Charlie Haden was an influential American jazz double bassist, bandleader, composer, and educator whose career spanned over five decades. Born on August 6, 1937, in Shenandoah, Iowa, he became known for his resonant, lyrical bass playing and for his ability to meld traditional jazz with other genres. Haden's first significant professional gigs were with saxophonist Ornette Coleman, starting in 1959, in a collaboration that would shape the path of avant-garde jazz. His gift for creating deep harmonic foundations made him a sought-after collaborator and a pivotal figure in the development of free jazz.

Throughout his illustrious career, Haden founded the Liberation Music Orchestra in the late 1960s, which combined his love for free jazz with his political convictions, often featuring arrangements by pianist Carla Bley. He also established the Quartet West in the mid-1980s, which explored themes of film noir and the American Songbook, infusing them with a modern jazz sensibility. Haden remained active until his last years, producing acclaimed works like "Jasmine" with pianist Keith Jarrett and "Rambling Boy," which showcased his roots in Americana and featured his extended family. He passed away on July 11, 2014, leaving behind a legacy as a multi-Grammy winner, a profound influence on the evolution of the double bass in jazz, and a body of work that continues to inspire musicians across the globe. His innovative approach and emotive playing cement his status as one of the jazz greats, with a discography that reflects his versatility and profound musicality.

Genres

Bebop

Contemporary Jazz

Contemporary Post-bop

Ecm-style Jazz

Jazz

Jazz Double Bass

Jazz Fusion

Related Artists

Keith Jarrett

Pat Metheny

Brad Mehldau

Bill Frisell

Paul Motian

Ornette Coleman

Wayne Shorter

Jim Hall

Joe Henderson

Gary Peacock

Dave Holland

Michael Brecker

Latest Release

Silence

Charlie Haden

Single - Released March 18, 2022