“There comes a time in a veteran artist’s journey when the music he’s creating in the present is so substantial and dynamic that all the foundational earlier parts of his life that once drove the narrative fall away. Some of pianist Dave Bass’ fans – and certainly newcomers to the harmonically and rhythmically eclectic experience of his extraordinary artistry – may still find it fascinating that a wrist fracture sidelined his once thriving career for years, and he went to law school and became a California Deputy Attorney General.
Yet with the release of The Trio, Vol. 3 – the third album in a phenomenal series launched in 2021 – the story is all about the, effortlessly conversational, dynamic and adventurous vibe Bass is creating with bassist Kerry Kashiwagi and drummer Scott Gordon – with guitarist Barry Finnerty adding his fiery electric guitar edges so prominently at times that on three tracks on Vol. 3 (most notably creating a wild, dizzying improv on the funky and bustling “Agenbite of Inwit,” named for a phrase in James Joyce’s Ulysses) that we could title this album The Quartet and not feel we were infringing on the titular concept.
“Besides the alternately sensitive, often whimsical and always intuitive playing (which is the foundation of what the pianist has referred to as their “wonderful telepathy”), the true joy of Vol. 3, like the previous volumes, is the rollercoaster mood swinging taking place as they journey, for instance, from the lyrical, lilting and sweetly sparkling Cahn/Styne (popularized by Sinatra) 40’s gem “As Long As There’s Music” and the plucky, angular, and increasingly bustling Monk jam “Criss Cross” to the gentle romantic flavor of Bass’ original “Endless Waltz” and the sly, swinging romp through Rodgers & Hart’s timeless “With a Song in My Heart.”
It speaks favorably to the pianist’s compositional prowess that his handful of infectious compositions - culminating in the rhythmically eclectic closer “Another Ending,” featuring Finnerty’s blast of rock-jazz intensity on the unexpected “cha-cha” section – hold up beautifully next to essential contemporary re-imaginings of the classic bolero “El Ciego” (the blind), the Miles popularized “Israel” (which first appeared on Birth of the Cool) and Piazzola’s fast and frenetic tango nuevo classic “Libertango.” Considering how prolific the trio has been this decade, let’s just say it because we know it will happen sooner than later– Bring on Vol. 4!“
-Jonathan Widran (from the JW Vibe)
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“I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Trio - Vol. 3 from Dave Bass and it's an aggressive piano jazz release. Opening with classic Sinatra tune, As Long As There's Music, Dave Bass on piano leads the way on melody with Kerry Kashiwagi with active double bass support and Scott Gordon on drums. The timing and changes give the track new life with great interpretation. Solid opener. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Agenbite of Inwit with its driving bass line by Kashiwagi and Bass' bopping piano lead. Barry Finnerty is featured on guitar and literally explodes with a blistering solo. Smoking. Armando Manzero's El Ciego (The Blind) is a terrific track with a terrific melody. Both Bass and Kashiwagi lay down beautiful lines making this track very special. John Carisi's jazz standard, Israel is really nicely covered, with articulate piano work by Bass with a nod to Paul Bley on interpretation. Kashiwagi's interaction with Gordon on drums really adds the heat on this track. Very nice. Astor Piazzolla is a long time favorite and Bass' take on his Libertango is special. Bass weaves the melody nicely on piano, maintaining the rhythm as he stretches the concept, reinforced by Kashiwagi and Gordon. Finnerty is back on lead guitar on this one and his Spanish articulation really works nicely. Wrapping the release is Another Ending, with its Latin rhythm and crystal clear piano work balanced nicely with Finnerty on guitar. Kashiwagi takes a melodic bass solo on this one leading to a strong piano solo by Bass. Finnerty cooks up a terrific solo on guitar and with huge percussion work by Gordon, this takes on the flavor of Santana before easing into a Cuban like comfort. This really is a cool release and one to check out.”
-Bman’s Blues Report
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“Cincinnati pianist, composer, and lyricist Dave Bass began taking piano lessons at age seven, and after high school played in bands opening for Captain Beefheart and Alice Cooper.
He then attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, but chose to continue his private studies with Margaret Chaloff. She taught him Russian technique. Dave then founded his own band, acted as pianist with Brenda Lee, toured Japan, Singapore and Malaysia.
During the seventies and eighties he lived around the bay of San Francisco, where he was a musician full time. In the mid-eighties he had a fall, where doctors told him that playing the piano probably wouldn't work anymore. Dave went to college and then UCLA School of Law. In 1996, he accepted the position of Deputy Attorney General at the California Office of the Attorney General. To his surprise, his injuries had healed and he was able to play the piano again.
