Two Upright Basses, One Piano

Have yet to find another clip of blazing jazz guitarists that compares to T.J. Kirk, so I will shift from the guitar to that big brother of the cello, the venerable bass violin (A.K.A. standup bass). Obviously, pianist Oscar Peterson wanted to hire the best, so he got two ridiculously skilled bassists, Ray Brown and Nils-Henning Orsted Pederson, to join him on this gig. Big fat bass notes? Check. Driving swing? Yessir. Harmonic nimbleness? To the nth degree. Fabulous intonation? Yep. Enjoy!

Fun On The Frets with Joe Pass and Niels Henning Orsted Pederson

Dear reader, I was in a seriously crappy mood today until finding this remarkable video of Joe Pass and Niels Henning Orsted Pederson burning up the frets live in 1981. I feel better already!

Yes, Joe Pass, jazz chord melody guru, Ella Fitzgerald accompanist, teacher and guitar-slinger, improvising at fever pitch with a guy who played ridiculously fast Charlie Parker melody lines on an upright bass. A FREAKIN' STANDUP BASS, FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD!

And, like the promethean "Yardbird", they are no longer with us on this earth, but continue to spead joy, here playing the living daylights out of the ol' bebop warhorse "Donna Lee" at a concert in Antibes.

Think you can play the guitar? Ha ha ha - think again!