risingson

Apparently from what I've now heard, the original band back from '92 (including Ricky Lawson, Jennifer Batten and Freddie Washington) said they never got the callback. I wouldn't be surprised if Ricky Minor's American Idol band got the gig.

I might have put Freddie Washington back in the lineup if I was to guess, but no doubt it will be someone fairly unknown. Nathan East has also played with him in the past.

[quote name='rslaing' post='526237' date='Jun 27 2009, 08:18 PM']He might do now. But during the 70's and 80's he had (possibly) equal status with Jaco as a pioneer of his instrument, and was very much an integral member of a number of bands that contained equally superb musicians. Then his son had a serious illness and he took a back seat, spending all of his time on a much more important thing - helping his son and looking after his family. Fortunately his son recovered from ( I think) leukaemia. That needs verifying. Now he spends all of his time educating people about bass playing and music. He is still a great player, whether in a multi instrument environment or as a soloist. A great man with superior skills and believe it or not, a heart of gold whose life experience has changed his total outlook on the music "industry". He really should be respected instead of all the sh*t thrown at him in here by a few people who really don't know what they are talking about.[/quote] Interesting to know. I've got to say, I've never been huge on his playing but he is a fairly introspective musician, I think his confidence can easily be mistaken for arrogance.

There is probably an argument to be had from the viewpoint that because of technological advances, there is more room and more of a chance for solo bass players to get their sound out. It might seem quite contrived, but back say 30-40 years ago, not only was the electric bass a fairly new thing, but sonically the equipment used back then was only good for certain things. Bass players have so many options available to them now, more strings, better amplification, better studio equipment, and so on. This probably has lent itself to the influx of solo bass players that we can hear today.

[quote name='bythesea' post='526099' date='Jun 27 2009, 05:34 PM']I think a lot of that is down to ambition rather than anything else. Manring was pretty much the in-house bass player for Wyndham Hill Records. Presunably that was something he wanted to do, leaving him time (and no doubt studio time) to do what he wanted. As a side note there is an article on session playing in this months BGM together with an article on Marcus Miller (and a little bit of crossover between the two).[/quote] Yeh. I don't profess to know the business of sessions inside out, but I do suppose a hell of a lot of application is required and that's a something you choose to do, or not. Will Lee talked about his greediness in the past taking every single session he was offered, whereas in reality there has to be some leeway. It also contributed massively to his cocaine habit.

[quote name='iamapirate' post='526135' date='Jun 27 2009, 06:06 PM']When you learn to spell 'you're' [/quote] That really is a pet hate of mine

... when you find yourself on a bass forum on a Saturday afternoon arguing about the stupidest of things with people you've never met before.

[quote name='Oscar South' post='526021' date='Jun 27 2009, 03:56 PM']What the people who make this kind of thread/post don't realise about the really great bass players such as Wooten, Manring etc. is that they are highly in demand as a solo player and as a 'regular' bassist/musician. The number one argument against expanding your ability as a player is that "there's no place for any of that"; firstly there is a LARGE place for *all* of that, just not in the kind of music that the culprits of this statement listen to perhaps, secondly these great players have all worked full time in the music industry doing 'regular' gigs for years until their popularity as a solo artist has reached the point where they can focus more on that.[/quote] I agree with you on most of these points, Marcus Miller was very very heavily in demand in New York for many years, and no doubt still gets used by countless producers. But I would be skeptical about whether someone like Victor Wooten or especially Michael Manring has been used in the same way. No doubt that they have, but Marcus Miller has built a heavy profile on playing with huge names like Luther Vandross and Donald Fagan. Off the top of my head, I can't think of any names that spring to mind that have utilised Victor or Michael Manring like that. I guess my point is that being a session musician and solo bass player aren't generally synonymous with each other, or at least very, very rarely. [quote]I'm fed up of these threads, maybe I'm wrong but to me it just seems like self-justification for not putting any more work into your playing than you have to. I don't actually have a problem with that in itself, its an individual choice, its the effect it has on developing players that I hate; mantras like "there's no place for any of that" and other re-wordings are creeping into bass education and giving developing players an excuse to put as little work in as possible.[/quote] I agree with you on the first point, but then again it is a bass site and this kind of argument will always pop up every month or so! Ah well... I don't think that people are necessarily using this sort of argument as an excuse to not further themselves though. I think that solo bass playing is completely hit or miss for a lot of people, just like marmite.

There are some none-bass players I have spoken to in the past who have mentioned Victor Wooten to me, having heard of him themselves despite having no bass playing experience. But I think most players that are working musicians haven't got time trying to advance the bass any further. I think there is less to be done now on the bass anyway, the time for bass renaissance seems to be over. I personally have always had more fun listening to Jamerson, McCartney, Pino, and whoever else can hold down a good bass line. Flashiness doesn't impress me too much to be honest!

