But Who's Gonna Play The Melody?
Christian McBride/Edgar Meyer (Mack Avenue)
In the dimly lit studio, where shadows danced across the walls like forgotten memories, Christian McBride and Edgar Meyer stood facing each other, their basses cradled in their hands like old companions. The title of their latest endeavor, “But Who’s Gonna Play The Melody?”, hung in the air like a riddle waiting to be solved.
McBride, with his roots firmly planted in the soil of funk, and Meyer, a wanderer of bluegrass, classical, and world music, seemed an unlikely pair to embark on a journey into the realm of Jazz bass duets. Yet, as they exchanged glances filled with silent understanding, it became clear that they were not bound by the conventions of their instruments.
The first notes of “Green Slime” pierced the silence, each pluck and stroke echoing through the room with a vibrancy that belied the instrument’s usual role. McBride’s bass, on the left channel, resonated with a funky groove, punctuated by occasional slaps that added a touch of raw energy to the mix. On the right channel, Meyer’s bow danced across the strings, weaving a tapestry of double-stopped chords and wistful blues melodies.
But as the music unfolded, it became apparent that the roles were not as they seemed. Meyer, with his bow slicing through the air like a brushstroke on canvas, revealed his mastery of technique, his notes dripping with the heavy portamento of his classical training. Meanwhile, McBride, with his fingers flying across the fretboard, infused the music with the soulful cadence of his funk roots.
As the album progressed, the lines between soloist and accompanist blurred, each musician seamlessly blending into the other until it became impossible to distinguish one from the other. Their exchanges were a testament to their mastery of the craft, each lifting the other to dizzying heights until the music itself seemed to transcend the realm of the possible.
In the end, what lingered was not the technical brilliance of their performance, but the profound sense of musicality that permeated every note. McBride and Meyer had created something truly extraordinary, a testament to the power of collaboration and the boundless possibilities of music. And as the final echoes faded into the night, it was clear that their journey was far from over.