How was your gig last night?

[Boodang]

1 hour ago, dmccombe7 said:

I always find it funny that drummers almost always like to use their own snare drum.

Dave

The minimum I’ll bring when sharing a kit is snare, BD pedal, hh pedal, hh and ride. The basics of my sound and playability. Had to hire a kit for last nights gig, the heads were the opposite of what I would use, as was the tuning (although that bit is fixable). And the cymbals way heavier than my usual. 
Nice surprise though was a Roger’s dynasonic snare…. awesome!

[Merton]

Second gig of the Katy Hurt album release tour (we’ve taken to calling it “Gimme A Tour” after the album’s “Gimme A Break” title).

 

Bath Chapel Arts Centre this time - what a great venue. Ed the soundman was ace, we even had a lighting engineer who was making sure we all had a spotlight on us.

Great crowd, one of Katy’s biggest fans in the front row singing along to every word - I spoke to her afterwards and she has been cramming the album all week in preparation. I reckon she knows the songs better than me 🤣 I didn’t play as well as the week before but it was still a great fun gig.

Next up for Katy is Chelmsford on Thursday; next up for me is my pop/punk band Youths tonight in Cambridge.

 

Yesterday’s choice of footwear was some black leather Chelsea boots which made my feet hurt 😆

Edited yesterday at 10:12 by Merton
Smelling pistake

[ezbass]

Not a last night, an afternoon, multi band event. House FOH and backline. On stage volume absolutely, way too loud, painful at times. I wore the same hearing protection as last week, which was fine then, but felt like it was doing nothing today 😖. Couldn’t go anywhere near my mic, because of the monitor volume coming back and the guitarist’s amp behind me (he turned it down twice, but was battling with the monitors). I hid adjacent to the guitar amp, just in front of the bass rig, which I had already turned down, but sadly right I. The firing line for the snare and crash cymbal. Lots of compliments from other bands, which was really nice. Best thing was I only needed my bass and pedalboard.

 

Edited yesterday at 19:41 by ezbass

[Simon C]

56 minutes ago, ezbass said:

Not a last night, an afternoon, multi band event. House FOH and backline. On stage volume absolutely, way too loud, painful at times. I wore the same hearing protection as last week, which was fine then, but felt like it was doing nothing today 😖. Couldn’t go anywhere near my mic, because of the monitor volume coming back and the guitarist’s amp behind me (he turned it down twice, but was battling with the monitors). I hid adjacent to the guitar amp, just in front of the bass rig, which I had already turned down, but sadly right I. The firing line for the snare and crash cymbal. Lots of compliments from other bands, which was really nice. Best thing was I only needed my bass and pedalboard.

 

I’m sure you will have responded to this question previously, but what’s the reason for 2 preamps on the board (I think the Sadowsky and the VT re both preamps)

[ezbass]

8 minutes ago, Simon C said:

I’m sure you will have responded to this question previously, but what’s the reason for 2 preamps on the board (I think the Sadowsky and the VT re both preamps)

Actually, it’s not been asked before. The VT is for grit (and DI if required), the SPB2 is for boosting bass and treble (scooping the mids I guess) with my fretless (MM p/up) and if I’m favouring the back p/up on the pictured J type (both basses are passive).

[Lozz196]

Just got in from a Knock Off gig (my old band which I’m standing in for) at The O2 Academy, Islington.

 

Was a Vive Le Rock event with a load of great bands, being headlined by Cocksparrer.

 

Load in was 5pm, had our own dressing room and refreshments, then on at 6pm for a short sharp shock set of 30mins. 
 

We played well, no errors, backline was provided and it was Blackstar amps - for bass was a Unity 700H & Unity 410C that my trusty JMJ Mustang & Behringer BDI21 went through, with both DI and miked cab.

 

Was quite touched to hear a good few people calling my name out when we were setting up, and afterwards caught up with some people I’ve not seen since I left in 2019.

 

Again the black New Balance trainers got the job, might not be particularly punk but neither is having sore feet!

[Norris]

Back from my gig already, even after a cheeky post-gig burger with the boys. We did 7:30 to 9:30 - the landlady prefers the Saturday revellers to go elsewhere to get rat-arsed and cause trouble. That was fine by us, especially as we do this gig "acoustically".

 

I love playing the EUB. It just makes me want to put in comical fills and slides. We had a whale of a time. I forgot to take any photos though.

 

Stagg EUB direct into my Rumble 500. Vans footwear.

 

Funnily enough due to a slight mix up in the diaries we are back there in 2 weeks time. That will be a Sunday afternoon outside if possible, so I hope the weather is good.

[Merton]

Gig #2 of the weekend was a hot sweaty punk rock all-dayer in Cambridge with Youths. Great venue, loads of bands, lovely promoter and a brilliant sound engineer all made it a joy. We played well I think, had a laugh and lots about half our body weight in sweat.

