Dave Bass with Karrin Allyson at Jazz at Kitano

Bass’ proclivity for an expansive repertoire is evident on NYC SESSIONS, not only in the breadth of stylistic adventures he undertakes, but in the varied perspectives he can bring to a single song as both a composer and as a pianist. Take, for example, his two original compositions which were first introduced on Gone. Compare the dramatic, Afro-tinged instrumental version of “Lost Valentine” as “sung” by Ernie Watts’ tenor with Karrin Allyson’s tender bossa nova version on NYC SESSIONS, or the up-tempo version of “Since I Found You” on Gone with the medium-tempo vocal version on the new album...

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Bass’ proclivity for an expansive repertoire is evident on NYC SESSIONS, not only in the breadth of stylistic adventures he undertakes, but in the varied perspectives he can bring to a single song as both a composer and as a pianist. Take, for example, his two original compositions which were first introduced on Gone. Compare the dramatic, Afro-tinged instrumental version of “Lost Valentine” as “sung” by Ernie Watts’ tenor with Karrin Allyson’s tender bossa nova version on NYC SESSIONS, or the up-tempo version of “Since I Found You” on Gone with the medium-tempo vocal version on the new album. “For a long time I’ve been attracted to the great American Songbook, from straight forward vocal renditions like Sinatra’s to more exotic renditions like Ran Blake’s and Jeanne Lee’s. These songs also work exceedingly well as instrumentals, although many great instrumentalists, such as Dexter Gordon, seem to always keep the lyrics in mind when they play,” explains Bass. “This has inspired me to compose songs with lyrics that work in all the ways that the classics do: in different tempos, different styles, with a vocalist or as an instrumental. “ As a songwriter, Bass’ unique ability to craft lyrics for his own jazz compositions - from the poetic (“Lost Valentine”) to the Cole Porter-clever (“Since I Found You”), to the Ray Charles-ish, gospel-tinged (“Just a Fool”) - is especially impressive.

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