I think where Alan McPike's non-use of styles really becomes important is because of his repertoire, which, although quite varied, still seems to focus primarily on instrumental jazz and swing with lots of improvisations.

He is not locked into the bass line dictated by a style, nor does he have to "play along" to any auto rhythmic comping provided by an accompaniment. He is essentially free to change gears anytime the mood strikes him.

That's what makes his playing so powerful...he is the bass player, the soloist, the rythym player, a part time drummer, an orchestrator/arranger, and he is exceptionally good at all of it.

Knowing what I know about playing multiple parts at the same time makes his performance all the more impressive.

And, he loses nothing when he accompanies a vocalist...he simply makes them sound even better.

He's the real deal, for sure.

Ian