dmccombe7

[quote name='RockfordStone' timestamp='1500991844' post='3341545'] the truth is, whether you get paid or not, we are all bass players and no one is better than anyone else [/quote] Agreed Dave

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1500938486' post='3341250'] Good point Tim. I think most that are playing for free are playing maybe once a month or so. Blue [/quote] Agreed that i don't want to be playing as aoften as you Blue and once a month maybe even less kinda suits my lifestyle. The age thing i would also agree with but in the other way. I've worked hard at my full time job until retiring last year at 55 and now i'm chilling mainly because i can and want to do other things. One thing i would say tho is that i was as committed to my full time job as you are to yours and maybe that's the big difference between us. Our main jobs are / were different. For you its a career and for me its a hobby that i enjoy on occasion. I used to think that if i did it full time i might even get to a point where i wasn't enjoying it as much and who knows maybe sub-consciously that's why i've been limiting the number of gigs. I honestly don't think we will ever all agree on this topic 100% but we should agree that we have different views on it. I have a lot of respect for guys that do it professionally like you. In my opinion i feel you have to be more committed to playing, not better at playing but you need to put more into the full package to get the gigs. Personally i don't need to put that much effort in but i can still enjoy the odd gig when i get asked to play them by friends etc That might all change soon as i've been asked to join a function band and they are all in it for the money. Dave

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1500937982' post='3341249'] I get the sense that some think because they play for free they're slightly better than those of us that play for and depend on the money. Blue [/quote] I would have thought that the top pros are leading the way in bass style and expanding its boundaries and are all paid and i tend to rate them as the leaders in bass. Of course there are great pro bassists who are not technically fast or show-offs but can produce a great bass run even tho its simple. It just fits the song. Again i don't like to rate people on whether they are paid or not. Some un-paid bassists i know are just incredibly talented but they have other commitments nowadays and don't play in bands as such. Dave

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1500927651' post='3341164'] But you could argue that is another way of saying that a self taught player will player will play runs that a conventionally trained musician would rarely do. Or, to put it another way, which guitar player would you rather listen to: Mike Stern or Paul Kossoff?? [/quote] Good point hadn't thought of it that way. Can't say i've made a point of listening to Mike Stern. Had to google who he was to be honest but now that i know who he is i probably have heard him over the years with Jaco and few others. Is what you are suggesting that there are good riffs from all sides and its down to individual taste what you prefer. Both competent yet both different styles. ? I would probably agree with that now that my eyes have been opened a bit. I guess we all learn as we go along then Dave

Maybe Fluency was the wrong description of what i was thinking about. I'm not really sure how else to describe what i'm thinking off tho. Musically trained bassists play runs that in my opinion self taught bassists rarely do. I say rarely because there are always exceptions to the rule. As i said the ones i listen to are usually at the top of their game so maybe its the fact they've been playing for many years that they sound more natural and offer fast bass runs that i never hear your average self taught bassist play. Hopefully that explains it a bit more. Dave

Sorry to disagree with people but i don't undertstand why some musicians cant accept that some of us don't need the money and whether i get paid or not doesn't matter to me at all. I have played gigs for free,or very little and i've also played gigs with good money. I've even played good paying gigs and told the other band members to just split the money between them. I didn't need it and they didn't have great paying full time jobs. I've also played charity gigs where all moeney at the door went to a childrens hospital. Does that make me have an amatuer attitude. No it doesn't. Everyone gave their best and none f the 7 bands got paid that day. I put 100% into whatever i do whether its playing bass or when i had my full time job. Its an attitude to give it all i can no matter what i'm doing. I don't go into a gig with an attitude of "they pay sh*t so i'll just give it 60% tonight" I've never let money dictate my life in any way. With regards the point made that if people value your music they will pay for it. Yes that's true if you want to charge them for it. People can still value your music even if you are an amatuer and not paying for it. I don't see the link between ability or attitude and money. I class an amatuer bassist as someone who does it part time or as a hobby. A professional is someone who's sole income is from playing bass. I regard myself as an amatuer bassist but i know people value my playing whether that's an audience or other musicians. I don't recall ever having a "bad gig" where people didn't like the band. If i was asked to play a gig that i thought would be enjoyable to play i would without giving it a 2nd thought money or not. And that would mean i was losing money thru travel costs. Yes i've done those gigs too mainly because i knew i would enjoy them and i did. People need to realise that some people need to make money at playing. That's fine but why criticise those that don't need to make money. I also don't rate musicians as better or worse depending on whether they are professional or amatuer. If they are good that's it for me. Dave