His latest CD is a lyrical, free-flowing buffet of solid originals along with an eclectic assortment of compositions ranging from the American Songbook through the Jazz Songbook to a Piazzolla tango.
This is Bass's sixth CD as a leader, and the third with his trio. “In jazz, the piano trio is one of the most demanding and revealing disciplines – perhaps the ultimate challenge for a jazz pianist,” he said. “There is nowhere to hide, and all is revealed. When successful, the trio format allows for a wonderful telepathy between the players, and I am delighted that this has happened with bassist Kerry Kashiwagi and drummer Scott Gordon.”
'As Long As there's Music' opens, which we know in Frank Sinatra's version, followed by the cover 'Criss Cross' by Thelonious Monk. 'Endless Waltz' is an original track, for which he first wrote lyrics, which were sung by Karrin Allyson.
After reading James Joyce's 'Ulysses' he got the inspiration for 'Agenbite of Inwit'. Rodgers & Hart's ‘With a Song in My Heart’ is the next famous cover, followed by the bolero ‘El Ciego’ about a lost love.
'Israel' is of course taken from Miles Davis' album 'Birth of the Cool', and 'Blood' is a track by Annette Peacock, which sounds "out of tune". 'If You Could See Me now' is a quiet ballad, after which the cover 'Played Twice' comes from Monk again. We all know the famous 'Libertango', and 'Another Ending' closes with a romantic version of the bolero with cha-cha.
A CD that will certainly inspire lovers of jazz trios!”
-Patrick Van De Wiele (The New Jazz Section)
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“From the opening notes of “As Long as There’s Music” on The Trio – Vol. 3 (Dave Bass Music- 003), the listener is drawn into the welcoming pianism of Dave Bass. His eclectic and consistently engaging program comprises three Bass originals; five jazz gems, “Criss Cross” and “Played Twice” by Thelonious Monk, “Israel” by John Carisi, “Blood” by Annette Peacock and “If You Could See Me Now” by Tadd Dameron; a pair of standards, “As Long as There’s Music” and “With a Song in My Heart;” a bolero, “El Ciego (The Blind)” by Armando Manzanero; and a tango, “Libertango” by Astor Piazzolla. The original tunes by Bass fit comfortably within the program of established selections. Bass is supported by bassist Kerry Kashiwagi and drummer Scott Gordon, with occasional contributions by guitarist Barry Finnerty. No matter the tempo, Bass and his partners are as empathetic a team as could be desired. If piano trio albums are regularly included in your listening oeuvre, this album by the Dave Bass Trio will be a welcome addition to your library.
-Jersey Jazz by Joe Lang
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“Pianist and composer, Dave Bass, offers us his latest release, the sixth CD as a bandleader, and it celebrates “The Trio” as a Volume three. Volume two was released in 2022 and Volume one hit the market in 2021. All were very well-received and I’m certain this one will be also. Bassist Kerry Kashiwagi and drummer, Scott Gordon both appeared on the first two trio albums mentioned above. Barry Finnerty, who has recorded with Miles Davis, the Brecker Brothers, Hubert Laws and Ray Barretto, adds spice to this production playing guitar.
The Dave Bass name may sound familiar to Californians. In 1996 Bass was a Deputy Attorney General with the California Office of the Attorney General. He eventually joined the Civil Rights Enforcement and was knee-deep in his legal career when he rediscovered his piano chops. In the 1970s, he was part of the vibrant San Francisco jazz scene, including Latin music and Dave led his own group. He often found himself in the company of good friends and fellow musicians like Babatunde Lea, jazz vocalists Jackie Ryan and Bobby McFerrin. Unexpectedly, Dave Bass took a bad fall, fractured his wrist, and that stopped his piano playing. He was shocked when doctors told him he would never play again. That led him to UCLA School of Law and a whole new world.
Unexpectedly, in 2005 he realized indeed, he could play again; he would play again, and Dave Bass returned to music. Bass was attending a party when the guest asked him to doodle on the piano a few tunes. Hesitantly, Dave took up the challenge and was well received. Thus, his return to the piano instrument and music career he loved stemmed from that experience. This album reflects his appreciation of pianist, composer Thelonious Monk. The trio plays “Criss Cross” and “Played Twice,” with Dave Bass sounding stellar on piano. Bass has contributed three original songs to this project; “Endless Waltz,” a song with lyrics that jazz singer Karrin Allyson sang on one of her recordings, and a Straight-ahead arrangement of “Agenbite of Inwit” whose title puzzled me. I did some research and discovered this phrase literally means the ‘again-biting of inner wit’ and was taken from a James Joyce book, where the phrase means “Prick of conscience.” Guest star, Barry Finnerty adds a blistering guitar solo to this arrangement. The final original is titled, “Another Ending. The trio played “With A Song in My Heart” and Kerry Kashiwagi sparkles during his solid bass solo. This trio definitely put a song in my heart. All three of these gentlemen exhibit effervescence and mastery of their instruments. Together they offer us nearly an hour of stellar performances and awesome music. Their album’s release date is May 12, 2023.”
