Len_derby

Some of you might remember that back in January I posted about the percussionist in the trio I play with. His wife died suddenly and totally out-of-the-blue. He, totally understandably, decided to take a break and we reverted to a duo for the time being. Anyway, last night he made his comeback. With his new weapon, a Cajon! A memorable night, in several ways.

Welcome Chuggs. Just down the road from you. Len

Welcome Julien. Enjoy the forum. Len

Welcome Urb'. 'Spose if you've got urban paranoia Shropshire's a restful place to live. Enjoy the forum, Len

Some good advice above. I play a lot in an acoustic guitar and electric bass duo. After trying different things out I've found that a Fender Jazz strung with roundwounds provides the best blend with the guitar. For a bit of variety in the set I drop out bass playing in some songs and provide harmonica or a bit of simple percussion. Tambourine, shaker, whatever. I also supply most of the off-colour jokes between songs too.

Good luck, enjoy yourselves! One tip. If you're playing outside makes sure any charts/notes/setlists you need are securely pinned down. Sudden gusts of wind always seem to come at the worst time, even under a gazebo. I use bulldog clips if using a music stand and tape things to the floor if not.

Welcome elrub. No worries about the inconveniences. Len

Donny Hathaway - Live. Willie Weeks on bass giving a master class, including a fantastically well-balanced and tasteful solo on the final track.

Welcome P.R. Have fun and enjoy the forum. Len

Welcome back on track Tom. Enjoy the forum. Len

Welcome Joseph. You'll find this site a goldmine of information and a cesspit of personal opinion. But it's all good! Enjoy the forum. Len

Done.

Welcome Joel. Well done to you for making the post and putting your head above the parapet!

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1341342221' post='1717444'] Yes and no. In general they are good at this, but it also depends on the player. You put this "predicting tones" in the context of improv. Many things can be said about this - for example: - Many jazz soloists practise for years on all types of standard licks in all kinds of keys and styles, if only to have something to fall back on when getting trouble during an improv. As a listener one can often hear the sudden change from song related beauty into some weak tones and then suddenly some standard licks. - In a lot of improv, the player would not as much decide on the next tone, or even have time to "predict" it, but would just play those series of tones or arrays of finger positions that years of practice have taught him/her will do well. The player would probably (but not always) know what's coming though. Hm. I wonder if that is clear enough. Tell me if it doesn't come across. You made one cool thread, bro! [/quote] I agree with all that, and you've hit the nail on head as to why solos suddenly seem to go off the boil. In addition, jazz players often put in a lick or phrase that's a lift from another, often very famous solo or tune. Sort of 'quoting' the masters. Sax players seem particularly prone to this. Going a bit off-topic. Sorry!

Welcome Andy. Age is immaterial. Enjoy. Len

Welcome MG, The first bass I ever played was a Hofner Violin. 40 years later, still learning and still loving it. Enjoy the forum! Len

[quote name='Alec 'Aleb' Mills' timestamp='1341317861' post='1716845'] I found that knowing some tunes that use an interval as part of a main melody e.g. for a fifth, try the first two notes of the star wars theme! [/quote] Good thread. I agree with all that's been suggested so far. The important thing is practise and persistence. Just like any other skill. On the above quote, there's a great little book called 'How music works' by Jonathon Powell. It's a look at music from a physics/maths perspective. If that sounds dry, it isn't. I never got beyond CSE grade 1 Maths but the book gave me a lot of 'lightbulb' moments. In it there's an appendix that suggests one or more well-known songs to illustrate and recognise most intervals. For example, the first two notes of 'Somewhere over the rainbow' = an octave.

Welcome Will, Enjoy the forum. Len

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1341060543' post='1713346'] ( I would too but you stir up a **** storm if you say that sort of thing!) [/quote] But I live in a household of women. I'm used to saying something 'wrong' every time I open my mouth To edit what I said slightly, I've never had the opportunity to try a 'top' US Fender (custom shop or similar). I would hope for tip-top quality there. For a more 'bog standard' Fender I've found the Japanese so much more value for money. Put it this way, I have happily bought a CIJ Fender without trying it (thank you Tom1946!). I don't think I'd do that for an American made one. Too many QC variables in my experience.

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1341053180' post='1713216'] I would put the japanese stuff on par with the american [/quote] From my own experience, I would put Japanese Fenders [i]ahead [/i]of American ones.

Welcome Dave from a fellow East Midlander. Len

Welcome Terry. You'll find some country love on here. You must have a few tales to tell. Enjoy the forum. Len

Welcome Mr McGoo (is your eyesight really that bad? ) There's a number of us on here who play in worship bands. Enjoy the forum. Len