dmccombe7

When i first started i did a few gigs but bands kept having fall-outs with each other so i took a breather and went from learning rock songs to practicing scales and learning more Jazz rock based material starting with Camel and eventually moving on to Brand X and Bruford style. (i'm no Jeff Berlin but i could do a lot of the Percy Jones material back then) I did that for about 2 yrs playing 2-3 hrs every day sometimes more. Was then asked to join an established local Southern Rock originals / covers band and from that point i was gigging fairly regularly thru the mid 80's to mid 90's. At that point bands folded and we made more money from PA hire. Work commitments took over for the next 15 yrs i mucked around at home with my one and only bass (Warwick Thumb NT i bought new in 1989) When i turned 50 i got back into playing in bands again and i've been fairly busy with numerous bands in past 8 yrs ranging from classic rock, tribute, Funk/Blues based rock, club covers, Prog originals, heavy metal and now Glam Rock covers band. I started picking up different basses for different projects but my goto bass and my fav to play for past 7-8 yrs has always been my Geddy signature CIJ Jazz bass. I enjoy everything about being in a good band from learning the songs, the rehearsals and finally gigging. With my current band there's also the issue of stage gear to talk about It's been really good fun sorting it out and ridiculing each others choice of stage wear. Dave

The difference there is alcohol. Once that's introduced every band should sound a little better if you are there. Watching pub bands from posted phone clips will never really capture an atmosphere or at least in my experience. Dave

Where exactly are you based Ubit ?

That's a bit of a nightmare when one particular song draws you a blank more than once. Maybe look for something to trigger the memory. I tend to learn songs either by ear first then bass tab or manuscript if available to make sure i have it nailed. I'll write the music out as scribbled notes as and when i learn each section. Once all notes are done i rewrite the full bassline in legible notes or hand written bass manuscript. That way i've learned the song by ear or listening to it and i've also remembered my hand written bass sheet. I have 2 ways of remembering how a song goes. Not everyone's idea of learning but it works for me. Dave

Few yrs ago i was in a band that was playing Doobie Brothers style with some really nice bass runs to enjoy also did Steamy Windows of Tina Turner fame. The bass line was really simple but i just loved playing that song. The energy you could produce with that song just gave me a fantastic boost. One of those "happy" songs. Dave

At rehearsals only but this is true for me. If i'm too confident and not thinking about what i'm playing or about to play. On occasion at rehearsals the singer will state the song we are about to play and i draw a blank until the guitarist starts the song. I've had it the other way round more often where guitarist starts playing the intro and for the love of me i can't remember what the damned song is. That's why i like a set list even for rehearsals and you simply work your way thru it top to bottom. Everyone knows exactly what song is next. Not every band or musician is that strict with order of songs. I know one local bass player who has played with some decent bands that started one song when the band played another. They were the bands own songs too. He told me that no-one even noticed. Dave

Its the one thing i find challenging when moving away from my usual Classic Rock background that i have to lighten my touch and play whats needed with a different feel. More groove than power. If i play a cover then i like it to be as near the original feel as possible. Not specifically note for note but the general feel and structure of the song needs to be there. I couldn't put up with a prima donna that thinks his guitar solos are better than the original version or that everyone wants to hear a constant Mamsteen solo in every song. That for me is boring in a band. A guitarist that can adapt is a godsend and makes learning and playing songs far more enjoyable. Dave

I quite liked that.

If you choose your gigs carefully you can target your music to an audience that wants to hear that style of music. Play Rock music in Rock venues. Punk music in punk venues, Blues in blues venues etc. In the more common venues they just want to hear a band play well known songs. That would be your Friday night pub gigs as mentioned before. It doesn't have to be perfect just good. Its horses for courses again. Dave

Who were they just in case i know them

No i'm saying the girls would have probably enjoyed something from a band they recognised from the pop charts.

Oooh that's a nice wee bass line going on there. Timing at the start is tricky too. I only just heard the Allman brothers and Gregg Allman solo material about 2 yrs ago now and was really impressed with the band. Dave

Jings, think we might have lost the plot on this thread. I'd missed the last 2 pages of comments.

missed that one

Tight scarf or more modern neck buff does the job nicely Dave.

Was that bog standard music you were playing

I've always just tucked it down my T shirt. Dave

Now that's what you call a serious Rock pose. Having a pee in the gents while still playing something with both hands.

Yep you and me both. Since finishing work 3 yrs ago i decided it was time to let the hair grow again and its now well down my back plus it suits my Harley image again. Having to keep short hair at work was a bummer. Dave

Nowt wrong wie hippies. I used to be one in 70's. I did alright in life so no complaints here.

Or they played something by Take That or some similar BOY band they would have stayed to listen but then again that wouldn't exactly be a challenging prospect for any musician

You certainly don't want to give away all your stage moves in one go.

I could see that being the case based on some audiences i've seen. Most of my gigs have been at venues that want to see the band i'm with at the time but i've played or depped in the occasional caravan park gig and people are there to get drunk and just dance and have a bit of party fun. They generally aren't muso's and the band is just a live jukebox was my opinion. It really wasn't my kind of gig and i didn't stay with the band. I couldn't get used to very young kids dancing and running around the dance floor in front of me. Coming from a Heavy Rock background it was quite a surprise Think this was discussed on a recent thread that was very interesting too and it really depends on the type of gig and type of music you play. Rock fans tend to enjoy most rock bands if they are generally good even more so if they have a bit of charisma about them. Same with tribute bands as most of the audience will be there because they enjoy the original band. Used to do the Gary Moore one few yrs ago and if i remember right that was around the 5th and 7th fret too. Maybe it was just easeir for them to play it higher up the neck. ? Dave

i think its appropriate that i share my thanks on the forum............don't want you talking about me.