Bassist in the Spotlight, Sharing the Applause

EVER since Scott LaFaro freed his playing from the tedium of endless walking lines nearly 50 years ago, jazz bassists have been shedding their role as mere supporting players. But relatively few have led groups, and even fewer have done so with the kind of success John Patitucci is enjoying.

Mr. Patitucci--who lives in Hastings with his wife, Sachi (his manager and a cellist), and two daughters, ages 10 and 8--is attracting big crowds with his trio, which packed Dizzys Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center for six nights in August before heading west for a well-received series of appearances last month at major clubs from Seattle to Los Angeles and at the Monterey Jazz Festival in California.

Not only has Mr. Patitucci, 49, gained public recognition that is rare for a bassist he is a three-time Grammy Award winner he has also garnered the kind of testimonials from his peers that mark him as a player of extraordinary range.
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New Release From Legendary Jazz Bassist Scott LaFaro

New Release From Legendary Jazz Bassist Scott LaFaro

Pieces of Jade is a collection of rare recordings from one of jazz's most revered bassists. The album includes five selections recorded in New York City during 1961 that showcase LaFaro with pianist Don Friedman and drummer Pete LaRoca and a practice session with Bill Evans. Available now on CD and MP3!

Pieces of Jade features material previously unavailable to American audiences. Among the highlights is a rare glimpse inside the creative process with LaFaro in an extended practice session with Bill Evans, both of them working through a standard they practically owned, "My Foolish Heart." Also included are five selections recorded in New York City during 1961 that showcase LaFaro with pianist Don Friedman and drummer Pete LaRoca.

Don Friedman, piano (1-5,8)
Scott LaFaro, bass (1-5)
Pete LaRoca, drums (1-5)
Recorded in New York City 1961 (1-5)
Recorded by George Klabin 1985 (8)For more information, click here: http://www.resonancerecords.org/
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