Bass CDs
Bassist Brian Bromberg Salutes a Pair of Legends on Two New Albums
Bassist Brian Bromberg Salutes a Pair of Legends on Two New Albums… It’s no ordinary summer for bassist Brian Bromberg, who yesterday released his second and third albums this summer via Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Records. “Bromberg Plays Hendrix” and “In The Spirit Of Jobim” pay tribute to music icons Jimi Hendrix and Antonio Carlos Jobim respectively and arrive six weeks after the release of the bass player’s critically acclaimed chart-topper “Compared To That” as well as the launch of his pioneering online radio station for bassists, Bass on the Broadband (www.bassonthebroadband.com). The immense diversity offered in the trio of new recordings impresses through content and technique while achieving successes in all shades of jazz.
The audacious “Bromberg Plays Hendrix” surprises in that the collection saluting the rock/blues guitarist was made without a single guitar. Accompanied only by monster drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, Bromberg plays all the lead guitar solos and melodies on piccolo, fretless, electric and acoustic basses in what becomes an astonishing showcase for the musician’s masterful and imaginative skills. Bromberg produced the record comprised of ten of Hendrix’s signature hits including “Fire,” “Manic Depression,” “The Wind Cries Mary,” “All Along The Watchtower,” “Foxey Lady,” “Hey Joe” and “Purple Haze.” The concept for the album was suggested by two different record executives from two different cultures two years apart. It turned out to be far more challenging than Bromberg anticipated.
“Hendrix didn’t just sing melodies; he spoke to you. He was a true genius and a true American icon. It was monumentally challenging and it took a while to figure out how to capture his delivery and distill the melodies from his vocals,” explains Bromberg.
Venturing on an entirely different path, “In The Spirit Of Jobim” offers fresh versions of five of the seminal Brazilian music figure’s songs alongside seven Bromberg-penned originals that emulate Jobim’s breezy melodies and infectious rhythmic style. Bromberg handled production duties while surrounding himself with Brazilian musicians and The Rising Sun Orchestra in order to maintain authenticity.
“I love Brazilian music and it’s a blast to play live. The music is so positive and energetic. The songs are simple and melodic. It’s just beautiful,” says Bromberg.
Initially released in Asian territories, Bromberg recut, remixed and remastered “Bromberg Plays Hendrix” and “In The Spirit Of Jobim” using his signature line of Carvin basses.
Released June 5th, “Compared To That” topped JazzWeek’s traditional jazz album chart and spawned the top 5 contemporary jazz single, “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” The collection of improvisational contemporary and straight-ahead jazz recorded live followed by several months of production work features Bromberg dispensing walking bass lines that swing backed by an accomplished supporting cast starring Colaiuta, Alex Acuña, Gannin Arnold, Charlie Bisharat,Randy Brecker, George Duke, Bela Fleck, Mitch Forman, Larry Goldings, Jeff Lorber, Gary Meek and Tom Zink.
Bass on the Broadband is the first outlet in the world exclusively devoted to playing music and video clips from bassists in all music genres. It officially debuted in June.
Next month, Bromberg is expected to embark upon an East Coast promotional tour with cities and dates soon to be announced.
For more information about Bromberg, please visit www.brianbromberg.net.
