The death of bassist
Niels-Henning Orsted 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
'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.
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
Stephane Grappelli
Tubby Hayes
Palle Mikkelborg
. The music is primarily straight-ahead and there are some fine solos by
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. ~ Scott Yanow