Mickeyboro

I play in a folk-rock band which has two iterations; an acoustic trio and an electric quintet with drums and fiddle. I have been playing fretless with the trio to add a point of difference. Also, as the drummer is heavy-handed, I prefer not to use it in the quintet as I can’t always hear myself! I taped a recent trio mini-gig and found that, of the seven songs played, four hit the mark but the other three had dodgy intonation. There was no real excuse except for one song we hadn’t intended to play which I rushed. It’s hit my confidence rather. My pal @bumnotewho was there thinks I’m being too critical but I haven’t dared send him the tape! Question is, do I persevere and try to improve the sub-standard songs, or just play fretted?

You plonker, Keith!🤣

I had @Mykesbass with me, and he concurred with my opinion. As a first time Del Amitri audience member, he was not impressed by the musicianship…but in a funny way they have made a career out of being Faces-style sloppy. Doesn't excuse the original crime, however!

I have a Lakland Jerry Scheff which is a wonderful active Jazz dressed up in outrageous Shoreline Gold with lipstick pickups. He only really used a Precision with Elvis and the Doors, this was a ‘kid in a sweetshop’ thing for him. Might not be to everyone’s taste Best looking bass I have ever owned!

Watched Del Amitri last night in Southampton. When Justin Currie switched from bass to acoustic for the sensitive stuff, the guitarists thought they could take over. With disastrous results! Iain Harvie’s fingerstyle was horrible and distorted, while Kris Dollimore’s noodling decimated Nothing Ever Happens. What the sound mixer thought he was doing (or not doing) in not dialling them back I don’t know, but I do think six-stringers should have to take a proficiency test before strapping on a bass…

I live in Bournemouth. Is there an option to see the artists but not book a room?

I was in a band who were anal about cable coiling. Unfortunately it was symptomatic of an attitude that took all the fun out of playing music. They made me take my gear on the bus once as they couldn’t be arsed to pick me up - a two-mile detour - then sent me an email complaining I hadn’t stuck around to load the van (I was on the last buses, yes two of em, home!) I guess it’s a matter of perspective…

I was onstage with SMB at Hammersmith in 1983 when their soundcheck was called. Gerald Johnson still hadn’t arrived and I was plucking up the courage to ask to stand in... till I realised he was a southpaw😕

Were you into Hatfield & the North? I interviewed RS for a live reissue and couldn’t believe how self-effacing he was. Felt he didn’t belong in such company! Glad you didn’t miss Caravan’s first number, too...

Get there for 7.30… I was told 8 and missed the start! Ended at 10.25, but there was a lengthy interval. Certainly felt we got our money’s worth. And yes, still Mark. You could have just watched him all night - apart from the facial expressions, he would be a dream drummer for any bassist to play with.

According to Geoff Richardson he wanted to return to session work/more RnB-flavoured material. An amicable divorce. GR also made the point that Lee had listened to the originals and was playing ‘heritage basslines’ which, I think, indicates it is a good thing generally. The drummer is bloody good too, reminds me of John Pugwash Weathers of Gentle Giant fame.

Jest seen him with Caravan. He can’t sing, but neither can Pye Hastings… but together with the new drummer (they’re pals from Crowborough, Sussex, apparently) he’s revitalised the old warhorse. What a player… Wielded what looked like a boutique version of a black Fender Jazz, possibly with DeMarzios.

Cracker!

Hello lads - are you fans of Man and Deke Leonard?

Don’t do it unless your case is absolutely airtight. And even then I wouldn’t risk it. Had a v bad experience storing a bass in what I thought was a dry rehearsal space,

I had one, scored from eBay for £280! The slab body annoyed me more than anything, so prefer the CV.

Jazz is one four letter word I don’t use!

A good one to have for venues where fan noise is neither here nor there!

Their new album (first for many years) is exceptional.

Let you into a secret - the Eagles have always sounded like their records on anything I’ve seen. Loved em, but as exciting live as watching wet Dulux... YMMV!