Jade Visions: The Life and Music of Scott LaFaro

Jazz bassist Scott LaFaro is being honored with the first biography on his brief but influential life, Jade Visions: The Life and Music of Scott LaFaro. The biography has been written by LaFaro’s sister Helene LaFaro-Fernandez and includes contributions by notable jazz writers highlighting LaFaro’s contributions to the bass community.
LaFaro made his mark on the scene with the Bill Evan’s Trio. Tragically 10 days after recording the legendary Evans at the Village Vanguard recordings and two days after accompanying Stan Getz at the Newport Jazz Festival, LaFaro died in a car crash when he apparently fell asleep behind the wheel on July 6, 1961, at the age of 25.

With only 6 years of live performances (1955-61) LaFaro redefined jazz bass playing with his innovative approach to the instrument.

Christian McBride as referred to LaFaro’s playing reverentially: “Scotty’s playing was the Bible for bass players,” McBride said, “Jimmy Blanton the Old Testament, Scotty, the New.”

A new album release, Pieces of Jade, is accompanying the biography. The album includes five rare tracks recorded by LaFaro with pianist Don Friedman as well as a tribute song from Friedman. The album also includes a rare 22-minute segment that finds the tape rolling while Evans and LaFaro practice and organize their eventual version of “My Foolish Heart.” Finally the album concludes with touching 1966 interview with Evans about his brief time with LaFaro.

The track list includes:

1. I Hear a Rhapsody
2. Sacre Bléu [Take 1]
3. Green Dolphin Street
4. Sacre Bléu [Take 2]
5. Woody’n You
6. My Foolish Heart [Rehearsal Tape]
7. Interview with Bill Evans by George Klabin 1966 – George Klabin
8. Memories for Scotty