Rufus Reid Interview - The Ever Evolving Bassist!

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In this video, I have the enormous pleasure of welcoming one of the double bass world's most renowned and celebrated jazz bassists, Rufus Reid. Known for his work as a sideman, bandleader, composer, educator, and hard-swinging bassist, Rufus is someone who has been a first-call bassist since the early 1970s. We discuss topics such as his early influences, the legacy of his book the Evolving Bassist, the International Society of Bassists (ISB), playing with legendary artists including Dexter Gordon and Eddie Harris, and much more. We also hear some beautiful notes from his beloved 1805 Josef Rieger double bass towards the end of our conversation.
I would like to express my gratitude to Rufus for his enormous contribution to the double bass world through his music and teachings. As someone who has done so much for our beloved instrument, he really is the epitome of the Evolving Bassist!
- Geoff Chalmers (DDB Founder and Host)
Please note, we re-uploaded this video to improve the audio quality, therefore the original views and comments were lost. If you can spare a moment to help us get them back, please share this with someone who you think will enjoy it.
LINKS:
If you want to learn more about Rufus, his music, the Evolving Bassist, and his numerous educational projects, please check out his website rufusreid.com/
For a full list of discussion links, behind-the-scenes photos, and more, visit: discoverdoublebass.com/interv...
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
01:36 Rufus' Early Influences
06:09 Meeting Ray Brown
07:38 Going back to school
11:15 Meeting Gary Peacock
12:30 Learning bass in Seattle
16:04 Writing the Evolving Bassist
22:30 Double Bass Duets
27:10 Advice for Students
28:54 Jamey Abersold and J.J Johnson
31:55 The International Society of Bassists
41:42 Rufus Reid's Double Bass
50:22 Solo bass performance
52:52 Strings and gear
56:11 What's new?
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Пікірлер: 39

  • @walkingbassline
    @walkingbassline Жыл бұрын

    Rufus is so awesome. Seems so open, patient and kind. I had a lesson with him when I was about 17 and really had no place having a lesson with him(knew next to nothing about jazz) but he was so cool and patient! He took the time to lay out a plan for me a set me on path of improvement, critical but supportive and motivating through example. He is an inspiration and should be a role model for all bassists and people.

  • @DiscoverDoubleBass

    @DiscoverDoubleBass

    Жыл бұрын

    That must have been amazing. He's such a special teacher and wonderful human!

  • @huncauac2808

    @huncauac2808

    9 ай бұрын

    Yes he is. I met him at the Aebersold camp. I guess, be a good human been is necessary to be a good musician. A real one. Great channel!

  • @wysiwyg2489
    @wysiwyg2489 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome interview, his book (Evolving bassist) was the first I bought and use it to this day. Those pictures of him with an afro are awesome. He wrote the most amazing comment, that always resonates: "My concept is that we as bassists should be able to play completely alone and relay the essence of a song by the construction of our bass line. We don't need need the keyboard to clarify the kind of chord. We don't need the drummer to clarify your rhythm. You should be able to swing and radiate energy all alone. Obviously, when we add a good piano player and drummer, it should be an added pleasure, but not a crutch. Don't lean on anyone, it is your responsibility to play harmonically and rhythmically simultaneously" Simply out of this world. Congratulations!

  • @DiscoverDoubleBass

    @DiscoverDoubleBass

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much, it's great you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing the wonderful quote!

  • @davidpenn9337
    @davidpenn93375 ай бұрын

    Great interview. Rufus is an extraordinary jazz bassist and one of the most kind people I have ever met. His book Evolving Bassist was my first bass training book and the concepts included continued with me to this day. The concepts provided me great foundational information that I applied during my time spent playing with Betty Carter years ago. He's a true Jazz Legend!

  • @DiscoverDoubleBass

    @DiscoverDoubleBass

    5 ай бұрын

    It's always such a joy revisiting the book and playing the examples/etudes.

  • @MarkMarxonsBassChannel
    @MarkMarxonsBassChannel5 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for sharing this legend’s wisdom n knowledge ❤🙏

  • @DiscoverDoubleBass

    @DiscoverDoubleBass

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it, Mark. Rufus has done so much for the music world and it was an honour to feature him.

  • @I.O.M.
    @I.O.M. Жыл бұрын

    Love Rufus. So damn humble.

  • @jamesrichardson3322
    @jamesrichardson3322 Жыл бұрын

    Rufus Reid is a legendary bassist!!! Good guy!! What beautiful Double Upright Bass!!

  • @buzoruso2060
    @buzoruso20608 ай бұрын

    Wise words Rufus

  • @philparker97
    @philparker97 Жыл бұрын

    Evolving Bassist - one of the first books I bought and still refer to. What a great man as well as a great bassist and educator 👍

  • @davidgrant3762
    @davidgrant3762 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the upgrade, so much easier for older ears to hear. And thanks again to Rufus. Such a talent and such a generous musician.

