The late double bassist’s instrument will be performed on during the 2025 TD James Moody Jazz Festival, as well as by young instrumentalists at the Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass in 2026
A double bass once owned by jazz great Scott LaFaro has been loaned to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) by the International Society of Bassists (ISB).
The instrument, constructed by American luthier Abraham Prescott in the 1800s, was played by LaFaro during his work with the Bill Evans Trio in the early 1960s.
LaFaro (1936–1961) was a pioneering jazz bassist whose work with the Bill Evans Trio set new standards for musical interplay, tone and improvisation. He worked with Chet Baker, Ornette Coleman, Stan Kenton, Cal Tjader and Benny Goodman.
Aged 25, LaFaro died in a car accident in 1961. His badly damaged bass was restored by luthier Barrie Kolstein, who later chose 14 April 2014, which would have been the Scott LaFaro’s 78th birthday, to announce his gift of LaFaro’s double bass to the ISB.
Audiences will hear the bass at NJPAC during the 2025 TD James Moody Jazz Festival, where it will be played by leading bass players including Ben Williams (9 November), Max Gerl (13 November) and Christian McBride with his big band (22 November), plus more to be announced.
The bass will also be available for young instrumentalists to play as part of NJPAC’s Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass, directed by Peter Dominguez, in the summer of 2026.
David Rodriguez, executive producer of NJPAC and a bass player himself, commented: ’Scott LaFaro transformed the way we think about the bass – from a supporting voice to an equal partner in musical conversation.
’Having his Prescott bass here on site is not only an honour but a profound reminder of his artistic vision and the power of innovation. What a gift to us all!’
Christian McBride also commented: ’For bassists everywhere, Scott LaFaro’s unique sound and incredible musicianship have been a deep source of inspiration. It’s both humbling and exhilarating to be in direct contact with his instrument.’
’We all have a shared responsibility for carrying tradition forward. By sharing LaFaro’s bass publicly, we are bridging generations and ensuring that the instrument’s voice continues to resonate,’ said Madeleine Crouch, general manager of the ISB.
’Playing an instrument once held by the great Scott LaFaro allows today’s musicians to literally touch and feel the lineage of sound, technique, and artistry. The ISB is delighted to help provide this opportunity to audiences and artists to deepen their understanding and respect for music history.’
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