Stuart Clayton

[quote name='ARGH' post='450897' date='Mar 31 2009, 09:42 PM']Dont worry,you didnt get the blame for marking his metallic purple Maison Bass 17 years ago. (I was not me either..)[/quote] That's a pretty interesting comment! Who are you? A purple Maison bass... weirdly that's a bass I really regret selling. Stu

[quote name='silddx' post='450776' date='Mar 31 2009, 06:52 PM']While I'm at it, Stuart had been watching this thread for ages and only contributed when prompted. [i] [b]EDITED [/b]for a potentially hurtful personal remark. Sorry Stuart.[/i] Sorry Stuart, I'm really trying not be personal. I just detest a wasted opportunity. A wise man makes more opportunities than he finds. Please try to be wiser.[/quote] I'm not offended at all. And the only reason that I joined in on this thread - which you are correct, I was watching with interest - was that I thought I could be helpful in some way. Like I said, I make no decisions on what goes in the mag, the direction it takes, who is interviewed, what transcriptions are chosen, who writes columns etc etc. It's therefore not a case of ME being wiser because I don't run the magazine!! I'm not here to ruffle feathers and am very keen that this remains friendly. Cheers Stuart

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='450699' date='Mar 31 2009, 05:33 PM']You can imagine Bernie's thoughts on such matters.[/quote] I would prefer not to.

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='450689' date='Mar 31 2009, 05:24 PM']I was just looking at the website reviews... [url="http://www.bassguitarmagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=221:gb-guitars-spitfire-5-string-issue-36&catid=37:bassguitars"]http://www.bassguitarmagazine.com/index.ph...=37:bassguitars[/url] Seems like the review of my Spitfire has been nicely mangled with (some of the negative parts to boot) the Ibanez BTB675 review. I can see why manufacturers would be reluctant to have text printed about their products when things like this are happening. Do [i]any[/i] checks happen anywhere?[/quote] That's quite frustrating to see...!

[quote name='BigRedX' post='450388' date='Mar 31 2009, 11:24 AM']I think the issue with BGM is that it is the only UK magazine dedicated to basses and their players and therefore we'd like it to be good, and are disappointed when it doesn't live up to our expectations. Be thankful that there's people here voicing their concerns and some even offering useful advice, at least the magazine is being talked about - would you be happy if we were simply ignoring you? From my perspective, what you do well is interviewing bass players who might not have 'killer chops' but have something interesting musically about them and you do usually know which players are going to appeal to a UK market. Too many of the US BP interviews seem to place pure technical ability to far above actually doing something original with it. What you don't manage as well as your US counterpart is in the range of equipment you review. Admittedly there's a bigger selection more easily available in the US, but I think that you need to realise that with on-line purchase both new and second hand getting hold of bass equipment that doesn't have a UK distributor is no longer the near impossibility that it was 10-15 years ago. In fact reviews of gear that isn't easily available in the shops would actually be more useful - it'll open peoples eyes to the sheer breadth of basses and related equipment that's available - and as it's possible to go and try the more common instruments in our local music store we can make up our own minds reviews of the latest Fenders, Yamahas, Ibanezes etc. Actually in that respect your most recent issue was a vast improvement and if that's an indication of the way things are going to go congratulations, but so far it's been the exception to the rule. Following on from that, would it be possible to have at least a 6 issue ban on reviewing Warwick products? I know that they're spending a lot on advertising with you (there's normally 2-3 pages of Warwick ads per issue when all the other big names take just a single page each) and they're obviously happy to supply review instruments, but when there appears to be a Warwick review in every other issue it starts to get a bit much. I've noticed a similar trend in Guitar Buyer Magazine. It doesn't do you any favours when in appears that the UK musical instrument press is part owned by a German manufacturer! Finally I do think that you need to employ a proper proof-reader and artworker as there are too many beginners mistakes in both the standard of the writing and the technical aspects of the production of the editorial pages. Having recently gone freelance I would be happy to offer my services in the latter capacity and my rates are very reasonable. For starters here's a tip for your production 'department'. Turn off "Automatic Smart Quotes" in your page layout application. Then you might stand a chance of getting the apostrophes the right way round in "Rock ’n’ Roll" and also render feet and inch measurements with the correct typographic symbols (both the highlighted mistakes occur in the very first spread of your NAMM overview).[/quote] Well, I don't want to set myself up as the mouthpiece for the magazine here, but you raise a few points that I do think I can comment on. The range of equipment we review is down to what we can get our hands on. We do everything we can to get the latest stuff as it's released, and have a had a few decent scoops recently with the Status Kingbass 2, Hartke HyDrive system, Tech amp rig, Marcus Miller SWR rig and hopefully next issue with the TC Electronic Rebel Head rig (I want one of those based on looks alone!). However, if manufacturers don't get gear to us for review, we cannot review it. Warwick are one of the companies that seem to be particularly on the ball and send a lot of stuff in. With regard to proof reading, I agree. As I said in an earlier post, no-one wants to see errors of this nature in the mag, especially when they are so easily avoided. Perhaps you (BigRedX)should contact the magazine head office and offer your services? Stu

