The History of Jazz Bass (in 15 Choruses)

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  • Опубліковано 7 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 589

  • @clcortelyou
    @clcortelyou 2 роки тому +263

    At 58 years old, I realize how fortunate I am that my high school music teacher, who was also my first bass instructor, introduced me to the work all of those you played, from Pettiford to Pattituci. And I grew up in Scott LaFaro's hometown of Geneva, NY, where there is a street named for him outside the Smith Opera House.

  • @pdbass
    @pdbass  2 роки тому +305

    There are several negative comments addressing the fact that the great Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen was somehow left off of this list.
    Firstly, please read the disclaimer in the description.
    Secondly, the great NHØP should be in everyone's top 10 Jazz Bassist list. However, a) this is NOT a "best of" list and b) he played with such a singular style and (3-fingered) technique, that I found it impossible to reproduce to my own personal standards to be included in this video.
    Thank you for watching and again--please read the description before you start a comment about who got left out.

    • @darindjking7463
      @darindjking7463 2 роки тому +3

      Fair enough...but why not try checking out what NHØP's left hand was up to rather than being bothered buy his right hand...his scalular ideas and fluency rival anyone of the players you mentioned and his intonation along with it was flawless...listen again..just include a clip of him at least...and Cecile and Miraslav..

    • @pdbass
      @pdbass  2 роки тому +22

      @@darindjking7463 please read the DISCLAIMER IN THE DESCRIPTION. Thank you.

    • @darindjking7463
      @darindjking7463 2 роки тому +2

      I did...now read my reply...I've been playing bass 51years and I'm still not afraid to learn...nor to be taught..I respect what you said, your level of skill...but history is history...and complete factual history is the most helpful...you're an awesome player by the way...all the pioneers would be proud and flattered...even NHOP...R.I.P.

    • @molaub
      @molaub 2 роки тому

      Right on!. Although the same can go to Eddie Gomez and Jaco...Only Love!

    • @carloalbertorassaval3275
      @carloalbertorassaval3275 2 роки тому +1

      @@darindjking7463 : Happy new year

  • @marcusvann8368
    @marcusvann8368 2 роки тому +142

    I have never, ever commented on a youtube video. That''s 15 or so years of just kicking back and watching. As a bass player, and an aficionado of bass history, you moved me so much with this video that I had to write something. Take care, watch health, and keep bringing these top-tier vids.

    • @pdbass
      @pdbass  2 роки тому +12

      Thank you! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

    • @octaviososa4857
      @octaviososa4857 2 роки тому

      Where can I buy a beginner bass by any chance what brands are good

  • @Holygiant
    @Holygiant 2 роки тому +16

    The Paul Chambers and Scott LaFaro parts went so hard

  • @lougaru2445
    @lougaru2445 11 місяців тому +9

    It's sad that so many died young. Aside from the outstanding playing, the focus on history is special.

  • @ksenos69
    @ksenos69 2 місяці тому +4

    Explaining everything, without a word said.

  • @tim.honiss
    @tim.honiss 2 роки тому +164

    This is fantastic! I'd love to hear a version for electric bass too

    • @pdbass
      @pdbass  2 роки тому +71

      Hmmmm. That might be a good idea!

    • @yairsharon7197
      @yairsharon7197 2 роки тому +5

      @@pdbass you gotta talk about jaco!

    • @pdbass
      @pdbass  2 роки тому +9

      @@yairsharon7197 there are a couple of vids on my channel where I talk about him. Dig this: ua-cam.com/video/XAmir40yu5s/v-deo.html OR this one: ua-cam.com/video/MYLv3a2W3V8/v-deo.html

    • @yairsharon7197
      @yairsharon7197 2 роки тому +1

      @@pdbass i'll check them out!

    • @Kinda___Happy
      @Kinda___Happy 2 роки тому

      That would be killer!

