Charlie Haden
Acoustic Bass Solo on
What Is This Thing Called Love

About

Charlie Haden's six-chorus acoustic bass solo is the third and final solo on this live performance of the Porter standard, an unusually extended statement that stretches across six full choruses at 187 BPM over the 32-bar AABA form in C. This is a remarkably long bass solo by any standard, and Haden's extraordinary melodic conception sustains interest throughout, each chorus revealing new dimensions of his approach to the instrument. The drumless format places every note under a magnifying glass, revealing the exquisite sensitivity with which Haden crafts his improvised melodies across this demanding span.

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