Some Jazz double bassists who have left their mark on our instrument are of course missing, this little primer is only a reminder of the “essentials”.

JIMMIE BLANTON

JIMMIE BLANTON (1918-1942) was an American jazz double bass player, best known for his collaboration with Duke Ellington. He is considered one of the best double bassists in the history of jazz.
Blanton started playing music at a very young age and taught himself to play the double bass. He joined the Duke Ellington Orchestra in 1939, where he brought a new and revolutionary sound to the ensemble. Instead of playing the bass line conventionally, Blanton used pizzicato and bowing techniques to create flowing and complex melodies, which redefined the role of the double bass in the orchestra.
During his short career, Blanton recorded with many big name artists including Ben Webster, Johnny Hodges and Harry James. He died prematurely in 1942 at the age of 23, due to complications from tuberculosis. Despite his short-lived career, he had a lasting influence on jazz musicians and his work with Ellington remains a benchmark for bassists today.

RAY BROWN

RAY BROWN (1926-2002) Brown began his career in the 1940s, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania playing with musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. He was also a key member of Oscar Peterson’s Trio, one of the most influential bands in jazz history.
Brown was known for his powerful playing style and sense of swing, as well as his ability to play complex, melodic solos. He has recorded numerous albums as a leader, including “Bam Bam Bam”, “Something for Lester”, and “Don’t Get Sassy”.
Brown was also a respected teacher and mentor, having helped train many young musicians during his career. He has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including Grammy Awards and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts. He died in 2002 from kidney failure.

RON CARTER

RON CARTER Born in 1937 in Ferndale, Michigan. He is one of the most recorded jazz musicians of all time and is considered one of the greatest double bassists in jazz history.
Carter began his career in the 1960s, playing with many big name musicians including Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Freddie Hubbard. He was also a member of the famous Miles Davis quartet in the 1960s and took part in numerous recording sessions for influential jazz albums.
Carter is known for his melodic and rhythmic playing style, as well as his great technique and ability to improvise over complex chord progressions. He has recorded numerous albums as a leader, including “Where?”, “Empire Jazz”, and “Dear Miles”. Carter is also a respected teacher and mentor, having taught at the Juilliard School of Music in New York for many years and conducting jazz workshops around the world.

PAUL CHAMBERS

PAUL CHAMBERS (1935-1969) He is considered one of the most influential double bassists in the history of jazz, having played with many big names in the genre, such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins.
Chambers began his musical career in the 1950s, playing with jazz musicians such as J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding. He then joined the Miles Davis Quintet, where he contributed to many of Davis’ most famous recordings, including the “Kind of Blue” and “Milestones” albums.
In addition to his work with Davis, Chambers has also recorded with other great jazz musicians such as Cannonball Adderley, Wes Montgomery and Bill Evans.
Chambers was known for his solid and harmonic double bass playing, as well as his skillful use of harmonics and double strings. He was also a talented composer, writing titles such as “Mr. P.C.” and “Whims of Chambers”. Unfortunately, Chambers died prematurely in 1969, at the age of 33, from complications related to tuberculosis. His contribution to jazz as a double bass player remains invaluable, however, and his influential playing continues to be studied. and admired by jazz musicians today.

AVISHAI COHEN

AVISHAI COHEN Israeli jazz bassist, singer and composer born in 1970 in Jerusalem. He is considered one of the most influential musicians of his generation and has been hailed for his expressive double bass playing and deep, emotional voice.
Cohen started playing the double bass at the age of 14 and quickly made a name for himself on the Israeli jazz scene. He then moved to New York to pursue his career and worked with artists such as Chick Corea, Roy Hargrove and Herbie Hancock.
Over the years, Cohen has recorded many albums as the frontman of his own band, exploring a wide range of musical styles, from traditional jazz and jazz fusion to Middle Eastern music and lyrical ballads. He has also collaborated with artists from various backgrounds, such as Bobby McFerrin, Anouar Brahem and Alicia Keys.
Besides his work as a musician, Cohen is also a committed educator and social activist. He created a music education program for underprivileged children in Israel and was involved in projects to promote peace and social justice in the region.

BILL CROW

BILL CROW was born on December 27, 1927 in Othello, Washington. He began playing the double bass in the 1940s and soon moved to New York City, where he became an important member of the jazz scene.
Over the years, Bill Crow has worked with many renowned jazz musicians, such as Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz, Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, and Quincy Jones. He is also known to have been the bassist for Dave Brubeck’s ensemble in the 1950s.
Bill Crow’s playing style is characterized by great musicality and a warm, round sound. He is also known to be an excellent accompanist, able to support soloists while adding his own creativity to the mix.
In addition to his career as a musician, Bill Crow is also the author of several books on jazz, including “Jazz Anecdotes” and “From Birdland to Broadway”, which tell stories and anecdotes about the famous jazz musicians that he has rubbed shoulders with over the years.