  • @-303-
    @-303- 2 роки тому +17

    I was fortunate enough to be a (mediocre) jazz (piano) student at William Paterson College in NJ back in the '90s at a time Rufus Reid ran the jazz program. I am so grateful to have seen him play so much over those few years. Those times when he was playing bass when I was playing piano (juries, tests, the audition, etc.) it felt like being lifted and propelled and pulled by this magic force. He was and probably still is just the kindest, most patient, nurturing soul, and the buoyancy of his tone and groove reflect that. I haven't played in a jazz combo since college and my musical preferences have drifted somewhat from this style of jazz, but I still find it pretty easy to hear when Rufus is playing on a side, and it takes so little time to know it's him. Thanks for including a chorus of you playing in his style.

    • @gdbrabenec
      @gdbrabenec 2 роки тому

      What a wonderful tribute. Never met him but I got a chance to talk briefly with Dexter Gordon once representing my college newspaper and he was such a gentleman, took my question and ran with it!

  • @bustan44
    @bustan44 2 роки тому +4

    Dude, you're out of control. This was amazing.

  • @bassocanario
    @bassocanario 2 роки тому +27

    Phenomenal. You studied these great players so thoroughly that you sound like YOU,channeling their influences/musical idiosyncracies...
    It takes YEARS of devoted study and listening and basic b-flat-shedding to dial that stuff in...Maaaaan...Amazing and inspiring. Just keep doing what you're doing!
    And thanks, again!!

  • @alexweibel7807
    @alexweibel7807 2 роки тому +30

    The Mingus and Charlie Haden choruses were BAD! Love checking out how the different players would approach the same thing, really great stuff as usual PT

    • @goobert2469
      @goobert2469 2 роки тому

      I don’t think they were that terrible tbf

    • @zhaolinzhou6574
      @zhaolinzhou6574 2 роки тому +8

      @@goobert2469 maybe you should check out the jazz slang video on this channel bro

  • @terrymiller111
    @terrymiller111 2 роки тому +3

    The vibrato on that "Rufus Reid" solo was very nice.

  • @Markperna1
    @Markperna1 2 роки тому +23

    You absolutely nailed the Stanley vibrato. Great work all around!

  • @frankfrank7921
    @frankfrank7921 2 роки тому +3

    Masterful. Had the pleasure of seeing Ray Brown and Rufus Reid live back in the 70s. Speaking of masterful, I hope every bass player checks out the duets that Duke Ellington and Jimmie Blanton recorded in the early 1940s. Actually, beyond masterful.

  • @josemarquescarrico1307
    @josemarquescarrico1307 2 роки тому +4

    The bass is the soul of jazz! Fantastic history of jazz class!

  • @luiszuluaga6575
    @luiszuluaga6575 2 роки тому +19

    I’m a drummer and I totally appreciate the demonstration as well as the love and commitment you have to your inner music.

  • @kotarolu0931
    @kotarolu0931 2 роки тому +1

    This video is decided as the best one i saw and will see in 2023.

  • @BessieBopOrBach
    @BessieBopOrBach 2 роки тому +16

    OK, this is INCREDIBLE. To a degree it's "easy" to evoke Pops Foster or Walter Page but the way you imitate Charlie Haden and especially Christian McBride took my breath away. I could recognize them by the second note. Bravo! Subscribing.

  • @slateman118
    @slateman118 2 роки тому +48

    best bass channel on youtube! great list, some of my other favorites include dave holland, sam jones, richard davis, gary peacock, cecil mcbee, buster williams, wilbur ware, israel crosby, larry grenadier, steve swallow, jaco, miroslav vitous, leroy vinegar, bob cranshaw, jimmy garrison, butch warren, and many more

    • @markcenci8000
      @markcenci8000 2 роки тому +3

      Yes! And Eddie Gomez!

    • @bustabass9025
      @bustabass9025 2 роки тому +1

      ...Doug Watkins, Reggie Workman, Ray Brown, Butch Warren, Jymie Merritt...

    • @crieverytim
      @crieverytim 2 роки тому

      Lot of names I'm unfamiliar w. Going to have to change that!

  • @ChopBassMan
    @ChopBassMan Рік тому +2

    I can't think of anyone who could do such a complete recounting of jazz bass history in under an hour (I've been a jazz bassist (6 string fretless electric for the past 30+ years) for around 40 years now.

  • @steviiiii
    @steviiiii Місяць тому +1

    ...holey macaronee - !!! that was dynamite..!! ...easily the best thing I've heard - phhfft - in 3 months..!! awesome just awesome..!! (I am literally picking up my bass to get down) cheers..!!

