“A Taste of Bass,” from Portraits of Jazz, by Valerie Capers
“A Taste of Bass” is inspired by Ron Carter, whose solos and rhythm work had a profound effect on bassists after the 60’s; his solos and sense of time were described as “brilliant” by critic Jaki Byard. This piece is two pages long, and the first 17 measures comprise of a mini bass solo, with measures 18-24 representing a walking bass line. A student would learn about replicating this style, and should strive to become familiar with Ron Carter’s sound to better portray his influence throughout this piece.
Portraits of Jazz by Valerie Capers is a collection of 12 early intermediate to intermediate jazz style pieces published in 1976 by Aztec Diaz-Tec 800, and Oxford University Press in 1992. These pieces are inspired by or dedicated to a particular jazz musician or singer
Valerie Capers was born in 1935, and was introduced to music through her father’s ties to Fats Waller (American Jazz Pianist), and her brother’s performances in the Mongo Santamaria Band. She received her early education at the New York Institute for the Education of the Blind and graduated from the Juilliard School of Music, with Bachelors and Masters degrees. Capers brings a wide scope of pianistic styles and concepts to her playing, drawing from jazz idols and keyboard masters alike.
Source
A Taste of Bass, performed by Reina Krumvieda