Evolution of Jazz Bass

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BlantonOn this podcast I examine the history of the bass in jazz from the 1925 through 1930. Most bassists came from the brass traditions–they were originally tuba players. The string bass could not be heard in brass bands or in outdoor venues, nor could it be heard on acoustic recordings. The double bass was used in the string or salon ensembles of the early 20th century. The introduction of the electric microphone in the mid 1920’s was a revelation for listeners and made it possible to record using a double bass. Because most double bassists were originally tuba players, when they played the string bass they would often mimic the 2/2 style of the tuba in the traditional marching band. You can hear the “slap” bass technique used by many bassists of this period–its percussive sound helps drive the band. Occasionally a bassist from this period might play in 4/4 time, but that would evolve later in the 1930’s.

Evolution of Jazz Bass - Episode 1

CompositionArtist/LeaderBassist Year
Milenburg JoysTed Lewis and His BandHarry Barth1925
My Pretty GalJean Goldkette OrchestraSteve Brown1927
Black Bottom StompJelly Roll Morton and Hot PeppersJohn Lindsay1926
China BoyCharles Pierce OrchestraJohnny Mueller1928
Voice of the SouthlandThelma Terry and her PlayboysThelma Terry1928
Freeze and MeltJoe Turner and his Memphis MenWellman Braud1929
PanamaLuis Russell OrchestraGeorge “Pops” Foster1930

Evolution of Jazz Bass - Part 2

We begin to see a shift in the manner in which the double bass is played beginning by the late 1920’s. Bassists on recordings from what was referred to as the Southwest Territory, really Kansas City, often would play 4 beats to a measure. This was the beginning of the more modern walking style of bass playing. Walter Page did not invent the walking style but he certainly perfected it. Walter Page was later a member of the famous Count Basie rhythm section that led to the development modern jazz rhythm section. The bassists featured on this podcast were more adept soloists than their predecessors and all were starting to walk the bass in a fluid and even manner.
CompositionArtistBassistYear
Squabblin’Walter Page and his Blue DevilsWalter Page1929
Pagin’ the DevilThe Kansas City SixWalter Page1938
Chinatown, My ChinatownFletcher Henderson OrchestraJohn Kirby1930
ShagNew Orleans FeetwarmersWilson Meyers1932
My! Oh, My!Eddie South QuartetMilt Hinton1933
Pluckin’ the BassCab Calloway OrchestraMilt Hinton1939

Evolution of Jazz Bass - Part 3

This podcast will feature some outstanding, but lesser known bassists from the 1930’s. All were good timekeepers and soloists. It is interesting to hear the bass being featured more often on recordings as we get closer to the 1940’s. The last excerpt on the podcast is from the legendary bassist, Jimmy Blanton. Enough cannot be said of his amazing talent. Duke Ellington hired him on the spot after hearing him play in St. Louis one evening. He died at a tragically young age, but during his time with Duke Ellington he made some monumental recordings. Ellington often featured him as a timekeeper, soloist, and as an ensemble player. Blanton revolutionized the way the bass functioned in jazz and gave us a blueprint for the next generation of jazz bassist.
CompositionArtistBassistYear
Rug Cutter SwingHenry Allen OrchestraElmer James1934
Hawaiian War SongAndy Iona and his IslandersSam Koki1934
Liza Pull Down the ShadesBob Wills and Texas PlayboysSon Lanford1938
Bugle Call RagCandy and CocoCandy Candido1934
Deep Blue MelodyDon Albert OrchestraJames Johnson1936
Sepia PanoramaDuke EllingtonJimmy Blanton1941