Lovely, lovely bass. LA Bassxchange had this one a while back which I always loved: [url="http://www.bassexchange.com/catalog/images/thumbs/celDB1%20copy_pic1.jpg"]http://www.bassexchange.com/catalog/images...20copy_pic1.jpg[/url]

[quote name='EssentialTension' post='525625' date='Jun 27 2009, 01:34 AM']I'm not interested in choosing between them. Two great players, both Jamerson and Kaye. It's not either one or the other. Stupid question - it's like being in primary school.[/quote] A big +1 on that.

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='524135' date='Jun 25 2009, 09:33 PM']Yeah that's nonsense. Even the Thumb, which superficially [i]looks[/i] the most like a one-trick pony, is pretty versatile. It depends what you do with your picking hand - you can almost totally eliminate that "purr" characteristic you're supposed to get from a Thumb if you want to..[/quote] Like I say, just my opinion, not nonsense. I didn't think the Warwick fans would agree with me.

Jamerson is my hero but Carol Kaye, aside from the age old argument of who played on what (the answer to which is completely obvious anyway) is a marvelous and incredibly well respected bass player. She re-invented the way bass was played on records all through the 60's and 70's.

[quote name='neilmiddlemass' post='523803' date='Jun 25 2009, 03:58 PM']Okay, so I've actually got 2 questions. Firstly, I'm looking at buying a new bass at the moment and leaning towards one of 2 very different beasts. I mainly play in function bands and use my bass to play all different styles, so I need something which is tonally versatile. However, I'm also looking for something which is a bit distincitive too. I like a punchy, throaty sound and so am leaning towards the Warwick Thumb 5 at the moment. I also really love the sound (and look) of the old Fender Jazz basses, and like the idea of the MM signature 5. I've heard that these are a bit of a one-trick pony and that without all the modulators, compressors and effects they're left a little wanting. Anyone played both these basses? Anyone got any other suggestions? Don't really want to go too much about the £2k mark and definitely not above £2.5k. That brings me on to my 2nd question... I've got a Warwick FNA Jazzman 5 at the moment - about 5 years old, been well played and has a few marks on it. Everything else is fine with it. How much is this worth now? I think I paid about £1,200 for it. It's flamed maple body, wenge fingerboard, gold hardware, BO neck. Any thoughts welcome, thanks![/quote] I would argue (and I think I'm about to be met with quite a bit of disagreement, but I don't mind) that the Warwicks sound like Warwicks, and are a bit of a one trick pony. Not to say they're bad basses, but I would say that they're not as versatile. The necks are hit or miss with some people as well. I like them for short periods of time, but I think the finish on them would start to get me a bit worked up after a while. Having said that I still want a Streamer Stage I sooner or later. They're total tone machines to my ears. Fenders have got it all in spades IMO, and are my favoured style of bass, whether it be an actual Fender, or a Lakland or Sadowsky or whatever, and can do pretty much all things well. At the end of the day though, they're two totally different styles of basses, so try 'em both and see what you prefer.

I badly wanted the '62 reissue Jazz from there: [url="http://www.mansons.co.uk/shopping/categories/fender-bass-guitars/fender/custom-shop-1962-reissue-jazz-bass-closet-classic/zoomimage-1.html"]http://www.mansons.co.uk/shopping/categori...oomimage-1.html[/url] But I think it's been sold now!! Grrr

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='523175' date='Jun 24 2009, 11:55 PM']I plug it in, leave everything flat and see what it's like. If need be, I'll give the bass, mid & treble a nudge here and there. I avoid the para EQ though. It's for rocket scientists.[/quote] +1 taking into consideration the room also

That's good to know because I'm about to order 3 pairs from them for a 2 week tour.

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='522922' date='Jun 24 2009, 08:23 PM']Is it just me who doesn't like maple with blocks? It seems 99% of the blocked boards I see are maple, but I think rosewood + MoP looks loads nicer.[/quote] I do, but not black blocks, I personally think it looks a bit daft. Pearl looks a ton better. I like the new colour all the same, it's got that mid 70's Fender vibe I love. Black pickguard over sunburst = brilliant IMO.

[quote name='skillbass' post='522792' date='Jun 24 2009, 06:08 PM']Cheers Liam, some good advice tnx. I admit i am not great at scales, and that stuff eventhough my dad sais its inportant. I will try and do more, like you say with doing other stuff too. I mainly play along to songs I like. I like alot of pop stuff like the killers, amy winehouse, but I am begining to like jazz and soul more now after listening to more of my dads music he plays me. Illtry and add a song me and my dad did the other day so you can see how good I am. Zak[/quote] No problemo. You're playing sounds good, and you're not overplaying and overstepping. A nice way you can work on timing when playing slap is with a metronome, and obviously playing with good drummers like your dad. Scales I know are a bore when you just start out with them but I actually find them incredibly fun after a while, and there is so much that can be done with them too. Stick at it!

Great playing, but definitely a complete Jaco clone!

