How Low Can You Go?

Most people around me know that, after the Ben Jaffe MNJ and Masterclass, I’ve developed a bit of an affinity for trad jazz and early American Music. Dust to Digital records from Atlanta, GA has produced this excellent series of early recorded bass. This collection contains three CDs in cardstock sleeves and an extremely informative, handsome 96 page book.

I can’t even say that I’ve been through the entire anthology yet. I haven’t gotten to the third disc and am only half-way through the book, but I am already thrilled with this purchase. The photos in the book are worth the price alone! I have been stuck on the second disc, Wilmoth Houdini’s Tiger Tom Kill Tiger Cat, Damblay, Santapie and Rat, The Spirits of Rhythm’s Dr. Watson and Mr. Holmes, and the classic Yes Sir, That’s My Baby by Roy Acuff and His Crazy Tennesseeans in particular.

If you are a double bass player of any sort (but especially jazz bassist), it is imperative that you take the time to listen to early players. The guys on these tracks are often the names I hear dropped in interviews by my bass heroes. I consider this collection one of the best additions I have ever made to my collection. I strongly urge all of my students to check this out.