The Funk

[quote name='Jebo1' post='326695' date='Nov 11 2008, 12:59 PM']You can then heap on the rest of the theory stuff, but if you think that a heroin addicted Charlie Parker was planning all those substitutions, or a drunk Django was playing freely whilst calculating the changes you're a fool![/quote] I respected what you were saying up until that point. Charlie Parker DID plan all those substitutions. That's like saying a blues-rock player doesn't know which notes he's playing in a solo before he plays them. Of course he does.

[quote name='BigBeefChief' post='326629' date='Nov 11 2008, 11:44 AM']Most improvisation is bollocks.[/quote] Agree with the first part of your post: you can get jazz and still not love it. I also agree with the second part - the number of so-called greats who can't structure a coherent improvised solo together is astounding. I don't care if it's improvised - it's not fun to listen to if you get lost, start again, get lost, start again, get lost, wander off, and then give up altogether. That's not an inherent problem with improvisation - it's a problem that incoherent, sloppy soloing has become acceptable (and not just in jazz).

The only problem with jazz as a genre right now - and this is a pretty major problem - is that it's been a long time since a great tune was written and for a lot of musicians, jazz became [i]only[/i] about improvisation, almost at the expense of everything else. EDIT: It tends to be the older guys who get what it's all about. I watched Ellis Marsalis one night in New Orleans and then The Preservation Hall Old Masters the next night - those guys really get what it's all about.

[quote name='bilbo230763' post='325977' date='Nov 10 2008, 03:15 PM']When a jazz soloist is playing, they are taking part in a dialogue that is determined by their own contribution but is equally defined by those of their bandmates. If I play a phrase, the drummer may punctuate it, he may not. The piano player may echo my phrase or complete it with a phrase of his own. He may create a counterpoint; he may ignore it entirely and put in something that jars completely against it. Whatever happens, there are a complex series of choices being made as every second passes about who is playing which notes, chords scales and rhythms. A good jazz musician is listening to everyone of the musicians he is performaing with at all times, something that is actually ,entally very difficult to do. A simile I have used before on this forum is it is like the difference between a speech and an conversation. One is easier to control and is pre-determined while the other can lead you almost anywhere the contributers want to take it. This is what makes jazz a high risk activity compared to most mainstream rehearsed music styles.[/quote] I guess this would explain why a couple of people have described my band as "funky jazz". We tend to all go off at once but that doesn't make us jazz in my book. A lot of improvisation-heavy bands in different styles do that, the jam bands. Sure, it was a jazz thing but it was introduced and reintroduced into rhythm n' blues and rock n' roll at many different points along the way so that you can now have guys who do that but would struggle to play a swing walking line on [i]Autumn Leaves[/i] or [i]I've Got Rhythm[/i].

"Jazz isn't dead. It just smells funny." Frank Zappa "Because it disappeared up its own arse?" Me I like Jazz

The day I got told to turn the volume up was the day I knew I was a grown-up. (4th October 2008)

[quote name='lowhand_mike' post='325766' date='Nov 10 2008, 10:57 AM']so like my topic says is it worth chasing up to see if the guy who does own it want to get rid?[/quote] HELL YES!

[quote name='umph' post='324430' date='Nov 7 2008, 07:27 PM']still a big valve amp would help. try out the ehx valve drive type thing that should get you close[/quote] I'd go for one of Dave Hall's Dual pedals. I have one. I crank up the first valve to full, then send it into the second valve and crank that - then I lower the master output to match the clean signal. It sounds immense! Do a search for Dave Hall Amps - or just check out his sub-forum.

I liked the Warwick range of practice combos very much - sadly they don't do them anymore as far as I know. [url="http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/warwick/blue_series"]http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/warwick/blue_series[/url]

When I get home from work, I usually sit down, grab the bass and have a little play on the bass before I get changed out of the suit and tie. Sometimes I'll do that in the morning too when I know I've got a long day ahead.

I can't practice while I'm at work

Use the Demeter as soon as possible! I use my Aguilar DB680 in the studio, straight into the audio interface. It sounds immense. I don't put any compression on it when tracking - it's not really needed 'cos the valves tend to keep the level pretty consistent and spike-free. I do EQ the Aguilar though - I've got my sweet-spot but can re-EQ it in ProTools if required.

[quote name='molan' post='325037' date='Nov 8 2008, 10:44 PM']Mine came in at £350 from the US (including carry case) but exchange rate has tumbled since and you'd be lucky to find one for under £400 now. Shouldn't be concerned about import duties etc. depends on personal confidence levels.[/quote] My cousin brought over my Eden WTX-260 in her suitcase for me. Came in at around the £375 mark. Again, it was when the exchange rate was extremely favourable.

[url="http://www.gallien.com/preview.html"]Looks very cool[/url]. No idea how to help - my Eden WTX-260 automatically sets itself to the correct voltage and I think the GenzBenz Shuttle has a little switch at the back.

[quote name='bassoctopus' post='324027' date='Nov 7 2008, 10:17 AM']My list of amps I want to try before making a decision [...] Ampeg SVT [...] Pro-tube is too big for me I think.[/quote] If the Pro-Tube is too big for you then the SVT is [i]way[/i] too big for you.

My question is how small? Will it fit in my gig bag pouch? If not, it has to compete against all the heads that don't.

[quote name='Mike Brooks' post='323528' date='Nov 6 2008, 04:25 PM']Gig Sounds in Tooting[/quote] Gig Sounds is in Streatham!

Ah, Bilbo. I think you got carried away in your description of what "in the pocket" means by including soulfulness. I don't think it does. Brecker was always in the pocket. Whether or not he played with any kind of soul or conveyed great emotion is not really the same question.

Michael Brecker's a groove monster - even on that plastic monstrosity.

Gosh, that does look nice.

[quote name='alexclaber' post='323371' date='Nov 6 2008, 01:02 PM']Yeah, yo haters wish y'all could find the pocket and get deep in it, fo' sure![/quote] Word. Ain't nothin' but a thang.