TomKent

As I've mentioned in a few posts on here, I do artist development. For that I've got my own studio and I, in effect, produce peoples music and/or write stuff for them. Here's the really recent tune (pop as you like), this was written by myself but the song is for someone else; [url="http://files.me.com/tomkentmusic/f4c1sp.mp3"]This Is Love[/url] Here's one I produced and did all the arrangement on (not written by me); [url="http://files.me.com/tomkentmusic/6v59w5.mp3"]Where You Are[/url] Finally, for anyone into dance music.. The Longest Road Remix!; [url="http://files.me.com/tomkentmusic/65k2pe.mp3"]The Longest Road[/url] I use a 2008 Macbook 2.4 duelcore 2GB - Logic 8 - Focusrite Saffire - and a cheapo studio mic!

I think I just had a semi-mild heart attack at those prices.

[quote name='JTUK' post='843870' date='May 21 2010, 09:52 AM']Most people would ape that with two fingers today.[/quote] I don't think that's specifically true though. There are some motown lines which [i]do not[/i] sit right without practising them (with two fingers), however with one finger you can nail them first time through. I'm in no way saying one finger is better than two though, I use both. I've just noticed some lines work substantially better with one finger than two. I may be completely wrong and a freak though so, ignore this if you wish.

When I started studying heavily (3 years ago'ish) I wanted nothing more than to play sessions with people like Jamiroquai, Jay Z, Dizzie Rascal etc. I got taught by people who played with the big guns and it was something to aspire to, but unfortunately the spark died for me the day I went to a cattle call audition and saw all the competition. Recently I started to MD'ing, artist development and sessions for local studios. About two weeks ago I got a referral for some bigger work in London (via some local work) at which point I met the exact people who might be calling on me for future engagements. I can adapt to what ever style I need to, I can also sight-read to a very proficient level and have no problem with improvising. So, in that long winded story, yeah I could be.. I just can't do the big cattle call auditions. They're way too high pressure!

I'm currently looking onto ordering a bass (new), a fretless jazz (75 re-issue). A tutor of mine reccomended buying it directly from the Ishibashi factory (or something around that name) as depending on the exchange rate you could get it brand new from as little as £350 including delivery. However, I can't track down any info the the factory but google suggests it does actually exist somewhere. Has anyone on here bought new directly from them? How did you go about it? Any help would be brilliant! TK Edit; I have found this ([url="http://cgi.ebay.com/FENDER-JAPAN-1962-Fretless-Jazzbass-JB62-77FL-326486801-/280507331381?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar&hash=item414f8a3335#shId"]ebay[/url]), but it's second hand. Though it will only cost £500ish.

When I first started playing bass I associated slap bass with Flea, after some actual time learning the instrument and researching players I soon realised 'King' is the 'King' of slap and always will be. Far FAR superior lines for me, also a much nicer tone. But that's me though.

[quote name='carlitos71' post='842672' date='May 19 2010, 11:26 PM']just watched the funk brothers movie again tonight what a film![/quote] You're making me want to watch it, but I can't find my DVD! :'(

I've had over 10 years live playing experience on guitar (from age 9), at age 13 I got my Grade 8 Rockschool. I can teach any technique you could want! With bass I've been playing for some time too and I'm more than qualified to teach many different styles and techniques, even the theory side of things. £15 per half hour £27 for an hour Don't mind if you're a beginner or more advanced player. I can make sure you get what you want out of playing bass or guitar! Check out my website; [url="http://www.tomkentmusic.co.uk"]www.tomkentmusic.co.uk[/url]. Contact info can be found here; [url="http://www.tomkentmusic.co.uk/tk/temp.html"]http://www.tomkentmusic.co.uk/tk/temp.html[/url] Cheers! TK

[quote name='~tl' post='842629' date='May 19 2010, 10:32 PM']There are only one or two brief shots in videos, AFAIK. There's this Marvin Gaye one: And this CBS News one: Alas, only fleeting glances in both. I've not seen anything aside from those.[/quote] Cheers for those, I hadn't seen them before! Think I'll be buying a pickup guard and a P-bass asap so I can start working on the exact playing style. However, I will need the same strings.. so anyone got some really really old flat wound (I think) strings?!

