thumperbob 2002

[quote name='kennyrodg' post='670724' date='Dec 1 2009, 08:22 AM']I can't quite get my head around the fact that some people on here,a Bass forum,think James Jamerson is overrated. Even if you dislike Motown,with the number of hits the label had you'd have to say that he is the most underrated Bass player that ever walked the planet.[/quote] Strange thread this- like what is overated?- seems to me this thread is about technique not musical ability. Theres a quote on here that says Jamerson would be a better bass player if he played with two fingers- no doubt some bright spark will say he would be better if he slapped or double thumbed. Both suggestions however will miss the point its not how you play but WHAT you play. There will never be another as successful as Jamerson and his music will be listened to in 100 years- same as the beatles and mozart. Can you say the same about Level 42 ( I still think Mark King is a terrific bass player though) - but its just chops. Bob

[quote name='ahpook' post='668023' date='Nov 28 2009, 09:33 AM']the first band i ever saw were a funk band called zoot and the roots...at the astoria in leeds i think - about 1986 ?[/quote] I did a couple of tours with Zoots about that time- in a band called the Mighty Strike My first Gig was Elvis Costello and the attractions / Richard Hell and the Voidoids and John Cooper Clarke in Manchester- `77-`78? Great Gig Bob

Yeah I was 15 and played a school opening day with some pals- a couple of which are still my best friends- in a 4 piece doing 60s songs and songs of the late 70s ( modern ones at that time )- a couple of them went to front / play with the housemartins / beautiful south and other bands. I however had a chequered career doing all sorts- but usually played in bands 4 nights per week. Went on to become pro for a few years and then saw sense starting my own business which is going OK. Still play 4 nights per month though. Amazing - I`ve been playing for more than 30 years- when you think about it its quite scary!! Bob

[quote name='Eight' post='665442' date='Nov 25 2009, 06:42 PM']Hahaha, I started thinking about Jamerson and hit the same problem - too many great lines.[/quote] I think too many people worship technical gods like Jaco, Wooten, Miller and forget its all about the music!! Jamersons bass lines are world famous- who cant forget you cant hurry love, get ready- and on and on and on. The average man off the street can, not just bass players. If you listen closely to most of them tunes they are genius!! Bob

Forgot Bootsy- Sex Machine

James Jamerson- for once in my life-Stevie -heard it through the grapevine ( Gladys Knight version ) + 1000s more!! David Dyson- quickwitted Victor Wooten- u cant hold no groove Jaco- Barbary Coast Larry Graham- thankyou for letting me be myself again Bob

Roadrunner- Junior Walker- sounds simple enough but Jameson does some surprising things on this tune- as always!! Great Song- hope our sax player gets it. Bob

We Do Soul Christmas- graham parker and the rumour and Back Door Santa- old soul one- four chords each Bob

[quote name='crez5150' post='659345' date='Nov 19 2009, 03:49 PM']yeah I always use Keef O'Toole - Comedy Genius[/quote] Our old chinese percussionist used to use Fook Yu

Wow- how responsible- the only time i fill out a form at a venue is for the internal revenue service ( taxman ) signed Mickey Mouse

[quote name='Jamesemt' post='657129' date='Nov 17 2009, 03:55 PM']There's a few of us, I just can't remember names!! I'm in Ignition - only just started playing pubs and clubs so you probably haven't heard of us. What band are you in?[/quote] I`m in Soul patrol- we play at the Weir in Hessle and on the first Thursday of the month and fusion Bar in Beverley on the last Friday. We dont play much either- by choice. Polar Bear on Friday- first time there in about 20 years!! Come down if you fancy it and say Hi. www.soulpatrol.org.uk Bob

I think we all make snap judgements about people- its in our genes. When we auditioned a drummer for the band I`m in this young kid walked in with his trousers ( literally ) round his ankles- I had never seen this "fashion" before and he looked as though he was`nt bothered- did`nt really know the songs either. Anyhow we gave him the benefit of the doubt and he has fit in really well- for the first gig he had the set off pat- is a really hardworker and loves gigging. He was only standoffish because he is a bit shy. I say give people a chance- they will either step up or quit. Bob