  • @hagaibil
    @hagaibil Жыл бұрын

    What a wonderful conversation!! Bass is it

  • @DiscoverDoubleBass

    @DiscoverDoubleBass

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much! :-)

  • @kirtsimon1416
    @kirtsimon141610 ай бұрын

    please let there someday be an audio book on the history of jazz bass narrated by Rufus Reid. His voice is amazing!

  • @DiscoverDoubleBass

    @DiscoverDoubleBass

    10 ай бұрын

    That is the best idea ever!

  • @eddiegomez1096
    @eddiegomez1096 Жыл бұрын

    Well Done Mr.Reid 👍

  • @steveleeatfullmeasure
    @steveleeatfullmeasure Жыл бұрын

    Worth watching again and yes the sound is much better. Thanks

  • @russelldougherty3054
    @russelldougherty30549 ай бұрын

    I went through a lot of bass books before Evolving Bassist, but after a day with it I started adding some of his lines with my blues-rock band (including the implied substitutions). Got more compilments from the band than I ever did before. Still go back to it regularly.

  • @dickvisser8363
    @dickvisser83635 ай бұрын

    Beautiful interview Mr. Chalmers. Very well done and your respect for this Bass Guru is palpable in the manner that you put the questions and in your facial expressions during the interview. Again, very well done.! Grace, is the word. I really like this. But that's also down to my profound personal admiration of this Master as well. Keep up the good work.

  • @DiscoverDoubleBass

    @DiscoverDoubleBass

    5 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for your kind words.

  • @dacarch
    @dacarch Жыл бұрын

    Wonderful interview, just ordered his book "The Evolving Bassist".

  • @lowtone9
    @lowtone9 Жыл бұрын

    Met him at an Aebersold clinic in Chicago, and I’ve not been the same since.

  • @DiscoverDoubleBass

    @DiscoverDoubleBass

    Жыл бұрын

    That's so cool!

  • @stevenpalmore9429
    @stevenpalmore94299 ай бұрын

    I had the good fortune to study with Rufus for a short while in Chicago. He was more like my father that my real father .Love him

  • @DiscoverDoubleBass

    @DiscoverDoubleBass

    9 ай бұрын

    That’s awesome. He’s a very special person!

  • @RAIN-AGAIN

    @RAIN-AGAIN

    Ай бұрын

    @@DiscoverDoubleBass JUST SUBSCRIBED!!! EXCELLENT INTERVIEW MR. CHALMERS…… YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS SHOWED; NOT ONLY YOUR ENCYCLOPEDIC KNOWLEDGE OF JAZZ, BUT YOUR TENDERNESS, AND OBVIOUS REVERENCE OF THIS NATIONAL TREASURE MR. REID‼️ AS A SELF TAUGHT JAZZ COMPOSER, I AM WORKING ON MY DEBUT ALBUM….. ( coming out around Christmas 2025) Hope to use an ensemble of horns, strings, and vocalists to complement the melodic originals …. I confess…… as a self taught pianist and guitarist…… my vocabulary of knowing musicians and Bassist is embarrassingly low……. I’ve always leaned towards the lyricist side of things ( as a songwriter)……. Legends like: Rogers and Hart , Mercer, Arlan and Harburg, ect…….. My infinity for writing jazz ballads keeps me at my old 1948 Baldwin Acrosonic piano…… I will remember what Mr.Reid said about listening: 27:27 ….. “ WELL…LISTEN TO OTHER PEOPLE PLAYING THEN…. LISTEN TO YOU ❗️ BE A LITTLE MORE RESPONSIBLE OF WHAT ACTUALLY………. YOUR’RE PLAYING ………. UUMMMM AND………. IF YOU REALLY LIKE IT……….YOU LEARN TO LOVE IT❗️ ……… AND THEN…. I MIGHT TOO….” Words to grow by …… I will remember them❗️ I’m going to take a look at the I. S. B. ….. and order a copy of : THE EVOLVING BASSIST ❗️ But…… I’ve been in LOVE with the Double Bass for decades ‼️‼️ Hopefully, I’ll be getting one this year for my home music studio . As Mr. Reid mentioned 26:36 “ IL HAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE TO GET ENRICHED ….. AND BECOME WARM………. I USED TO GO DOWN AND HEAR SAM JONES PLAY…… AND YOU JUST SMILED FOR THE REST OF THE DAY…. YOU’RE JUST WARM!!!” AT 67…….. IM A BIT LATE TO THE GAME………..ITS A LOOOONG STORY JUST HOW MY LIFE GOT DISTRACTED FROM PURSUING MY TRUE LOVE…… MUSIC ‼️‼️‼️‼️ BUT…… HOPEFULLY….. I CAN TRANSLATE THE TENDER MELODIES FROM MY HEART…… TO OTHER PEOPLES HEARTS…… ……. AND PASS ALONG THE WARMTH THAT THESE DEDICATED ARTISTS HAVE WARMED MY LIFE WITH ‼️ Hope to find a copy of his “CELEBRATION “ release as well as his PERPETUAL STROLL ALBUM. Thank you Geoff for such a rare treasure of a podcast ‼️…… It reminds me of another consummate jazz interviewer “PABLO HELD”‼️ Like “YOU” his passion and genuine LOVE FOR THE ART……shows in his eyes…… his smile, and enthusiasm ‼️ You have my undivided attention sir‼️ and thank you Mr. Reid for sharing your: RICHES, YOUR PATIENCE AS A CARING INSTRUCTOR, YOUR SPIRITUAL SERENITY, GOLD MINE OF WARMTH; VOCALLY, AS WELL AS TREATING US WITH YOUR STYLE, AESTHETICS, AND GOD GIVEN WISDOM. Thank you both for visiting us from heaven………..YOURE A SIGHT…… ………….. FOR SORE HEARTS ❤️‍🩹 And …….. ears🕯 Happiest Spring gentlemen 🌱 God Bless, 🎼 RAIN AGAIN 🎼

