When people think of jazz instruments, the bassoon probably isn’t the first that comes to mind. Traditionally associated with classical music, orchestras, and chamber ensembles, the bassoon is rarely seen in jazz settings. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be a jazz instrument!
Over the years, musicians have experimented with the bassoon in non-traditional genres, including jazz. With its rich, expressive tone and impressive range, the bassoon has plenty of potential in jazz—if approached the right way.
In this article, we’ll explore:
✔ The challenges and advantages of using bassoon in jazz
✔ Famous bassoonists who have explored jazz
✔ Techniques to make the bassoon work in a jazz setting
✔ How to get started with jazz on the bassoon
Let’s dive in!
1. Is Bassoon a Good Fit for Jazz?
While the bassoon is mostly known for classical and baroque music, it has characteristics that can make it a unique addition to jazz:
A. The Challenges
🔹 Limited jazz tradition – Unlike saxophone, trumpet, or piano, there isn’t a well-established jazz history for bassoon.
🔹 Technical demands – The bassoon’s complex fingerings and large size make fast jazz improvisation more challenging.
🔹 Projection issues – The bassoon doesn’t cut through a jazz ensemble like brass or saxophones.
B. The Advantages
✔ Unique tone color – The bassoon’s warm, reedy sound stands out in a jazz setting.
✔ Wide range – It can cover bass lines, mid-range melodies, and even higher lead parts.
✔ Expressiveness – With vibrato, articulation, and dynamics, the bassoon can sound incredibly soulful.
While it requires some adaptation, the bassoon can work beautifully in jazz!
2. Famous Jazz Bassoonists
Although rare, some musicians have successfully brought the bassoon into jazz settings. Here are a few notable examples:
A. Paul Hanson
- One of the most famous jazz and fusion bassoonists.
- Uses electronic effects and amplification to expand the bassoon’s possibilities.
- Plays in jazz, rock, and world music settings.
B. Michael Rabinowitz
- A leading figure in modern jazz bassoon.
- Has played with big bands, small jazz ensembles, and avant-garde groups.
- Known for improvisation skills and bebop-style phrasing.
C. Karen Borca
- A well-known jazz bassoonist in the free jazz scene.
- Uses the bassoon in experimental and improvisational settings.
These musicians have proven that the bassoon can find a place in jazz with the right approach!
3. How to Make Bassoon Work in Jazz
If you want to play jazz on bassoon, you’ll need to adjust your playing style and approach.
A. Mastering Jazz Articulation
Jazz articulation is different from classical playing. You’ll need to focus on:
✔ Swing feel – Notes should have a natural, relaxed bounce.
✔ Tonguing variations – Use a mix of legato and staccato for expression.
✔ Ghosting notes – Slightly mute certain notes for a more authentic jazz phrasing.
B. Developing Jazz Improvisation Skills
One of the biggest challenges is learning to improvise. Here’s how:
✔ Study jazz theory – Learn chord progressions, scales, and modes.
✔ Transcribe jazz solos – Even if they’re played on saxophone or trumpet, transcribing can help develop jazz vocabulary.
✔ Practice with backing tracks – Play along with blues, swing, and bebop progressions.
C. Using Alternate Fingerings for Speed
Some standard bassoon fingerings can be too slow for jazz. Experiment with:
✔ Alternate fingerings for trills and fast runs.
✔ Resonance fingerings for a smoother sound.
D. Amplification and Effects
Since the bassoon’s natural projection is limited, amplification can help:
✔ Clip-on microphones – Essential for playing in a jazz combo.
✔ Electric bassoon setups – Paul Hanson has used effects pedals for a modern fusion sound.
✔ Reverb and delay effects – Add warmth and space to the sound.
4. What Jazz Roles Can the Bassoon Play?
The bassoon can take on multiple roles in a jazz setting:
A. As a Melodic Instrument
✔ Play lead lines and solos, similar to a saxophone or clarinet.
✔ Works well for ballads and smooth jazz due to its expressive tone.
B. As a Harmonic Voice
✔ In a big band or small ensemble, the bassoon can add rich harmony lines.
✔ Works well doubling with saxophones or trombones.
C. As a Bass Instrument
✔ The bassoon’s low register can be used for walking bass lines.
✔ It can complement upright bass in a jazz combo.
5. How to Get Started with Jazz Bassoon
A. Start with Jazz Basics
✔ Listen to jazz regularly to absorb the feel and phrasing.
✔ Learn to swing and play with syncopation.
B. Study Jazz Theory
✔ Learn major and minor scales, blues scales, and modes.
✔ Study chord progressions, like the 12-bar blues and ii-V-I.
C. Transcribe and Imitate Jazz Solos
✔ Start with simple melodies (like “Autumn Leaves” or “All of Me”).
✔ Try to play along with saxophone solos to develop phrasing.
D. Find Jazz Play-Along Tracks
✔ Use Aebersold play-alongs or backing tracks on YouTube.
✔ Experiment with improvisation over jazz standards.
E. Join a Jazz Ensemble
✔ Playing with other musicians is the best way to improve.
✔ Try out combo settings or big bands and adapt the bassoon to different roles.
6. Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Even though jazz bassoon is possible, it does come with challenges. Here’s how to tackle them:
🔴 Challenge: Fast passages are difficult on bassoon.
✅ Solution: Use alternate fingerings and practice slowly, then speed up.
🔴 Challenge: Hard to project in a jazz ensemble.
✅ Solution: Use a clip-on mic or play in smaller groups where your sound stands out.
🔴 Challenge: Limited jazz bassoon resources.
✅ Solution: Study jazz saxophone or clarinet methods and adapt them.
Final Thoughts: Can the Bassoon Work in Jazz?
Absolutely! While it’s not a traditional jazz instrument, the bassoon has untapped potential in the genre. By focusing on jazz articulation, improvisation, alternate fingerings, and amplification, bassoonists can carve out a unique space in jazz music.
Key Takeaways:
✔ The bassoon has challenges in jazz but also many advantages.
✔ Famous jazz bassoonists like Paul Hanson and Michael Rabinowitz have expanded its role.
✔ Learning jazz articulation, improvisation, and alternate fingerings is key.
✔ Amplification can help bassoonists project in a jazz band.
✔ With practice and experimentation, the bassoon can be an exciting jazz instrument!