Rodney Whitaker
Acoustic Bass Solo on
What Is This Thing Called Love

About

Rodney Whitaker wraps up the solo sequence with a single chorus on acoustic bass, the last of three improvisations. Taken at an up-tempo swing tempo of 207 BPM over the 32-bar AABA in C, the improvisation moves with confident, driving energy. Rodney Whitaker contributes one chorus of acoustic bass, his solo reflecting the deep, woody tone and harmonic sophistication that have made him a pillar of the Detroit jazz tradition. Recorded for the album Standards Only in 2001, the performance captures Rodney Whitaker at 32 to 33 years old. Lee Konitz returned to the original tune with Brad Mehldau and Charlie Haden on the acclaimed Alone Together album (1997), demonstrating the enduring appeal of Porter's harmonic innovations to modern jazz artists.

Rodney Whitaker was 32 to 33 years old at the time.