Barrie Kolstein Talks About Scott LaFaro's Prescott Bass

When I returned Scott LaFaro's 1825 Abraham Prescott to Barrie Kolstein, I made sure to bring a video camera and get him talking a little. Here, he tells the story of "The LaFaro Bass', as it's now known.
Barrie's father, Sam Kolstein, restored Scott's bass for him back around 1959. Barrie restored the bass after Scott's tragic accident. Both men are amazing luthiers, and they did unbelievable work to this jazz relic!
If you are interested in hearing what this instrument sounds like now, you can pick up a copy of the CD I used it on directly from my website:
RE: Person I Knew - A Tribute to Scott LaFaro
www.philpalombi.com
I also have the 96K-24bit HD files for sale. If you're interested in MP3's, head over to CDBaby.

[@bassrob88]

I love this,i’m very close personal friends with Scott’s youngest sister Lisa and we’ve spoke of this bass many times as i’m a bass player as well(electric not upright) but regardless I’ve always wanted to see and hear this instrument being played by a true upright player,such a wonderful yet tragic story..

[@tubelono]

What a great story! This wonderful instrument with so many bittersweet memories being played again (briefly) by a musician who understands and appreciates it. Bravo!

[@alansenzaki4148]

Great interview about a great artist. Pleasure to hear barrie kolstiens thoughts about scott...if scott were still alive today he would still be scott except the surroundings would change..like miles.

[@kocn53]

This story is one of the most important in jazz history. Thank you for posting this video. I hope Barrie has a safe large enough to hold this instrument!

[@ppzappa]

Thank you very much for sharing this priceless document.

[@AaronKoskelainenBass]

Thanks so much for uploading this!

[@matbass82]

Thank a lot Phil

[@RYANN36]

I honestly dream of playing this bass! the sound and speech of this instrument is supernatural, I think it is almost impossible to find a better jazz bass.

[@veeshead]

Don’t you feel like LaFaro had a whole lot to do with the sound of that bass?

[@RYANN36]

@@veeshead I don't even remember writing this, and in 7 years a lot has changed for me. So yeah, I absolutely agree that a lot of the sound of this instrument was LaFaro. Stil a gorgeous bass though!

[@uprightbassmatt]

Fantastic work! Great job done. Probably his soul may be there. A soul is for sure inside :D

[@anthonycasolari]

Scott changed Jazz bass completely. Thinking about what he would've done if he was still alive... I can only imagine where bass playing would be at today.

[@lesliehayton2929]

With respect, a very fine work of art, and someone who is a part of that art like Scotti is very different from a electronic bass guitarist, whilst understanding music is music!

[@aklander9000]

Nowadays, Scotty is the best bass player!

[@j.m.2033]

What was the book referenced at 9:38? +Phil Palombi

[@Bassphil]

Hi J.M., the book is the biography of Scott, written by his sister Helene, titled "Jade Visions: The Life and Music of Scott LaFaro." You can find it on Amazon. It's a really great read! I recommend it to everyone, bassists and non-bassists alike, since it's also a great look into the history of that period of jazz. Let me see if KZbin will let me post a direct link...www.amazon.com/Jade-Visions-Music-LaFaro-Musician/dp/1574412736

[@rxw5520]

Is this album on Spotify? I can’t find it. I know they pay shit but it would get the sound out there.

[@IamUncledeuce]

Gosh, I wonder if Red Mitchell every regretted that move.

[@b1sing53]

What is the string length of this bass?

[@50CJAZZ]

41

[@michaelhoward7009]

What more? Love Scott- but Jaco should be spoken of the same way.

[@rayjr62]

Jaco? ROLMAO.

[@user-fg4fr2bz5y]

not really. Jaco played a completely different instrument.