The Most Important Bass Solo In Jazz

[@ThomBoecker]

Now I finally understand why there's a duet album by Duke Ellington and Ray Brown called "This One's for Blanton." Thanks so much!

[@turntabillist]

This One's for Blanton has one of the best bass tones ever recorded. No surprise that it's Ray Brown.

[@ngolinyirenda6421]

Whenever you hear the term "horn-like phrasing" as a bass player, remember this, you just heard it so immaculately demonstrated !

[@matthw633]

I’m now “ Hip “ to Jimmy Blanton and I’m so grateful. I knew the name because my dad was a huge Duke Ellington fan but I don’t recall hearing this song. His improv is exquisite, the phrasing, timing, tone , touch…….beautiful…….as always, thank you . The emotion comes through with every note……much like the great Stephane Grappelli……never thought I’d ever compare a bassist to a violinist……until now

[@anthonydozier6427]

And just when we thought we had heard it all, here’s comes this young fella with more informative content on the total history of modern bassist and there contributions,than we would of thought possible just 50 years earlier. In the late 70’s, I met a bassist who had been working in Chicago during the 1950’s and 60’s. One day he gave me a gift of a Duke Ellington LP Featuring his early 40’s band with Jimmy Blanton. He told to check out one track in particular call ‘Jack the Bear’. My parents had always played Duke Ellington records in our home, but other than a few scratchy old 78 rpm’s my dad still had, I wasn’t too familiar with the Ellington bands of that era. I must have played that one track dozens of times, and eventually I learned that it is possibly the earliest bass solo ever heard on a recording. Before there was an internet, acquiring that of kind information and discographies was next to impossible. There’s a Benny Goodman recording which pre-dated that one, which has a short bass solo, by Israel Crosby, who late worked with the iconic Ahmad Jamal Trio ( Live at the Pershing). And of course there’s the early swing bands of Cab Calloway, featuring the great Milt Hinton

[@gimmeagig]

II'm 66 and I have been playing bass since I was 20, but I didn't know anything about him other than his name. He was really on the cutting edge of his time. Kind of showing the way and the possibilities to the guys who followed. Thank you for posting this video and all the others. The internet is a better place because of you LOL

[@Galantski]

I'll thank you right now, Paul. What more can be said about Jimmie Blanton? _Brilliant. Breathtaking. A true genius._

[@AlligatorGod]

Love that someone out there is giving some much deserved love to Blanton - been starving for more songs with him featured and then you unearthed this incredible gem. Big piece of Ellington’s best era - shame he died so soon

[@I.O.M.]

Thanks for covering this. This seems to get overlooked in the bass canon. When I first started playing PC playing Yesterdays was always pointed to as a watershed moment. It is ironic to be able to look back and see the Blanton solos where a indication of where things were heading not only for the bass but jazz.

[@kevinr.theodore767]

So glad you gave some shine to one of Jazz's Unsung Heroes who died so young. R.I.P. to a true virtuoso Jimmie Blanton.

[@tomdchi12]

Never heard this before, and it kind of blows my mind in 2022. I can't imagine how people reacted in the early 1940s. Frustrating that he died just a few years before antibiotics for TB became available.

[@RSMoreno]

My favorite album compilation is a Duke Ellington one called “the Blanton-Webster band”. The music from 1939-1942 is ahead of its time.

[@63Baggies]

I feel blessed to have seen live two of the all time great bassists both electric and contra, thanks for posting this pdbass; as long as guys like you Rick Beato, Aimee Nolte, Adam Neely and the like are pumping out great content like this - music will never die.

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽 I’m a LITTLE more small potatoes than those guys, but thank you for watching!!!🙏🏽

[@Erschophone]

@@pdbass Nah. You're more serious, just not many "views"…

[@cupidu]

I'm an amateur guitar player from Argentina. Man, the data you show is amazing. Now a days your channel is my favorite! Love to listen bass in general and love badly the bass players and lines and info in general you share. If KZbin is for something, it for channels like yours. Thanks for this!! Much

[@pdbass]

Wow, thanks!

[@AsFewFalseThingsAsPossible]

To think he was 20-23 when he recorded this, during the war, is astounding.

[@pdbass]

22. He joined Dukes band in 1939-three weeks after he turned 21. Astounding.

[@jamesoconnell7443]

Unbelievable that you’ve gotten to Bland. I didn’t see or know about the first video though. The amount of work it takes someone to do what you do doesn’t escape me. Thank you again. It’s brilliant-every single one.

