Bass Fiddler
Adhyaropa, 2024
8/10
Perhaps best known as the bassist for the Boston string band Mile Twelve, Nate Sabat brings his upright bass prowess to these 6 originals and 6 interpretations.
“White Marble” gets the listen off to a warm start, as Sabat’s expressive voice is met with playful bass, and “Orphan Annie” follows with frisky string acrobatics amid the upbeat and flowing singing.
Close to the middle, “Year Of The Ox” uses precise bowing and strong attention to mood, while “Fade Away” pairs the bouncy bass with soulful singing for the album’s best selection.
Residing near the end, the animated presence of “Rabid Thoughts” suits Sabat’s vivid storytelling, and “The Sun Will Rise” exits with plenty of rhythm and timeless folk qualities.
Sabat uses bluegrass, rock, jazz and pop to surround the otherwise folk affair, and it sure does make for a unique and memorable performance.
Travels well with: 9 Horses- Strum; Dean Olsher- Letters Of Transit