danweb22 Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 Hi all, Been asked to play bass in a blues cover band, any suggestions on what songs would go down well/popular choices? Don't really know many blues songs apart from the obvious Hendrix/Clapton stuff. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earbrass Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 The problem with blues is that it can get a bit samey, so it's worth seeking out those songs that have some variation on the standard 12 bar chord structure. Off the top of my head, [i]Dr. Feelgood[/i] is a good example. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slipperydick Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 Gary Moore-Story of the Blues springs to mind for some reason. Loads of Freddie King stuff that generally gets missed. I'd try and keep away from the same old stuff just about everybody else does, and try to keep away from long long lead breaks, unless you have an exceptional guitard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PTB Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 As you will know, blues comes in many guises. It's worth trying to find a style or two that suit you all. I play in two bands, both blues but both very different. One plays west coast & Chicago blues doing tunes by people like Hollywood Fats, Kim Wilson, James Harmony, John Nemeth, William Clarke, etc. The other plays stuff by Little Milton, SRV, John Mayall, Otis Rush, Cream, etc. Find your own slant on it, get a good mix of tempo & grooves - not too many mid tempo shuffles - and make sure you have enough tunes people can shake their booty to! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spongebob Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 We've just stuck 'Crossroads' and 'Stormy Monday' in our set. First one may be over-done, but seems to work well for us. Love the Cream version, so why not? Last night I played 'Smoke On The Water' for the first time ever - and TBH, I think it was very cool. So under-played for so long, it sounded fab! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lojo Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 [quote name='spongebob' post='1278756' date='Jun 22 2011, 05:00 PM']We've just stuck 'Crossroads' and 'Stormy Monday' in our set. First one may be over-done, but seems to work well for us. Love the Cream version, so why not? Last night I played 'Smoke On The Water' for the first time ever - and TBH, I think it was very cool. So under-played for so long, it sounded fab![/quote] I love playing White Room by cream I'm guessing its more Rock blues then Blues (which is vast) , if so , guess you just start with the classic anyway then if that works with your band/audience you can develop it from there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 [quote name='PTB' post='1278697' date='Jun 22 2011, 04:34 PM']As you will know, blues comes in many guises. It's worth trying to find a style or two that suit you all.[/quote] +1 And much depends on what resources you have available. There are entire [i]genres [/i]of blues which only sound really convincing if you have a harp player, or if you have a soulful guitarist who really knows how to play a Tele, or if you have a gravelly-voiced singer who smokes 40 Marlboro a day and gargles with Jack Daniels. Doesn't stop you from covering Little Milton if you haven't got a mouth organ, of course. It just sounds better if you match the original line-up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 Get some of the funkier SRV numbers in there; Couldn't Stand The Weather, Tightrope, etc. Paul Rodger's Muddy Water Blues album is also a good source for ideas/arrangements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Stu Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 [quote name='PTB' post='1278697' date='Jun 22 2011, 04:34 PM']As you will know, blues comes in many guises. It's worth trying to find a style or two that suit you all. I play in two bands, both blues but both very different. One plays west coast & Chicago blues doing tunes by people like Hollywood Fats, Kim Wilson, James Harmony, John Nemeth, William Clarke, etc. The other plays stuff by Little Milton, SRV, John Mayall, Otis Rush, Cream, etc. Find your own slant on it, get a good mix of tempo & grooves - not too many mid tempo shuffles - and make sure you have enough tunes people can shake their booty to![/quote] +1, depends on so many things. What kind of voice has your singer got? Would your crowds appreciate/recognise/want it? Short 'n sweet or extended breaks. Personally I prefer (R&)blues songs with a bit of history but which has had a vibe put onto it; such as Originally by Muddy water (???) but also covered by The Stones (with Muddy) Aerosmith, Ted Nugent .......... and Gary Glitter ......and which has also been extensively covered Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzneck Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 Wow - now that's a question, so hears my tanners worth! Having played in Blues Bands for a long time I would suggest you dig out the numbers with different rhythmns and breaks to them. Steer clear of mid tempo shuffles in "A" and elongated solos - unless you've got Clapton and Rod Piazza in the band. Try listening to Willie Dixon, Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Chess and Checker stuff in a search for the unusual along with what they were doing down in New Orleans in the late 1950s early '60s. SRV and Gary Moore didn't really do it for me although I rated their technical ability. At the end of the day, remember Blues is Fun and is meant to be dancing music - relax and enjoy it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloodaxe Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 