This time I wanted to talk to you or rather write to you about this splendid tribute made by one of the best double bass players of our time to the musician who most of all has contributed to redefine the role of the electric bass and in my opinion, the greatest contemporary bassist: Jaco Pastorius He died prematurely on September 21, 1987. As you can see by looking at the photo of the CD cover, the homage starts here. In fact, the cover is reminiscent of the original Jaco Pastorius album.
Do not expect a faithful copy of the original pieces that would not have made any sense, but, even if with the utmost respect for the original drafts, a passionate reinterpretation of the works of a master. The high points of the CD meet when Brian bromberg he re-plays the pieces with the double bass it is there that the musician rewrites the pieces for the new instrument, making those variations that give the tracks a new light. It would be a mistake to compare the songs with the original ones, but instead listen to them by letting oneself be taken by this new point of observation. To make a parallel, it is like looking at a landscape in different climatic and light situations, the landscape is always the same but the sensations and emotions it causes are different. On the CD you will find re-performed the following songs that have now become standards:
Talking about the compositional aspect of the individual songs makes no sense since they are not unpublished works by Brian Bromberg but known standards of the great Jaco Pastorius. However, I would like to point out some particular revisions.
Teen Town: tempo of the piece slowed down compared to the original, played with the double bass and with fast insertions of freetless electric bass. Very beautiful all the rhythmic joints that see winds, bass / double bass, drums etc. as protagonists.
A remark you made: Beautiful lyricism. Double bass, sax and piano talk great.
Portrait of Tracy: The musician and his double bass.
The chicken: piece performed by many artists over the years, but with the double bass it takes on a different color. All the rhythmic joints are very beautiful. Bob Mintzer's sax is notable. Short but great solo by Brian Bromberg.
I would stop here so as not to run the risk of listing all the songs individually.
A record that every bassist / double bass player should have, but that will surely appeal to all fans of the genre.
Some notes about the CD
CD recorded in August 2002, the production label is A440 Records. It is not an easy task to find some copies of the CD in Italy. On Amazon.com it appears to be still available. There are many musicians who participate in the construction of the sound of this CD such as:
Jerry Hey - trumpet;
Andy Martin - trombone;
Chris Wabich - steel drums;
Joel taylor - drums;
Gannin Arnold - guitar;
Tom Zink - piano, keyboards, programming;
Bill Champlain - vocals;
Gregg Matison - Hammond B-3 organ;
USC Symphony Orchestra - strings.
Also participating in the CD: Jeff Lorber, Alex Acuna, Eric Marienthal, Bob Mintzer.
Only the co-presence of these musicians should already make you imagine the total quality of the work.
Happy listening everyone!
