Inside the Groove: Riccardo Oliva’s Bass Work with the Matteo Mancuso Trio at Montreal

Matteo Mancuso might draw the spotlight but in this live performance of “Drop D” from the Montreal Jazz Festival the bassist deserves your full attention. Riccardo Oliva is an absolute monster on his 6-string Ibanez delivering fast aggressive lines that lock in tight with the drums and drive the trio forward.

There’s a lot to take in if you follow what Riccardo is doing. His lines are fluid but purposeful full of small choices that shape the tune’s feel. He’s constantly adjusting and responding and with some of the deepest bass tones, the bass performance and sound really shine on this one.  The whole thing hits turbo drive around the 3:14 mark and Riccardo doesn’t miss a beat.

Watch it again with your ears on the low end. There’s a lot happening down there.