  • @blaiseutube
    @blaiseutube10 ай бұрын

    I would love to play bass. I listen to these interviews because they are so thoughtful and inspiring.

  • @DiscoverDoubleBass

    @DiscoverDoubleBass

    10 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching and I hope you get to play one soon.

  • @starlightghometheater2365
    @starlightghometheater2365 Жыл бұрын

    Gerard Stroh*** Discover Double Bass!!!! I Play Double Bass and Bass Guitar and 4 and 5 String Bass!!! I Play A 3/4 Size Bellafina Acoustic Upright Bass and It Sounds Great and I Use D'addario Kaplan Heavy Tension Stranded steel core Upright Bass Strings and It Sounds Awesome and I Also Have A Stagg Stick Bass and I still Have it But It Eats 9 Volt Batteries For Dinner But I am Going To Upgrade the Pickup on That Bass and it Fingers Great and It Does Have A Good Pickup on it**** I Took Up String Double Bass when I was About 11 1/2 Years Old and I Learn Bass Guitar About the same Age!!! I also Play Piano & Organ at Staint Bernards Church for 38 Years Now and I Learn Piano at the Age of 10 years old and the Same on Lead Guitar!!! I Play some Mandolin and Violin some What**** I Like To Get Me A Cello and A 4/4 Size Double Bass If I can Find one Cheep Enough But For Now I am Happy What I Have!!! I Use A French & German Bow on my Upright Bass!!!! For Bass Guitars I Use 4 and 5 String Bass and I have 3 Music man 5 String Basses and one of them is Tune one Octive Below A standed 5 String Bass and the Bass Guitar Has Super Heavy Bass Strings to have that Tunning here are the String Gauges on that Bass 80 + 100 + 145 + 200 + 260 and I use That Bass Just For Special Effects only and I Have Some Fender & Squier 4 String Basses and I Have one Left Handed 4 String Bass and Also A Hofner Beatles Bass Guitar and Thats Stung With LaBella Flat Round Bass Strings and I Have 5 Violins and one Electric one and it is Made By Stagg and the Body is Shape Like the Letter S and it is Strange Looking!!!! I Have 5 Mandolins and 3 of them are Electric and the Rest of them are Acoustic!!!! I Have A Vintage 1973 American Fender Telecaster Guitar and I Also Have A Rickenbacker 360-12 string Guitar and 5 Guild Guitars and 2 12 string Guitars and Others!!! Thats My Bass Story!!!! Bye From Gerard Stroh!!!

  • @Badbing612
    @Badbing6124 ай бұрын

    Mr Reid. I remember 10/99 when were a part of a fabulous trio that backed me at Lincoln Center. 2 Italian songs. Last minute arrangements by James Lamb. Great memory sir. Continued health and success Maestro. Ba da bing. 👍🐊😎

  • @leosmithonbass
    @leosmithonbass4 ай бұрын

    in case you're not hip, at 46:55 they are talking about the Anima Nova adjustable soundpost.

  • @PaulPaterson
    @PaulPaterson Жыл бұрын

    Great video. Better sound.

  • @DiscoverDoubleBass

    @DiscoverDoubleBass

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @maduroholdings
    @maduroholdings Жыл бұрын

    it's wild.tjat he would.take a 200 year old.bass and modify it

  • @felixhartley7749
    @felixhartley77492 ай бұрын

    bro is so thirsty lol

  • @Musicman914
    @Musicman914 Жыл бұрын

    What a legend..

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