 

Bass was my first ever bass (Vester jazz) direct into the PA via my Laney Digbeth pre. Sounded ace from where I was. Shoes were some tired black Etnies which are super comfy but maybe a bit heavy for such a hot day - lesson learnt 😄

 

Edited 13 hours ago by Merton
Smelling pistake

[mikebass456]

I remember Vester basses! 😎👍👍Got any better pics of yours? 🤘

[Merton]

Just now, mikebass456 said:

I remember Vester basses! 😎👍👍Got any better pics of yours? 🤘

Not immediately to hand but can go get a pic or three later when I drag myself out of bed 😄

[dmccombe7]

13 hours ago, Lozz196 said:

Just got in from a Knock Off gig (my old band which I’m standing in for) at The O2 Academy, Islington.

 

Was a Vive Le Rock event with a load of great bands, being headlined by Cocksparrer.

 

Load in was 5pm, had our own dressing room and refreshments, then on at 6pm for a short sharp shock set of 30mins. 
 

We played well, no errors, backline was provided and it was Blackstar amps - for bass was a Unity 700H & Unity 410C that my trusty JMJ Mustang & Behringer BDI21 went through, with both DI and miked cab.

 

Was quite touched to hear a good few people calling my name out when we were setting up, and afterwards caught up with some people I’ve not seen since I left in 2019.

 

Again the black New Balance trainers got the job, might not be particularly punk but neither is having sore feet!

How did it feel being back in the old band after 6 yrs away @Lozz196 ? You were with them a long time if i remember right.

Dave

[dmccombe7]

11 hours ago, Norris said:

Back from my gig already, even after a cheeky post-gig burger with the boys. We did 7:30 to 9:30 - the landlady prefers the Saturday revellers to go elsewhere to get rat-arsed and cause trouble. That was fine by us, especially as we do this gig "acoustically".

 

I love playing the EUB. It just makes me want to put in comical fills and slides. We had a whale of a time. I forgot to take any photos though.

 

Stagg EUB direct into my Rumble 500. Vans footwear.

 

Funnily enough due to a slight mix up in the diaries we are back there in 2 weeks time. That will be a Sunday afternoon outside if possible, so I hope the weather is good.

We definitely need some vids of this set up @Norris sounds like a good fun night based on your playing technique description.

Dave

[ezbass]

Just now, dmccombe7 said:

We definitely need some vids of this set up @Norris sounds like a good fun night based on your playing technique description.

Dave

Agreed.

[dmccombe7]

Just now, ezbass said:

Agreed.

Same goes for your MM fretless. That would be good to hear as well if its possible @ezbass.

Dave

[Lozz196]

9 minutes ago, dmccombe7 said:

How did it feel being back in the old band after 6 yrs away @Lozz196 ? You were with them a long time if i remember right.

Dave

It didn’t feel like I’d been away at all Dave, even when playing material written after I’d left. I was with them 2013-19 but had kept in some form of touch with them. Overall was really good, and great to hear some good-hearted “send him back he’s rubbish” from some of the old crowd.

[woodyratm]

I haven’t posted in this thread in a while!

 

Played a local bar on Saturday night. First time for the American Jazz and first time trying to play the set live with a pick!

 

loads of compliments afterwards. Burned 600 cals according to my watch haha! 
 

Managed to keep ahold of the pick until the last song, have a gnarly bruise on my middle finger now. 
 

only issue was that my ACS in-ears are away getting repaired again so was using KZs from Amazon. Didn’t hear things quite as well as I’d liked! 

Got some pics and a video, it was live streamed but we haven’t got that yet.

 

[HeadlessBassist]

Not actually my gig, and nor was I playing So I had a lovely evening going to see and support my mate who I've been playing with in a trio for over thirty years. Paul is an amazing guitarist, but plays bass for the 'Beat Club', and was playing one of my Jazz basses. So I had a highly pleasant evening of being an 'Audient', sitting and listening and drinking my blackcurrant and soda water. 

[dmccombe7]

19 minutes ago, Lozz196 said:

It didn’t feel like I’d been away at all Dave, even when playing material written after I’d left. I was with them 2013-19 but had kept in some form of touch with them. Overall was really good, and great to hear some good-hearted “send him back he’s rubbish” from some of the old crowd.

Great that it felt right and not awkward. Good to hear your feedback on it as i remember it wasn't an easy decision for you to walk away.

That's a nice happy Sunday morning story to cheer us all up.

Dave

[dmccombe7]

18 minutes ago, woodyratm said:

I haven’t posted in this thread in a while!

 

Played a local bar on Saturday night. First time for the American Jazz and first time trying to play the set live with a pick!

 

loads of compliments afterwards. Burned 600 cals according to my watch haha! 
 

Managed to keep ahold of the pick until the last song, have a gnarly bruise on my middle finger now. 
 

only issue was that my ACS in-ears are away getting repaired again so was using KZs from Amazon. Didn’t hear things quite as well as I’d liked! 

Got some pics and a video, it was live streamed but we haven’t got that yet.

 

cfc5ed86-8502-438b-a48b-12c3ef413f55.mov

What made you decide to go with a pick rather than fingerstyle. Just curious as i've struggled with that issue over 40 yrs but always remained fingers.

Usually guitarists that wanted me to use a pick because that's what they do 😂

Looks like it was a good gig and nice looking J bass too.

