Brian Bromberg
Downright Upright
Brian Bromberg
Downright Upright
Already released in Japan, Downright Upright is a return to the acoustic upright bass Bromberg
recently spent time with on 2006’s Wood
II. But this record represents a unique progression from that lauded cd,
which was laced with Bromberg’s innocent humor and embellished with solo Paul
McCartney and Earth, Wind and Fire covers. Far less intimate than Wood II, Downright Upright abandons the traditional trio format and takes on
new collaborative touches, including those from pianists George Duke and Jeff
Lorber, trumpeter Rick Braun, saxophonists Gary Meek, Boney James, and Kirk
Whalum, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, and perhaps most noticeably, guitarists Gannin
Arnold and Lee Ritenour. Having contributed to Rit’s recent album Smoke ‘N Mirrors, Brian just returned
from live dates with the legendary guitarist. Ritenour’s contribution to Downright Upright underscores their
complimentary, collaborative simpatico.
Downright Upright kicks
off with a highly updated take on Herbie Hancock’s 1964 hit “Cantaloupe Island,”
immediately setting the tone for what is to come. The tune is a prime choice
for Bromberg, who deems Hancock the “remarkable man” who “made me realize why I
wanted to be a jazz musician in the first place.” Hancock’s version had been
heavy on percussion, with clearly defined beats and a boxy rhythm made possible
through its piano/drum collaboration. It was an obvious predecessor to funk and
hip-hop, its beat tying the music together, the sonic palette just sparse
enough to leave room for improvisation at any point. Bromberg fills this space
with an arrangement that spins the classic in the opposite direction – he has
created an entirely new “Cantaloupe
Island,” with a clean,
full sound — adding the element of a guitar as well as prolonged solos that
allow each instrumentalist to stand out as a virtuoso.
Additionally, Downright
Upright sees covers of Hancock’s “Chameleon” and Eddie Harris’ “Cold Duck
Time,” complementing a unique lineup of ten tracks that are among Bromberg’s
most accessible and mature work. Unlike previous albums that provided well-lit
stages to highlight Bromberg’s solos, Downright
Upright is a more modest endeavor that gives equal time to nearly every
performer. There are certainly moments here that showcase Bromberg’s immense
technique on his 300-year old upright, but rather than garner the spotlight for
the length of an entire track, the bass shines through the fulfilling group
sound and all-star solo contributions. Such is the case with “Leisure Suit,”
whose bass solo enters with only two minutes to spare in the (nearly
eight-minute) track. Overall, Downright
Upright follows this method, carrying less of the stripped-down, romantic
appeal and playful humor of earlier work, instead focusing on the compositional
flash and musical balance this time around.
Years from now, the leader will reflect on Downright Upright proudly as another
sparkling facet in his illustrious musical career. The bassist sees his musical
evolution taking place alongside that of his own life. In his particular case,
art imitates life, and both have seen a number of exciting transitions.
Born in Tucson and now based
in Los Angeles,
Bromberg tested out of high school early to dedicate his life to music. The
decision would pay off shortly thereafter when he met Marc Johnson, bass player
to famed pianist Bill Evans. Sensing a rare opportunity, Johnson kept Bromberg
in mind upon learning that sax great Stan Getz needed a bass player to join his
quintet. After a successful audition, the freshly nineteen-year old Bromberg
joined Getz in December of 1979.
It wasn’t until 1986’s A
New Day that he set out to begin a solo recording career. Alongside covers
of “Summertime” and “My Funny Valentine,” Bromberg included six originals,
which would eventually expand to include the ambitious title track for the CD
version of A New Day that was
re-christened BASSically Speaking.
Another dozen releases would follow for Bromberg over the next twenty years –
among them a rock experiment with electric piccolo bass (2005’s Metal), two acoustic tributes to his
Matteo Guersam upright (2002’s Wood
and the aforementioned, Wood II), and
Jaco Pastorius tribute Jaco,
initially set to be an all-star compilation, unexpectedly transformed into a
Bromberg affair as well as the album of which Brian claims to be most
proud.
In a March 2003 interview with Bass Inside, Bromberg defended individuality in music, not
only for what it brought the music world in the form of innovators like
Pastorius, but for its significance to Brian as an artist himself. Denouncing
the critics who eschew stylistic experimentation, Bromberg asked, “Who are we
to judge what is in somebody's heart or where they choose to make their path?”
His desire for constant development has carried over to his album catalog, and
it hasn’t ended with the release of Downright
Upright.
As an in-demand producer, bassist and studio designer
Brian’s myriad talents have placed him in the forefront of the West Coast musical
community. Co-partner in the Artistry Music Group, whose label has seen
multiple Grammy nominations in their short existence, as well as owner of his
own popular recording studio in L.A.’s San Fernando Valley, Bromberg brings his
knowledge of an artist’s perspective to a forward thinking, musically exciting
new highpoint in a career filled with tremendous accomplishments.
In addition to his work on Wood II and Downright
Upright, Bromberg spent 2005 and 2006 overseeing Lemur Music’s replication
of his Italian upright, the Matteo Guersam he has used for over two decades.
The replica, which can be customized to individual preferences, might seem
unwise for the possibility that bass players may adopt the once-rare instrument
that has provided Bromberg a foundation. But while Bromberg’s original bass is
significant to his sound for the relationship he has developed with it, it is
only the means that delivers the artistry of Brian Bromberg to the ears of his
audience, and the man himself cannot be replicated.
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