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Press Releases
Legendary Bass Played by Scott LaFaro Donated to New Jersey Performing Arts Center
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Scott LaFaro (photo courtesy of Helene LaFaro-Hernández)
Newark, New Jersey (FOR RELEASE 10.27.25) — An iconic Prescott double bass constructed in the early 1800s, once owned by jazz great Scott LaFaro, has been loaned to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) by the International Society of Bassists, marking a significant moment in the preservation and celebration of jazz history. LaFaro (1936-1961) was a native son of Newark, New Jersey. This rare instrument was central to LaFaro’s groundbreaking work with the Bill Evans Trio in the early 1960s. NJPAC will give audiences a rare opportunity to hear this instrument when today’s leading bassists perform on it as part of the 2025 TD James Moody Jazz Festival: Ben Williams with Stanley Clarke (Nov 9), Max Gerl with Arturo Sandoval (Nov 13), and Christian McBride with his Big Band (Nov 22) - with 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. This will give emerging bassists attending the institute the opportunity to play not only one of the world’s great instruments, but also one of great significance in the history of jazz.
“Scott LaFaro transformed the way we think about the bass — from a supporting voice to an equal partner in musical conversation,” said David Rodriguez, Executive Producer of NJPAC and a bass player himself. “Having his Prescott bass here on site is not only an honor but a profound reminder of his artistic vision and the power of innovation. What a gift to us all!”
Crafted by the renowned 19th-century American luthier Abraham Prescott, the instrument became synonymous with LaFaro’s revolutionary approach to the bass. His lyrical phrasing, virtuosic technique, and deep musical interplay helped redefine the instrument’s role in modern jazz. The Prescott bass, restored and carefully maintained, stands as both a historical artifact and a testament to LaFaro’s enduring influence on the art of jazz.
“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,” says Christian McBride, multi-Grammy Award-winning bassist and NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor.
The Journey of the Scott LaFaro Bass
After LaFaro’s death in a car crash in 1961, Scott’s badly damaged bass was restored by Luthier Barrie Kolstein, who later chose April 14, 2014, which would have been the Scott LaFaro's 78th birthday, to announce his gift of Scotty’s double bass to the International Society of Bassists (SB). The ISB makes the Scott LaFaro Bass available for recordings and performances by ISB members and other gifted musicians, extending LaFaro’s remarkable legacy.
“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,” says Madeleine Crouch, General Manager of the International Society of Bassists. “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.”
The Scott LaFaro Bass has most recently been in residence at Finlay Gage Musical Instruments in Maplewood, New Jersey. Its presence at NJPAC underscores the ongoing importance of preserving instruments that shaped the course of American music. “Finlay Gage are committed to keeping us all connected to Scott LaFaro, the man behind the groundbreaking sound,” explains Sam Finlay, Co-Founder of Finlay Gage Musical Instruments. “We are thrilled to assist the International Society of Bassists in sharing Scotty’s bass with NJPAC in LaFaro’s hometown of Newark, New Jersey, while allowing new generations to connect with the legacy of one of jazz’s most influential bassists.”
2025 TD James Moody Jazz Festival takes place at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (One Center Street, Newark, NJ) from November 8-23, 2025. Tickets Info: Contact NJPAC at 1.888.GO.NJPAC/1.888.466.5722 or visit NJPAC.org/jazz.
About Scott LaFaro
Born in Newark, NJ, Scott Lafaro (1936-1961) was a pioneering jazz bassist who, in less than a decade of performing, became one of the 20th century’s most influential jazz musicians. His work with the Bill Evans Trio from 1959 to 1961 set new standards for musical interplay, tone, and improvisation. His landmark recordings—especially the legendary Sunday at the Village Vanguard sessions—are still considered groundbreaking. He worked with Chet Baker, Ornette Coleman, Stan Kenton, Cal Tjader and Benny Goodman. LaFaro, then only 25 years old, was in discussions with Miles Davis about joining him in the studio, when he perished in a car accident in 1961. LaFaro is still mentioned today in hushed tones of reverence; his truncated career’s outsized influence on generations of bassists remains profound.
About International Society of Bassists
The International Society of Bassists was founded by the world-renowned virtuoso Gary Karr in 1967. With nearly 2,500 members in over 40 countries, the ISB publishes a triannual magazine, Bass World, with an eclectic mix of articles about soloists, jazz and orchestral players, early music, pedagogy, international personalities and orchestras and reviews of new print music and recordings, plus monthly e-newsletters and communications. Every two years the ISB holds an international convention at a host university. Bassists of all ages and abilities come to enjoy a full week of workshops, masterclasses, recitals and lectures, and to shop in the exhibit hall. The ISB is a worldwide forum for double bassists to learn and share.
About Finlay Gage Musical Instruments
David Gage founded David Gage String Instrument Repair in 1978. That shop specialized in the sale, restoration, and repair of upright basses, cellos, violas, and violins with a client roster that ranged from great orchestral musicians to jazz, rock 'n roll, country, and world music performers. Today, Finlay Gage continues with the same spirit of the old shop —professional-level service for every player— while also inviting customers who play fretted instruments. They serve professionals, students, and amateurs, and pride themselves on the care and attention they give each player and their instrument. Their focus is on maximizing the sound potential of the instrument and the playing requirements of the individual musician. Currently, they operate two stores, one in New York City and the other in Maplewood, New Jersey. They offer world-class repair, rentals and an unparalleled assortment of instruments for sale.
About NJPAC
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is the most diverse performing arts center in the country, and the anchor cultural institution for both the city of Newark and the state of New Jersey. It is an artistic, cultural, educational and civic center where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC Arts & Well-Being develops initiatives and programs that amplify the health benefits of the arts and measure the impact of the Arts Center on community health and well-being. NJPAC has attracted more than 12.7 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit njpac.org for more information.
About TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®
For the 14th consecutive year, the Festival is sponsored by the TD Bank is the title sponsor of all jazz programming during NJPAC's season, including free community performances and educational events, as well as mainstage concerts showcasing jazz superstars. TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. by assets, providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Auto Finance, a division of TD Bank, N.A., offers vehicle financing and dealer commercial services. TD Bank and its subsidiaries also offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J.
To learn more, visit www.td.com/us. Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/TDBank_US/.
TD Bank is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a top 10 North American bank. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol "TD". To learn more, visit www.td.com/us.
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