Brian Bromberg Has Released 30th Album Awakening
The jazz bassist marked his 30th album as a leader with the release of an original 13-track record.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in New Age
Brian Bromberg has officially launched his 30th album as a leader, titled Awakening. The new project consists of 13 original compositions.
Why it matters
The release demonstrates Bromberg's continued influence in the genre through his unique approach to bass instrumentation and multi-instrumental collaboration.
The album features 13 original tracks and represents the 30th release for Brian Bromberg as a leader. It includes performances from notable musicians such as Dave Koz, Euge Groove, and David Benoit.
The players
Brian Bromberg
Brian Bromberg is a jazz bassist and composer known for his technical proficiency on various bass instruments.
Paul Brown
Paul Brown is a producer and musician who co-produced the album Awakening.
Dave Koz
Dave Koz is a contemporary jazz saxophonist who appears as a featured musician on the new album.
David Benoit
David Benoit is a jazz pianist and composer featured on the recording.
The details
Co-produced by Brian Bromberg and Paul Brown, the album highlights Bromberg's signature technique of using piccolo basses tuned an octave and a fourth above standard tuning. He utilized a Kiesel B2 5-string bass, a Kiesel B2 4-string tenor bass, and a hollow-body piccolo bass to create guitar-like melodies and solos throughout the record.
Timeline
October 9, 2026: Album Awakening becomes available to the public.
Industry Dynamics
This release follows the trend of established jazz musicians leveraging custom gear, such as the Kiesel B2 bass series, to evolve the traditional sound of the instrument. It highlights a broader shift toward soloists utilizing highly specialized hardware to bridge the gap between rhythm and lead melodic roles.
Listeners can access the 13-track album across major digital music platforms starting October 9, 2026. Fans of contemporary jazz can hear collaborations with artists like Euge Groove, Everette Harp, Marion Meadows, and Michael Paulo on the new record.
The takeaway
Bromberg's career illustrates how technical experimentation with non-standard bass tunings can redefine the role of the rhythm section. Aspiring musicians may look to his use of piccolo basses as a practical guide for expanding their own melodic range on the instrument.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass.