A bit of a list... Ain't Nobody's Business - Jimmy Witherspoon (Freddie King too) All Your Love (I Miss Loving) - Otis Rush (but go with the version by John Mayall's Bluesbreakers) Baby What You Want Me To Do - Jimmy Reed Black Magic Woman - Fleetwood Mac (but everyone goes for the Santana version) Born Under A Bad Sign - Albert King Boom Boom - John Lee Hooker Boom, Boom Out Goes The Lights - Little Walter (also Pat Travers) Bright Lights, Big City - Jimmy Reed Bring It On Home - Sonny Boy Williamson (Led Zep as well) Crosscut Saw - Albert King Don't Start Me Talkin' - Sonny Boy WIlliamson (check out Rory Gallagher's version as well) Dust My Broom - Elmore James Further On Up The Road - Bobby 'Blue' Bland Got My Mojo Working - Muddy Waters Help Me - Sonny Boy Williamson Hideaway - Freddie King I Can't Quit You Baby - Otis Rush (& Led Zep) Key to The Highway - Little Walter (also Clapton & others) King Bee - Slim Harpo Linda Lu - Johnny Otis (but seek out the Foghat Version) Little Red Rooster - Howlin' Wolf (also the Stones) Mama Talk To Your Daughter - J.B. Lenoir Mercury Blues - David Lindley/Alan Jackson/ My Babe - Little Walter Nadine - Chuck Berry Need Your Love So Bad - Fleetwood Mac (original by Little Willie John, great cover by Irma Thomas) No Money Down - Chuck Berry Pack Fair And Square - Big Walter & His Thunderbirds (better known by the J. Geils Band) Phone Booth - Robert Cray Pink Cadillac - Bruce Springsteen (but the Jerry Lee Lewis version is the one IMO) Pride & Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughan Rock Me Baby - B.B. King Rocket 88 - Jackie Brenston Rollin' & Tumblin' - Muddy Waters Red House - Hendrix (pleeeasssee try & avoid this one!) Satisfy Suzie - Lonnie Mack Smokestack Lightning - Howlin' Wolf Spoonful - Howlin' Wolf Stormy Monday - T. Bone Walker (but everybody defaults to the Allman Brothers version) Sugar Coated Love - Lazy Lester The Sky Is Crying - Elmore James (SRV/Gary Moore) The Stumble - Freddie King The Thrill Is Gone - B.B. King The Hunter - Albert King Third Degree - Eddie Boyd Tulane - Chuck Berry Walkin' By Myself - Jimmy Rogers That & those already suggested ought to get you started If you look them up on YouTube, play YT Roulette with the suggestions down the right hand side - you'll have a set list as long as both your arms in no time. Pete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoker Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 check out some eddie martin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 (edited) Namechecks for Johnny Winter, Albert Collins (funky!) and Wilko Johnson. Edited June 22, 2011 by skankdelvar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heathy Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 Rory Gallagher - Laundromat or Bullfrog Blues (with bass solo!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Count Bassy Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 (edited) [quote name='Bloodaxe' post='1278861' date='Jun 22 2011, 06:28 PM']A bit of a list... Ain't Nobody's Business - Jimmy Witherspoon (Freddie King too) All Your Love (I Miss Loving) - Otis Rush (but go with the version by John Mayall's Bluesbreakers) Baby What You Want Me To Do - Jimmy Reed Black Magic Woman - Fleetwood Mac (but everyone goes for the Santana version) Born Under A Bad Sign - Albert King Boom Boom - John Lee Hooker Boom, Boom Out Goes The Lights - Little Walter (also Pat Travers) Bright Lights, Big City - Jimmy Reed Bring It On Home - Sonny Boy Williamson (Led Zep as well) Crosscut Saw - Albert King Don't Start Me Talkin' - Sonny Boy WIlliamson (check out Rory Gallagher's version as well) Dust My Broom - Elmore James Further On Up The Road - Bobby 'Blue' Bland Got My Mojo Working - Muddy Waters Help Me - Sonny Boy Williamson Hideaway - Freddie King I Can't Quit You Baby - Otis Rush (& Led Zep) Key to The Highway - Little Walter (also Clapton & others) King Bee - Slim Harpo Linda Lu - Johnny Otis (but seek out the Foghat Version) Little Red Rooster - Howlin' Wolf (also the Stones) Mama Talk To Your Daughter - J.B. Lenoir Mercury Blues - David Lindley/Alan Jackson/ My Babe - Little Walter Nadine - Chuck Berry Need Your Love So Bad - Fleetwood Mac (original by Little Willie John, great cover by Irma Thomas) No Money Down - Chuck Berry Pack Fair And Square - Big Walter & His Thunderbirds (better known by the J. Geils Band) Phone Booth - Robert Cray Pink Cadillac - Bruce Springsteen (but the Jerry Lee Lewis version is the one IMO) Pride & Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughan Rock Me Baby - B.B. King Rocket 88 - Jackie Brenston Rollin' & Tumblin' - Muddy Waters Red House - Hendrix (pleeeasssee try & avoid this one!) Satisfy Suzie - Lonnie Mack Smokestack Lightning - Howlin' Wolf Spoonful - Howlin' Wolf Stormy Monday - T. Bone Walker (but everybody defaults to the Allman Brothers version) Sugar Coated Love - Lazy Lester The Sky Is Crying - Elmore James (SRV/Gary Moore) The Stumble - Freddie King The Thrill Is Gone - B.B. King The Hunter - Albert King Third Degree - Eddie Boyd Tulane - Chuck Berry Walkin' By Myself - Jimmy Rogers That & those already suggested ought to get you started If you look them up on YouTube, play YT Roulette with the suggestions down the right hand side - you'll have a set list as long as both your arms in no time. Pete.[/quote] Curious as to why you list Red House, and the plead for him not to do it? Is it because its not in the correct alphabetical place? Edited June 22, 2011 by Count Bassy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 (edited) Have a listen to Robben Ford, Ry Cooder, Kenny Neal, Albert King, BB King, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Johnny Lang, Etta James, Duke Tumatoe, Tommy Castro, and Sherman Robertson. That should keep you busy for awhile. Edited June 23, 2011 by chris_b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloodaxe Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 [quote name='Count Bassy' post='1279113' date='Jun 22 2011, 10:00 PM']Curious as to why you list Red House, and the plead for him not to do it? Is it because its not in the correct alphabetical place?