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Ray Brown

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Ray Brown was an American jazz double bass player, born on 13 October 1926 in Pittsburgh and died on 2 July 2002. As a child he took piano lessons and actually wanted to play the trombone, but his father could not afford one. When a place became free in his school's jazz orchestra, he took the double bass. A great influence was Jimmy Blanton, the bass player of Duke Ellington's orchestra.

Music and breakthrough

At twenty he went to New York. There Dizzy Gillespie heard him and hired him on the spot. From 1946 to 1951 he played in Gillespie's band, together with Milt Jackson, Kenny Clarke and John Lewis. The last three later formed the Modern Jazz Quartet. He also played with Art Tatum and Charlie Parker. In 1947 he married the singer Ella Fitzgerald; they divorced in 1953 but continued to perform together. From 1951 to 1965 he was a member of the Oscar Peterson Trio, first with guitarist Barney Kessel and then Herb Ellis, later with drummer Ed Thigpen. In the 1950s he recorded a great deal as a session musician for the producer Norman Granz.

Influence

He also made albums of his own, such as Bass Hit! in 1957, This One's for Blanton! in 1975 and Soft Shoe in 1974. His playing was known for a firm, assured tone and an almost self-evident swing. Brown showed how a double bass can be the foundation of a band and at the same time a soloist.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to a recording by the Oscar Peterson Trio and notice the double bass. Do you hear how, with every note, Brown holds the beat and at the same time challenges the pianist?

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Categories: Artists