  • @attichatchsound-bobkowal5328
    @attichatchsound-bobkowal5328 2 роки тому +5

    Excellent! It would be awesome to see a "Making of" -talking about your process in incorporating the unique elements of each example.
    I'll confess I wasn't familiar with "Slam Stewart, so I was expecting a bowed example for Paul Chambers.
    I know you could not have included EVERYONE but I would have loved to see you applying NHOP's approach in that mix.

  • @sidneype7738
    @sidneype7738 Рік тому +2

    Paul, I'm a little late to this one, but the thing that struck me the most about a lot of these players is how young they were when they passed. Such a shame.

  • @bowankim4185
    @bowankim4185 2 роки тому +2

    You just played what I imagined those bassist's. Great !

  • @josephromano7867
    @josephromano7867 2 роки тому +7

    So many styles and all great each one had his one funk to his style I love it thank you Paul!!!!

  • @pittsburghbassists9885
    @pittsburghbassists9885 2 роки тому +10

    I think you’ve made a new standard required viewing video for all Bass instructors for their students. Excellent!!!

  • @Mr.C573
    @Mr.C573 2 місяці тому +1

    Thank you brother that was amazing. I'm 60 years old and I just started a new chapter in my life and i just started learning to play double bass. And happened to find this video. Truly amazing 👏

  • @jazzbasstranscriptions
    @jazzbasstranscriptions 2 роки тому +3

    I can't tell you how wonderful you are!!
    Thank you so much!

  • @lawrencetaylor4101
    @lawrencetaylor4101 2 роки тому +3

    Merci beaucoup for this.
    What struck me was how many died so young. I wasn't a musician for most of my life, and am making up for lost time since my retirement with a piano. So my left hand has me searching out stuff to do, which leads me to videos like this. It would be interesting to see some of the back story on some of these players.
    BTW I hope to have my video on exercises for the pianist to do...and any other musician, to help with back pain but also how to help the shoulders and arms, hands. Very good for finger strength.
    Stay tuned.

  • @ibassnote
    @ibassnote 2 роки тому +2

    This made me smile start to finish. Wanted to hear Blanton represented slightly different but hey, great job.

  • @WalterDiamond
    @WalterDiamond 2 роки тому +12

    A history lesson in 7 minutes. This would be one hell of a great series. Thanks so much for this!

  • @potbreakeer154
    @potbreakeer154 2 роки тому +1

    Loved that finisher

  • @lucas_d
    @lucas_d 2 роки тому +24

    I really dig your channel! I’ve never played a double bass but man I respect your talent. I hope everyone has a fantastic 2023 😎🎸

    • @pdbass
      @pdbass  2 роки тому +1

      THANK YOU!!

  • @dr.soupcan
    @dr.soupcan 2 роки тому +5

    I'm so glad for this video, I'm doing a bunch of college studies for Music (Focused on Education and Jazz), and me being a Bass Player, This opened up a gateway to expand my repertoire, no longer stuck only knowing just Paul Chambers and Charles Mingus. Thank you, good sir.

    • @lxxwj
      @lxxwj 2 роки тому +1

      honestly you could do pretty well with just PC and mingus lol

  • @jazzpunk
    @jazzpunk 2 роки тому +8

    Fantastic tone...and you make it look easy! Things went up a notch with Blanton. Don't know how you did it...the actual 'sound' (tone?) of the Mingus chorus was Mingus. Cool stuff!

  • @dr.garynelson4687
    @dr.garynelson4687 2 роки тому +4

    And nothing else needs to be said. Excellent video!😁

  • @nicholastotoro7721
    @nicholastotoro7721 2 роки тому +4

    Mingus, Haden and Patitucci were the ones I particularly listened to and said “Yep… “ 🤣

  • @judih.8754
    @judih.8754 2 роки тому +8

    A great lesson Paul. And wow, we lost some of these musicians so young!

  • @stephencoxbass
    @stephencoxbass 2 роки тому +29

    Wow, this is great! I love how much your right hand changes to imitate the different players tones and not just their note choices. Wonderful work on this!

