"a bass bolero"
an all 3/4 time bass adventure

the CD features:
gary willis
victor wooten
steve bailey
jimmy haslip
rocco prestia
marco mendoza
abraham laboriel
alain caron
alexis skljarevski
dave carpenter
ric fierabracci
james genus
jimmy earl
bill dickens

all on the same tune!

other guests:

bob berg
luis conte
fred wesley
pee wee ellis
kirk covington

I realize I arranged some original 4/4 music to 3/4. to make up for it, check out this 3/4 piece turned 4/4 (very small file):
BACH
(courtesy P.D.Q.Bach)

critics on
"a bass bolero":
 

(...) it’s the hard-fought realization of Austria-to-Arizona transplant Harald Weinkum’s dream: an all-star bass version of composer Maurice Ravel’s “Bolero,” with its slowly intensifying melody and 3/4 bounce, accompanied by more bass-focused pieces in 3/4.(...) Harald goes to great, greasy lengths to show just how naturally funky three can be. (...) Harald’s groove work definitely raises three to the funk power: (...) A Bass Bolero is a fun record for bass players and a laudable accomplishment, but it’s also great music.

Bill Leigh, bass player magazine

"If patience is a virtue, Austrian bass prodigy Harald Weinkum should receive his sainthood. Without any label support, Weinkum miraculously assembled an army of fusion’s finest bass players to create (...)A Bass Bolero. The BIT instructor’s determination over a challenging three-year session motivated him to record with: Gary Willis, Steve Bailey, Abraham Laboriel, and many more.

If gathering such an impressive dossier of musicians were the disc’s highlight, Weinkum could be proud of the result. However, the album itself is the true feat. The artist decided early that the entire collection would be in 3/4 time. (...)

While the time signature may be a central theme, the CD is as eclectic as the musicians involved in the project. Weinkum was not afraid to tackle the most challenging compositions. His rendition of Maurice Ravel’s “Bolero” alone makes a profound statement. The track starts gently and, as each bass enters, builds with dynamic beauty. By the climactic ending, the listener is in ecstatic disbelief.

“Bolero” is certainly not the only gem on the album. His rendition of Jaco Pastorius’ masterpiece “Teen Town” is exceptional. As with any great interpreter of art, Weinkum simultaneously remains respectful to the original composition while making it his own. Harald Weinkum’s talent and persistence should take him to great musical heights.

Dean Trout, One Way Magazine

"...produced by Harald Weinkum and with a guest list that represents a who's-who in the bass world. The arrangement of Ravel's Bolero ... just makes my skin break out in goosebumps, beautiful is the only way i can describe it. (...) I highly reccomend this cd, both as a great continuation in the series of Bass Talk releases and for it's own specific qualities. One other highlight worth mentioning is the work of Harald Weinkum. He was fairly unknown to me up to this point and I'm hoping we'll hear more from him. Meanwhile, this cd will be in my cd player for some time."

Larry Marchiony, proGGnosis.com