[/quote] No, just because of all the slow blues tunes that are available it's [i]always[/i] ******* Red House that floats to the top. Bit like the Allman's take on Stormy Monday & the Santana version of Black Magic Woman. Been there, played 'em, find 'em all stultifying to the nth degree. Love the originals of Stormy & BM Woman & I'm quite happy to do them in that style - especially the rarely heard shuffle at the end of the latter - beats a hack-job of 3rd Stone From The Sun any day. I guess I'm like Bilbo & his opinion of Fever & Route 66 - they've been done to death 1,000,000 times over & ought to be allowed to die quietly. YMMV naturally. Last night's Blues Jam at the [url="http://www.coachandhorsesbluesjam.com/home.shtml"]Coach & Horses[/url] landed me with: Mystery Train, Flip Flop & Fly (except it wasn't - the tune was, but the lyrics weren't) Bright Lights Big City Shame, Shame, Shame (Jimmy Reed) & Reconsider Baby (Lowell Fulson) & 4 others that I'll have to wait until the website's updated on Friday to find out what they were. Three sets is good going! Usually only get one, but there seemed to be a shortage of bassists. Suits me. P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ead Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 Some of the older Led Zep stuff would be a good contrast such as Ten Years Gone and Since I've Been Loving You. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevB Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 My last band was primarily blues influenced. Probably one of the reasons I lasted 6 months They can get a bit samey so as much variety within the confines of what still sounds 'bluesy' as possible. Plenty of more modern artists than the old classic players to look at too. One song I wasn't familiar with that was in our set list was Joe Bonamassa's 'Asking Around For You', a slow blues but not the stereotypical 12 bar format; Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Savage Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 It's actually called 'House Rent Blues' (or based on a song called House Rent Boogie, anyway) to the best of my knowledge, but if the style suits your singer's voice it's great fun to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danweb22 Posted June 23, 2011 Author Share Posted June 23, 2011 wow thanks for all the suggestions! These will keep me busy! lol We are only a 3 piece so some songs with keys/harmonica might be a no no Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveK Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 (edited) Can I just make one suggestion? Don't choose songs that describe the hardship/oppression of the African/Afro American people by the whites. I find it embarrassing to listen to, and it's just wrong IMV. Edited June 23, 2011 by SteveK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 [quote name='SteveK' post='1279753' date='Jun 23 2011, 04:13 PM']....Don't choose songs that describe the hardship/oppression of the African/Afro American people by the whites....[/quote] That's the whole genre out the window then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 (edited) [quote name='SteveK' post='1279753' date='Jun 23 2011, 04:13 PM']Can I just make one suggestion? Don't choose songs that describe the hardship/oppression of the African/Afro American people by the whites. I find it embarrassing to listen to, and it's just wrong IMV.[/quote] You touch upon an area which has energised me for some time. IMO there's nothing more perfectly buttock-clenching than watching a plump white-collar middle-aged Englishman singing about 'his' experiences on a chain-gang in 1930's Alabama. It's just [i]silly[/i]. Parchman Farm. Don't go there. Not sure that it's [i]wrong[/i], though. If someone wants to cover a song they like and with whose sentiments they sympathise, then it's between them and their audience. But I think they're missing the point about da Blooz, which is that it was - originally - mostly about personal or contemporary 'issues'. Problem is, people deliver the old songs without really understanding what they mean. The words are just sounds that they're trying to reproduce. For me, performance is about engaging minds as well as feet. So blues without meaning - and I don't mean this unkindly - is lacking in foundation. If one wishes to more fruitfully engage with the blues, it might be more rewarding to update and more precisely localise the message. This entails re-writes or originals, which flies in the face of certain audiences' expectations. It's not easy. Equally - given that much of the blues canon was informed by then-prevailing social and political circumstances, it's difficult [i]not[/i] to step on someone's long-dead toes. Even though the motivating social deprivation is entirely unarticulated, one might argue that "Saturday Night Fish Fry" or "House Rent Boogie" or "Born under a bad sign" should be equally off-limits. At which point the pool of available covers would shrink by an order of magnitude such as to clog setlists with even more renditions of the 'same old songs'. Back to the drawing board. Edited June 23, 2011 by skankdelvar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 In all fairness, Paul, if it wasn't for bad luck then I'd have no luck at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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