  • @DoghouseFunkBlaster65
    @DoghouseFunkBlaster65 4 місяці тому +2

    Absolutely Beautiful!!
    Thank you for this wonderful homage to these great giants who inspire great possibilities in all of us.
    🙏❤

  • @IamUncledeuce
    @IamUncledeuce 9 місяців тому +1

    Listening to that and thinking back to my days of humpin' a dog house on the metro to club dates... reminds me of why I went electric fretless 30+ years ago. Phenomenal and thanks for the memories!

  • @thefunkexcursionon
    @thefunkexcursionon 2 роки тому +30

    Astounding- I’ve not seen a better feat of musical ability OR a more insightful post anywhere on UA-cam.
    Can’t even express how good this is!!🔥🔥🔥

  • @andymassingham
    @andymassingham 2 роки тому +3

    Tears to the eyes…beautiful. You are a sublime artist. I’d say more but I’m too emotional❤

  • @rayrestless
    @rayrestless 2 роки тому +5

    This is beautiful... simply beautiful

  • @AlexaMorales
    @AlexaMorales 2 роки тому +3

    Wow, great, compelling, fun to watch and listen to all those bass styles!

  • @mickymondo7463
    @mickymondo7463 Рік тому +2

    Pops Foster was a very good friend and mentor of my late father who died last year. When Pops toured in Britain with Jimmy Archey, he borrowed my father Bass, both he and Jimmy carved "Good luck to Bill, Pops Foster & Jimmy Archey" sadly the Bass was smashed when a band wagon overturned some years later, the autographed section survived and has been on the mantlepiece ever since.

  • @brandonthebass
    @brandonthebass 2 роки тому +22

    Yo!!!! This is so great. I laughed out loud at the Charlie Haden and Stanley Clarke, that was the perfect rendition of the typical sound and rhythms they use. And I love by the time we get to Patitucci and McBride it starts to sound like Pettiford and Brown again. The history is in the music!!! Thanks so much for doing this. Definitely a giant inspiration. Happy New Year!

    • @mananaadamia1657
      @mananaadamia1657 Рік тому

      You know better, then even myself, because I have never listened to free jazz recordings, and more with CH ,so I can't to know, what rhythm and notes he used

  • @DrJohn123
    @DrJohn123 2 роки тому +4

    Finally, double bass again,yeah! I'm speechless, the imitations are done so well!!! Love that you included Slam Stewart!

  • @BuddhaBites
    @BuddhaBites 2 роки тому +4

    I smiled the whole time. What skill, creativity and scholarship. Bravo!

  • @jondigiulian6652
    @jondigiulian6652 2 роки тому +5

    Incredible Paul, I could listen to you play the blues all day!

  • @jimmyjazz78
    @jimmyjazz78 2 роки тому +2

    Nice! This was no easy feat to improvise in the styles of those players. I would love to hear the walking counterpoint to this.

  • @sergiocolmenares9482
    @sergiocolmenares9482 5 місяців тому +1

    It cannot imagine the amount of bass wisdom that's required to pull-off this video.
    Jazz isn't my strongest field but I enjoyed every second of it.
    Congratulations.

  • @cashmoneygerman3332
    @cashmoneygerman3332 2 роки тому +1

    This is so great! The cats in more familiar with we’re spot on. Your Ray Brown and McBride sounded perfect!

  • @pensatorseven1898
    @pensatorseven1898 2 роки тому +2

    A great retrospective.

  • @Oscaraha
    @Oscaraha 2 роки тому +10

    Incredible! This gave me goose bumps and tears in my eyes. There is just something magical that happens when you experience others love for the same thing, thank you!

  • @formerastronaut
    @formerastronaut 2 роки тому +2

    You really got that Stanley Clarke weird vibrato thing perfect.

  • @IandiBoats
    @IandiBoats 2 роки тому +5

    This gets a standing ovation. My favorite new thing on UA-cam. I love your interpretation of Walter Paig Slam Stewart. Those nimble fingers of Charles Mingus and Charlie Haden's pronounced style. My Maryland homeboy C McBride all splendid. Thank you for this.