[@newjazzunderground]

its so incredible how much he changed the sound of bass in such a short period of time.. It's truly a loss to not see what he could've achieved had he been given more time on earth.. with that being said he gave more to the music than most can ever dream of. True master and a constant inspiration

[@cascanicoff5763]

I strongly recommend the book "The jazz tradition", with several great transcriptions of bass masters, including this gem. Great tune indeed, one of my favourite bass solos

[@daveman_50]

I think you're referring to "The Bass Tradition" by Todd Coolman.

[@sultana1486]

The most beautiful aspect is the almost palpable ease and relaxed mien of the bassist….surely, a man at ease and peace with the bass! Thanks for the introduction…I shall seek out Mr Blanton.

[@WALTERTLHB]

Good day my dear brother. I've listened to Duke Ellington owned a few of his recordings not originals AKA 78's. I just started viewing this segment within the first three minutes of your introductory explanation I experienced a complete emotional energy surge to my body like when I heard my first Hendrix note. Man!! okay back to the rest of the video this cat was bad to the bone.

[@mikewilcox8197]

There’s an Ellington album with just him and duke playing called “Duke Ellington Solos, Duets and Trios”

[@cliffordletsche1707]

That is a 70's-early 80's reissue on Bluebird that was re-released on CD. In case anyone wants to track it down...

[@thefunkexcursion]

Wow, big Ellington fan and did't realize how revolutionary this bassist was!! I ALWAYS learn something new on this channel!

[@peterknaust7424]

Paul, I would love to hear your take on Charles Ables. Thirty years with Shirley Horn, playing for the song with taste and restraint, I think he was brilliant. And Shirley… melts me every time!

[@digableskillz]

My brother, thank you so much for choosing to create a channel with this type of content that is specific to bass players. I would like to ask if, rather when you are going to recognize a true unsung legendary bassist that is respected in both r&b and jazz…none other than Nate Phillips (Pleasure/ Jeff Lorber). He never seemed to get any love in theses KZbin/social media streets. Respect to you again for even creating and sharing this channel 🙏🏾

[@aaronmerry]

Thank you so much for the info on that Duke and Ray record! As a drummer I'm always looking for drummerless albums and I can't help but feel that you've created something very special with this video. Thank you again.

[@yo7699]

Wonderful detail, as a bass player, this is the exact kind of content that we need!

[@RaiderClarke312]

Thanks for doing this vid on Jimmy Blanton. Never knew much of him. He was definitely Waaaaaaay Ahead of his Time.....

[@lundsweden]

I'm so amazed that Paul can play electric bass, many different styles, double bass also in many different styles, pizzicato or arco!

[@petermanley7525]

Another great video. I’m glad to see you’re looking well. Take care.

[@jazzman2516]

Wow! Fascinating solo and so unique in terms of the harmonic language used and just his playing style alone. I’ve rarely heard arco being used so expressively on an upright for jazz and you were spot on with ‘guitaristic’. Those diminished runs and mordents are smooth as hell! Definitely a pioneer on par with Jaco.

[@Hofsaedter]

You are an important piece of culture bringing me closer to music and love it even more

[@patrickr12342]

I want to thank you, for you work. It is jazz education, at its best. In my younger years, i only want to play. Now in my 40's ,i hunger for this kind of knowledge. A very cool video. Take care and god bless. Greetings from germany.

[@waderogers776]

I'll thank you now....what a great video of one of the greatest. Love your channel....and that you are keeping these legends' music alive.

[@andymelendez9757]

Thanks for this! Amazing how each generation has its powerhouse innovator. His playing has no fear in it..

[@closed13]

He's listed as the main bassist of the double bass to follow . Pettifords brother Ira told him he would have to learn how to play the upright as a lead instrument. He realized that blanton created a whole new opproach.

[@DavidPiniella]

Paul, thank you for your content, it is always excellent and interesting. I particularly appreciate the breadth and variety, the history and techniques and scope across genres and styles. Great, great work. Again, thank you.

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@rudyzulkarnaen1633]

Another great video from you Mr Thompson. Thank you😁.

[@NeedleHair]

Fantastic! Thank you for sharing this knowledge.

[@leosmithonbass]

just reading the description and already hit the like button. One of my other first CDs was the 90s reissue of "Solos, Duets, and Trios" , which I bought specifically for the Blanton duets. Thank you for digging into this. People just don't know how forward-thinking this track was at the time it was recorded.

[@jackson.6282]

YES this is definitely music!! I heard it, it went through my ears, and then it was done. So incredible how things make sound

[@brendanfinucane]

Really appreciate your Blanton videos -- keep em coming! Really nice balance of accessibility and depth. Cool bebop connection too -- I've been trying to learn more about bop and this gives me another "way in"!

