ML94

One of the most beautiful bass lines ever crafted (Hope that didn't sound wierd....)

Definitely hit the nail on the head with that first link! I guess my mind does wonder off when playing and starts to think about what the audience are thinking etc. Like you said Ambient, it comes with experience, I hope this is the case as I haven't played for a long time and as for gigging even less and less. I'm off to Leeds college of music this september to study Jazz and I'm anxious that I'll be the only one there who is rubbish lol! Some real good advice chaps! Thanks!

Hey Guys, So recently I've been playing quite a few gigs with a large turn out (100+) well for me anyway and the thing I've noticed is that whenever I do play I always end up playing the easy way ... What I mean by this is that I won't take certain risks. We all know that we shouldn't go off on one when all we need to do is hold the low end but it's when I'm doing a jazz set or something of the sort. I can solo at home with confidence and pretty much hear all the ideas in my head and transfer them on the bass but as soon as I get in front of a crowd it's a different story. Things like playing the same licks or knowing that this ____ will definitely work so I should play it instead of playing what I hear in my head! In a groove context (holding the low end) I will pretty much again play it safe. I won't express myself in fear of making mistakes ... For some reason this 'feeling' won't go away and it's driving me up the wall ! Oh and am I being paranoid that everyone is listening to me or has this happened to some of you and how did you overcome it? Thanks! ML

I've found igigbook to become my most used app! Scan in or upload the PDF files that contain music, create notes on the spot, create a set order and you can even assign backing tracks to the dots you have (haven't used that yet!). It's a doddle to use but does come with a hefty (for me) £10 price. But is worth every penny!

Brilliant suggestions guys. Will definitely look into these. Cheers!

Hi guys, I've got a lot of PDF's printed out that I lug around from band to band and now it's just getting a little tedious. I've got an iPad and know that some people use an App for creating a set list from there PDF's or JPG's. Could someone reccommend me a set list app which will allow me to import my PDF, JPG and name the music so I don't have to search for hours where it's gone. Easy and user friendly and that will skip pages ASAP on stage lol

Top guys, sent me what I needed ASAP!

Hi guys, I'm looking for some kind of melodic dictation software or online programme. The one from Teoria is great but the amount to work out is 6 bars ... I'm looking for something which has 2 bars of missing melody. If it helps I'm doing this for an A level exam and really wanted to up my hearing as the dictation part is worth quite a bit of points! Anyone have any ideas?

I'd be happy to start creating/sharing them once my exams are done and dusted !

[quote name='bluesparky' timestamp='1400636746' post='2455720'] Slightly off topic here, I've bought a few of these: [url="http://www.coffeebreakgrooves.com/"]http://www.coffeebreakgrooves.com/[/url] I find them great for general practice and also for preparing for an exam (e.g. RGT or Trinity Rock 'n Pop etc). They're not cheap and I'm sure it's not TOO hard to for one to produce something of a similar ilk, but I sadly don't have the time to do that and they're just what I need. [/quote] I saw this recently after jamming along to some on Youtube. What I've noticed is, they give the chord charts for every album for free ! What this means is someone who's broke like me can actually programme it into Logic or BIAB and create my own 15 minute backing tracks without having to purchase all the albums ! Brilliant !

I think internalising and finally 'hearing' what you practice just takes time. Right at the start of my Jazz 'beginnings' I forced myself to listen to the chord tones, creating chord tone based melodies/phrases over II-V-I's. Over time I started to incorporate these ideas in my own playing, fitting them into little lines I create and now my playing sounds more melodic than when I began. Some things just don't come that quick and some do. Everyones different.

Hey guys, Just letting you guys know if no one hasn't posted yet, Incognito's latest album 'Amplified Soul' is out ! I've been waiting well over a month for it and it's been worth it ! Bass playing is amazing - Richard Bull & Francis Hylton according to http://www.allmusic.com/album/amplified-soul-mw0002639252/credits If anyone could confirm the bass players that would be great ! Nevertheless, brilliant all round.

I've just got the latest BIAB and wow oh wow. The sounds are much better than the original version I had which i think was the 2007 model ? All I have to do now is learn how to use the damn thing!

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1398940118' post='2439168'] [url="http://chordify.net/chords/oscar-brown-jr-mr-kicks-attila-keri"]http://chordify.net/...cks-attila-keri[/url] [/quote] This chordfiy stuff, is it accurate ?

Yeah and I'd need some company as no one i know enjoys this kind of music (wow!)

[quote name='jazzyvee' timestamp='1398782142' post='2437542'] Check out the Yardbird in Paradise place in Birmingham city centre. They have a jazz jam session every couple of weeks. I think the last one was last weeks so one should be coming up soon. I get a text from the organiser and will post it here for you when i know the next date. Jazzyvee [/quote] Hey thanks for the reply. I did see there jam sessions but the last one expired about 3 months ago ! Please keep me updates i would love to get together with some of the musicians down there !

Hi guys, I'm looking for some jam sessions in the Birmingham area. All the jam sessions that I've found are either for Rockers or have expired !

Band in a box has some 'cheesy' sounds which dosen't cut it for me. I also have Ireal Pro which is great for lead sheets and some quick practice with the accompaniment but I'm searching for something that has some great sounds and dosen't sound like its from the 80's.

I'm looking for some kind of software which is like band in a box where you can add in chords, type of feel(swing, latin) and your basic stuff to practice along with on a Mac. There are loads of apps on iphones and android but im specifically looking for Mac software. Any heads up would be great

[quote name='jakenewmanbass' timestamp='1398632812' post='2436095'] Keep heart mate, I went to college and started my career in Liverpool and then went to live in the busier Manchester scene. It wasn't long before too many trips down the M6 made it the right decision to up sticks (with family and mortgage in tow... 3 kids) today I've done day 1 of rehearsals on a show that may well transfer to the West end and complete a UK tour. All paying my mortgage [/quote] Stuff like this really keeps guys like me who are young, upcoming bass players. Going to music college this year and really hoping to learn my craft and be the best I can be. Having someone like yourself prove that it is possible is an inspiration !

Taking the grade 8 exam will definitely challenge you. I know the rockschool grade 8 makes you learn the half diminished scales, all major and minor scales, arpeggios up and down (everything 2 octaves). It really does help in the end as you have a new approach to playing and see things in another perspective. Pieces themselves are also challenging if your not familiar with the techniques such as slapping, tapping and so on. Again it's a learning curve and helps you branch out your musical interests. But again, it's a piece of paper saying you've achieved grade 8. You can't turn up to an audition and show them that and expect them to hire you Lol !!! (I know someone who did that)