"Let's Rap"
The "Free-Bass" -
A Wide-Open Future !
In Jazz, Motion Pictures, T. V. and Recording.
By Tito Guidotti
[ A reprint of an article in the Fall 1977 issue of Accordion Arts
Magazine - Published by James Nightingale ]
As of now, the potential of the freebass accordion as
a jazz instrument has not been exploited to the fullest. One wonders,
in view of the tremendous momentum jazz is gaining all around the world,
why the young free-bassist is not taking better advantage of the situation.
It is ironic that jazz - the only musical art form indisputably
American, is seemingly better received elsewhere in the world than here
where it was born and nurtured. In Europe, Russia, and Japan jazz
is extremely popular and is deservedly recognized as the important art
form it is.
In France, Alain Abbott, concert artist, composer and
teacher, is very pro-jazz. He has many free-bass students who are
eager to join the jazz scene. A short time ago, I had an opportunity
to send him a few charts, one of which was recorded by the 21 year-old
French free-bassist, Philippe Dardy on the commercial Discara label.
Abbott has informed me of the tremendous interest in jazz
among the young free-bass accordionists of France. This does not
surprise me. France has produced many unique jazz artists such as
Django Rhinehardt and Stephane Grapelli of the world famous Hot Club of
France. The fantastic vocal group, Double Six of Paris presents orchestrated
voices a la the big band jazz style. To my knowledge, no American
group has ever come close to this unique ensemble. And the great
film music composer/piano jazz artist, Michel Le Grand strongly reflects
in his music the influence jazz has had on the French school.
From Japan comes another and most startling example of
the popularity of jazz abroad. . . Tokyo, alone, has more than 350 jazz
clubs. That's more than we have in the entire United States!
Ironically, these countries are making us Americans realize
the great importance of our own jazz idiom.
But I've been speaking of jazz generally. What about
jazz on the accordion? Now that the free-bass, with its extended
range left-hand manual permitting correct linear and vertical voicings,
is demanding recognition as a legitimate instrument - where are the Bill
Evans and Oscar Petersons of the accordion? When will they appear
and make their presence felt? I try to stress this to my students
pointing out the wide open opportunities in jazz for the free-bass accordionist
as opposed to piano where there are literally hundreds of fine established
and up-and-coming jazz artists.
Recently the opportunity presented itself to expose some
original free-bass works to members of the American Society of Music Arrangers
at a dinner meeting. A student of mine performed these pieces before
some of the best composers and arrangers in the world (all of whom, in
my opinion, work in Hollywood) and the response to the free-bass was phenomenal.
Eddy Manson, president of A.S.M.A., wrote to me,
"We were all particularly intrigued with the
use of the free-bass and what a remarkable achievement that is. It
gives the accordion a new life.
Some day, I will ask you to hopefully explain it further
to us.
particularly liked your two compositions in the blues
genre. They had form, substance, and they caught the ear. More
so, they exploited the accordion in a deligh tful and satisfying way."
I have tried to do my best to open doors for the free-bass
by exposing it to the music giants of motion pictures, T.V. and recording.
These are the people who, aware of the capabilities of the free-bass in
their writing, will be able to make use of it as a significant part of
the orchestra rather than merely an ethnic color. Hopefully, these
doors will open for the young f ree-bassist.
So there you have it. Opportunities are unlimited
for the free-bass accordionist in jazz, movies, T.V., recording - you name
it. The whole music field is wide open to the free-bassist who is equipped
and qualified to handle the work.
So, young free-bass player . . . give these thoughts serious
consideration. And go after 'em!