-Musical Memoirs by Dee Dee McNeil
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“THE TRIO – VOL. 3, the newest recording by pianist and composer DAVE BASS, is a lyrical, freewheeling buffet of solid originals together with an eclectic assortment of compositions ranging from the American Songbook to the jazz songbook to a Piazzolla tango. This is Bass’ sixth CD as a leader and follows The Trio – Vol. 2, The Trio – Vol. 1, No Boundaries, NYC Sessions, and Gone. Glide Magazine calls Vol. 2, “an unending exposition on imagination, with consummate grace and alacrity.” Bass adopted the trio format in 2021. “In jazz, the piano trio is one of the most demanding and revealing disciplines – perhaps the ultimate challenge for a jazz pianist,” says Bass. “There is nowhere to hide, and all is revealed. When successful, the trio format allows for a wonderful telepathy between the players, and I am delighted that this has happened with bassist Kerry Kashiwagi and drummer Scott Gordon.” Kashiwagi and Gordon also appeared on Vol.1 and Vol. 2. They have played many trio gigs with Dave, resulting in the profound musical intimacy of VOL. 3. Guitarist Barry Finnerty, who recorded with the likes of Miles Davis, Brecker Brothers, Hubert Laws, and Ray Barretto, appears as a guest artist on three of the 12 tracks on VOL. 3. The trio once again displays the deep empathy of a band that sounds like they have been playing together for decades. Bass’ interpretations breathe new life into the standards while avoiding novelty-for-novelty’s sake. Bass and company are superb musicians, and the music on THE TRIO – VOL. 3 is by turns whimsical, swinging, soulful, eloquent, and always adventurous.
Tracks
1. As Long As There’s Music (Styne & Cahn) 5:43
2. Criss Cross (Monk) 3:34
3. Endless Waltz (Bass) 5:15
4. Agenbite of Inwit (Bass) 4:38
5. With A Song In My Heart (Rodgers & Hart) 6:27
6. El Ciego (Manzanero) 5:04
7. Israel (Carisi) 3:55
8. Blood (Peacock) 3:04
9. If You Could See Me Now (Dameron) 5:03
10. Played Twice (Monk) 4:30
11. Libertango (Piazzolla) 6:08
12. Another Ending (Bass) 6:27
Personnel
DAVE BASS piano
KERRY KASHIWAGI double bass
SCOTT GORDON drums
special guest
BARRY FINNERTY guitar (4, 11, 12)
produced by DAVE BASS”
-Keys and Chords Online Magazine
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“Dave Bass: “The Trio Vol. 3” – Pianist and composer Dave Bass released The Trio Vol. 1 in 2021, and followed that the next year with The Trio Vol. 2. And now he is releasing The Trio Vol. 3. Featuring the same musicians as the previous volumes, Kerry Kashiwagi on double bass and Scott Gordon on drums, this new disc contains a mix of original material and covers. And it features guitarist Barry Finnerty joining the trio on a few tracks. The album opens with a beautiful and warm rendition of “As Long As There’s Music,” written by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn. This version goes in some interesting, unexpected directions. And speaking of interesting directions, the trio then tackles Monk’s “Criss Cross,” which soon becomes a rather fun number, that rhythm keeping it moving while Dave Bass is free to cut loose. That’s followed by the album’s first original composition, “Endless Waltz,” a song that Dave Bass also included on NYC Sessions, where it features vocalist Karrin Allyson. This new version is an instrumental track, the music having a strong sense of memory, of returning to another time. And soon we are immersed in it, a wonderful feeling. “Agenbite Of Inwit” is another original composition, this track being one of those to feature guitar. And the guitar is present in its opening moments. There is a sense of urgency to this track as it begins, and then it takes off, featuring some particularly delicious work on piano before that lead on guitar. This is a piece that Dave Bass previous included on No Boundaries. That is followed by a cover of “With A Song In My Heart.” I love that moment when it begins to swing, and I dig that lead on bass. “Blood” is an interesting piece, written by Annette Peacock. It begins with some piano work that becomes intense just as the others join in. It is exciting and unsettling. The trio delivers a second Monk tune on this album, “Played Twice,” delivering a fun rendition. I particularly enjoy that work on drums toward the end. The disc’s final two tracks feature Barry Finnerty on guitar. The first, “Libertango,” is a delicious dance. “Another Ending” also feels like a wonderful dance with a touch of magic to it as it begins. This is an original composition. The guitar gets a chance to sing and soar toward the end. This album is scheduled to be released on May 12, 2023.
