Scott LaFaro · (Active: 1950's —1960's)

Photo by Steve Schapiro
Genre:
Jazz
Styles:
Cool
Post-Bop
Modal Music
Born:
April 03, 1936
Newark, NJ
Died:
July 06, 1961
Active:
1950's—1960's
Biography by Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
During his tragically short life, Scott LaFaro quickly developed into one of the most advanced bassists around, competing with Charlie Haden and Charles Mingus. He emphasized high notes, could play with great speed, and his interplay with Bill Evans in their trio was mutually stimulating and influential. LaFaro originally played clarinet and tenor before settling on bass while in college. He was with Buddy Morrow's band (1955-1956), toured with Chet Baker (1956-1957), and worked during the next few years with Ira Sullivan, Barney Kessel, Cal Tjader, and Benny Goodman, among others. LaFaro joined the Bill Evans Trio in 1959 and, although he would record with Ornette Coleman (including Free Jazz) and gig with Stan Getz, the bassist is best-remembered for his association with Evans, particularly their Village Vanguard recordings of 1961. The 25-year-old Scott LaFaro's death in a car accident shortly after was a major shock to the jazz world.
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Yes, and Paul Chambers, and Ray Brown — there wasn’t anybody that I wasn’t listening to. When I first started playing, when I got to L.A. I had two books that I made of my own transcriptions — one was transcriptions of Ray Brown, his walk...
It's been marvelous. It wasn't only a musical experience. Scott was one of the most lively persons I've ever known. He's always been a source of inspiration to me. I don't know what would have happened if he hadn't died. He has gone so far ...
If you listen to Scott when he was in L.A., there's a great line of jazz DB history. For instance, several great bassists: Scott, Charlie Haden, Gary Peacock and one cat...Albert Stinson, unfortunaly didn't live to fruition, But was on trac...
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