  • @alexsf4248
    @alexsf4248 2 роки тому +2

    Very cool! Thank you for including Slam Stewart, as a young child in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, watching him leading his band in old Hollywood movies was my first introduction to the upright bass! To this day playing with the bow is a very important aspect to my enjoyment of the instrument. Also even though Stanley Clarke became a household name due to the electric bass and Jazz Fusion listening to his upright bass solo piece on his second album self titled, Spanish Phases for Strings and Bass simply changed my life for it’s virtuosity!

  • @slickingdom
    @slickingdom 2 роки тому +6

    I actually play drumset but I love watching your videos!! It enlightens me on how bassists think and approach their instrument. Then there’s always an underlying music history lesson intertwined. Great work!! ❤

  • @mdturnerinoz
    @mdturnerinoz 2 роки тому +1

    REALLY NICE, MAN!!!! I follow Ron on Instagram; what a cool guy, too, what with his Rick Beato interview! So many died too damn young! NICE MAN, THANKS! And, well, um... you ain't no damn slouch either! Bravo!!!!!!

  • @EthanHein
    @EthanHein 2 роки тому +2

    Your channel is one of the best music education resources on the web, it just stays winning!

  • @ferrisfleming7
    @ferrisfleming7 2 роки тому +2

    Without a word spoken. Beautiful!

  • @jazzl7190
    @jazzl7190 2 роки тому +4

    Masterful playing! I remember working on Blues in the Closet. Scott LoFaro gone too soon. Thanks for this.

  • @OlandoMcCall
    @OlandoMcCall 2 роки тому +3

    I'll say it again THE best bass channel on UA-cam!

  • @trevorgrenon9162
    @trevorgrenon9162 2 роки тому +26

    16th Chorus worthy to be played by yourself, Paul. Fantastic video, inspiring so many options and voices available on 4 strings. Happy New Year to you, Sir

  • @patrickmcmullen752
    @patrickmcmullen752 2 роки тому +25

    Fantastic. A great story in 15 choruses. Great content as always. Thank you PDbass.

  • @JamesSpeiser
    @JamesSpeiser 2 роки тому +2

    Way to take us to school for real Sir Maestro. Much love and respect. The Rufus Reid knocked me out the most but all so stellar. Hot damn

  • @koloray
    @koloray 2 роки тому +2

    WOW! Absolutely Incredible! Loved every note!

  • @timhays332
    @timhays332 2 роки тому +3

    As they say in the film business, don't say it - show it. Well done, always interesting to see who's gonna be included when you get close to the present day. Yeah, I'm a upright jazz player w 40 years of playing. I love what you did here!

  • @janubbelohdehenningsen4190
    @janubbelohdehenningsen4190 Рік тому +1

    Simply: Wow! Fantastic, I started playing double bass 4 years ago (I'm 52 and played guitar for 40 years) and this is the perfect motivation to keep me studying. I've listened to all these Masters since I was 12, and you ayed them from the heart!

  • @hewie2u
    @hewie2u 2 роки тому

    I will add Milton " The Judge " Hinton and Quincy " Major " Holly to this list . They deserve it . Nice tribute well done .

  • @terrymiller111
    @terrymiller111 2 роки тому +2

    Emulating the different playing styles is awesome. This is actually masterful.

  • @bassislife-trh
    @bassislife-trh 2 роки тому +2

    So great! Now I need to go listen to some Slam Stewart because that just put the biggest smile on my face

  • @tonygohagan2766
    @tonygohagan2766 2 роки тому +2

    Beautiful.

  • @billyrhythm
    @billyrhythm 2 роки тому +1

    You Slam impression was right on the dough-rooni.

  • @christianog
    @christianog 2 роки тому +1

    Amazing, I’m glad this appeared on my recommended

  • @marioguarini
    @marioguarini 2 роки тому +2

    very good Paul you nailed it on this one really well played and show how much well you know the roots of the doghouse, kudos

  • @rowdysgirlalways
    @rowdysgirlalways 2 роки тому +1

    This is effing brilliant! Didn't think it was possible, but listening to your video whilst having my morning coffee made The Time of Coffee even better! I'm saving, sharing and listening to this again!