- Michael Doherty (from Notes on Jazz)
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“One of those albums that land in the mailbox and become forgotten. Then, by some quirk of fate, I slip it into the machine and hey! The charity shop ain't gonna get their paws on this one!
Over the years I've been fortunate to hear many of jazz's great piano trios live. Teddy Wilson, Oscar Peterson, Errol Garner, Marian McPartland, Mary Lou Williams and Bill Evans to mention but a few as well as many more on disc and I can say, with hand on heart, that Dave Bass is worthy of being included in that illustrious company.
I originally played it as a sleep-inducer. Bad call! From the opening As Long as There's Music to his own Another Ending - via more of his originals as well as pieces by Monk, Rodgers and Hart, John Carisi, Annette Peacock, Tadd Dameron and others - my eyes stayed wide open and it was only after the second listening that I fell into a blissful sleep.
I played it again the following day just to make sure I hadn't been dreaming and found, to my delight that, in the cold light of morning, it was even better!
Bass had originally played piano until a fall led to a wrist fracture and doctors told him he would never play piano again.
His musical ambitions behind him (or so he thought) he enrolled at uni, then law school and eventually became a Deputy Attorney General in California.
After sitting in at a party and at various jam sessions he discovered that the doctor's decisions were baloney and by 2015 he was back on the music scene.
This is the third of his trilogy of trio albums and is probably the best ever jazz album by a former Deputy Attorney General and ranks pretty high alongside those pianists who were called to a different bar.
Apart from Dave Bass and the trio who are, incidentally, superb, guitarist Barry Finnerty guests on three tracks to add that little bit of extra spice.
Well worth checking out.”
-Lance Liddle (Bebop Spoken Here)
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“Cincinnati pianist, composer and lyricist Dave Bass began taking piano lessons at age seven and after high school played in bands opening for Captain Beefheart and Alice Cooper.
He then attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, but chose to continue his private studies with Margaret Chaloff. She taught him the Russian technique. Bass later started his own band and performed as a pianist with Brenda Lee. During the 1970s and 1980s he lived around the San Francisco Bay area, dedicating himself full time to music. In the mid 80's he had a fall, where doctors told him he probably would never play the piano again. Bass went to college and then to UCLA Law School. In 1996, he accepted the position of Assistant Attorney General with the California Attorney General's Office. When he was still Assistant Attorney General, he was invited to play an impromptu piano solo one night during a private party while the band was taking a break, and found that he was on the mend.
He has just released his sixth album as a leader entitled “The Trio Vol. 3”. The previous five were “The Trio - Vol. 2” (2022), “The trio -vol. 1 (2021), “No Boundaris” (2019), “Bass's NYC Sessions” (2015) and “Gone” (2012).
On his first three recordings, Bass surrounded himself with some of the biggest names in jazz including Phil Woods, Conrad Herwig, Ernie Watts, Karrin Allyson, Mary Stallings, and Ted Nash. In the last three he opted for the trio format, where he has been accompanied by Kerry Kashiwagi on double bass and Scott Gordon on drums. The three of them have played in many concerts as a trio, which has contributed to their close acquaintance. On this new album, guitarist Barry Finnerty (Miles Davis, Brecker Brothers, Hubert Laws, Ray Barretto...) appears as a guest on three cuts.
“In jazz, the piano trio is one of the most demanding and revealing disciplines, perhaps the greatest challenge for a jazz pianist,” says Bass. “There is nowhere to hide, and everything is revealed. When successful, the trio format allows for wonderful telepathy between the musicians, and I'm delighted that this has happened with bassist Kerry Kashiwagi and drummer Scott Gordon."
The disc has twelve tracks, three of them composed by Bass, the rest are standards of different styles, predominantly jazz.
The album opens with "As Long as There's Music" (Jule Styne - Sammy Cahn), a theme popularized by Frank Sinatra in 1944. Beautiful theme and beautiful version, with a lyrical Bass on piano, with beautiful sparkling flashes. A great start.