[quote name='Josh' post='522274' date='Jun 24 2009, 03:36 AM']I do teach quite a few young guys and few experieced guys as well and have been confronted with quite an array of attitudes towards learning and towards what they know, a few displayed similar traits to skillbass, but beyond talking about his ability he has displayed a bad attitude in general. I do apologise for saying it, but having confronted similar players to skillbass, the attitude does tend to grate my paitence, eventually it passes and we move on and then when things start getting fun. If skillbass is willing to take the advice already without the wiseguy attitude then Im more than willing to contribute to his growth as a musician. Again Ill apologise for the statement, but skillbass, please try approach the advice with a more receptive and respectful attitude, even if your ability isn't the best, having respect for the advice your given will always make you someone other musicians will want to work with because they know your ready to take what they say on board.[/quote] I was of a similar attitude to this guy when I was his age so I know how he feels I suppose. I would agree he has to approach advice without being flippant about it, but it must be hard having to trawl through all the berating he's got so far. Anyhow I'm sure he'll be a bit more careful about what he posts now.

[quote name='Josh' post='522229' date='Jun 24 2009, 12:22 AM']I'm really starting to think he needs a stern hand across the back of his head.[/quote] It's nice to know that more experienced and older players like yourself would disparage such a younger player in such a fashion... you should probably think a bit more before posting comments as above. Whatever you do, don't ever become a bass teacher, it would be a terrible vocation for someone with the degree of patience you've just displayed. [quote]I have been (trying!) to learn too many complicated songs recently, like above but is pretty hard to play all the time. Has anyone any suggestions of good songs to learn that ar not too easy and not too hard?(for say a 'intermediate' player wanting to get better-like me) ps, if you think im joking 'horribleman' why would I be bothering to ask for advice? cheers Z[/quote] Look mate, ignore the guys making daft comments. You've joined a board where the kind of posts you've made are likely to cause a bit of trouble, so be a bit weary of that. I have no idea of what kind of skill you're at currently, but the stuff you've said so far suggests to me that you're still a bit younger and still learning. All things take time, and becoming a good bass player is no exception. You should challenge yourself, but don't punch above your weight (that is to say don't try tunes too hard for you!). Amongst some of the stupider posts in this thread is some really good advice, it's a shame the mods can't delete the stuff that isn't useful... but here's some stuff I'd advise looking at. 1. Scales, major, minor, modal, arpeggios, broken chords, everything. They don't have to be boring either, sit in front of the tv and practice practice practice. Get yourself a good theory book, and get practicing! They will get your ear together massively, that is to say you'll pick things up by ear a lot quicker. 2. iPod on >> shuffle >> play along. Everyone has random and embarrassing music they don't want other people to hear on their MP3 player, but if you can play what you can hear then you will be popular amongst jam bands and alike, and this is a good way of making a cheap penny when you get a bit older! 3. Get hold of cello, double bass and even tuba books and get reading! Anything with a bass clef that you can read will get you work. This shouldn't just apply to bass clef either, treble, alto, tenor, EVERYTHING, just be a monster and turn up to reading gigs completely prepared for every eventuality. 4. Just play for fun... something I'm sure you'll do already but do it all the time. Got spare time to be playing you're PS3? You could be just as easily playng your bass as well. Make sure it's all in good balance! Take care, Liam

[quote name='Kongo' post='521907' date='Jun 23 2009, 05:43 PM']If you play for long periods of time floating one finger cause you don't use it, it's gonna cause perma damage in the long run. That's 1 point.[/quote] Definitely that's something I would agree with, the long effects of bad technique on the hands. Without meaning to be purposely argumentative, the very nature of being a bass player is putting your hands in what is otherwise unnatural positionings, and as with all things, time and practice enables a person to do these things. On the basis that the original poster seemed happy enough with his technique, in spite of several suggestions to amend his unusual use of fingering, I was only really trying to point out that being content with yourself means that suggestions from other people to change your technique only go so far. There is no better thing than good technique to me as a bassist, and I've practiced long and hard to establish this, but I think it's a personal decision, and if you're in a position where you're in demand as a good player, or you're content with your playing, then it doesn't matter, as long as you're doing yourself no harm. Perhaps in any other situation i.e. if that person wanted to actively amend their technique I would have argued otherwise, but in this case I can't see it would make a massive difference. But that's just my opinion.

[quote name='Kongo' post='521896' date='Jun 23 2009, 05:34 PM']"The hook"...but remember, he was a Double Bassist turned Electric bassist and had action set about 3/4" off the last fret...Does anyone here do that? His hand strength from the double bass made him able to do this but that's in no way as comparable as omiting one finger on the fretboard. People also play with picks and use NO fingers on the picking hand...but STILL use a fair number of fingers on the fretting hand.[/quote] You've missed my point a bit again... fine if someone wants to make a conscious effort to amend a technique that they believe hinders them in someway then go for it, if they can get by and be happy with their playing then what's the point?

[quote name='skillbass' post='521483' date='Jun 23 2009, 10:15 AM']ok gys thanks. Sorry im not the best tiper but ill try to spell better... (My dad always said he would prefer me to be a better musician than academick!) Anyway I am trying to learn this song my dad always plays.. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_IKkMi_Yds&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_IKkMi_Yds...feature=related[/url] never heard of the player(dont really like it!..) but he says it would be good to lern. I find it v hard t be honest! any tips?[/quote] Listen to what you like, not what your dad likes