The Bass in the Background

by Scott YanowThe death of bassist Niels Pedersen in 2005 when he was one month shy of his 59th birthday was completely unexpected. One of the great bassists to emerge during the '60s, Pedersen could take lightning-fast solos, keeping up with Oscar Peterson during their romps, and yet was a perfect accompanist. He will perhaps be best remembered for his association with Peterson in the '70s and '80s, and for his work in the '60s when he was often part of a rhythm section that accompanied American greats while they made European tours. This sampler of Pedersen's recordings as a sideman for the Danish Storyville label has ten selections from 1962-1968, three from 1972-1978, and one apiece from 1986 and 1992. Pedersen is heard with a who's who of remarkable jazz soloists including Bud Powell (in 1962 when the bassist was just 15), Johnny Griffin, Stuff Smith, Kenny Drew, Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Coleman Hawkins, Teddy Wilson, Lee Konitz, Warne Marsh, and Zoot Sims, along with such Europeans as Bent Jaedig, Svend Asmussen, Stéphane Grappelli, Tubby Hayes, and Palle Mikkelborg. The music is primarily straight-ahead and there are some fine solos by Pedersen although the emphasis is more on his playing with groups. The Bass in the Background is a well-conceived set that should whet listeners' appetites to hear many more recordings by this brilliant bassist.