Thelonious Monk is one of Bass's favorites, always including at least one of his songs on each of his trio albums. Here it is his turn to "Criss Cross", a bold and unmistakable Monk composition. Extraordinary version.
It is followed by a song that Bass composed when he returned to the world of music, "Endless Waltz". He originally wrote the lyrics to the tune, which Karrin Allyson sang and recorded on the “Bass 'NYC Sessions”. Another nice theme.
"Agenbite of Inwit" is another song composed by Bass when he was reading James Joyce's "Ulysses", in which the phrase appears. Finnerty intervenes for the first time on the album, with a powerful solo. Bass on the piano is great and the rest of the group at a very high level.
It is followed by the beautiful and romantic "With A Song in My Heart" by Rodgers and Hart full of infectious swing.
Bass first heard the bolero titled “El Ciego”, by Armando Manzanero, on Charlie Haden's “Nocturne” album.
A radical change with “Israel” by Miles Davis (which first appeared on “Birth of the Cool”), another fantastic piece of good jazz.
Bass includes an Annette Peacock theme on each of his albums. The theme chosen this time is "Blood", a free theme without harmony, very interesting.
Tadd Dameron's quiet ballad “If You Could See Me Now” is one of Kashiwagi's favorites. We continue with a very high level.
Monk is back with “Played Twice”, an unmistakably Monkian song.
Bass has already recorded Piazzolla's “Libertango”, this is the second time he has done so. Personal version with solos by Bass and an almost rocker Finnerty.
The album ends with "Another Ending" a bolero composed by Bass that he already included in “Gone”. Bass offers a romantic solo and Finnerty another powerful solo.
The album is a set of varied songs that go from standards to tango, going through boleros, own pieces and a more free theme.
The trio show total empathy. It is clear that they have been playing together for many years.
To date, one of the best records of 2023 that have gone through La Habitación del Jazz.”
-La Habitacion del Jazz by Jose Ramon
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This review comes from Belgium and is translated by Google.
”Dave Bass is a famous pianist/composer from the California Jazz Scene, this is his sixth CD as leader and his third in the series The Trio. On his first albums he was surrounded by jazz luminaries such as Phil Woods, Ernie Watts, Ted Nash and Mary Stallings. His albums were well received in the media, but in 2021 he changed his line-up and returned to the original format of jazz, the piano trio. "In jazz, the piano trio is one of the most demanding and revealing disciplines - perhaps the ultimate challenge for a jazz pianist. There is nowhere to hide, and everything is revealed. When successful, the trio format allows for a wonderful telepathy between the players, and I am delighted that this has happened with bassist Kerry Washington and drummer Scott Gordon", said Dave Bass. Apart from these two who were also present on parts 1 and 2, we hear on three tracks guitarist Barry Finnerty recording with Miles Davis, the Brecker Brothers and Hubert Laws.
The album opens with the classic "As long as there's music" by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn, introduced by Frank Sinatra in 1944. Dave changed the time from 4/4 to 6/4, which gave it a completely different look. Dave has a common love with me regarding the music of Thelonious Monk, on his previous three albums there was always one composition by him and on the third volume there are two by Monk, "Criss Cross" and "Played Twice". The first is of course one of his most famous compositions and also one of the most "transverse", Dave gives a convincing version with the instant delay of the Monkian aspects but also with his own important contribution. "Played Twice" is a much lesser known number by Monk, with three performances recorded on the CD edition of the album Five by Monk by Five on Riverside. Here, too, Bass succeeds in recording a swinging version of his own.
"Agenbite of inwit" is a composition by Bass, he came across the expression while reading James Joyce's Ulysses, he meant a sign before he knew, the role of guitarist Finnerty is very important here together with the glowing solo of Bass. "Endless Waltz" and "Another Ending" are Bass' other contributions to this album. Other highlights are "Israel" by trumpeter Johnny Carisi, but best known for "Birth of the Cool" by Miles Davis. Bass was mainly inspired by the pianists Bill Evans and Paul Bley for this song, which is a hit in my opinion. Also worthy of mention are the bolero "El Ciego" from Manzanero and especially known for the performance of Charlie Haden on his beautiful album Nocturne. Bassist Kerry Kashiwagi plays a lead role in "If you could see me now" by Tadd Dameron. Annette Peacock is also one of Bass' favorite composers, his version of "Blood" is the most "free" number on this CD. Guitarist Finnerty and Bass shine in the famous "Libertango" by Astor Piazzolla. In short, there is plenty to enjoy on The Trio vol. 3!”
