World-class bassist, composer and educator Chuck Bergeron has released his latest album, Bass & Face, a unique and highly creative project featuring duets between Bergeron’s bass and ten marvelous jazz vocalists. What a great idea—bass and voice together sharing a musical conversation.
Bergeron has spent more than four decades performing in settings ranging from intimate small groups to powerful big bands, and along the way he developed a deep appreciation for the art of jazz singing. Most interactions between bassists and vocalists take place within larger ensembles, where the bass serves primarily as part of the rhythm section. But during several years living in Seattle, Bergeron worked regularly with vocalist Kendra Shank, who always set aside a portion of her performances to share the spotlight with the bassist. She referred to those special moments as “Bass & Face,” and that inspiration eventually became the foundation for this remarkable recording. The featured singers are Janis Siegel, Sheila Jordan, Kevin Mahogany, Pete McGuinness, Roseanna Vitro, George Rabbai, Deborah Silver, Lisanne Lyons, Kate Reid and Nicole Yarling.
“Pianists and guitar players get to do that sort of thing all the time,” Bergeron says. “The harmonic range of the bass is a bit more limited, so it’s rare that I get that opportunity—but I really loved it. It’s a really naked and vulnerable situation and requires a different approach to playing the instrument.” The results of Bergeron’s inspiration are a treat for serious fans of jazz singing and bass playing alike.
What makes Bass & Face especially enjoyable is the intimacy of the performances. Recorded live without overdubs, the album places the listener directly inside these musical conversations. The sparse settings allow the lyrics, phrasing and emotional nuances of each vocalist to shine while highlighting Bergeron’s melodic and supportive bass work.
Bergeron also adds a few talented musicians here and there, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the album without disturbing its intimate character. Percussionist Richie Bravo fits perfectly with vocalist Janis Siegel on “An Occasional Man,” while George Rabbai contributes both trumpet and vocals on the delightful rendition of “I Thought About You.” Additional contributors include guitarist John Hart, saxophonist Charles Pillow, drummer John Riley and pianist Phil Strange.
The album is filled with inspired song choices ranging from beloved standards to lesser-known gems. Highlights include the beautiful reading of “Emily,” the clever and witty “Devil May Care,” the touching “Detour Ahead,” and a moving version of “Do You Know What It Means (To Miss New Orleans).” Throughout the program, Bergeron demonstrates why he is regarded as one of today’s most versatile and creative bassists.
I have attached two cuts from Bass & Face. The first is one of my longtime favorites, “Emily,” written by the great composer Johnny Mandel. The second is the timeless standard “I Thought About You,” composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
For fans of great jazz singing, thoughtful arrangements and masterful bass playing, Bass & Face is an album well worth hearing.
Playlist
- An Occasional Man
- Emily
- Devil May Care
- I Thought About You
- When I Drink
- Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West
- Detour Ahead
- Audubon Zoo / Iko-Iko
- Fair Weather
- Take The Wrinkles Out Your Birthday Suit
- Analog
- Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love
- Do You Know What It Means (To Miss New Orleans)
Performers
Chuck Bergeron – Double Bass
Featured Vocalists
- Janis Siegel
- Sheila Jordan
- Kevin Mahogany
- Pete McGuinness
- Roseanna Vitro
- George Rabbai
- Deborah Silver
- Lisanne Lyons
- Kate Reid
- Nicole Yarling
Additional Musicians
- Richie Bravo – percussion on “An Occasional Man”
- John Hart – guitar on “Fair Weather”
- George Rabbai – trumpet on “I Thought About You”
- Charles Pillow – guest appearance
- John Riley – guest appearance
- Phil Strange – guest appearance
