Jazz for aficionados

Frogman, I had to listen to all your submissions twice because I wasn't impressed the first time, but neither was I impressed the second time.

I clearly stated the most impressive "you ever heard". Since that's what you submitted, you most certainly submitted what was requested, but since I wasn't impressed, and since you are a musician (professional no less) there must have been something wrong with my evaluation.

I accept me as I am. (something I should have done shortly after birth) I don't mean I would still be pooping on myself; some things needed changing, but I would have been in search of who I am, as opposed to being the person somebody else wanted me to be.

Fortunately others will make submissions, and comment on yours. I'm sure the comments will get better for you.

"Have You Met Miss Jones"; I liked that tune, and they qualified as capturing the essence of the tune while producing a very listenable sound, but I missed whatever was special about the bass.

O-10, not looking for positive comments at all, but thanks for your concern 😇. Thoughtful commentary would be nice however. Three performances in three different genres that came to mind immediately. Like I said in my post, the whole idea of a "best" is kind of pointless, imo. Frankly, I am not surprised by your reaction since it is no secret that you and I often listen for and react to very different things in music; after all, you think Billy Bang is a good player. Btw, I don’t think there is anything "wrong with (your) evaluation"; I don’t go there. There are so many reasons why those are notable performances, starting with Pedersen’s finesse and impeccable pitch (for a bass player). I would welcome from you an example of a jazz bass solo that you feel betters it as far as command of the changes of a tune and is at the level of what a good horn, guitar or piano player can do; a rarity. Btw, you said "best" not "impressive"; two different things. Kenny G holding a note for several minutes is "impressive". Cheers.

Kenny G

The only way a bass can  really carry a melody is to be bowed .
Spalding perhaps?
There are any number of Paul Hindemith’s" Sonata For Double- Bass " (with Pn.)
on You Tube for a modern approach .

A fine one is Matthew McDonald , a principle bassist, acc, by a very fine pianist, Tomoko Takahashi .

Frogman, when it comes to "words", you have always been more correct, and I'm not just saying that. The bass solo that most impressed you would have been a better choice of words, because no one can say which is the best when discussing a "subjective" subject. From here on out, it's the solo that most "impressed" anyone; that turns it into the best that person has heard.

I don't think "Bang" is a good player in regard to the violin, but his music is so different, that I like it for that reason. When it comes to checking the timbre of my speakers, I want the sound of the best "classical" violin I can find.

I'm not qualified to evaluate how good a musician is on his instrument from any thing that comes close to an objective point of view. I'm sure this is where the word "objective" would come into play, as regarding Wynton Marsalis's trumpet for example.

Nothing in my evaluations even come close to your last paragraph.


Just before responding, I was evaluating my re-recording of old records to my play-list with a new cartridge; it's like getting a new collection.

I was listening to Joe Henderson's solo on "Idle Moments", and I can tell you this (something you can take to the bank according to me) When Rudy Van Gelder goes "Ga Ga" over anything; if you ain't got it, you had better run out and get it. That solo is one of the most talked about in all of jazz.