Rich Brown bought his first six-string bass in 1999. “Everyone made fun of me” he recalls with a characteristically warm smile. Since then he’s established a reputation as first-call player for the leaders of an impressive variety of adventurous projects, from Steve Coleman to Rudresh Mahanthappa to James ‘Blood’ Ulmer. Over the past two years, whenever time allows, he’s been paying regular visits to the studio of his friend, the guitarist and producer Elmer Ferrer. Away from the pressures of the commercial industry, Rich seized the opportunity to explore and expand the vocabulary of his instrument. NYAEBA took shape: written and performed entirely on the bass guitar, it’s the story of an imagined griot who journeys around the world and returns to relate his tales in song.

Rich drew inspiration from the many remarkable musicians he’s supported as a bassist, or encountered in the richly multicultural music scene in his adopted hometown of Toronto. Throughout the album, the commitment to melody and story ensures that the technique, though prodigious, never overshadows the tale.

NYAEBA This album will no doubt sit comfortably among the essential solo bass albums of all time, showcasing what’s possible on the instrument. While many solo bass records center the instrument itself, what’s unique about Rich’s approach is that he puts the composition and music first, using the electric bass as the vehicle. With a focus on texture, movement and melody, and a striking range of voices, this is definitely not your average electric bass album.