CRAIG SCHOEDLER: Bach To Bass

Craig Schoedler

Bach To Bass

© 2003 Bach to Bass (634479222085)

This cd is a must for bassists who are trying to learn the Bach Cello Suites. It has received great reviews from all over the world. If you're serious about bass--check this out.

tracks

1 Suite #4 in Eb major-----Preludium
2 Allemande
3 Courante
4 Sarabande
6 Gigue
7 Suite # 1 in Gmajor--------Prelude
8 Allemande
9 Courante
10 Sarabande
12 Gigue

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New Jersey native Craig Schoedler is a tremendous talent on the six string bass. His first CD "By The Water" got great reviews for it's outstanding musicianship, terrific playing by super sidemen like Steve Jordan and Mike Stern, and Craig's bass playing, and his compositional skills. This time Craig goes solo and tackles two of Bach's complete suites for the cello. Electric bassists have practiced Bach cello suites for years (it helps that the suites are written in bass clef) because they are a great way to improve technique in an extremely musical way. Craig takes these particular suites, #4 in E Flat Major and # 1 in G Major, and brings out every ounce of music and soul in them. In Craig's hands, these suites are not mere exercises; they are complete pieces of music replete with dynamics, emotion, variation, and subtlety.

One very effective way that Craig coaxes out the dynamics is by using a volume pedal. Another great bassist, Anthony Jackson, also uses the volume pedal to great effect in the same way and I would venture to say that Craig was inspired by Anthony's approach. Craig's Warwick bass gets a warm, clean, sound and kudos to the recording engineer for getting just the right amount of reverb to give you the feeling of hearing the music in a concert hall. Craig has excellent technique but the technique itself is never the main focus, instead he uses his technical prowess to bring the music to life and uses it as a tool for his expression. It is obvious too that Craig has a deep level of passion for Bach's music and that he hears every note he's playing in his heart and his mind. I got the feeling that Craig had worked out all the technical kinks inherent in music this difficult and was able to really be expressive with the various movements in the suites. Recording a CD of solo bass is a daunting task and recording the music of Back even more daunting. In both ways, Craig hits the mark with this CD. Highly recommended.
Lucas Pickford

reviews

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  • WHEN CLASSICAL MUSIC MEETS CONTEMPORARY SOUNDS
    author: Sérgio Mattoso - Brazil

    Craig Schoedler CD is a living proof that certain kinds of music remain beautiful through the times. And this is a fine and innovative example. The six string eletric bass and the beauty of Sebastian Bach compositions create an unique combination between the modern and the classic. A good choice for the open-minded listeners.

  • Wow...Johann would be proud
    author: Mark Sobus

    Bach is tough to do, especially on the bass. Craig lays it down and plays it downright perfect and musical! Definitely recommend to bassists.

  • Quite a new experience in Bach music!
    author: Kaz Nomura

    As I have listened to many different Bach cello suites played on cello so far, Schoedler's electric base guitar sound first gave me a shock. However, while listening to it, that feelinig of wrongness soon disappeared and I found myself enjoying the new experience in Bach music. I don't know much about the instrument, but I can say for sure that Bach is here!

  • you know... this disc is really good
    author: kingcrab4810

    it's pretentious to gab on an on about Schoedler's phrasing, and particulary his right-hand technique on this disc - although these are two extremly high points of interest for the practicing electric bassist listening to this album... in short, if you like Bach, this is a tasteful and skilfully implimented recording, if you're a bassist, this is a good example of how hours of practicing eventually DO pay off, and if you're a classical music purist, you should read up on the history and devolopment of the electric bass guitar, and listen to this album through a set of headphones very loudly.Schoedler has excellent technique,a fine ear for phrasing, and takes what could too easily be written off as a "gimick" album and makes it into a well-rounded sampler of what an extended range bass is capable of in the hands of a practiced musician.

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