Just a wee update on this. Its started working again on Google Chrome. Haven't done anything apart from some Windows updates coming thru. Weird. Dave

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1500818254' post='3340337'] Bass makes a fantastic solo instrument. It's down to the player and their repertoire. I think this is a very much used and factually incorrect statement. I play very often with a group of musicians who are all classically trained, they're totally able to improvise, in fact they're some of the best improvisers out there. They're not held back by any lack of theoretical knowledge, or by any lack of technical ability. [color=#ff0000]Maybe its just the ones i know and i do admit it's a limited number. As an example tho I know 2 off professional Cello players. One can ad-lib as well as anyone i know while the other is more reliant on the correct notes at the right time and struggles to do the ad-lib or take it out of its box if that makes any more sense. He is more like the other professionally trained musicians i know. [/color] [color=#ff0000]I'm not disagreeing with your comment as you sound like you have more experience with properly trained musicians.[/color] Many non-trained musicians I've played with always fall back on the same trusted and often cliched lines and riffs, lacking the knowledge to play anything else. [color=#ff0000]Think this is the flip side of what i was saying and totally agree, probably myself included.[/color] The classical musician's technical ability is also phenomenal, they've spent years honing their skills, so they can play whatever is put in front of them. They don't get the chance to go away and practice it at home, or watch Youtube videos. [color=#ff0000]This is the bit i've come across. They can play whatever is put down in front of them and usually exceptionally well but take that away and how do they cope in a band that strays of the song or has to cover up a mistake. ? That's a serious query and not a slight on anyone. [/color] [color=#ff0000]I'm guessing that what you're saying is that they learn to express themselves and put their own slant on the music in the same way a non-trained musician does but more technically because of their training.[/color] A lot of playing a classical piece is down to the musician's skill in interpreting the chart. That's what makes one person's performance different to another musician's. [color=#ff0000]Think this kind of answers my question above. [color=#ff0000] [/color][/color] [/quote] Definitely agree that when you hear a properly trained bassist he normally sounds more fluent and effortless. His technique and the various runs he uses are far more interesting than the average non trained bassist and i personally find it more entertaining. I would have to say that usually they are bassists at the top of their game. Not sure what the average properly trained bassist sounds like It is interesting the different take on properly trained V non-trained on playing styles and ability. Dave

[quote name='funkgod' timestamp='1500826689' post='3340415'] if ya want them punching the air, and have everyone and i mean EVERYONE singing along, try this.. It will be the diamond in your set.. are you ready.... ,,,,, ,,,,, ,, Bob the builder. Yea... i knoowwww. iv seen it with my own eyes and........... it was a rock band if you can get some hairy biker with leathers and triumph tats singing that, then you really are a true musical artist Also... if you catch them on vid singing along.... well... kaching........ think of the bribe money [/quote] I like it a lot and i'm a biker too. Brilliant. Dave

[quote name='thepurpleblob' timestamp='1500813792' post='3340306'] Ahh... smallish world. Biggar, good ice cream and we have friends in sunny Thankerton. It's called Midnite Hour - I know, but the band was actually formed in the 70s when that sort of name and spelling was probably cool. I'm the youngest for the first time ever in a band. Next gig is Sunday 6th August (4pm to 7pm) in the Stonehouse Bar in Hamilton. There's a few lined up but now they have a bass player again (!) they're trying to book more. [url="https://www.facebook.com/spanish.tour.1982/"]https://www.facebook...nish.tour.1982/[/url] I still don't know all the bloody arrangements but it's getting slightly less bad [/quote] I actually live in Thankerton buts its usually easier just saying Biggar. Very small world I know the Stonehouse Bar. Might take a wee run over. No pressure tho as i know the feeling of being the new guy in the band. Will check out the link too. You need to add a bit more info on the band Facebook page i think. No mention of who's in the band. More pics or VIDS too would be nice. Hopefully see you there. Dave Cheers Dave

