Truly Solo Bass Playing

[Lokire]

Hey Todd,

From what I've seen/heard, you're one of the best bassists out there doing chord-melody type playing. Seems like hardly any bassists get into it at all, and right now it's my #1 focus (playing my 6-String Acoustic Kinal bass ).

So I'm wondering if you have any plans on recording some kind of album or even just a song or two in a true solo bass style. Just you and your 6-string, playing the melody/head, then comping some chords while walking a bassline underneath, and then improvising a solo for a while...you know, basically doing what a solo jazz guitarist would, only on a 6-string bass instead. I just watched your Zon promo vid, and that's kinda what you're doing in the background for some of it.

I've never heard of anyone do a truly solo album quite like that (maybe Victor Wooten, with a Show of Hands, but I'm thinking more of a jazz style), and I'm slowly working on material for some sort of solo album myself. But I think if anyone could really pull it off, it would be you

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Lokire

Hey Todd,

From what I've seen/heard, you're one of the best bassists out there doing chord-melody type playing. Seems like hardly any bassists get into it at all, and right now it's my #1 focus (playing my 6-String Acoustic Kinal bass ).

So I'm wondering if you have any plans on recording some kind of album or even just a song or two in a true solo bass style. Just you and your 6-string, playing the melody/head, then comping some chords while walking a bassline underneath, and then improvising a solo for a while...you know, basically doing what a solo jazz guitarist would, only on a 6-string bass instead. I just watched your Zon promo vid, and that's kinda what you're doing in the background for some of it.

I've never heard of anyone do a truly solo album quite like that (maybe Victor Wooten, with a Show of Hands, but I'm thinking more of a jazz style), and I'm slowly working on material for some sort of solo album myself. But I think if anyone could really pull it off, it would be you

Hi Lokire!!

Man, sorry for the massive delay in getting back to you. Yikes!! But I've been traveling like a madman and got "painfully far behind" on my forum.....not to mention my email etc.

Anyway....I'm back (as threatened!)

Funny you should mention this solo bass business.....I'm currently thinking the same thing you are. It's just a matter of working up the material. I can do enough standards right now to probably pull it off.....but I'm hoping to spend the rest of the summer working on some original pieces to add to the mix.

Bottom line: I really "need" to get a solo CD out within the next year........and I'm planning to do so.

So........stay tuned. I'll keep you posted as things develop!

Cool??? Cool...........

[Lokire]

Excellent! Thanks

In the meantime, I've been listening to your CD with Kristin a lot since I got it not too long ago. Really, really cool stuff! "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" is showing 31 plays in my iTunes now - perfect

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Lokire

Excellent! Thanks

In the meantime, I've been listening to your CD with Kristin a lot since I got it not too long ago. Really, really cool stuff! "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" is showing 31 plays in my iTunes now - perfect

Yeah, practicing like a madman!! BTW, I'm playing with Kristin on July 30 at Gallis in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. This promises to be another tremendous gig with KK!!