Rob Wasserman - Trilogy [3CD Remastered Box Set] (2004)

Released together for the first time, Rob Wassermans groundbreaking 3-CD Trilogy includes Solo, his collection of compositions for acoustic bass; along with the Grammy-winning Duets; as well as Trios. This tremendous package includes new notes, photos and commentary, plus 24-bit remastering by Joe Gastwirt. Featured performers include: Cheryl Bentyne, Edie Brickell, Les Claypool, Elvis Costello, Willie Dixon, Al Duncan, Jerry Garcia, Stephane Grappelli, Matt Haimovitz, Dan Hicks, Bruce Hornsby, Joan Jeanrenaud, Rickie Lee Jones, Branford Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, Aaron Neville, Lou Reed, Marc Ribot, Jennifer Warnes, Bob Weir, Chris Whitley, Brian Wilson, Carnie Wilson and Neil Young.

Bassists, as a rule, aren't always the most ambitious of musicians, which makes this series of recordings by a California sideman an anomaly. Rob Wasserman, whose work in support of Stephane Grappelli and Dan Hicks among others, had earned praise in musician circles, but he found the constraints on his instrument, particularly in a pop context, confining. So he finagled a deal with Rounder Records to assemble 1983's Solo, a collection of a dozen bowed and plucked originals and one cover ("Lady Be Good") that showcase Wasserman's unfettered instrumental dexterity and creativity. Buoyed by the warm response, Wasserman began building on his concept with 1988's Duets, enlisting a diverse lot of collaborators spearheaded by Aaron Neville, Lou Reed, and Rickie Lee Jones. Trios carried the concept to its conclusion, with the master bassist bringing aboard two partners for each track. A decade after Trios, Rounder has bundled all three albums in one package. The result, though marred by the occasional misstep (Trios is the spottiest of the three), has aged agreeably. Rounder's package also includes a couple of bonus tracks and old and new liner notes. --Steven Stolder