Teaching jazz double bass in the 21st century

Tony Overwater

My initial plan was to do research and catalogue the available existing method books for Jazz bass education. But during the process I realized that matters were more complex than I had foreseen. Jazz (bass) methods were often based on classical music methods but Jazz education demands a different skillset and approach. I reexamined the fundamental building blocks necessary to successfully teach Jazz double bass. For this I designed a graphic theoretical framework that helped me analyze the existing methods. With this information I built a data base and webpage that offers analytical information about the available methods. Methods not limited to the traditional books but also on line learning programs and other methodical teaching material. Furthermore I examined the influence of the technological developments that the computer, smartphones, tablets and the internet have to offer. Teaching Jazz in the 21st century has proven to be much more of a modulair approach than the traditional linear approach.

Jazz Bass Lines

Author	: Mike Downes
Year	: 2000
Format	: Book
Level	: beginners, intermediate, advanced
JDB	: Jazz Data Bass Link


Highlights:
Step by step approach teaching walking bass
Historical comparison of 8 different bass players playing a blues bass-line

Comments:
Mainly focussing on blues and rhythm changes. For a next edition it might be nice to add some standards
Putting some attention to how the bass line relates to the other instruments might add value to the method. (counterpoint?)

This is one of the gems I found while doing my master research. A thoroughly methodic book for learning to play Jazz bass lines by a fairly unknown bass player. The book leads the student step by step through building bass lines. First by constructing a walking bass line on a twelve bar blues by playing only chord notes (chordal bass lines), carefully adding inversions and sevenths and teaching fundamentals of voice leading. Then progressing to scalar bass lines, melodic and harmonic approach. Rounded off with examples of walking bass lines on a blues by 8 different bas players throughout Jazz history. From Pops Foster to Gary Peacock. Presented simultaneously on 8 staves. Very insightful and practical. It develops to other musical forms like rhythm changes and common harmonic progressions. And it offers different solutions for different styles.

Although this book is not a complete method, it does offer a great approach to learning bass lines. I definitely recommend it for all students, starting to play bass and for those who need extra support in playing walking bass lines.