[quote name='Mike' post='450243' date='Mar 31 2009, 08:05 AM']Hi guys - not sure if this has been posted yet - I couldn't find it, if it has. Jeff Berlin went on Talkbass to field some questions. I think a lot of interesting ideas and useful stuff came out of this. [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=505003"]Link is here.[/url] Sorry if it's a double-post! Regards Mike[/quote] Wow, some great stuff in there. I always loved Jeff's columns in Bass Player, and quite often agreed with what he had to say. His playing might not be to everyone's tastes, but he sure knows what he's talking about. Stu

[quote name='OldGit' post='450270' date='Mar 31 2009, 08:51 AM']So Stu, What's the new regime got planned for the magazine? Oh and I hope you[i] will[/i] be reviewing the Fleabass when they get here.[/quote] Hi, I have no idea, I'm not involved in any planning issues really. All I know is that they're going for a transcription in each issue (something we have ALL wanted for many years, right?) and that someone else beat me to it in getting hold of the new TC Electronic rig.... I think the Fleabass might be in the next issue (42), which I have not yet seen. I have no idea who reviewed it though, wasn't me. Whilst obviously I am going to be defensive of the magazine to a certain extent, I can totally agree with the comments about spelling and grammar issues. It gives me no pleasure to read the mag and notice these things any more than it does anyone else - I didn't feel too great about the first four bars of my 'The Real Me' transcription being left off in issue 39 either. But, these things do happen, especially when pages get moved around at the last minute etc. I'm a huge fan of Bass Player magazine as well, and have gone to great pains to collect every issue (just missing one, dammit). However, they suffer many of the same problems. That's no excuse on the part of our magazine, just an illustration that sometimes, even with the best will in the world, mistakes slip by. Stu

[quote name='silddx' post='450192' date='Mar 31 2009, 01:22 AM']Right I'm off to bed. I need a thorough night's sleep. See you in the morning, when, I hope, comrade Clayton will join in the discussion so we can encourage Bass Ferret to set up a new and thorough British government due to our dissatisfaction with the current one. Good night. xXx :wub:[/quote] I've been reading... I just don't really know what I can add really. Some people don't like the mag. Some people do. I don't think that will ever change. It could be worse. We could have just released a green bass with a bright orange scratchplate. ;-) Stu

[quote name='LWTAIT' post='429929' date='Mar 9 2009, 10:43 PM']ooh is this book going to have the solo version of the simpsons theme tune in? if so hurry up with it please, i'm looking forwards to attempting to learn it and giving up after the first two bars.[/quote] That's the one, and I'm sure you'll do great with it! Cheers Stu

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='428976' date='Mar 9 2009, 01:00 AM']Props to Stuart Clayton - when I first saw him play, he made me look into a hell of a lot stuff that he has obviously taken inspiration from... Stu is class. Check him out. He has written the best slap bass book too - check it out.... and Stu - still waiting for that solo book!![/quote] Thanks dude, the solos book is coming along nicely...just very slowly!!! Stu

I reviewed a Celinder J4 for the bass mag about 6 years ago and it was just utterly awesome. It's the only bass other than the GB Rumour that I reviewed in the first issue that made me want to sell everything I have in order to get one! I never did, but I know damn well that at some point there will be a Celinder in my collection. Really great basses. Stu

That's a great looking bass-in-progress! Every time I see a new Sei being built I try to convince myself to take the plunge... Stu

