Bluewine

I completely get reinvesting the money in an originals band playing at your level. Makes perfect sense. For bar band guys like me every cent is going straight into my wallet. BIue

That's fine. My argument is with those that are broad stroking originals bands s as well as cover bands. They're not all the same. Blue

Very astute comment. While I play blues rock covers , like you say my approach to these covers comes from my 60 year old library it isn't a note for note proposition. For example last weekend when our band leader called out Stevie Wonders Superstition out if the blue I found myself playing the bass line from James Browns "Talking Loud and Saying Nothing", a song I played as a teen. There was a counterpoint thing happening that gave the song a unique groove. That's free an open creativity. Again I'm not convinced that many here have a narrow and limited predisposition to what a cover band is. I'm respectfully challenging those with this narrow definition of "cover band". I am not challenging those who don't like playing covers. That's a personal choice which I don't take issue with. Blue

Sorry, It's just the way it is. Blue

Exactly. Dave, I've never even heard the original recordings of some of the stuff we play. The reason I belabor my point is because many think "cover band" means Bon Jovi and Katty Perry. Blue

Good discussion points, all valid. Periods of not playing would put me into a depression. My favorite gig of the year with my band is when we play 5 nights in a row at WI State Fair. I call it my Hamburg. All 4 hour shows. It's exciting creative and fun. It's like heaven for me. We're all different, both sides of the fence are cool as far as I'm concerned. Blue

Everyone is not aware of my stance, which for the most part is misunderstood. I agree, nothing better than writing and playing originals. However, I could also say there's nothing better than playing covers in a bar band. I think there's still a lot if broad stroking originals band as well as cover bands and room for more discussion. Blue

Why do you think you can't be creative in a cover band. I play in one if Milwaukee"s finest blues rock cover bands. I never play anything the same twice and we perform a lot of our material in different tempos, keys and grooves at the drop of a hat. Much more creative than many originals bands. It's fantastic. Plus we have to CDs of original material mixed into our set list. My point, all cover bands are not the same. Blue

Because it's 40 years after the fact and we're still debating it. He was so ahead if his time, I'm not sure we've caught up to him yet.IMO Blue

That sounds like a nice niche. I think we're all different when it comes to what's a rewarding experience. This is why I stress the importance of understanding and defining what you want out of playing bass guitar. Below is a copy of a bass player wanted ad. It's the type of ad,vuf I were looking would have no interest in IMO , it's unrealistic and screams flake all over; "im a guitar player, and do vocals. im looking for a bass player and a drummer. mostly blues, classic rock, and then some. i am not looking to play in bars!!! i realize there is a starting point, but i am aiming high. solid rhythm and a good big sound. im 53, have practice space. a good sound guy i know too." Blue

You are very lucky and must be playing above and beyond the local level. Most folks I know that are playing originals are broke and not gigging anywhere. Very unfortunate. Blue

I was lucky enough to have a day job for 35 years. Now I'm lucky enough to be retired. The originals scene in Milwaukee is ok as long as you don't want to gig or get paid. Blue

Originals can be very satisfying. So can gigging and money. Blue

Some of you guys really broad stroke cover bands. We would never play Living On A Prayer or Don't Stop Believing. Blues Rock covers, you can play anyway you like we have fun with them. We also have 2 CDs of originals. We're able to book like a main stream cover band. And we don't do any Katy Perry, the closest we cone to that would be Fleetwood Mac"s "Oh Well" Blue

Not that it matters, but I didn't here about Marcus until years after Jaco. Weather Report was pretty big. Blue

Sorry, I have a difference of opinion. "No Jaco, no Marcus." Without Jaco I doubt guys like Markus would have risen to prominence. I'm not sure what "active on the scene " means. Blue

What is the difference between a poor cover and a poor original? I say, not much, they're both bad. Blue

Here's one of mine Fender MIJ crafted in 2000. It's been dropped a million times but it's still perfect. Blue Blue

Whether we like Jaco or not. Most of us don't have a fraction of his vision, ability or skill. Blue

I'm not a huge Jaco fan. However, I'd have to say Jaco's style of bass playing is currently innovative. Blue

For me, I'm sticking with; "Umm yes" Blue

If you don't like Jaco or to young to understand his place in history that's fine However your going to have a hard time convincing me his legacy isn't well deserved. It doesn't really matter who or what we like or dislike. Blue

I've always supported good original material. Unfortunately in my neck of the woods a lot of the original stuff I've heard is marginal self indulgence. I'm not going to pit originals against covers. You can't pit an orange against an apple. Blue

It's just the way it works. For example, no Sly& The Family Stone, then no EW&F, no Ohio Players, No Graham Central Station. Blue

There are some that think anyone can book. Look for a thread soon. Blue