Charlie Haden
Acoustic Bass Solo on
Cherokee

About

Charlie Haden's two-chorus acoustic bass solo is the third and final solo on this live performance of Cherokee. Following extended statements by Konitz and Mehldau, Haden takes the 64-bar AABA form at 235 BPM in B-flat, maintaining musical tension while bringing a more grounded, lyrical quality to the proceedings. Sustaining creative momentum through Cherokee's demanding changes without drum support speaks to Haden's extraordinary musicianship, his melodic conception on the bass serving as both solo voice and rhythmic anchor for the drumless trio.

Charlie Haden was 58 to 59 years old at the time.