[quote name='doctor_of_the_bass' post='428364' date='Mar 8 2009, 02:19 AM']Apols if this has been done before but having met quite a few fellow chatters, here's my list of favourite players! In no particular order and without prejudice! Each of these players has a definite quality to their playing that I've personally enjoyed - its not a question of how fast someone can play Mr Pink... Urb Funkmunky Me (of course!) Funkyhobbit Poptart OutToPlayJazz Marcus cd_david ped dood Crazykiwi EBS_Freak[/quote] +1 for Urb. I think he's the only BC'er I've heard but I was very impressed indeed. And whoever suggested a BassChat album, that's an awesome idea - count me in!!! Stu

[quote name='Low Down Dave' post='426734' date='Mar 5 2009, 10:11 PM']I tend to find the DVD’s start off really basic then suddenly jump to advanced stuff with no middle ground, but the ED Friedland Slap Bass the Ultimate guide is as good as any and better than most, and cheap. The Stuart Clayton Ultimate Slap Bass book with CD’s is really the ultimate guide, it will really help you develop your technique and it is very highly recommended and pretty much all you need. David.[/quote] Thanks for the kind words Dave. If it's of any interest to those reading this thread, I will soon be uploading audio files for all the exercises that were left off of the two CD's that ship with Ultimate Slap Bass - there were just too many exercises in the book to fit on the discs! I will also be adding a whole batch of new exercises of all levels, plus hopefully some videos of some of the lines in the book. All free too! When it's done (which won't be for a month or two) it'll be on my publishing site: www.basslinepublishing.com Cheers Stu

[quote name='Jase' post='394225' date='Jan 28 2009, 11:53 PM']Yeah, that was really good I thought. Nice one Clive![/quote] That's awesome - it's a great arrangement of a really nice Kate Bush song. Top stuff. Stu

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='388162' date='Jan 22 2009, 02:33 AM'][url="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=hV58amI1vLU"]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=hV58amI1vLU[/url] 4:28 ...but the audience reaction proves a point - and you have more than the necessary chops to back it up! PS - hows the book looking?[/quote] haha, yeah they work on that gig! I meant I never use them on regular gigs! The book is coming along... slowly...! Cheers Stu

[quote name='bass_ferret' post='385938' date='Jan 20 2009, 12:35 PM']Interesting thread. The irony of proclaiming the best when it is the only has always amused me. There have been somethings that Bernie has been unhappy about recently with GB reviews, comments on the finish when its not actually a new bass (all GB's are customer basses - Bernie does not build them for review), and slagging off the LED show when the reviewers own bass has the LED show spring immediately to mind.[/quote] If you are referring to the recent 5-string fest which featured a GB Rumour bass, then please be aware that I am the only BGM reviewer with a GB bass that has the full LED light show. I love LED's (although i never use them on gigs, obviously!), but I was not part of the team that reviewed those basses. Stuart

[quote name='urb' post='366017' date='Dec 30 2008, 09:32 AM']Fair enough but for my sins I've been a Flecktones fan since around 1990 so I've been checking Vic out for a hell of a long time and like to think I've heard him play just about everything in dozens of different contexts, you are singling out just on small aspect of his playing, he's a master of dynamics, rhythm and his 'internal clock' is just plain scary. He's a very fine fretless player and can completely support a groove, play for the song etc etc without doing a single fill for the duration. Sadly the stuff that gets posted on Youtube from bootlegged videos of his live shows always focus on his solo spots which invariably feature his patented double thumb stuff, but while I can agree listening to more than a few second of that can be quite annoying, the level he has it at means he can play very musically with it, but if you still hate it fine, it's not the point I'm trying to make. Wooten also happens to be one of the finest fingerstyle players around as well and to be honest that's the stuff he does that I love best, no idea if you have seen this clip but this is a wicked solo off his video from ten years ago, that does feaure some double thumb stuff but in a subtle, utterly grooving way and the tune at the end 'Sex In A Pan' in part 2 is just damn funky and beautifully executed, sorry i couldn't find the whole clip on its own but the instructional stuff on the start of part oneis really good as well i hope you learn something from it! part one part two [/quote] Must agree with Urb here - Victor's fingerstyle work is superb and the clip of 'Sex In A Pan' shows just how creative he can be with the technique. I've recently become a huge fan of Michael Manring's playing, particularly his all solo bass album Soliloquy. I'd like to point out this tune, 'Selene' from the album, which in my opinion is an utterly beautiful piece of music: [url="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6eTBc7aWBGw"]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6eTBc7aWBGw[/url] I think Manring's use of altered tunings is one of the most innovative things happening in the solo bass world at the moment. Stu