[@mikeplaysbassforelton1954]

As always brilliant content . You are a great presenter mate . I’m actually recording again on double bass thanks to this channel and me finding it a year ago. Your playing is getting better all the time I’m thinking and your channel has helped all

[@kjmusic56]

Thank you for sharing your insight and talent with us. This is definitely my favorite music channel by leaps and bounds! As a longtime professional bassist I’m truly inspired by your informed and heartfelt post. Keep up the great work 🙏🏾

[@pdbass]

Wow, thank you!

[@petertrotman7708]

Absolutely love this tribute. I'm fully aware of Duke but not all of his musicians but thanks to this video will be investigating more of his work. Cheers.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci for this. I just started playing the piano so went through my entire life not knowing the difference from a B-note to a C-note. Actually, I worked so I had to get those C-notes. But I'm beginning to realize the importance of the low end.

[@vernonbrooks6890]

The education you provide all musicians is invaluable. Thank you!

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽

[@drummersagainstitk]

When I saw the title I thought it'd be Ray Brown. I was surprised you mentioned Jimmy B....JIMMY B! Makes me happy to see your doing this. Thank you. He was great.

[@ANDREBODDIE1]

Luv you man! I'm a music novice and I appreciate how you take your time explaining and rightfully dividing the understanding and insights into this art from Thanks 🙏🏾

[@bmuhamad]

Yes, I do actually hear the triplets, and yes the solo is beautiful. Thanks. My day is better because of this great and relaxed post. 😎👍😁🙂☺️😊

[@craigj.8539]

PD Bass: Thank you so much for your work! So informative. Your postings are such a blessing!

[@pdbass]

My pleasure!

[@nylesfrench3568]

I was Just thinking about Blanton's generation in the Minton's Lab working out Bebop. His interaction there and Contribution. I would have loved to hear him play throughout the Bebop Post or hard Bop and Modal Jazz up to the late 50s. Incredible Virtuoso, trailblazing innovator

[@ronwass]

An interesting take is that had Blanton lived, he only would have been in his 40s and still at the top of his game when Scott LaFaro broke on the scene in 1960. Wouldn't it have been great to see how they inspired each other?

[@snoopy812]

Paul, you are an awesome player my friend. Love your show. Thank you for this. Much love brother.

[@michaelwilcox5168]

Duke comps and surrounds him like the genius he was.

[@imbykji]

I like opening my head and just pouring all this knowledge inside.

[@mistersample]

Great share and history. I was not familiar Jimmie Blanton.

[@stanleywilliamsbigdreams7867]

Thanks so much for taking us farther down the rabbit hole of all things bass. Your explanation and curation got me almost to where I gotta learn the double bass! I can’t picture effectively playing at arco on my jazz bass. I don’t think I can make it without being able to produce that sound 😎😎

[@dtfoel1230]

knew that name but not the player. nice how you take it apart after listening to the part. I hear Ron Carter on a move in the 1st section. Thanks we can always learn.

[@lxxwj]

would love to see more vids like this!!

[@pepepacheco6199]

excellent channel... I would suggest : Feliciano Arango , bassist of NG La Banda ( you might check Spain 1994 in Tokio or 1996 at Habana Jazz Plaza ). Also CARLOS DEL PUERTO former bassist of IRAKERE...you might check Juana 1600 , Columbia 1979...

[@aarmstrong862]

Thank you for doing this I have been talking about him for years, Ray Brown held him in high regard. I think his story is incredible. Not many want to take on the challenge attempting to play like him. It's easy to see his violin lessons in his bass playing, when Duke heard him he had a three string bass !!!. While I was learning he was and is a major influence. Thanks again for showcasing Mr Blanton I did enjoy this

[@Below-Average_Joe]

A few years back, I published an article about nightlife on the Illinois side of the St. Louis area. Jimmy Blanton was a student at Tennessee State who css as me up to Brooklyn, Illinois at the Harlem Club to play for the summer when Duke Ellington discovered him. Brooklyn was a huge hotspot for Jazz until the Sixties.

[@patrickselden5747]

Thanks for this, Paul - I find your channel informative in general, but this one really floated my boat. Peace... ☝️😎

[@crieverytim]

Body and Soul really brings out many a players best 👌🏻

[@ericplummer4089]

Moocho moocho thanks for the jazz education, being new to jazz bass (last 10 years) its amazing that something from 80 plus years ago is fresh and new and amazing!

[@peterknaust7424]

Thank you Paul, a real treat!

[@transtremm]

Awesome! Any plans for a Slam Stewart video?