[quote name='thepurpleblob' timestamp='1500799854' post='3340192'] Well, if you're ever around the West of Scotland! We have a very good keyboard player (a.k.a. Gary). I think that's makes all the difference Re. Oasis. At our last gig, we got asked four times if we played any Oasis songs (we don't). I regard a couple of Oasis songs as something to have in the bag. If you encounter a stag party or similar then playing Oasis is required by law! [/quote] I'm from Biggar area. What's the band name and when are the next gigs. I might just come along to one of them jst to hear Supertramp covers. Dave

[quote name='Yank' timestamp='1500808727' post='3340253'] I teach music on the side. When working with students learning to read, sometimes they play the notes in the right place but something is missing. When, for example, playing Bach's "Minuet in G Major" , a beautiful piece, it helps to think of the people of that time in their huge dresses. When dancing, they made small, stately movements. You have to let the piece breathe properly, instead of rushing through the notes. Sometimes a synth doing, say, a flute sound, won't sound right unless the keyboardist breathes like a flute player would. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there's more to playing a part than just the note in the right place, or maybe I'm being too esoteric. Would a punk bass sound right if you play like you're happy instead of angry? [/quote] Think this is quite a good explanation of it. Dave

[quote name='thepurpleblob' timestamp='1500749286' post='3339995'] The band I just joined plays a couple of Supertramp songs, "Give a little bit" and (of course) "Breakfast in America". They're two of our most popular songs. I was quite surprised. [/quote] I'm a big Supertramp fan and would never have guessed that either. Great songs and also chart hits for the band. I just never got into that Oasis thing. I never object to any song suggestion by the band unless it simply doesn't fit our set list or the style of music the band has. If band wanted to do Oasis i would probably go along with it but just wouldn't like the song. Always give it 100% tho if i'm playing it. Even if i didn't like it the audience might. Dave

I've never faked it. My wife was gonna give me some pointers on that tho. Nothing like a bit of fun to start off the gig. Dave

In all my 38 yrs or so playing bass i still find Reggae difficult to get the proper feel for the song. Its a type of music i really need to work hard on to get right. Not sure i ever get it truly perfect. Its not difficult playing the notes but getting that Reggae feel is my down side. Can do most other styles to an acceptable degree. Some good others just enough to pass. I put it down to having never really played that style much. This is probably similar to the OP point and i've been playing a lot of years. So every day is a school day when it comes to bass. From memory i'm pretty sure it took me a while to click into jamming with mates and getting proper feel for the songs i was playing. Maybe a year back in 70's Pretty sure it will come given the time and experience. Dave

I think its already been mentioned but i would agree its more about gaining experience with other musicians. What i have found over many years is that musicians who play in orchestral type situations play exactly what the music tells them to and in perfect timing. That's great for what they are doing. Put them with guys who don't read manuscript and they are out of their comfort zone and don't generally blend with jamming musicians. Its the same when non readers are put with properly trained musicians they will also be out of their depth to a degree. They don't feel the music in the same way. I find they are more clinical in their playing. That's not a bad thing by any means but maybe the songs you've been playing along with the musicians are all playing with the feel of the song in mind rather than just playing dots on a page. Again its not a slight on those who have put the effort in to be able to sight read to a high level. Its just different requirements for different situations. I think if you start jamming with other musicians and feel the song change rather than rely solely on timing you should develop your "musicality" over time. Dave