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='657380' date='Nov 17 2009, 07:17 PM']I don't read music. However, I've always wondered how you can write a piece of music and inform the reader that it grooves. For instance, if you've been in a situation where you have to sight-read a piece of music and you never heard it before, as it's an original piece, how do you know where to make it groove? Is it just instinctive?[/quote] Now thats a question!! Andrew Gouche says you cant write this sort of thing down- no doubt there are some expert readers here- (I`m not one ) - that will disagree. Marcus Miller said he was paid so much because he could sight read a new piece of music and it sounded like he had played it for years. Then again what is Groove- does it exist? Can it be described on paper? probably- but by a better player ( reader ) than me. Bob

Sorry pal I`m playing a gig that night.Didnt know there was anyone else from Hull- what band are you in? Bob

I`ve been playing for 30yrs + and have dealt with all kinds of pond life in that time. I refuse to do it now though and do make my opinions felt in a fairly cold but honest way. Otherwise there will be trouble........................... Can be frustrating though- after a little time off I was asked to join a gospel choir- the choir were fantastic- would make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up- had tv engagements, radio work etc. The problem was the band-- The Guitarist couldnt play The Drummer couldnt play The Sax player played too much- but never the same thing twice. The Keys player had to be seen to be believed- I have never seen anyone that could play every single note on his intrument in EVERY song! I let it go thinking they were finding their feet- later found out that they had been together for two years- I left at that time, having done about 5 gigs in a couple of months. They had some babes in the choir though! Bob

[quote name='fatback' post='651383' date='Nov 11 2009, 10:08 AM']Less is more? And less can be melodic, lyrical, startling and ultra effective. Goes for all instruments, not just bass. fatback[/quote] definitely right- i love simple bass lines and try not to be too bored playing them- Jameson could do both massively complicated and very simple- sometimes in the same song so anything works as long as it fits the song bob

see below for my rigs Practicing tonite with the 1212L and LM11 Bob

[quote name='Geek99' post='650593' date='Nov 10 2009, 01:21 PM']Speaking as someone who has just had major hand surgery for rsi, I would say its not something you should ignore or selftreat. I'd get two opinions, if it were me.[/quote] +1 and I would lower the bass- your wrist needs to be straight- or as straight as you can manage- always seems strange when someone picks up their shoulder- a bit like quasimodo- so lowering the bass I`m sure will put less strain on the wrist. Worked for me - see the dos though Bob

Yeah great post by Bilbo Saw a function band at a ball I was at on Sat night. Really proficient bass player but I guess was really bored as was slapping on the most basic tracks- added nothing. However when he started to sight read on Walking on Sunshine I was a little confused to say the least. Bob

I use my amps flat with just a little EQ on my Warwick- I do agree actives can be too powerful so you need to know what you are doing- it takes years really. Played mainly passives for years and no doubt these will improve the tone of your fingers- using actives EQ to compensate does not work. Dont forget all basses are different and like Marcus Miller says- you have lots of options open to you with 4 strings and two pickups- I play a 5 Bob

30 mins a day of challenging stuff- whether a new technique or brushing up you r reading skills- try not to practice things that you can do easily- transcribe records you like but cant play

I have a 1212L and a 1515L- no issues at all initially but just recently there is a buzz coming from the tweeter on the 1212L- checked wiring- all OK- is intermittent and goes when I switch the tweeter off. Contacted Shaun at SHX where I purchsed it and he said they are looking at another which has the same problem- thinks its the tweeter switch or crossover. He said he would get back to me by the end of the week so we`ll see. Paid about £1200 for both cabs and they sound immense!! Shaun seems a very nice chap and I`m sure he`ll sort it. Will keep the forum posted on this. Other than that I`m delighted with the cabs- massive sound, lovely warm tone and I can carry both in one trip. Bob

1987- Manchester international II- supporting Zoot and the Roots- the best gig I have ever played/ attended. Proper sweat coming down the walls type gig. Packed does not describe it. It all went wrong later when filthy lucre rose its ugly head!! Bob

I`ve done loads of charity do`s in the past and believe me it is always best to go on first- the times I`ve been sat in the dressing room just kicking my heels for nothing are too numerous to mention so I think you did what was asked of you- other than the verbal confrontations that is. Its amazing how after a few gigs- and depending upon the money for your living you start to have a real disdain for the audience- well I did. Funny that. Now I love gigging now I dont depend upon it. Bob

really fancy a skjold david dyson signature- but the problem is I would sound like me and not him! i`l stick with my warwick and just try to do a good imitation of him- and fail. bob