[@Zappaholic]

Slam is my jam, hopes and prayers to a video on him

[@pdbass]

FOR SURE. Just deciding which one...

[@teponaztli]

How about the story of Slam talkin shit to mingus backstage at a show. I forgot some details but Mingus brought it up on that doc where he lets his daughter drink wine lol

[@pacomahone]

Smash that space bar. Killer video as always, Paul. Bravo.

[@Froi97Freixo]

What an inspiring video... congratulations!!

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for bringing James Blanton to my attention. Since my father was a big fan of Duke Ellington, as a child, I was probably exposed to Blanton's playing. As a big fan of the bass playing of Charles Mingus, Reggie Workman, and Jimmy Garrison, I can hear how they were probably influenced by Jimmie Blanton.

[@johnreilly9748]

Used to hang at Concerts by the Sea in Redondo Beach, Ca. in the 70s Howard Rumsey the owner and bassist told me about Jimmy Blanton and that was his guy! Nice arco playing PD! Bas viol really comes alive when bowed!

[@TranceofHaterd]

Thanks, Rob Wright of Nomeansno has cited jazz bassists such as Jimmy Blanton and Paul Chambers as influential players.

[@manuelbocanegra1843]

Excelente tu apreciación!! Thanks for sharing👍🤩

[@andrewkeiswetter8629]

Nasty with that bow! Just learning bow now so loving this

[@clicks59]

Definitely a pioneer. Sad that he died so young. Thanks for sharing this.

[@anarchyangelo]

Oh I'm hip to Mr. Blanton🎵🎶🎼

[@hank1519]

Wonderful video! Thank you!

[@ralphbyers6136]

Your videos are so great!! Your content enriches my life!! Thank you sincerely!!

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@meekoloco]

Great vid!

[@stephencochran5141]

Wow!! Thanks for this. I only knew the name before. So beautiful.

[@Moanerzl]

Very cool. We appreciate you, my man.

[@alexandram9477]

i love the bowed gut sound, good vid!

[@0mega.mechan1c.]

Fascinating🔥thanks for this.

[@glennadams9245]

If you're looking for the entire Ellington-Blanton session, Seek out a compilation called Ellington: Solos, Duets, & Trios. Thank You for inspiring me to FINALLY want to learn this.

[@thelonious-dx9vi]

I used to listen to these duets a lot. Pitter Panther Patter is a good one.

[@robertogomesmusic]

Thank you!!!

[@davidjordan5175]

This is great! I was expecting Jack the Bear. The Fargo recording is a must listen.

[@oblate777]

If you haven’t heard Slam Stewart soloing in a duo of “I Got Rhythm” with saxophonist Don Byas, do it ASAP. The recording is in the first Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz and has some spectacular arco.

[@stephenerickson8107]

Also he does that George Benson thing and that's fuggin cool

[@cliffordletsche1707]

Also on the "Town Hall concert 1945" - it's a live recording. I think it was released on Commodore records.

[@theodoreesawjr.8352]

Absolutely Fabulous!!!!!

[@ibassnote]

I always think of Pitter Patter Panther as his most important solo but I remember learning this one early on as well. His forward propulsion and swing along with the woody-ness of his gut tone always speaks to me. Michael Moore, someone I studied with a bit, said he didn’t believe Blanton would cause a stir if he showed up nor playing exactly as he did then but I disagree. I think everyone would be just as blown away now.

[@Oleg_Borscht_Lover]

You forced me to hear, how interesting and cool this solo is.

[@esitoris]

Fantastically beautiful!

[@heruausetausar]

Thanks, Paul! I can hear Duke saying, "Jimmie Blanton, Jimmie Blanton on bass!

[@Aliensatemybrain]

Some of that music sounds really good.

[@gilbo4000]

Thank you Paul ...

[@juanolivaresleiva8872]

I'm thankin' you already. A big hugh from Chile!!!!

[@CarlosRibeiroJr]

Thanks man! i really enjoy it!

[@willparker5736]

I’ll thank ya now… thank you!!! So good

[@handybunny]

Recently discovered your channel. 👏 Great stuff!

[@Benjybass]

At 0:39, you use the word "Arco", which can be really misleading. I have heard a few people say the same thing, however "with the bow" is more commonplace. "Arco" and "Pizz" are Italian words which indicate what to do in a bass part. However, European bassists translate "with the bow" into their own languages: German :mit dem bogen geschlagen, French: avec l'archet etc. Love your videos anyway, Paul!

[@dianefrancesmora187]

I'm pretty early today 😂, great video btw

[@baruchbobo9993]

I'm hip now, WOW!