Bass Desires has become a recurring concept since this 1985 date, when it was merely the title of a CD and not a band. But the two-guitar quartet has a special appeal to bassist-leader Marc Johnson, who's joined here by drummer Peter Erskine and celebrated guitarists Bill Frisell and John Scofield. A study in the stylistic contrasts and shared values of the two six-stringers, Bass Desires shows off Scofield's linear, rapid-fire and hard-edged attack and Frisell's floating solos that use guitar synth to bend lines with elastic flexibility. Johnson's Japanese-themed "Samurai Hee-Haw" has Scofield tempering his funk with touches of hoedown, while Frisell adds atmospheric waves of sound to the folk ballad "Black Is the Color." Johnson is a superb melodist, apparent particularly in his unaccompanied introduction to the "Resolution" theme from John Coltrane's A Love Supreme, where Johnson's solo space builds toward strong work from both guitarists. All the tunes show thought, with Erskine's title tune setting a slow-moving theme against a fast tempo he and Johnson set down. The group is a format that seems to work for all concerned, with Frisell and Scofield clearly thriving on one another's presence, as well as with the rhythm section. --Stuart Broomer All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
I cannot believe that no one has reviewed this seminal work until now. Everytime I listen I am mesmerized by the compositions and how they source the finest inventions of John Scofield and Bill Frisell. The improvisational ideas here are continually absorbing and evoke multiple, deep and personal moods and desires. These feelings are suspended by the perfect synergy of Scofield's incredible structurings and Frisell's astonishing guitar synthesizer. I often concentrate on Marc Johnson's or Peter Ersk..
I've been listening to this record since the initial release, and find it consistently satisfying. The mock-power rock line-up is more than just a gimmick, it's a refreshing sound for jazz, and though little of this music actually swings - the beats are very straight, some rock, some reggae, etc. - it is most definitely jazz in conception.
Before the days of Amazon I bought this CD on one of my infrequent trips to a "hip" record store back in 1987. I subsequently listened to it probably at least 200 times and still return to it occasionally with great joy.This is one of the all-time great examples of improvisatory music involving two guitars. The interplay here is just amazing. When Scofield solos on "Resolution," it just seems like Bill Frisell, Marc Johnson, and Peter Erskine are GLUED to him. Every twist and turn of his solo brings for..