[quote name='Clarky' post='842612' date='May 19 2010, 10:23 PM']Is there any footage of Jamerson playing, showinghis amazing technique? I did a YouTube search once and only found photo stills set to music.[/quote] If I recall (according to one of my tutors), there is very very little video footage of his playing, I've only ever seen 20 second clips of him at a time too. Would be amazing if you could see a video of a whole tune with just his fretboard and right hand in view!

[quote name='SS73' post='842492' date='May 19 2010, 08:28 PM']You may also have noticed he damped the strings with the side of his thumb, I have tried this , its something to do with having extra long thumbs, cos unless you push the bass away and back until you're standing over the neck its impossible and of course there's the actual technique too.[/quote] Yeah, I'd noticed a lot of usage of it.. I just can't do it without a pickup guard though. Seems impossible!

[quote name='bigthumb' post='842266' date='May 19 2010, 05:10 PM']Howsabout a Pbass with a Jazz neck! Avoid the 60's reissues then as they'll have the 'C' neck which you'll find a bit wide. 70's 'B' necks are nice being not much wider than a Jazz.[/quote] I had considered that, however I'm lazy so I'd have to find one pre-build. I played a 60's reissue which would explain the neck being.. massive! haha

[quote name='bigthumb' post='842257' date='May 19 2010, 05:00 PM']Certainly works for me! And thats good going if you played it with just the one finger. I used to try the one finger technique and failed miserably. Get yourself a Precision and put some flats on. It'll sound the business then! [/quote] I've got my eyes all over for new basses at the moment, a P bass is definitely next in line though (though I kinda need a fretless first). The necks on P basses seem too wide for me in some instances, then again I'm use to a J bass.

I'm pretty sure this has already been discussed, however, seeing as my computer refuses to work with any search engine I thought I'd start a topic on it (unless the topic is on the first page, in which case I apologise.. I am blind!) Recently I've been playing a lot of motown tunes, mainly 'What's Going On' and 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' because of their distinctive basslines without which the track really wouldn't be the same. After playing them with two fingers began dabbling with the one finger technique which, I know, isn't perfectly correct technique wise as I don't have a pickup guard to rest on. I have not found much of a problem with playing with one finger though, so what are your thoughts on it? You play completely different lines with one finger - bar 2, 3 or 4 in my opinion. I've attached a version of me playing Ain't No Mountain High enough with one finger on a 2001 (ish) Jazz bass which has new strings but dampening on the bridge. Your thoughts on this, good or bad for technique, good or bad sound, does it work for you? Tom

Hey, First live gig with an amazing singer (Georgette Cullum), although I'm playing acoustic it should be a good evening of playing. Friendly pub and good atmosphere! If anyone fancies coming along, it'd be brilliant. Free entry, of course! TK

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='841641' date='May 19 2010, 05:35 AM']Hi and welcome, which functions band are you with?[/quote] The main one I play with is 'Motherbucker' (of all names), however recently I've been depping for various bands as my friends weren't able to do the gigs.

[quote name='phil.i.stein' post='841611' date='May 19 2010, 12:44 AM']try again, [/quote] Tune! Really like that..

Hello Hello! My name's Tom! I've been playing bass for 3 years, but guitar for 12 (notably, the transition was easier but my technique is still very.. guitar). I've got a MIM Fender Jazz - 4 string, a Yamaha RBX - 5 string and I use to have a Hohner 'The Jack' headless bass till I sold it recently (and magically all the money from it has disappeared..). Currently I've got a HiWatt Custom100 rig (which incidentally is for sale minus the cab), however I'm looking for a combo to go along with it as not all my gigs require a BIG rig. I'm also looking for a fretless bass.. so if you know of any going (under £300 really).. give me a shout! Recently I've started doing functions around the South of the UK and London, also I'm trying to get into some West End work! ANYWAY.. that's my intro! Cheers.

Plan B - Dead and Buried. That album is SO much better than his new one.. why did he think he could go from grimy rap to motown?