Wood

Brian Bromberg

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 2, 2002)
• Original Release Date: April 2, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: A440 Records
• ASIN: B000063IVK
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #162,721 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Perhaps his stint with Stan Getz rubbed off on him. As jazz bassists go, Brian Bromberg evokes a tender lyricism out of his instrument that few of his peers are capable of. On Wood, Bromberg performs 11 tunes in a trio, duo, and solo format, with his 300-year-old upright bass at the fore. From a bouncy bebop version of "Speak Low" to a funky take on the Beatles' "Come Together," this album is remarkably consistent. Bromberg performs Eddie Harris's "Freedom Jazz Dance" and Miles Davis's "All Blues" solo, and you forget you're hearing just a single bass. His technique is refined but soulful, and his take on the "Star Spangled Banner" is more understated than flashy (no small feat). Though Randy Waldman backs him ably on the piano and brother David on drums, Bromberg is clearly the star on this remarkable effort, and the warm studio sonics emphasize his instrument over all the others. You can hear the influence of Charlie Haden on his playing, but that's OK. Bromberg is a talent to watch, and this low-key album is a solid introduction to his many skills. --Jason Verlinde

Product Description
Brian Bromberg is a rare breed in 21st Century jazz. A proficient musician on both the acoustic and electric basses, on this 2006 re-issue of WOOD, he showcases his remarkable talent exclusively on the upright bass. Sonically enhanced for re-release using the 24 bit 96 KHZ hi resolution stereo mix from the DVD audio. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Six stars, October 15, 2002

By	Michael J Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Bromberg's been known mainly for his electric playing in recent years, which is a pity, as he's an absolute MONSTER on the upright. His tone is incredible- that great woody, growl is so think you can taste it- and his interpretation of standards like "Speak Low" and "Dolphin Dance" puts him up with some of the best. The solos are a treat, too- imagine Miles' "All Blues" played as a bass solo! I'm still trying to figure out how he gets two lines moving in different directions like that. Six stars.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A virtuoso performance on a Wood bass, September 3, 2002

By	rash67 (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

"Wood" is a good title, you can hear the resonous quality of the strings and the wood of the bass in this very good new recording.

The jazz trio with piano usually features that instrument but Brian Bromberg turns his oversized instrument into a melody maker. He is literally all over the instrument, playing rhythym, melody, accompanyment and high chiming overtones all at the same time. It often sounds like he has four hands, but he never loses track of the song he's playing while showing of his exceptional technique. Mr Bromberg has great tone, the quality of this 18th century wood bass shines in it's notes.

A pleasing album from beginning to end. I really liked what he has done with the Beatles "Come Together" not following the path I had assumed he would. Other great songs are "Speak Low" and the swinging Bill Evans type version of "the Days of Wine and Roses" with the lead in the bass. One of the most consistently satisfying new albums of the year, a must for bass lovers.

Excellent recording. 4 1/2 points for performance, 5 for recording. Deserves to get 5 stars if it were more popular.

Buy this album! The more you listen, the more you'll like it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wood, March 8, 2003

By	Stephen Carr "rrp262" (College Station, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a producer/engineer and have played electric bass since 1980. As a new fan to jazz and upright bass, I have been listening to different players. Brian Bomberg plays a 300 year old German bass on this project and WHAT A TONE!!! I believe anyone who enjoys double bass will love this project.. ...did I mention this ol' boy can play??