Back To Bass-ics

Although I'm still clearing the marking for the IB exam I've managed to listen to a decent amount of music today. Since this is now being played on our new system there's a certain fascination simply in how CDs with which I'm very familiar sound in these different circumstances.

A case in point today was a great favourite of mine, Richard Thompson's The Old Kit Bag. It features essentially the same line-up as on my solitary, and hugely valued DVD Richard Thompson Live From Austin TX, with Michael Jerome on drums and Danny Thompson on bass accompanying our guitar god. However, The Old Kit Bag gets beyond the pared down sound of the trio with Thompson multi-tracking on a variety of strings and, I think, occasional keyboards, to create quite a rich, full-bodied sound.

What stood out today was the superb double bass of Danny Thompson. I mean I've always been aware, how could anyone not be?, of how spot-on his playing is, but the excellent resonance of the system on the lower notes gave the sound a clarity and distinction that was revelatory. His playing allies a sense of melody and sheer bounce that is a delight, particularly on the faster material. It's such a relief to hear the wood in the bass for a change.

Fans of Sir Cliff will be delighted to hear that it's Danny's playing that underpins that most immortal of all Eurovision entries, Congratulations. Though it may not have been his finest hour musically, it's good to know the world has had a fair opportunity to be exposed to the finest bassist of his generation.