The double bass or accoustic bass, evolution of the bass of gamba, emerged in the eighteenth century. It is the latest addition to the family of violins.
His distant ancestor had only a string. His current electric descendants possess up to six strings. With four strings, it finds its balance.
It can be played arco or pizzicato. In classical music rather arco, in jazz rather pizz.
In jazz, and all popular music, it is the control tower, located in the middle of the orchestra between piano' harmony and drum's rhythm.
Its role is to accompany, indicating the bass of chords through a rhythmic style as swing, rock or samba.
Jazz double bass became soloist, with great tempo, in the hands of Milt Hinton, Slam Stewart, Jimmy Blanton, Oscar Pettiford, Ray Brown, Charles Mingus, Paul Chambers, Scott Lafaro, Ron Carter, Christian McBride and many other ...
Charles Mingus and Paul Chambers have at least 2 common points: they are double bassists and were born on April 22nd, Charles in 1922 and Paul in 1935.
Charles Mingus
Charles Mingus was also one of the greatest composers in jazz history.
His autobiography, "Beware the underdog", is fabulous.
The album "Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus" (1963), with tenor sax Booker Ervin is a masterpiece.
Paul Chambers
The bass lines and solos by Paul Chambers are school models.
His magnificent bass head angel, with deep sound, is a Vuillaume.
The rhythm section of Miles Davis in the 50s', in which he is associated to pianist Red Garland and drummer Philly Joe Jones, is one of the most swinging trios in the history of jazz.
A History of Jazz Double Bass at Bjazz