I've been watching this thread with interest as solo bass playing is something that appeals to me enormously, and I do a great deal of it. I think it would be a great idea to encourage more solo playing on this forum. Interestingly, I just read a great article about an upright bassist named Bertram Turetzky who single-handedly doubled the solo upright bass repertoire by asking well-known composers to write more music for solo upright bass. If you want to read this article you'll find it in the Sept/Oct 95 edition of Bass Player magazine. As many of you know, I've been writing a book for several years on the subject of solo bass. The book is entitled 'Solo Arrangements for Electric Bass' and will be released next year through Bassline Publishing - www.basslinepublishing.com. During the course of writing the book I have encountered many great solo bass recordings as part of my research, and have included a few good examples that might be of interest to aspiring solo bassists: Brian Bromberg - Let 'Em In (McCartney cover version, upright bass) Randy Coven - Yesterday (Beatles cover version) Aram Bedrosian - Code Red Colin Hodgkinson - Lieutenant Loose Michael Manring - I Left America (this is BEAUTIFUL) STuart Hamm - Nostalgia Billy Sheehan - NV43345 Victor Wooten - The Lesson (has percussion backing, but awesome anyway) Michael Manring - Helios Additionally, on the Bassline Publishing website I have posted several solo arrangement transcriptions that I have arranged. To view them you need to create an account then go to the Solos book page under the Coming Soon link. These include my 'Jazz Medley' (also available on YouTube) and 'Nothing Else Matters' by Metallica, which you can hear on my MySpace page - www.myspace.com/stuartclayton. Next year I will be adding many transcriptions of solo pieces by other artists to the bonus section on the site as well as posting more videos of solo pieces. I hope all of this is of interest to the solo bassists on this forum! Best, Stuart

[quote name='ednaplate' post='362346' date='Dec 23 2008, 08:55 PM']There is a good tab of 'Murder On The Dancefloor' which is quite funky although there appears to be an extra bar at the end of the second chorus which might be a cut and paste error. I've listened to the track a few times along with the tab and I'm sure it's wrong. I've really only skipped over the rest of the content. It definitely needs more tabs and maybe a playalong CD with gear soundbites a la Guitarist or Guitar Techniques.[/quote] You're right. I did the transcription, and there is indeed a cut and paste error. The last bar of the top line on page 85 doesn't need to be there. Hands up! Cheers Stu

[quote name='cytania' post='347215' date='Dec 6 2008, 01:23 PM']Alot of wrong guitar tabs for this about. Good news is bass is quite simple. Really wish this was still part of Stu's 'Solo Arrangements for Bass' book as I could then see the embellishments. Song is a B G# B G# E progression, two 'verses' then a chorus 3 times over. Fingers just need to adopt a bouncing walking pace (found a great live video where the bassists walks and plays on a circular stage that revolves, Pete Gabriel goes for a bike ride whilst singing!). Then you add a basic arpeggio. In B it would be; ------------- ------9----- ---9----9--- -7---------7- Anyone know what I should call this arpeggio? It's very useful. For instance with a 70s reggae groove it's the 'Up Town Top Rankin' line. Also reversed it's what I use for G chord bit in the chorus of 'Brown Sugar'. -------------------- 55-------------5--- ---5----------5----- ------3-----3--------[/quote] I will post my solo arrangement of this on the bonus section for the solos book at www.basslinepublishing.com sometime in January. Incidentally, transcriptions and MP3's are available at the same location for two other pieces that didn't make it into the book: Nothing Else Matters by Metallica, and The Jazz Medley. Cheers Stu

[quote name='geilerbass' post='239501' date='Jul 14 2008, 07:42 PM'] No, it was the guy at college that I used for an example of unnecessary slapping. Truegeminis was also in my class and clearly knows who I'm talking about. I think Stuart Clayton might actually be on this forum - which should hopefully mean he hasn't turned to the darkside [/quote] I will never turn to the dark side!! Bass all the way! Stu