Ari Roland
Acoustic Bass
New York, New York, U.S. Birthplace
About
Ari Roland is a modern jazz bassist and composer. A prodigious talent from a young age, he performed with jazz greats such as Jimmy Robinson, Lou Donaldson, Betty Carter, and Vernel Fournier while still a teenager. He led a weekly jam session at Smalls Jazz Club and released his debut album, Sketches from a Bassist’s Album, in 2005. A dedicated advocate for jazz, Roland has done over 150 tours, including in seldom-visited countries like Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. In recent years, he has collaborated with artists such as Pasquale Grasso, Chris Byars, and Samara Joy, while also leading his own quartet.
Trivia
Ari Roland cites an eclectic range of influences, including passionate gut-string violinists like Eugene Ysaye and Fritz Kreisler, as well as jazz greats such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Ari Roland is known for his arco solos on bass.
Early Life
Ari Roland was born and raised in New York City. He began playing bass at the age of 12 and was working professionally by age 16. While still in his teens he played with and learned from jazz greats including Barry Harris and "C" Sharpe. Roland studied at The Juilliard School.
Ari Roland Solos
2020
Acoustic Bass solo - Everything Happens To Me - 2020
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 208 BPM
Acoustic Bass solo - Jim - 2020
4/4 swing in D♭ major at 136 BPM