Dave

[ezbass]

42 minutes ago, woodyratm said:

first time trying to play the set live with a pick!

I alternate between finger and pick dependant on the song in my current band. However, in my old band, for some reason, I decided to play the odd set all pick. It was a revelation and a nice change. A friend of mine who, before he retired, owned a sound reinforcement company (and is the best FoH engineer I have ever heard) and also plays guitar and records with numerous folks, said that he loves the sound of a pick on bass, as it focusses the sound and can make it fit the mix better. Certainly something to break out every now and again to ring the changes.

 

54 minutes ago, dmccombe7 said:

Same goes for your MM fretless. That would be good to hear as well if its possible @ezbass.

Dave

I can do that. This was recorded during lockdown...

 

 

Probably the thing I'm most proud of in my playing career (doesn't hurt that it's my favourite tune of all time).

Edited 10 hours ago by ezbass

[dmccombe7]

24 minutes ago, ezbass said:

I alternate between finger and pick dependant on the song in my current band. However, in my old band, for some reason, I decided to play the odd set all pick. It was a revelation and a nice change. A friend of mine who, before he retired, owned a sound reinforcement company (and is the best FoH engineer I have ever heard) and also plays guitar and records with numerous folks, said that he loves the sound of a pick on bass, as it focusses the sound and can make it fit the mix better. Certainly something to break out every now and again to ring the changes.

 

I can do that. This was recorded during lockdown...

 

 

Probably the thing I'm most proud of in my playing career (doesn't hurt that it's my favourite tune of all time).

Absolutely brilliant. Some cracking vocals on there and your bass sounds so smooth and warm. Very nice playing.

I'm also a fan of some of Peter Gabriel's music but not all but that was so good. Loved the wee vid you made too, it makes a difference to a song when you have a fun vid to watch.

Many many thanks for sharing that, i really enjoyed it.

Now correct me if i'm wrong but did i count 4 different girls in that clip ? One in particular has an amazing range taking the higher vocal parts her voice remained faultless. I like to hear that kind of vocal line.

Dave

[ezbass]

38 minutes ago, dmccombe7 said:

Absolutely brilliant. Some cracking vocals on there and your bass sounds so smooth and warm. Very nice playing.

I'm also a fan of some of Peter Gabriel's music but not all but that was so good. Loved the wee vid you made too, it makes a difference to a song when you have a fun vid to watch.

Many many thanks for sharing that, i really enjoyed it.

Now correct me if i'm wrong but did i count 4 different girls in that clip ? One in particular has an amazing range taking the higher vocal parts her voice remained faultless. I like to hear that kind of vocal line.

Dave

First up, thanks for your kind words, I had so much fun recording it and then making the video (at least my bits), it’s something I treasure. We followed it up with Don’t Give Up, but lockdown was lifted, everyone went back to normal and we never made a video.

 

Yes, there are 4 ladies on the track. I’ve worked with 3 of them and know the other through the making of this track. All brilliant in their own right, but one of them makes my hair stand on end when she sings certain notes, so pure and the loveliest person, so easy to work with too. Funnily enough she’s the only one who isn’t a full time pro musician.

 

Peter Gabriel is my favourite artist, So and Us being my faves, but it’s not all gold for sure (the last album release; meh).

Edited 9 hours ago by ezbass

[dmccombe7]

53 minutes ago, ezbass said:

First up, thanks for your kind words, I had so much fun recording it and then making the video (at least my bits), it’s something I treasure. We followed it up with Don’t Give Up, but lockdown was lifted, everyone went back to normal and we never made a video.

 

Yes, there are 4 ladies on the track. I’ve worked with 3 of them and know the other through the making of this track. All brilliant in their own right, but one of them makes my hair stand on end when she sings certain notes, so pure and the loveliest person, so easy to work with too. Funnily enough she’s the only one who isn’t a full time pro musician.

 

Peter Gabriel is my favourite artist, So and Us being my faves, but it’s not all gold for sure (the last album release; meh).

One of my mates did similar thing with Games Without Frontiers. His band are called Anchorage Alaska. Worth a look if a Gabriel fan.

Dave

[msb]

Last year we lost an institution in our local blues scene , Barry Cook. Piano player , had been dealing with various health issues , the doctors had described his heart as a time bomb , and home after a great gig , it gave out. We did a memorial gig for him Friday night in the old blues dive downtown. The core band was mostly bandmates , unfortunately a featured guitar player was unable to attend because of previous commitment , a replacement was quickly secured. There were a good number of people that played with Barry in various projects that were up to play and sing. The night went quickly. Nice appreciative crowd. Great playing. Wonderful to see some great singers and players. Everything unfolded as we had hoped , I hope we’ll do it again next year.
Nice to feel the sense of community.

[Stub Mandrel]

On 31/05/2025 at 10:51, SumOne said:

Generally, our audience is people who happen to be at the pub, some people that go to the pub because they see a band (any band) is going to be on, friends/family, or they've heard us play at their local before....but last night was the first time there were a notable amount of people that had heard us before and specifically travelled to hear us - which felt like a bit of a 'next step'.

 

It's always a buzz when people come because of your reputation.