player watch
Player Watch: Henry Grimes, back in action
After a 35 year hiatus from the music scene, bassist Henry Grimes made his return to music in 2003.
Or as Grimes calls it, “His Resurrection”.
A recent Financial Times article focuses on Grimes’s return, and he shared what it was like before and after the break, and what it was like getting back into [...]
Christian McBride talks about his music
Christian McBride recently sat down with the folks at AllAboutJazz.com and spoke on a huge number of topics, and all in one interview. He speaks everything from his ideas of composition, putting together a CD, and even how he feels about playing with a bow.
While an amazing player, McBride says he wishes he had more [...]
Player Watch: Missy Raines pushes bluegrass forward
Multi-award winning upright bassist Missy Raines recently spoke about her love for bluegrass, and recent work with her group “New Hip”. Raines is originally from West Virginia and that her love for bluegrass grew from her parents passion for live music.
“My parents didn’t really play music, but they enjoyed listening to music and made it [...]
Player Watch: Ben Williams
Bassist Ben Williams was this year’s winner of the Thelonius Monk International Jazz Competition and has been making a splash in the music scene since. Williams took first prize in the competition with Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” performed with vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater. Judges included notable bassists Charlie Haden, Ron Carter and Dave Holland.
Williams recently performed [...]
Player Watch: Michael Janisch
Bassist Michael Janisch is a relative newcomer to the international jazz scene, but definitely worth checking out. The London Times described him as “always hip, melodic, and bouncey” while JazzWise said he’s “a muscular, fluent player with an irresistible pulse and virtuosic soloing technique.”
Janisch is releasing his debut solo album Purpose Built on October 26th [...]
Player Watch: Santi Debriano
Santi Debriano is a bassist that should be on everyone’s list to check out. The 54-year-old native of Colon, Panama currently lives on Staten Island and can be seen at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York for his upcoming gig on Monday October 19th.
The performance is for the album release party for guitarist Roni [...]
Steve Lawson and Michael Manring live at Don Quixotes
Over the weekend, bassist Steve Lawson posted about a live performance he recorded with Michael Manring.
3 Live improvisations was recorded from the audience at Don Quixotes in Felton, Santa Cruz, California in January, 2008.
It knocked me out.
Steve is playing a fretless 6-string bass, and Michael is playing his 4-string basses, with looping.
Steve and [...]
Chris Brubeck on his life, music and bass
The Calgary Herald has done a nice spotlight piece on bassist Chris Brubeck, covering his early childhood start in music, through his current compositions. Brubeck is the son of pianist Dave Brubeck.
“I play electric fretless bass, but I sound a lot like an upright bass…” Brubeck shares. “…If anyone knows anything about me, it’s [...]
Retrospective: Kam Falk’s Native Tongue
We have found another gem in the archives…
Bassist Kam Falk released his debut album Native Tongue in 2001, combining jazz, rock, World and classical music with a taste of the blues.
A little background on Native Tongue, from the album notes: “After years of performing, recording and developing his craft with some of today’s most [...]
Player Watch: Alberto Rigoni
Something Different, released February 15th 2008 by bassist Alberto Rigoni, should be on your list of albums to check out.
This album lives up to its title, moving between bass centered ballads, rock grooves, heavy metal mixed with fusion and experimental music. Something Different delivers a unique sonic journey.
Guest guitar players Tommy Ermolli and [...]