POP’S FOSTER

POP’S FOSTER 1892-1969 Arrives with his family in New Orleans when he is 10 years old. He started with the cello then moved on to the double bass. His nickname comes from the fact that he was the oldest of the musicians he accompanied.

He notably played with King Oliver, Sammy price, Luis Russel, Louis Armstrong, Earl Hines or Sydney Bechet to name but a few.

EDDIE GOMEZ

EDDIE GOMEZ born in 1944 in Santurce, Puerto Rico. He is best known for his work with famed jazz pianist Bill Evans in the 1960s and 1970s. Gomez began playing the double bass at age 13 and studied music at the Juilliard School of Music in New York. York. He began his professional jazz career in 1963, when he was hired by saxophonist Jerry Coker to play in his band.
In 1966, Gomez joined Bill Evans’ Trio, with whom he recorded several classic albums such as “Trio ’64”, “Trio ’65”, “Trio ’66”, and “Live at the Village Vanguard”. Gomez’s playing style is characterized by great musicality, great harmonic sensitivity and great technical virtuosity.
In addition to his work with Bill Evans, Gomez has also performed and recorded with many other jazz greats, such as Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Chick Corea and Gerry Mulligan. He has also recorded several albums as the leader of his own band. Gomez is considered one of the greatest double bass players in jazz history and has won several awards for his work, including a Grammy Award in 1981 for his participation in the album “A Tribute to Miles”.

CHARLIE HADEN

CHARLIE HADEN (1937-2014) born in 1937 in Shenandoah, Iowa, and died in 2014 in Los Angeles, California. He is best known for his expressive and melodic playing, as well as his work with Ornette Coleman and the Liberation Music Orchestra.
Haden began playing the double bass in the 1950s, working with artists such as Paul Bley and Art Pepper before joining saxophonist Ornette Coleman’s band. With Coleman, Haden recorded some of the most influential albums in jazz history, including “The Shape of Jazz to Come” and “Change of the Century.” Haden has also performed with many other top artists, such as Keith Jarrett, Pat Metheny, Carla Bley and Michael Brecker.
In addition to his work as a double bass player, Haden was also a talented conductor, composer and arranger. He led the Liberation Music Orchestra, a large jazz ensemble that explored political and social themes through music, and recorded numerous albums as the leader of his own band.

MILT HINTON

MILT HINTON born in 1910 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and died in 2000 in New York. He was also known by the nickname “The Judge” due to his judge-like appearance when wearing black-rimmed glasses.
Hinton began his career as a jazz musician in the 1930s, working with artists such as Cab Calloway, Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong. He was one of the first bass players to slap (striking the strings with his fingers to produce a percussive sound), which has become one of his trademarks.
Hinton has also worked as a session musician on numerous jazz recordings and was a member of the backing band for Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show” television show for over 20 years.
During his long career, Hinton recorded over 1,000 albums as a
sideman and more than 20 as a leader. He was known for his rich sound and his ability to provide a solid rhythmic foundation while playing creative and melodic basslines. Hinton was also an avid photographer and documented his life as a jazz musician and that of his colleagues for decades. His collection of photographs has become an important resource for jazz history and has been featured in several books and exhibitions.

DAVE HOLLAND

DAVE HOLLAND British born in 1946 in Wolverhampton, England. He is known for his technical virtuosity and his ability to play in a wide variety of jazz styles, from bebop to jazz fusion.
Holland began his career in the 1960s playing with musicians such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and Stan Getz. He was also a member of Chick Corea’s famous jazz-rock fusion band, “Return to Forever”.
In addition to his work as a sideman, Holland has also recorded numerous albums as a frontman, including “Conference of the Birds”, “Seeds of Time”, and “Extensions”. As a composer, Holland is known for his sophisticated, melodic compositions that incorporate elements of jazz, classical music and world music.

SAM JONES

SAM JONES (1924-1981) Jones began his career in the 1950s, playing with many well-known artists such as Cannonball Adderley, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk. In the 1960s he joined Bill Evans’ Trio, where he brought rhythmic stability and a sense of melody to the ensemble.
In addition to his work with Evans, Jones has also been an in-demand session musician, recording with artists such as Sarah Vaughan, Benny Golson and Freddie Hubbard.
Jones was also a prolific songwriter, writing tracks such as “Unit 7” and “Del Sasser”. He continued to perform and record until his death in 1981 at the age of 57. His contribution to jazz as a double bass player remains invaluable and his influential playing continues to be studied and admired by jazz musicians today.

