Glasgow-based double bassist David Bowden launches a solo bass album, Unsung Songs, at Merchants House in West George Street on Sunday 12 April.
Part of a new series of Jazz at the Merchants House promotions, the concert will also feature trumpeter Matt Gough’s trio and has been given added cause for celebration for Bowden with the news that Unsung Songs has been selected as Album of the Week by the online jazz platform One Jazz.
Formed by prominent Jazz FM and BBC presenters Chris Phillips and Jez Nelson, One Jazz plays largely new music 24/7 and features presenters from around the world. Since launching in May 2024 it has developed into a popular and influential outlet championing the currently vibrant jazz scene.
‘Crazy’
In announcing Unsung Songs as the first album by a solo artist to become One Jazz’s Chosen One, Jez Nelson said: “In a crazy, noisy world with “content” coming at us from all directions there’s something of great value in something as simple as a single instrument being played from the heart.”
Bowden’s response was one of delight, surprise and gratitude for the support. When he decided to release Unsung Songs he was aware that a solo double bass album might be regarded as a bit niche.
“I wanted to discover what I could express on the instrument while making music that’s approachable,” says Bowden. “My aim would be to make music that anyone can enjoy, with no prior knowledge needed.”
For Jez Nelson, Bowden has more than succeeded in this goal. “He’s made a record that is immediately listenable but offers plenty of depth and spaces you can get lost in. Shut off all other noises and indulge yourself in the purity of this solo solace.”
Best known as a crucial member of pianist Fergus McCreadie’s internationally acclaimed, Mercury Prize-nominated trio, Bowden is a former Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year and an in-demand bass player on the Scottish jazz and folk scenes.
I wanted to discover what I could express on the instrument while making music that’s approachable. My aim would be to make music that anyone can enjoy, with no prior knowledge needed - David Bowden
Having successfully led the seven-piece world jazz ensemble Mezcla, Bowden found himself seeking a new creative challenge in the summer of 2023. He began developing repertoire for solo double bass - music that would place the instrument centre stage.
Following a first solo gig at Glasgow Jazz Festival in 2024, the music on Unsung Songs was developed through a series of further solo performances at jazz festivals across Scotland and refined in studio sessions.
The album draws on a rich spectrum of influences spanning jazz, folk and contemporary singer-songwriters. Alongside Bowden’s original compositions, it features reimagined songs by Nick Drake, Emilíana Torrini and mandolinist Chris Thile.
At the album’s heart is an appreciation for vocal music. By transcribing and playing along with singers, Bowden absorbed the nuances of phrasing and articulation, aiming to translate the expressive flexibility of the human voice onto the double bass.
“When I’ve written music for other ensembles, I’ve always put the other musicians at the forefront, as is natural for a bass player,” he says. “Playing solo, there’s no hiding place, which pushes you to approach the instrument in a different way.
“It’s a rewarding challenge to combine melodic phrasing, chordal accompaniment and groove playing – all through the one instrument. I see the album as a collection of songs - not just solo bass pieces - where the bass becomes the voice.
“The music captures exactly how I felt at the time of recording.”
David Bowden and the Sam Gough Trio are followed at Jazz at the Merchants House by the QOQ Trio on 10 May and pianist Dave Milligan on 14 June.
For tickets and further details see https://www.eventbrite.com/o/jazz-at-the-merchants-house-27926541905