-Jan van Leersum (Rootstime)
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“For its third installment, pianist Dave Bass' regular working group has produced another worthwhile document drawing on Bass' many influences, and showing that he also has plenty of his own creativity to offer. Once again accompanied by bassist Kerry Kashiwagi and drummer Scott Gordon, and a few cameos from guitarist Barry Finnerty, the pianist proves his mettle as an agile and thoughtful interpreter of the jazz repertoire.
Just a few bars into the beguiling opener, "As Long as There's Music," the trio's empathetic tendencies are evident, with Gordon's subtle brushwork ushering along Bass' luscious harmonies and Kashiwagi's nimble inflections. Bass' lyricism radiates, and he refrains from overplaying, letting the melody guide his pensive reverie until the closing vamp gives him a few moments to stretch out a bit. He is just as compelling on pieces such as "Israel" and "If You Could See Me Now," both of which reveal a strong Bill Evans influence. He moves into a more angular mode to tackle Thelonious Monk's "Criss Cross" and "Played Twice," with a whimsicality which allows a more playful disposition to emerge. Kashiwagi's assertive walking bass on "Criss Cross" gives the pianist room to maneuver, and he takes advantage of it with a rangy solo which Gordon expertly navigates alongside him. "Played Twice" shows Bass' willingness to cede ground to his partners, as Kashiwagi gets the first opportunity for a crafty solo before Bass jumps in with his own, and Gordon is provided with some space of his own to let loose.
Unfortunately, the most intriguing cut on the album is also its briefest, as Annette Peacock's "Blood" is given an evocative three- minute treatment which is played impressionistically, without fixed meter. Kashiwagi's searching arco and Gordon's freedom from timekeeping enable Bass to venture outward, and his solo is quite imaginative. It would have been enticing to hear a bit more of the trio in this less-encumbered spirit.
Bass' own compositions are also winners. "Endless Waltz" has a poignant melody, traced with delicate grace by the pianist, and "Another Ending" is an infectious Latin-flavored piece with another strong theme. The latter also features Finnerty, who gets three tunes here. While the guitarist brings a gritty urgency to his energetic solo on "Another Ending," he is sometimes in danger of overpowering the other two pieces: both Bass' "Agenbite of Inwit" and Astor Piazzolla's "Libertango" have an edgy, almost aggressive dimension which is incompatible with the prevailing feel of the album. But, that quibble aside, Bass has created some first-rate jazz on his third trio album, and it gives us ample reason to anticipate Vol. 4.”
-All About Jazz by Troy Dostert
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“The life of any jazz musician is precarious and the road to that life is often compromised by unexpected misadventures. Just ask pianist Dave Bass. After completing piano studies with renowned teacher Madame Margaret Chaloff, and composition with George Russell, he began playing firstly around San Francisco but subsequently moved to Southern California. One day on his way to a gig, Bass fell and so damaged his wrist that he was told he would never play piano again. Thus he began a second career by obtaining an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine and subsequently a law degree from UCLA School of Law. Thereafter followed a successful law career until 2015, when he serendipitously discovered that his hand had completely healed, and he decided to return to jazz full time.
Fast forward to The Trio Vol. 3 wherein Bass is joined by bassist Kerry Kashiwagi and drummer Scott Gordon, along with guitarist Barry Finnerty on several tracks, as they run through a smorgasbord of originals, American Songbook standards and jazz classics all done with imagination and panache. Fittingly the opening track is a Jule Styne/Sammy Cahn number "As Long As There's Music," which was originally introduced by Frank Sinatra in 1944. Ever the innovator, Bass changes the time signature from 4/4 to a jaunty 6/4 thereby shifting the accent variations of the rhythmic figures.
The music of Thelonious Monk holds a special place in Bass' repetoire as he has used one tune on each of his previous trio releases. Here both "Criss Cross'' and "Played Twice" are featured with effective results. On the former, the number's internal metronome provides the foundation for Gordon and Kashiwagi to layer a foundation on which Bass gambols along. The latter is a sly piece, in which each of the participants is given an opportunity to refine the texture of Monk's work. Staying with the jazz composition theme, the trio addresses two classic numbers, namely Johnny Carisi's "Israel" and Tadd Dameron's "If You Could See Me Now." The Carisi composition is a 12-bar minor blues that Bass carries along in a sprightly swinging fashion full of inventive twists. The Dameron tune is given its usual ballad reading, but Bass arranged it as a feature for bassist Kashiwagi. He is full value for being in the spotlight as he demonstrates that each note matters as part of the flow of the arrangement.
