Nenad Vasilić on Balkan Jazz Bass

April 25, 2024 Geoff Chalmers

Interview and Solo Performance with Nenad Vasilić.

In this video, we meet one of the jazz bass world's most unique artists. Nenad Vasilić combines virtuosic chops with a deep understanding of jazz tradition and the music of his heritage, and has become known for this unique fusion of Balkan music and jazz. It's an incredible sound which is both familiar and challenging, so be sure to stay until the end the interview to hear his stunning solo performance.

Meet Nenad

Nenad Vasilić attended the University Music School in Graz (Jazz Institute), where he studied Jazz Double/Electric Bass. Nenad’s unique sound fuses European jazz with improvised rhythms and melodies drawn from Balkan folk music. Producing albums as a band leader, double bass player and composer, he has collaborated with Mark Murphy, the American jazz singer Sheila Jordan, Ritchie Beirah, Peter Ralchev, Vlatko Stefanovski, Wolfgang Puschnig, Bojan Zulfikarpasic, John Hollenbeck, Martin Lubenov, Stjepko Gut, Bilja Krstić, Tamara Obrovac, Lori Antonioli, Amira Medunjanin and many others.

Our discussion covers everything from Nenad’s musical journey and the development of his sound, Balkan jazz harmony and rhythms, meeting his heroes such as Ray Brown and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, to his top tips for young bass players and much more. At the end of the video, Nenad gives a stunning solo performance of his tune, Straight To The Point.

Thank you to Castleton Mill in Leeds for providing the incredible space in which this video was filmed. If you enjoy this interview, be sure to let us know in the comments on YouTube. We always love to hear your feedback.

Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction
01:08 Getting into the double bass
04:46 Developing a Balkan sound
14:10 Odd meters
16:46 7/8 demonstration
17:34 Percussive playing
21:33 Balkan jazz harmony
24:22 Practice and basis of bass playing
26:29 Singing what you’re playing
28:07 Trios without drums or piano
30:13 Art of Balkan Bass video
32:14 Focusing on your own composition
34:43 Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen
37:13 Meeting Ray Brown
39:40 Charlie Haden
42:31 Nenad’s bass gear
46:25 Recording bass
49:15 What’s next for Nenad?
51:08 Advice for young bassists
52:34 Solo Performance