MATT RIDLEY
photo courtesy of Rob Blackham
A graduate from Trinity College of Music in 2005, Matt Ridley has gone on to forge a reputation as one of the most creative and versatile bassists on the UK scene.
He has a long term collaboration with with Darius Brubeck and has also played in the quartet and big band of Michael Garrick.
However it was with the release of his debut album, Thymos, on Whirlwind Recordings in 2013 that it was apparent that Ridley was emerging as a composer and bandleader in his own right, and this has been cemented further by his latest album (also on Whirlwind), Metta.
Of his Top Ten favourite albums Matt says:
He has a long term collaboration with with Darius Brubeck and has also played in the quartet and big band of Michael Garrick.
However it was with the release of his debut album, Thymos, on Whirlwind Recordings in 2013 that it was apparent that Ridley was emerging as a composer and bandleader in his own right, and this has been cemented further by his latest album (also on Whirlwind), Metta.
Of his Top Ten favourite albums Matt says:
This list was selected with two criteria; they have to be recordings that were a turning point when I heard them, and also those that I still return to after listening to them for years.
CANNONBALL ADDERLEY - Somethin' Else
This was one of the first records that fully got me into jazz. It's at once really swinging and emotionally powerful and beautiful, qualities which are rare to find at the same time. It's one of the best examples of Cannonball that I've heard, blazing with liquid fluidity over the changes, always retaining a soulful blues inflection.
KENNY WHEELER - Angel Song
Again, a record which marked my transition into fully-fledged jazz lover. Kenny Wheeler's plangent sound and beautiful, introspective compositions were a revelation when I first heard them. Dave Holland also sounds amazing on this album; for a long time I would consider his improvisation on 'Onmo' my favourite bass solo. 'Homage to Kenny Wheeler' on my first album 'Thymos' is based on the chord progression to this tune.
JACO PASTORIUS - (self titled)
I first encountered this record when in my mid teens, soon after I began playing bass guitar, on the recommendation of my 'A' level music teacher. Although it was a little too sophisticated for my tastes at the time, having it's brilliance reveal itself to me over the following decades has been part of my musical journey.
CANNONBALL ADDERLEY - Somethin' Else
This was one of the first records that fully got me into jazz. It's at once really swinging and emotionally powerful and beautiful, qualities which are rare to find at the same time. It's one of the best examples of Cannonball that I've heard, blazing with liquid fluidity over the changes, always retaining a soulful blues inflection.
KENNY WHEELER - Angel Song
Again, a record which marked my transition into fully-fledged jazz lover. Kenny Wheeler's plangent sound and beautiful, introspective compositions were a revelation when I first heard them. Dave Holland also sounds amazing on this album; for a long time I would consider his improvisation on 'Onmo' my favourite bass solo. 'Homage to Kenny Wheeler' on my first album 'Thymos' is based on the chord progression to this tune.
JACO PASTORIUS - (self titled)
I first encountered this record when in my mid teens, soon after I began playing bass guitar, on the recommendation of my 'A' level music teacher. Although it was a little too sophisticated for my tastes at the time, having it's brilliance reveal itself to me over the following decades has been part of my musical journey.
MILES DAVIS - The Complete Concert 1964
This landmark recording was pretty much the soundtrack to my first years at music college and still sounds fresh 15 years later. Miles' playing is so powerful and deep, the rhythm section playing a marvel of support and interaction, and the textural approach of the band, with members dropping out for extended periods, an inspiration to small-group playing.
CHARLIE HADEN / JAN GARBAREK / EGBERTO GISMONTI - Magico
A highly unusual and creative offering, this is an excellent example of the 'ECM sound' with some really beautiful extended compositions. I love the use of different harmonic instrumentation; various types of guitars plus piano give the music a 'world' feel, and the forays into free improvisation keep an element of surprise throughout. Haden also impresses from a bass player's point of view with some mesmerising, typically (for him) restrained improvisations.