Argentinian Astor Piazzolla is considered by some the most influential figure in the history of the tango and his composition "Libertango" is one of his most important. In this interpretation, Bass' trio is joined by guitarist Barry Finnerty, and they capture the ebb and flow of the tango's dramatic quality.”
-All About Jazz by Pierre Giroux
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“Dave Bass (piano); Kerry Kashiwagi (double bass); Scott Gordon (drums); Barry Finnerty (guitar – 3 tracks)
No recording information
It’s funny what life throws at you. Dave Bass started playing piano at the age of seven, studied composition with George Russell, and in the 1970s, was playing numerous gigs around the San Francisco Bay Area.
However, one day, he slipped while on his way to a gig, badly fracturing his wrist.
He was told that he wouldn’t play piano again. With a young family to support, Bass switched from music to law, later becoming deputy attorney general in the Californian office of the Attorney General.
It was years later, while attending a private event that Bass was invited to play solo piano, and to his surprise and delight, discovered that the injury had healed to the point where he could play piano at professional level again.
Since then, he has released a handful of albums including Gone (2010); NYC Sessions (2015) and No Boundaries (2018). He has since retired from law to focus on music full time. In 2021, Bass released the first of his trio albums, noting that the trio format is: “The ultimate challenge for a jazz pianist…there is nowhere to hide.”
As the album title neatly explains, this is the third instalment of the trio formation (a second album was released in 2022), which includes Kerry Kashiwagi on bass and Scott Gordon on drums, who both also played on the previous trio releases.
The two men are based in the San Francisco area and it’s easy to see why Bass has continued playing with them – they are consummate musicians. For three numbers, the trio is augmented by the presence of guitarist Barry Finnerty, who has played with Miles Davis, The Crusaders and The Brecker Brothers, as well releasing a number of albums as leader.
This album is a rich mix of originals, jazz standards and songs from the American songbook. The opener, ‘As Long As There’s Music,’ written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne and made famous by Sinatra, has been rearranged by Bass, who switches the time signature from 4/4 to 6/4 and adds a vamp at the coda.
It’s a bright, upbeat opening to the album, starting with a short solo piano section that has Bass playing the high keys. The sound is sparse, delicate and light, and drummer Scott Gordon plays with brushes, caressing his cymbals, while Kashiwagi lays down a solid pulse.
Throughout the piece Bass surprises and delights, such as when he plays a pretty cascading riff midway through the song.
You only need to hear the opening bars of ‘Criss Cross’ to know that this is a Thelonious Monk tune, with its walking bass line and dissonant piano chords. The band plays a solid, swinging version. Bass reworks a tune he recorded for his album, NYC Sessions.
‘Endless Waltz’ originally featured Karrin Allyson on vocals, but here we have an instrumental version. It starts dramatically, with a long, slow build-up comprised of Gordon’s crashing cymbals, Bass’s slow, graceful piano chords and Kashiwagi playing arco bass, before seamlessly switching to ¾ time.
It’s a fine performance. If you’re a fan of James Joyce’s Ulysses you’ll recognise the origins of Bass’s oddly-titled, ‘Angenbite of Inwit,’ which translates as ‘prick of conscience’.’ This is the first number to feature Finnerty, who starts off playing a tense riff composed of single string strikes played over a swinging rhythm section.
Bass lets loose on this number, with a lively solo, followed by an equally energetic solo by Finnerty. This track is one of the album’s many highlights.
Rodgers and Hart’s ‘ With A Song In My Heart’ gives each band member a long solo spot, while ‘El Ciego’ is a bolero with a melancholy feel.
Bass was inspired to cover the tune after hearing Charlie Haden’s version, which featured the violin playing of Federico Britos Ruiz. Bass’s new arrangement is exquisite and his playing is as soft and gentle as a light summer breeze.
The jazz standard ‘Israel’ has strong links with Bill Evans and that inspiration is clearly evident on this version (this is a compliment and not a criticism). Bass plays with great sensitivity and precision, for example, check out the section at 1:39, where the pianist deftly displays his speed, touch and articulation.
‘Blood’ is composed by the American avant-garde musician Annette Peacock, renowned for her electronic music and free-jazz works. This is the most dramatic and free-form number, with crashing cymbals and tumbling percussion, aggressive bass lines, and a large sprinkling of dissonance.
It’s certainly no easy-listening, melodic tune, but it is a captivating piece, coupled with a solid band performance.
Tadd Dameron’s ‘If You Could See Me Now,’ has a relaxed, soothing feel, in contrast to the second Monk tune on the album, ‘Played Twice,’ with its circular piano riffs and assertive bass solo. It’s another tour de force performance by the band.
