New Documentary Focuses on the Legends of Double Bass in Jazz

Walking the Changes: Legends of Double Bass in Jazz

Nick Wells is following up his documentary Beneath the Bassline with a new film focusing on jazz. Walking the Changes: Legends of Double Bass in Jazz explores the evolution of the double bass in jazz including its beginnings and pivotal moments. It does so with interviews and performances from many of the world’s best players: Dave Holland, Larry Grenadier, Ron Carter, Avishai Cohen, Christian McBride, Stanley Clarke, Phil Palombi, John Patitucci, and many more.

A lifelong fan, Wells was inspired to make the film after an interview with Holland. “I’ve always been a big jazz fan. Growing up it was Miles, Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul and Weather Report,” Wells shares. “After seeing Dave Holland with his Quintet when I was 16, a lifelong love for the bass was born. A few years back I was fortunate enough to interview Dave for a magazine and upon hearing his stories and experiences from working as a sideman for Miles Davis, I abandoned my original plan to write a magazine article and burned through my savings to begin work on this film.”

Check out some of the incredible footage in the film’s trailer:

Walking the Changes is nearly completed and is on Kickstarter to finish funding. “We want the bass community to play a central role in the making of this documentary without any restrictions of funding or time. The film will happen no matter what, but with your support, we will be able to dedicate even more time and resources to making it even better!” Rewards on the campaign range from a digital download of the film to having your original song used in the official soundtrack.

For more info, check out the Kickstarter campaign or the Walking The Changes website.

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