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When Jay Starkes of the Neo Bass Ensemble called me up to let me know about an upcoming performance, I knew that I had to check out this group. Lisle Atkinson, the group’s founder, has been on the jazz scene in New York for decades and has played with some of the biggest names in the business like Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Carter, Clark Terry, and Thad Jones & Mel Lewis Big Band. Lisle was in the New York Bass Violin Choir along with Richard Davis, Ron Carter, Milt Hinton, Michael Fleming, Bill Lee (Spike Jones’ father), and Sam Jones. He started the Neo Bass Ensemble 25 years ago, and this group performs regularly throughout the tri-state region. I hope you enjoy this brief but engaging conversation that I had with Lisle backstage during the intermission of the Neo Bass Ensemble performance. Along with Lisle, that performance featured Karen Atkinson, Darnell “Jay” Starkes, Phillip Wadkins, Sam McPherson, John Robinson, Mimi Jones, and rhythm section members Paul West, Richard Wyands, and Charles McPherson, Jr. Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: Steve Swan String Bass Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast’s largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada. Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor. D'Addario Strings This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut. Kolstein Music The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein’s has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production. A440 Violin Shop An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools. Upton Bass String Instrument Company Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players. The Bass Violin Shop The Bass Violin Shop offers the Southeast’s largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome! Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!
A rhythm section is a group of musicians within a music ensemble or band that provides the underlying rhythm, harmony and pulse of the accompaniment, providing a rhythmic and harmonic reference and "beat" for the rest of the band. The rhythm section is often contrasted with the roles of other musicians in the band, such as the lead guitarist or lead vocals whose primary job is to carry the melody. The core elements of the rhythm section are usually the drum kit and bass. The drums and bass prov...
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This 1943 footage of Lisle Atkinson and jazz legends is a rare gem that offers a unique glimpse into the world of jazz music during its formative years. The clip, clocking in at 12:59 minutes, provides an intimate backstage look at some of the most influential musicians of the time.
At the center of this footage is Lisle Atkinson, a renowned bassist who has played alongside some of the biggest names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie and Thad Jones. Atkinson's association with these luminaries speaks to his own impressive credentials as a musician, and it's clear that he was a respected figure within the jazz community.
The presence of other notable musicians in this footage adds to its significance. Ron Carter, one of the most-recorded jazz bassists in history, is mentioned as being part of the New York Bass Violin Choir alongside Atkinson. This ensemble, which also included Richard Davis and Milt Hinton, was a who's who of jazz greats.
The fact that this footage is from 1943 makes it all the more remarkable. The war years were a challenging time for musicians, with many facing difficulties in terms of travel, performance opportunities, and even basic survival. Yet, despite these obstacles, the jazz scene continued to thrive, with figures like Atkinson and Carter helping to keep the music alive.
The clip's backstage setting provides an unusual perspective on the lives of these musicians. We see them interacting informally, discussing their craft and sharing stories about their experiences. It's a rare glimpse into the personal side of these legendary performers, and one that adds depth and nuance to our understanding of the jazz world during this period.
The mention of other notable figures in the clip, such as Dizzy Gillespie and Clark Terry, only serves to underscore its importance. These musicians were not just influential in their own right but also helped shape the course of jazz history.
In terms of historical significance, this footage is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the development of jazz during the mid-20th century. It offers a unique window into the lives and experiences of some of the most important figures in the genre, and provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of jazz music during its formative years.
Overall, this 1943 footage of Lisle Atkinson and jazz legends is a rare and precious find that sheds new light on the history of jazz. Its significance extends beyond mere entertainment value, offering instead a profound insight into the lives and experiences of some of the most influential musicians of all time.
Curated from public records and music databases.
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