What makes Bass Hit! by Ray Brown notable?

Bass Hit! is notable for its innovative approach to jazz bass performances during a time when the instrument was often relegated to a supporting role. The album received critical acclaim for its intricate arrangements and showcased Brown's influence on subsequent generations of jazz musicians, particularly in the realm of bebop and hard bop. Released in 1956, Bass Hit! marked Ray Brown's transition from sideman to bandleader, following his work with the Oscar Peterson Trio. This album solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in jazz, emphasizing his virtuosity on the double bass and his ability to lead ensembles effectively.

Who is Bass Hit! for?

Bass Hit! works well if you're into dynamic exploration of rhythmic patterns, wave-like pacing with medleys and intricate melodies for attentive listening.

How many songs are on Bass Hit!?

Bass Hit! has 13 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Released 70 years ago

Bass Hit!

Ray Brown · 1956

47 min · 13 tracks · classical music

A dynamic showcase of intricate bass lines intertwined with lush harmonies and subtle rhythmic interplay.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Solo for Unaccompanied Bass — This track stands out as a bold statement of Ray Brown's technical prowess, featuring complex fingerings and a captivating melodic line all without accompaniment. It highlights the double bass's potential for solo performance, paving the way for future soloists.
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Blues for Sylvia — As the opening track, it sets the tone for the album with its engaging bluesy feel and rich harmonic progressions, showcasing both Brown's expressive playing and the ensemble's chemistry.
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Everything I Have Is Yours — This track exemplifies Brown's lyrical playing style, melding emotional depth with technical skill, making it a standout piece that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.
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Will You Still Be Mine? — The arrangement here beautifully balances melody and harmony while allowing for improvisation, illustrating Brown’s ability to blend composition with spontaneous expression.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic exploration of rhythmic patterns
wave-like pacing with medleys
intricate melodies for attentive listening
vibrant showcase of bass improvisation

Maybe skip if you

seek instant gratification tracks
prefer straightforward single releases

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1956, Bass Hit! marked Ray Brown's transition from sideman to bandleader, following his work with the Oscar Peterson Trio. This album solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in jazz, emphasizing his virtuosity on the double bass and his ability to lead ensembles effectively.
Stylistic neighbors: Oscar Peterson· Jimmy Blanton· Charles Mingus

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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Blues for Sylvia 5:00
2 All of You 3:56
3 Everything I Have Is Yours 4:24
4 Will You Still Be Mine? 3:39
5 Little Toe 4:48
6 Alone Together 4:43
7 Solo for Unaccompanied Bass 2:26
8 My Foolish Heart 4:05
9 Blues for Lorraine 3:17
10 After You've Gone Medley 2:43
11 After You've Gone 2:48
12 After You've Gone Medley 2:49
13 After You've Gone 2:44

What to play next

Listen next

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Go back to

With My Friends Herb Ellis & Serge Ermoll

Full Ray Brown discography Where to start with Ray Brown Artists like Ray Brown

bebop hard bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata