Harvie Swartz Love Notes From The Bass CD

Randy Kline, who is best-known as a lyricist of witty songs, came up with a very different idea for his second Jazzheads release. This purely instrumental date finds him playing supportive piano behind bassist Harvie Swartz on ten originals (nine by Kline and one by Swartz). The music is taken up almost entirely by bass solos with Kline sticking nearly exclusively to the background. With the exception of "I Got an Itch" and "Oodling," all of the performances are ballads. Obviously this is a recording for listeners who love the sound of the acoustic bass. Harvie Swartz does have an attractive tone and, even with the lack of variety, the project succeeds within its limited scope. ~ Scott Yanow

Recorded at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, New York between December 31, 1994 and May 12, 1995. Includes liner notes by Milt Hinton.

Personnel: Randy Klein (piano).

Audio Mixer: Robert Harari.

Liner Note Author: Milt Hinton.

Recording information: Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY (12/31/1994-05/12/1995).

Personnel: Harvie Swartz (bass); Randy Klein (piano).

JazzTimes (5/96, p.139) - "...what wonders it [the bass] displays when held in the right hands....Playing arco and pizzicato, Swartz brings out the treasures of his instrument. Klein's light sensitive touch complements neatly."