Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Sam Jones – Double Bass

Double Bass brings together two masters of their instrument, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and Sam Jones, for a session that celebrates the depth, rhythm, and expressiveness of the upright bass. Recorded in 1976, the album strips jazz down to its foundations, showcasing interplay, tone, and spontaneous dialogue between the two musicians. Rather than competing, they complement each other—Pedersen’s melodic agility meeting Jones’s grounded groove in a fluid, conversational exchange.

The record’s strength lies in its simplicity and precision. With only two basses, every note feels exposed yet purposeful, revealing the full range of what the instrument can communicate. Their duet approach emphasizes feel and intuition over flash, resulting in an album that’s both technically impressive and quietly soulful—a rare document of virtuosity expressed through restraint and mutual respect.

Reviews

“No gimmicks, no overdubs, no rhythm section—just two acoustic basses … and the results are marvelous.” – AllMusic