1960 Debut Records release (DEB-132). Ask for photos!

1940’s bebop founder, bass and cello virtuoso, Oscar Pettiford pioneered the use of the cello, which he tuned like an upright bass but an octave higher, and played strictly pizzicato, not bowed. His innovation was to bring the bass from out of the shadows and into the spotlight as a solo instrument. Of course, not every jazz player wanted to share the spotlight, and not with the bass player. Unless of course it was Mingus.

Moving to Sweden in 1958, Pettiford became a highlight of the late ’50s Copenhagen Danish jazz scene. He sadly passed away in 1960, at the age of only 38. He recorded with many of the greats, led his own groups, and his song credits include memorable classics  Blues In The Pocket, Bohemia After Dark and Oscalypso.

As always, we are left with the question of what might have been. But when the Grim Reaper calls, That’s That.