CHICK COREA - Now He Sings, Now He Sobs
Another disk I discovered early days at music college. The mind boggles at Chick Corea's compositional genius, and the trio play with amazing intensity. Miroslav Vitous on bass presents himself as an extraordinary tour de force here, one of the best examples of his playing that I've heard.
MILES DAVIS - Someday My Prince Will Come
Not one of Miles' most famous recordings, but one which I particularly enjoy. It's great to hear the contrast between Hank Mobley and John Coltrane (who unexpectedly sat in on the session, or so I read in Miles' biography) and Miles sounds as brilliant as ever. A firm track favourite of mine is 'Teo', where the rhythm section cooks away on a groove whilst Miles and Coltrane explore at length the flamenco tinge of the piece.
This landmark recording was pretty much the soundtrack to my first years at music college and still sounds fresh 15 years later. Miles' playing is so powerful and deep, the rhythm section playing a marvel of support and interaction, and the textural approach of the band, with members dropping out for extended periods, an inspiration to small-group playing.
CHARLIE HADEN / JAN GARBAREK / EGBERTO GISMONTI - Magico
A highly unusual and creative offering, this is an excellent example of the 'ECM sound' with some really beautiful extended compositions. I love the use of different harmonic instrumentation; various types of guitars plus piano give the music a 'world' feel, and the forays into free improvisation keep an element of surprise throughout. Haden also impresses from a bass player's point of view with some mesmerising, typically (for him) restrained improvisations.
CHICK COREA - Now He Sings, Now He Sobs
Another disk I discovered early days at music college. The mind boggles at Chick Corea's compositional genius, and the trio play with amazing intensity. Miroslav Vitous on bass presents himself as an extraordinary tour de force here, one of the best examples of his playing that I've heard.
MILES DAVIS - Someday My Prince Will Come
Not one of Miles' most famous recordings, but one which I particularly enjoy. It's great to hear the contrast between Hank Mobley and John Coltrane (who unexpectedly sat in on the session, or so I read in Miles' biography) and Miles sounds as brilliant as ever. A firm track favourite of mine is 'Teo', where the rhythm section cooks away on a groove whilst Miles and Coltrane explore at length the flamenco tinge of the piece.
KEITH JARRETT TRIO - Whisper Not
I couldn't write this list without including a Jarrett trio album, and it may as well be this one. If you ever need convincing of Jarrett's brilliance (or Gary Peacock/ Jack Dejohnette for that matter) look no further than this recording.
AVISHAI COHEN - At Home
Not only a bass virtuoso, but a great composer too, this is my favourite Avishai recording. In recent years his music has sounded a bit too 'pop' for my liking, but this one brims with creativity and imagination. Killer arrangements for extended line up, as well being totally groovy, perfectly showcasing the 'odd time signature' hipness of contemporary jazz composition.
OSCAR PETERSON TRIO - We Get Requests
Somewhat lighter in tone than the other records in this selection, I loved this record when I was getting into jazz. Ray Brown makes excellent transcribing material, both for his basslines and solos. This record is still a joy to listen to and can be enjoyed on many levels.
I couldn't write this list without including a Jarrett trio album, and it may as well be this one. If you ever need convincing of Jarrett's brilliance (or Gary Peacock/ Jack Dejohnette for that matter) look no further than this recording.
AVISHAI COHEN - At Home
Not only a bass virtuoso, but a great composer too, this is my favourite Avishai recording. In recent years his music has sounded a bit too 'pop' for my liking, but this one brims with creativity and imagination. Killer arrangements for extended line up, as well being totally groovy, perfectly showcasing the 'odd time signature' hipness of contemporary jazz composition.
OSCAR PETERSON TRIO - We Get Requests
Somewhat lighter in tone than the other records in this selection, I loved this record when I was getting into jazz. Ray Brown makes excellent transcribing material, both for his basslines and solos. This record is still a joy to listen to and can be enjoyed on many levels.
For more information visit Matt's website and Whirlwind Recordings.
Click on the album cover to read our review.
Click on the album cover to read our review.
