Hear The Acoustic Spaces Of Moab’s Red Rock Country Shape A Bassist’s Unique Sounds

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<p>(Photo: Courtesy Robert Black)</p>
<p>Double bassist Robert Black recorded parts of his new disc in culverts with unique acoustics.</p>
Photo: Robert Black landscape in Utah
Double bassist Robert Black recorded his new album outdoors, in the landscape around Moab, Utah.

Most classical musicians head to a recording studio or a concert hall to make an album. But after double bassist Robert Black stumbled across some amazing acoustic spaces in Moab's red rock country during a visit to perform at the Moab Music Festival, he had a different idea.

Black, who grew up in Arvada, specializes in modern classical music as a member of the Bang On A Can All-Stars. He lugged his massive instrument into the canyons, brought along a recording engineer, and improvised an entire album of music (and an accompanying film) over three days. He called the record “Possessed.”

In “Night In Hunter Canyon,” Black’s bass mixes with insects and birds.

He recorded other tracks in giant culverts that gave his bass a unique resonance.

Black let his hands play whatever they wanted, including percussion.

This clip offers a taste of Black and his recording "studio."