Ray Brown
Acoustic Bass Solo on
I'm An Old Cowhand

About

Ray Brown's acoustic bass solo is the second of three solos on this recording, following Sonny Rollins on tenor sax. Spanning two choruses of the 18-bar form in E♭ at a brisk 171 BPM with a swing feel, Brown follows with two authoritative bass choruses, his massive tone and impeccable time anchoring the performance, while Shelly Manne contributes two drum choruses that showcase his melodic approach to the kit. Brown's acoustic bass solo demonstrates both technical facility and a strong melodic sensibility, showcasing the instrument's expressive potential beyond its accompanimental role.

Ray Brown was 30 to 31 years old at the time.