Double Bass Magic: Christian McBride and Edgar Meyer’s Groundbreaking Duets

Brace yourselves for a sonic spectacle as two giants of the double bass world collaborate on a pathbreaking album. Christian McBride, a jazz maestro versatile in various genres, and Edgar Meyer, who boasts a dynamic background spanning from bluegrass to classical, give listeners 'But Who’s Gonna Play the Melody?'—a delightful conundrum they resolve together.

An Album That Defies Boundaries

McBride and Meyer aren't just playing instruments; they're orchestrating a conversation that transcends genres, crafting original pieces and reinterpreting classic tunes. Their newfound partnership presents a musical dialogue where responsibilities intermingle, as each virtuoso alternates in leading with melodious charm and rhythmic ingenuity.

A Fusion of Genres and Techniques

With their debut joint effort, the two bassists celebrate the versatility of their 20-pound instruments. They dip into a vast musical repertoire, employing techniques like plucking and bowing to extract a full spectrum of emotional expression. It's a marriage of jazz, classical, and even folk influences, all emerging from the depths of their basses.

The album promises a visceral listening experience. With tracks capable of shaking up a nightclub, listeners will feel the grooves and rhythms pulsating through their very core. Yet the album's identity is multi-faceted—as much about the gentle, engaging whispers of the bass as it is about the intense, ground-shaking roars.

Highlights from the Album

Tunes like 'Bebop, of Course' and 'Canon' exemplify the duo’s ability to blend historical music traditions with modern flavor. The playfulness of 'Philly Slop' incites movement, while 'FRB 2DB' harkens to the groove of James Brown. 'Green Slime', the album's opening act, presents an energetic overture that humorously imagines heavy-duty romance.

Moreover, the pianistic endeavors on 'Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered' showcase the versatility of the artists, while Bill Monroe’s 'Tennessee Blues' reimagined as a bass duet, illustrates their virtuosic skill to rework melodies into captivating new forms—enough to saw through the toughest of timbers.

Virtuosos, Collaboration, Innovation