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1500716888' post='3339745'] It's uplifting to read about the band's progress Hiram. Keep up the good work. The effort you all put in is reflected in the clips I've seen so I'll keep an eye out for C2B performances that I might attend. I mean, there's a good chance now as Derby is between Kent and the Scottish midlands... (winks at Dave). Pass my best wishes for continued success to all concerned. [/quote] Nice one SpondonBassed. A small mini tour over a normal weekend or do it right and have a long weekend tour. Stop off at Derby on way up here and stop off at maybe Sheffield area on way back down. Pretty sure there are more than enough venues to fill and get the band better known across all of the UK. London and SE needs to stop hogging all of the talent. You need to share it with us all. Go On You Know ya Wanna. Bet the band are all up for it. I have sewn the seed. Let the growth begin. Dave

Not a huge fan of Amy either but she did have a pretty good voice to be fair. Can't say the same about Oasis IMHO Dave

[quote name='ricksterphil' timestamp='1500717315' post='3339749'] I get to sing lead vocal on Jean Genie......I was stitched up by our singer. So I just flap my hands and hope no-one notices the bum notes. We decided to play G A G in our version. [/quote] Best reply yet

[quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1500725084' post='3339810'] you can shove oasis up your ar5e [/quote] I'm with you on Oasis. Never really saw the attraction of them. Dave

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1500725014' post='3339809'] From my point of view that's just a list of random covers that go down well. Most bands loosely specialise in a genre. Maybe if you organised them into 3 distinct sets it might make more sense, the songs are great stand alone songs but don't think they work as a set. [/quote] I listed them as i read thru each bands fav crowd pullers and not as how i would play in order of a set list as such. Think if you were a function band that set would go down well. Possibly do well in a club situation too. I think there are many gigs out there where people want a varied set from a band rather than your standard rock, blues, indy styles all night and for me that list says it all if i were at said functions. Not sure your local pub gig would be such a success. Usually when i go to see a band at local venue its because they play a specific style as you point out. That doesn't detract from the fact i enjoy a competent band playing a varied set list. As long as its done well. Dave

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1500715019' post='3339724'] Just trying to make the point that the best music is made by people who are not having "fun". Bob Dylan, Charlie Parker and Mozart were probably having more fun than we've ever seen, but not when they were making their music. I'd say that fun, enjoyment and satisfaction are very different things and probably shouldn't be mixed up when you're playing in a band. [/quote] Not sure i agree with you on that one Chris but everyone has their own way of looking at playing in bands and their own personal reasons. Surely the guys you mention would be enjoying their performances. I would say enjoyment is fun. I would have thought that with Mozart as the example he would be very focused in his performance but would he not gain his enjoyment from knowing he is playing his own arrangement exactly as it should be. I think i understand what you are saying tho that once you have completed the gig you can enjoy the fact you've played a fantastic gig. ? I would have to say tho that throughout most of my gigs i specifically think "this is great fun" at certain points. Probably think the opposite at certain points too Dave

There are venues in Glasgow too. Hard Rock Cafe and Classic Grand are good sized venues. O2 ABC and few others offering good sized halls so a mini weekend tour might be the way to go. You could start with a Newcastle or Carlisle gig on the Fri and play Scotland on the Sat and make a wee holiday out of it. Thanks for mentioning me in your post and await the gigs. I've been a Bowie fan since early 70's All the very best Dave

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1500713811' post='3339706'] Bill Shankly was right when he said, "Someone said to me 'To you [i]football[/i] is a matter of [i]life[/i] or death!' and I said 'Listen, it's [i]more important than[/i] that'. Sorry to be boring, but anyone playing a musical instrument just for fun could find a dozen easier ways of amusing themselves. You can have as much fun in your life as your body and mind can take but IMO when the gig starts the focus is only on one thing. Return to your fun after the encore. [/quote] I enjoy it so why would i look for something else. Most people can be totally focused at playing and still have fun enjoying it. If i wasn't having fun and enjoying it i simply wouldn't do it. Are you saying you don't enjoy the actual playing part or are you differentiating between fun and enjoyment. I see them both as one and the same thing. Dave

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1500672875' post='3339602'] Whether your in 1, 2 or 3 if your not having fun there's a problem. Blue [/quote] And that sums it up perfectly. Dave