lowdown

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='652024' date='Nov 11 2009, 09:36 PM']sections of unlistenable w***ery on there though. To be expected really, when the record was aimed squarely at the [b]fawning bass player market[/b].[/quote] And quite a big market that is...... And he as any other full time Muso/business likes to make money. Thumb work is his nine to five [with some overtime throwm in] Maybe working at Kentucky Fried Chicken dont appeal to him. There is some stunning Fretless stuff from VW out there. That seems to get missed for some reason or other.[In this country anyway] More to him than your quoted one album and 'you tube'/trade show Videos. Its all opions of course, But like him or hate him, there is no denying his superb Musicianship. Garry

[quote name='jakesbass' post='651088' date='Nov 10 2009, 10:09 PM']Interesting, I think that what is lost on you in motown is very similar to what you try to point out to others in your various assertions regarding the artistry of many jazz performers. It seems to me that you possibly don't have a connection with what motown is for, eg it feels good, it's not taxing, it's light natured, it's for the lightness of spirit emanating from the need to shed the troubles of the working week and what it meant to be black in America at that time, it clings to Africa in that the players let down their hair and invite the listener in to a feel good half hour or so, and join in with a holler or a shuffle. I can see that compositionally some of the material is not substantially artistically challenging but would it fulfill the same role if it were? I doubt it... and surely any attempt for it to be that would miss the point. One of it's greatest attributes is that it's done by people who didn't have to think hard about what they are doing, because it's a very natural art form, or furrow their collective brow in trying to eke out the quintessential last drop of pained artistry from every note, they simply did what they did, and millions couldn't resist the urge to get to the dance floor and suspend the drudgery of the working week, the racism, the poverty. Some of history's great players went through the motown studios and their magic ingredient was how good it all felt. Thats what I reckon anyhow....[/quote] That makes good read Jake. Garry

[quote name='jakesbass' post='651088' date='Nov 10 2009, 10:09 PM']Interesting, I think that what is lost on you in motown is very similar to what you try to point out to others in your various assertions regarding the artistry of many jazz performers. It seems to me that you possibly don't have a connection with what motown is for, eg it feels good, it's not taxing, it's light natured, it's for the lightness of spirit emanating from the need to shed the troubles of the working week and what it meant to be black in America at that time, it clings to Africa in that the players let down their hair and invite the listener in to a feel good half hour or so, and join in with a holler or a shuffle. I can see that compositionally some of the material is not substantially artistically challenging but would it fulfill the same role if it were? I doubt it... and surely any attempt for it to be that would miss the point. One of it's greatest attributes is that it's done by people who didn't have to think hard about what they are doing, because it's a very natural art form, or furrow their collective brow in trying to eke out the quintessential last drop of pained artistry from every note, they simply did what they did, and millions couldn't resist the urge to get to the dance floor and suspend the drudgery of the working week, the racism, the poverty. Some of history's great players went through the motown studios and their magic ingredient was how good it all felt. Thats what I reckon anyhow....[/quote]

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='651195' date='Nov 10 2009, 11:33 PM']But then I've heard Vic Wooten himself say that music's nothing unless you've got something to say, and then bombard people with a barrage of double-thumbing noise that sounds like a hyperactive toddler with a pair of spoons and a metal bucket for 3 minutes straight. What was he trying to say? "I can play bass THIS fast"?[/quote] Urm.. i meant lyrical in melodic sense. Oh well. Garry

[quote name='Doddy' post='650309' date='Nov 10 2009, 02:13 AM']The Bass isn't melodic-it's the player. The only limitations are with the player and with pre-conceived notions of the instruments role.[/quote] 35 years ago i was having Bass lessons with a player called Joe Mudele. He pretty much said to me what you said. To me it can be any tempo, any amount of notes. But if you are not lyrical, forget it. [Sorry OT a bit] Garry

[quote name='RyanD123' post='649072' date='Nov 8 2009, 08:09 PM']somthing im missing??[/quote] See if your toe nails are still attached to your feet. Garry

[quote name='jakesbass' post='647724' date='Nov 6 2009, 10:19 PM']He's been in that room for his entire life.... and it stinks of sh*t incredible though.. really[/quote] Thats what i like to see. A bit of Lateral thinking ! Garry

[quote name='Gareth Hughes' post='647136' date='Nov 6 2009, 12:17 PM']And +1 to all of the above, especially keeping the eyes of the girls/guys. Ooooooo.........shiny object.....[/quote] Where do you keep them,in a jar? I like to have mine on toast. BIg +1 for a teacher,[for the reasons Major-Minor outlined] When you start to feel confident with your reading, maybe try and get into a rehearsal big band, this is great for reading in the heat of battle. Most people in that band will more and likely be in the same situation as you. Garry

