Bassist Brian Bromberg Releases Two New Albums, “Bromberg Plays Hendrix” & ” In The Spirit of Jobim”

It’s
no ordinary summer for bassist Brian Bromberg, who yesterday released
his second and third albums this summer via Artistry Music/Mack Avenue
Records. “Bromberg Plays Hendrix” and “In The Spirit Of Jobim” pay
tribute to music icons Jimi Hendrix and Antonio Carlos Jobim
respectively and arrive six weeks after the release of the bass player’s
critically acclaimed chart-topper “Compared To That” as well as the
launch of his pioneering online radio station for bassists, Bass on the
Broadband (www.bassonthebroadband.com). The immense diversity offered in
the trio of new recordings impresses through content and technique
while achieving successes in all shades of jazz.

The audacious
“Bromberg Plays Hendrix” surprises in that the collection saluting the
rock/blues guitarist was made without a single guitar. Accompanied only
by monster drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, Bromberg plays all the lead guitar
solos and melodies on piccolo, fretless, electric and acoustic basses in
what becomes an astonishing showcase for the musician’s masterful and
imaginative skills. Bromberg produced the record comprised of ten of
Hendrix’s signature hits including “Fire, ” “Manic Depression, ” “The
Wind Cries Mary, ” “All Along The Watchtower, ” “Foxey Lady, ” “Hey Joe”
and “Purple Haze.” The concept for the album was suggested by two
different record executives from two different cultures two years apart.
It turned out to be far more challenging than Bromberg anticipated.

“Hendrix didn’t just sing melodies; he spoke to you. He was a true
genius and a true American icon. It was monumentally challenging and it
took a while to figure out how to capture his delivery and distill the
melodies from his vocals, ” explains Bromberg.

Venturing on an
entirely different path, “In The Spirit Of Jobim” offers fresh versions
of five of the seminal Brazilian music figure’s songs alongside seven
Bromberg-penned originals that emulate Jobim’s breezy melodies and
infectious rhythmic style. Bromberg handled production duties while
surrounding himself with Brazilian musicians and The Rising Sun
Orchestra in order to maintain authenticity.

“I love Brazilian music and it’s a blast to play live. The music is so positive and energetic. The

songs are simple and melodic. It’s just beautiful, ” says Bromberg.

Initially released in Asian territories, Bromberg recut, remixed and
remastered “Bromberg Plays Hendrix” and “In The Spirit Of Jobim” using
his signature line of Carvin basses.

Released June 5th,
“Compared To That” topped JazzWeek’s traditional jazz album chart and
spawned the top 5 contemporary jazz single, “Does Anybody Really Know
What Time It Is?” The collection of improvisational contemporary and
straight-ahead jazz recorded live followed by several months of
production work features Bromberg dispensing walking bass lines that
swing backed by an accomplished supporting cast starring Colaiuta, Alex
Acuña, Gannin Arnold, Charlie Bisharat, Randy Brecker, George Duke, Bela
Fleck, Mitch Forman, Larry Goldings, Jeff Lorber, Gary Meek and Tom
Zink.

Bass on the Broadband is the first outlet in the world
exclusively devoted to playing music and video clips from bassists in
all music genres. It officially debuted in June.

Next month, Bromberg is expected to embark upon an East Coast promotional tour with cities and dates soon to be announced.