Table of Contents

Introduction. 1. The Bass and the Early Mechanical Roots of Jazz (1915-1930) 2. The Bass, Technology and the Development of the Rhythm Section (1930-1945) 3. The Spoils of War and the Jazz Bass: Tape Recorders and Editing (1945-1960) 4. The Electrification of the Bass: Behold the Illegitimate Cousin (1954-1970) 5. The Jazz Bass, Multi-Track Recording Technology and Fusion (1970s) 6. Jaco Pastorius: The Electric Jazz Bass Attains Respectability (1976-1985) 7. The Young Lions and the Technological Backlash (1980-1990) 8. Pro Tools, Computers and the Bass (1990-2005) 9. The Future of the Jazz Bassist (2005-2012) Conclusion.

About the Author

Peter Dowdall is a former New York City bassist and recording engineer and is currently teaching at the University of Adelaide, Elder Conservatorium of Music.