The Basement Tapes

Milt Hinton, affectionately known as "The Judge," was a titan of jazz, renowned for his mastery of the double bass and his prolific recording career. Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1910, Hinton's journey took him from the swing era of the 1930s to the turn of the millennium, collaborating with legends like Cab Calloway and leaving an indelible mark on cool jazz, hard bop, and bebop. With an estimated 900 jazz record sessions to his name between 1930 and 1955 alone, Hinton's bass lines are woven into the fabric of jazz history. Beyond his musical prowess, Hinton was also a talented photographer, capturing moments from his extensive travels and encounters with fellow musicians. His influence and love for the genre kept him a vital figure in jazz well into his 80s, earning him the title of the "Dean of Jazz Bassists." Hinton's legacy is not just about the notes he played, but also about the stories he told and the connections he made, both on and off the stage.