Oscar Pettiford stands among jazz's foundational figures, a bassist and cellist whose innovations helped establish the instrument's modern role. "First Bass" emphasizes Pettiford's voice as soloist and leader rather than purely accompanist, revealing why he commanded respect from every musician he played alongside. His harmonic sophistication and rhythmic sense essentially rewired how jazz musicians think about the low end. This reissue captures his vision across various sessions. Understanding Pettiford's contributions isn't optional for anyone serious about how modern jazz came to be structured.