The last two tracks from the album are reworkings from pieces on Bass’s album, Gone. Both also feature Finnerty’s guitar. The original version of the Andalusian-flavoured ‘Libertango’ featured Ernie Watts on saxophone, but this version has Finnerty’s guitar to the fore. It’s a track filled with drama, fire and passion, and Finnerty plays a lively solo.
The closing number, ‘Another Ending’ combines a bolero with a cha-cha section. It’s played at a slightly faster tempo than the original version. Finnerty plays and sounds like Wes Montgomery in places, Gordon drums with a light touch and Kashiwagi delivers a supple solo. Bass, as ever, plays with great fluency. It’s a gorgeous ending to an impressive album.”
-Jazz Views (UK) by George Cole
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“Pianist Dave Bass truly paints with the keys and his latest release The Trio Vol. 3 is another of his masterpieces. Bass’ third release as a lead is outstanding with a pleasant blend of nice re-imagined renditions of compositions by Tadd Dameron, Astor Piazzolla, and Rodgers and Hart, among others, and his own fantastic compositions. The trio here is rounded out by the presence of bassist Kerry Kashiwagi and drummer Scott Gordon, who performed on the two preceding Bass projects. Guitarist Barry Finnerty guests on several tracks and makes his presence felt on the production. The interplay between all of the musicians is more than superb and contributes to making this recording a truly majestic work.”
-The Jazz Page by D. Glenn Daniels
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Reviews from each album
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TRIO VOL 2.
“I MUST SAY BRAVO. I’M PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED WITH THE GROWING EMPATHY OF THE TRIO; THE QUALITY AND VARIETY OF THE “COVERS,” AND BASS’ ABILITY TO AVOID BOTH SLAVISH IMITATION AND NOVELTY-FOR-NOVELTY’S SAKE IN HIS INTERPRETATIONS; THE PROGRAMMATIC BALANCE CREATED BY BASS’ ORIGINALS, OF WHICH I FIND “MAY” PARTICULARLY ATTRACTIVE; AND THE LEAN STRENGTH OF THE PIANO SOLOS.”
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TRIO VOL. 1
“THE TRIO, VOL. 1 ANNOUNCES THAT DAVE BASS IS NOT CONTENT TO REST ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF HIS PREVIOUS RECORDINGS. HE HAS TAKEN ON PERHAPS THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE FOR A JAZZ PIANIST – THE TRIO – AND RESPONDS BY PLAYING, COMPOSING, ARRANGING AND LEADING WITH STRENGTH AND SINGULARITY. IN KERRY KASHIWAGI AND SCOTT GORDON, HE HAS PARTNERS WHO ARE WITH HIM EVERY NOTE OF THE WAY, AND THE SPACES IN BETWEEN.”
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NO BOUNDRIES
IT’S ALWAYS NICE TO SEE A LAWYER TURN HIS BACK ON THE SCALES AND GET BACK TO THE REAL SCALES, ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY WERE ONCE A JAZZBO PIANO MAN IN THE FIRST PLACE. SURROUNDING HIMSELF WITH GRAMMY WINNERS AND NOMINEES, THE SWINGING IMPROV MAN LETS FLY ON A PROGRAM OF MOSTLY ORIGINALS THAT HARKEN BACK TO THE REAL MUSIC DAYS. EASILY THE KIND OF STUFF THAT WOULD MAKE YOU PAY THE BABYSITTER EXTRA TO LET YOU STAY OUT LATER ON A SCHOOL NIGHT, THIS IS A FINE EXAMPLE OF HOW IT’S DONE. HOT STUFF WITH EVERYONE ON BOARD IN TOP FLIGHT.
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NYC SESSIONS
IN NYC SESSIONS, “A PICTURE OF A CONFIDENT AND VERSATILE PIANIST-COMPOSER EMERGES. BASS CAN SHOULDER THE WEIGHT OF A SONG, DELIVER A RHAPSODIC INTRODUCTION BEFORE FADING INTO THE FABRIC OF THE MUSIC, SUPPORT AND ASSIST SINGERS AS THEY CAST THEIR SPELLS, RUN WITH THE BATON WHEN THE SOLO SPOTS ARRIVE, AND BE A TEAM PLAYER WHEN THE MUSIC CALLS FOR IT.”
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GONE
ONE LISTEN TO THIS DYNAMIC DISC AND YOU’LL BE ASKING YOURSELF: “WHERE HAS DAVE BASS BEEN ALL THESE YEARS?”
