is a stratospheric delight as well. He is a master in anything from trio to big band settings, and gets the floor vibrating
no matter how big the hall. Esperanza Spalding-I’ve seen her as a sideman for Geri Allen and Tom Harrell in acoustic format, as well as her playing electric bass and singing her own personal brand of quirky funk. Every environment she’s a part of is exciting.
- Linda May Han Oh-Not on everyone’s radar yet, but she’s able to anchor down with the
likes of Dave Douglas, Jim Snidero and Terri Lyne Carrington.
- Richard Bona-his own albums and concerts are uplifting celebrations of world/jazz fusion, while he’s always in call for artists ranging from Mike Stern to Pat Metheny.
Victor Wooten-Another 6 stringer, he makes mince meat out of his electric ax, be it a funky thing with his brother, re-uniting with Bela Fleck or leading his own wild trio with Joe Chambers and Bob Franceschini.
- Miles Mosley-another artist not quite getting everyone’s attention, but once you listen to his playing, and realizing it’s all coming from an upright bass,
you’ll be impressed. He’s also part of the West Coast Get Down with Kamasi Washington.