Master of the Bass

When it comes to the double bass player, Charles Mingus is still my main man. His conversational and pianistic approaches have allowed me to see that the bass could do much more than accomplishing the rhythm section. Colors, textures, and deep emotions could be heard in Mingus’s bass line solo. Mingus was eminent for his inventive blend of blues, gospel, and New Orleans sound. One of my favorite blues pieces is his dedication to saxophonist Lester Young entitled, “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat.” The composition is filled with unusual, substitute, unexpected chords.