Bilbo

I too have started writing with Sibelius and letting my ears lead me rather than my 'intellect'. It has resulted in interesting melodies and bass lines but the harmony is weak.

The Art of Composition Like many of us, I have taken part in the monthly composition competition under the ‘Recording’ forum and enjoyed the various approaches we all have to the problem of composing to images. I have learned and continue to learn a lot in the process. One of the things that I find frustrating about a lot of the entries (including and especially my own) is the over reliance on riffs and repetition, two chord vamps (usually a whole tone apart) or ‘classic’ forms such as blues etc. We all seem able to work quite effectively with these ‘simple’ structures. Personally, I am frustrated by my own inability to integrate complex structures like sophisticated chord sequences or interesting rhythmic ideas into my composing. I keep trying but I can’t seem to break out of simple little boxes. I wonder how many of us [i]choose[/i] to use these simple ideas and how many of us do so because we can’t find ways to move away from them? I consider myself to be the latter. I also wonder how much of it is less about what we can compose as it is about what we can actually [i]play[/i]. Most of us are playing all of the instruments on each recording so are confined by our ability to play second and third instruments, to sing in tune or to the availability of decent midi kit. I can’t complain in that are as any shortcomings in my recording is about my limited experience in the studio and with midi in particular but, as I said, are we frustrated because we need to get things played by proper players instead of by ham-fisted bass players like me. I can play ‘Lush Life’ and get around similar mad chord sequences (except Giant Steps) but I do struggle to create anything that is as deep or as beautiful as the stuff I love to listen to. I guess it is a case of valuing what we can and do create rather than regretting what we can’t but I would love to get into composing more sophisticated material. What does everyone else think about the Art of Composing?

Just taken delivery of my first three cables from Dave (2 instrument and one mic). They even smell good! Good comms and quick and efficient service as so often and consistently reported here.

I did a gig with my own trio last Sunday. What is more, the gig featured 16 of my tunes and only 2 standards. I have enough material to not any but some of my stuff needs rehearsing and is too hard to read cold. We ripped the material apart in the playing, which is how I like it, but I have to admit, I am feeling a bit sore now Oh and I debuted my new Acoustic Image set up. Early days but very promising.

Its my Vsts, Mike. They are slippery little suckers

Good outcome for me this month. I have, for a long time, struggled with mixing midi as it kept missing bits out. But I know why now so made progress! May remix mine in light of this new knowledge as there is a layer missing!

I would bridge it with one finger and work on the intonation

What's a PA?

It's an easy read. The charts are meat and potatoes for a bass player.

I got a copy off funkyp and realised that there is an issue with transcribing for a 6 string. That many ledger lines either ay makes the chart unreadable. May a full piano stave of the of tenor/alto clefs?

Wasn't gonna but I did.... [url="https://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/searching-finding"]https://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/searching-finding[/url] A bit Steve Reich/Mike Oldfield, I guess. My biggest problem is getting ideas I can PLAY not ideas per se. Ie the exercise is not aroudn composition but performance and recording. I think that's another discussion but here is this months effort from me.

How the hell do you maintain your intonation in thumb position at that tempo with a bow? Practice, practice, practice!!

I read this whole thread. I need to get out more.

I am going to venture into 'tosser' mode now so bear with..... If people can't be bothered to invest in their playing and have the attention span of a bean-bag, why are they trying to improve their playing with theory books? These books are not dull, they are just a little demanding and take a little time to absord, like learning any new language. Learning anything that is demanding is going to push a student and, if s/he fails after one session of basic theory because it is a bit dry, then s/he ain't going to make it in the long run. Personally, I would start with discussing basic concepts with a friend who is willing to tell you about intervals, basic chord theory etc. Once it starts to make sense, the rest becomes less dry. And learning to read music brings it to life something rotten....

I was a subscriber to Double Bassist, a marvellous magazine that was produced around 8 times a year. I had every edition to the point where it was 'absorbed' into The Strad (at which point I bailed). Great articles, great music, great adverts! Astonishing quality and features on some really classy players. Oh those halcyon days!! Of course, it went the way of all things that matter.....

Pat Martino - Live at Yoshi's

I want to hate it, but I can't Good work.

I often come across fantastic things that musicians say that, I think, sum up important lessons that we can all benefit from. I thought it would be useful to start a thread on here. No discussions, no debates just one sentence quotes form great musicians that we can all use to help us think about our playing. All genres, all perspectives welcome. My wisdom may be your folly. I'll start with something I read today. 'Music is the food. The guitar is just a fork' - Pat Martino

Jean Luc Ponty!! That brings back memories!! Today, I am mostly listening to the Bill Evans Trio, 'Sunday Night at the Village Vanguard'. I had forgotten how good this trio were (Evans, Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian)

I have had an Eden Metro for over 10 years but am about to sell it as I have up-graded to an Acoustic Image Clarus/Ten2X package (courtesy of Scooby). I have gigged it in every conceivable situation and it is a great piece of kit. I once needed to replace the castors and it cost me £16. I needed to replace them again recently and Marshall sent them to me for free. Go Marshall.....