[quote name='Golchen' post='645989' date='Nov 5 2009, 09:04 AM']Jokes aside, that guy is seriously talented![/quote] That he is. I bet he is sh#t at Tennis though. Garry

Garry

Remember that the Waltz for all those nutty Ballroom Dancers, [pro's or Amatures] is all about the tempo. [not so much the tunes] Get that wrong and you might as well be playing Led Zep tunes..... This might help. [url="http://www.ballroomdancers.com/Dances/dance_overview.asp?Dance=AWA"]http://www.ballroomdancers.com/Dances/danc...w.asp?Dance=AWA[/url] Garry

[quote name='TimR' post='642936' date='Nov 1 2009, 10:42 PM']That's what the PSP was invented for.[/quote] And that's what the P45 was invented for. Garry

[quote name='jakesbass' post='642443' date='Nov 1 2009, 12:06 PM']the only thing I would re-iterate is knowing how the conductor is beating AT ALL TIMES. not knowing where you are is horrible.[/quote] That really is great advice. These days in shows, Just using headphones [and no amps] is quite common. So sitting in the dark for up to three hours, with no verbal contact, can be very lonely and intimidating for the first few shows or even worse if you are depping for the first time. So knowing the md/conductors actions and up/down beats is very important. Otherwise it can really be squeaky ring time. I have often thought about running off and joining a factory.. Garry

I have done this show over in Europe...[ on Electric - but this really is a double Bass chair] Most of it is written in double time and cut common. If you are new to this type of playing, i would listen to a CD or recording of the show - A LOT.To get a good feel for it. Charts these days are usually printed, but You will need a [b]penci[/b]l [or many] for changes made at rehearsals. Good line of sight for the MD/conductor, Tempo changes and direction. Personally for me, i use a volume pedal, not for dynamics but just for on and off between tunes, you dont want to make unwanted noises. and an inline tuner, i also take my own DI box [sans amp] - but usually supplied. But most of all follow the conductor/MD. The norm would be to follow the Kit player out side of a pit situation. But if he aint following the conductor full on - it can get messy tempo wise. And the MD could jump out of his pram. So if you are new at the sight reading thing, really use the time at rehearsals to get to know the geography of the charts. Maybe take a music stand extension for those tunes that have pages and pages of notes, page turns tend to be when you are in the key of Gb But the main thing is just relax - all the other guys in the band are in the same position as you. Just enjoy! EDIT..... Just seen your post above... Looks like its Am Dram time... In that case forget everything i said....and just try and shag as many of the cast as you can in the run Garry

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='640617' date='Oct 29 2009, 11:42 PM']Does 10 minuets make you a classical band then? [/quote] Garry

Here you go - The Spider. Of course use the fingerings in any position up and down the board. [attachment=35323:The_Spider.pdf]

Talking of finger strength. These players dont seem to have aproblem. Some stonking arrangements. Garry

There is a exercise that John Patticuti had on his first video tutorial called 'the spider'. I think it is up on you tube. A good one for dexterity. Garry

[quote name='OldGit' post='638763' date='Oct 28 2009, 08:36 AM']I've found that in a new deppin' situation leaping about taking the limelight and stealing the audience from the front person or Guitard is generally not a good way to get that dep gig a second time .... [/quote] And possibly aiming higher than a 40% success rate in right notes... Only kidding, i do understand what you mean. Garry

So no one stares at girl singers ar#es then? Garry

[quote name='JonnyB' post='637193' date='Oct 26 2009, 06:57 PM']Ok, I will investigate the ol' flamenco youtube vids, thanks![/quote] Sure is a hard style on guitar, let alone Bass. Good luck with that. Garry

Pretty much what has been said above. Good chops, good sight reading chops [although many get by without this - but will open other avenues] good lugs, know plenty of tunes,Versatility. discipline,great attitude,polite networking,and no hustling. And a passport. And contrary to what some think, you can run a family, go on holidays, Eat and own a property [or two] Garry

I think its based around the [Spanish]Flamenco style. Great player, and very versatile is Mr Laboriel. His son is a stonking Drummer as you might already know. Garry

Great bloke. I have played at a few of his birthday bash parties over the last 10 years or so, his enthusiasm for the music business is outstanding. Garry

[quote name='jakesbass' post='631905' date='Oct 20 2009, 10:43 PM']If my wife was saying to me that she wanted me to gig less then she would also be saying I want you to stop paying the mortgage, so it's a moot point really.[/quote] Same here, and that means no house, no cupboards = nowhere to put all her shoes. An her Ironing board and Bamboo hoover. Garry