  • @indiodojazz6751
    @indiodojazz6751 2 роки тому +1

    Congratulations for your initiative! We must of more bassist. In Brazil unfortunately there are no more bassist on jazz.

  • @jmarcguy
    @jmarcguy 2 роки тому +7

    This is so badass!! Amazing video! 🎼
    To go from Jimmy Blanton to Charlie Haden is beyond impressive. Also, Ron Carter has been jamming a LONG time!

  • @philprice5712
    @philprice5712 2 роки тому +10

    Well, you finally did it. You been trolling that bass bait with all the modern bits for a long time. Now you set the hook permanently with this little history tour. Well done! Thank you and happy new year!

  • @jasonviolette1558
    @jasonviolette1558 2 роки тому +2

    Sweet! Walking through history. Nicely done!

  • @JorgePreza-Bass-Piano
    @JorgePreza-Bass-Piano 2 роки тому +2

    My dear colleague, you really did a great job in giving us a taste so accurate about the way the best bass players made history using our beloved instrument, namely, the Double bass. Thank you for all the effort and time used in producing this meaningful video. Congrats. From Mexico, Jorge Preza.

  • @Jazz313
    @Jazz313 2 роки тому +1

    Keep sharing….So many great players. Norway is where fresh jazz is coming to this Amazing art form. Enjoying ❤

  • @brianj4090
    @brianj4090 2 роки тому +2

    Great work I’m not historian but i could hear a lot of the bassists I’m familiar with. Some favs were chambers, lafaro, Mingus, Carter and haden

  • @SteelCurtainAB
    @SteelCurtainAB 7 місяців тому +1

    That was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! 🖤

  • @aria.vega5
    @aria.vega5 2 роки тому +2

    Great study piece, will watch many times

  • @grizwoldphantasia5005
    @grizwoldphantasia5005 2 роки тому +3

    I am not a musician. I have learned nothing about playing the big bass. But hoo boy, that was excellent! The camera position and angle couldn't be better for showing your fingers at work, and that was the first delight. Second was the sheer variety of styles. Third was ... you! Joy, focus, dedication, of course I subscribed. Don't know why youtube picked this video to show me, but sometimes even youtube gets things right.

  • @chasmonaghan521
    @chasmonaghan521 2 роки тому +2

    I swear I thought the first tune was about to be blister in the sun…😅 love them all, but Mingus and Niels are definitely my favorites…cool video! ❤ thanks!

  • @1mespud
    @1mespud 2 роки тому +3

    Thank you pdbass for reminding us of all these Jazz Bass greats for doing their part to help tame and save mankind with their genius, gift, skill, talent and showing us how it's supposed to be done.

  • @kolmalto6873
    @kolmalto6873 Рік тому

    I dont ever comment!!!...but I gave in for this perfomance....Brilliant!!!

  • @cbug4196
    @cbug4196 2 роки тому +2

    Absolutely awesome! Fingers got sore just watching!😅

  • @yoavbseo
    @yoavbseo 2 роки тому +2

    Amazing!! Thank you!!

  • @richardduiventil
    @richardduiventil 2 роки тому +2

    Great sound😃👍

    • @richardduiventil
      @richardduiventil 2 роки тому

      @pdbass. I hope you are not mad: 5 middle fingers ?

  • @oscardario1179
    @oscardario1179 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks. It was amazing!

  • @nathanharman5398
    @nathanharman5398 2 роки тому +7

    This is some of your best work yet (and that's saying something!) brilliant work Mr Thompson!

  • @testing-testing-123-p3m
    @testing-testing-123-p3m 2 роки тому +2

    Yeahh! Awesome idea and great playing.

  • @JazzBums
    @JazzBums 2 роки тому +2

    This was great. Thanks for putting this together!

  • @MBH5587
    @MBH5587 2 роки тому +4

    Mr Paul Thompson: Bass Educator..your in-depth study series is a Jewel among jewels..as a bass player of many years, I find your series of UA-cam videos extremely enlightening..thanks very much for sharing your skill & historical information about Bass..wishing you & family Great Healthy New Year & much more ….?

  • @MG-vo7is
    @MG-vo7is 2 роки тому +2

    So cool. Thank you.