SCOTT LAFARO

SCOTT LAFARO (1936-1961) Born in Newark, New Jersey, and died at the age of 25 in a LaFaro car accident is best known for its work with jazz pianist Bill Evans.Bill Evans’ trio of LaFaro on double bass and Paul Motian on drums was considered one of the most important and influential jazz bands of the 1960s.
LaFaro was known for his virtuoso and lyrical style of playing, which utilized a wide variety of expansive techniques to explore the expressive possibilities of the double bass. He has also played on numerous recordings as a sideman, notably with saxophonists Stan Getz and Ornette Coleman.
Although his career was cut short by his tragic death, LaFaro’s influence on jazz music was considerable, and many double bassists sought to emulate his innovative and expressive playing style.

CHARLES MINGUS

CHARLES MINGUS (1922-1979) Considered one of the most innovative and influential musicians in jazz history, having created bold and eclectic music that blended elements of jazz, blues, classical music and folk music.
Mingus began his career in the 1940s, playing with musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton and Charlie Parker. He then formed his own band and recorded many albums as a leader, including “The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady”, considered one of the masterpieces of jazz.
Mingus was also a prolific composer, writing pieces that ranged from lyrical ballads to more dissonant and complex pieces. He was known for his demanding and authoritarian conducting style, but also for his great generosity towards his musicians.
In addition to his work as a bassist and bandleader, Mingus was also a committed political activist and an avid writer. He has written articles on music and politics for various publications, as well as an autobiography titled “Beneath the Underdog”.
Mingus died in 1979 of complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), leaving behind a lasting musical and intellectual legacy as one of the most visionary musicians in jazz history.

RED MITCHELL

RED MITCHELL (1927-1992) Mitchell began his musical career in the 1940s, first playing guitar before turning to double bass. He quickly gained a solid reputation as a studio and concert musician, working with many jazz greats, such as Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz and Billie Holiday.
In addition to his career as a bassist, Mitchell was also an accomplished pianist and jazz singer. He has recorded several albums as a leader on the piano, as well as with other musicians as a sideman.
Mitchell was also a respected music teacher and taught at many prestigious institutions around the world. He died in 1992 at the age of 65, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy as one of the most influential bass players of his generation.

Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen

Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (NHOP) (1946-2005) was a Danish jazz double bass player. Nicknamed “NHØP Pedersen began playing the double bass at an early age and quickly gained a reputation as a talented musician. He began recording in the 1960s with musicians such as Dexter Gordon and Kenny Drew, and went on to been invited to play with many other renowned musicians throughout his career.
In addition to his work as a sideman, Pedersen has also recorded numerous albums as a frontman, including “The Viking” and “Double Bass.” He was known for his virtuoso and expressive playing style, as well as his ability to perform in a wide variety of musical contexts, ranging from swing to bebop and jazz fusion.
Pedersen won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the European Jazz Prize in 1991 and the Danish Culture Prize in 2000. He died in 2005 aged 58 from complications of heart disease.

WALTER PAGE

WALTER PAGE (1900-1957) was an American jazz bassist from Gallatin, Missouri. He is best known for being the bassist of the Count Basie Orchestra, one of the most influential jazz bands in history.
Page began his professional musical career playing double bass for the Blue Devils, a Midwestern jazz band, in the 1920s. In 1929 he joined the Count Basie Orchestra, where he played a key role in the development of what has become known as “Kansas City Swing”, a playful, rhythmic style of jazz associated with the city of Kansas City.
Page was known for his sense of melody and his ability to maintain a strong bassline while improvising with the band’s soloists. He also composed several songs for the Count Basie Orchestra, including “Blue Devil Blues” and “Moten Swing”.
Page died in 1957 of a heart attack, but his influence on jazz and especially swing is still widely recognized today.

GARY PEACOCK

GARY PEACOCK Born in 1935 in Burley, Idaho, and died in 2020. He was known for his creative and versatile playing style, as well as his ability to play with a wide variety of musicians and styles of jazz.
Peacock began his career in the 1950s, playing with musicians such as Paul Bley and Bill Evans. He also worked with more experimental jazz musicians, such as Albert Ayler and Paul Motian, and explored a variety of jazz styles, from bebop to free jazz.
Over the years, Peacock has become a highly respected and influential bassist in the jazz community. He has recorded many albums as a leader, as well as a sideman for many important artists such as Keith Jarrett, Jack DeJohnette and Jan Garbarek.

OSCAR PETTITFORD

OSCAR PETTITFORD (1922-1960) was an American jazz bassist, cellist and composer. He is often considered one of the most influential jazz musicians in the history of the double bass.
Pettiford began playing the double bass at an early age and quickly gained a solid reputation as a jazz musician. Over the years he has played with some of the biggest names in jazz, such as Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk and Stan Getz, to name but a few.
As a composer, Pettiford wrote many compositions that became jazz standards, including “Tricotism”, “Bohemia After Dark” and “The Gentle Art of Love”. He was also one of the first upright bassists to explore the possibilities of the electric upright bass, using a Fender Precision Bass model from the early 1950s.