All Right, May As Well Introduce Myself

Shiftkitty · #1 07-22-2010, 11:20 AM

First out of the gate, I'm no professional. I'm definitely a "front-porch picker" as my grandfather used to say. I play well enough to entertain myself and friends at a barbecue or some other such casual gathering.

I've been in a few bands, all garage-type where we just jammed and annoyed the neighbors, but I did play in a swing orchestra, where little ol' 5'2 girlie me showed up with a 3/4 doghouse. It was my dance partner for many years, as I was quite fond of spinning it and letting it fall, catching it just shy of hitting the floor. I loved to make the guys gasp! I called it "Thumper".

I also used to have a Cahuenga I called "Boomer", but it seems to have vanished.

The Chauenga has been replaced by a 100$ Dean Edge I named "Chico II" in honor of Chico Ryan, of Sha Na Na, the biggest influence on my playing style. (If you ain't having fun, put it down.) He's also the sole reason I ever touched a bass.

I'll play just about anything, but my stereo blasts Oldies (pre Beatles for the most part).

Shiftkitty · #2 07-22-2010, 02:03 PM

Part 2, 'Cuz the First One Got Interrupted By Work

I play electric bass, upright bass, guitar, harmonica, Jew's Harp, autoharp, piano, keyboards, drums, trombone, fiddle, dulcimer, q'in, and I caterwaul like a cat with his privates caught in a vice.

I'm a quiet, reserved person until you give me a stage. When it's showtime, it's SHOWTIME!!! My friends called me a "Spotlight Werewolf", because that was all it took to get me to come alive. 0-60 with the flick of a switch, as my friend Susan once said. I haven't been on a stage of any sort for a while (even those garage bands got gigs now and then). Hmm, I wonder what would happen if I found some local band that... hmmm.... aWOOOOOOOOOO!!!

gm2_in_co · #3 07-22-2010, 02:16 PM

Nice to meet you! Love your back story and musical influences.

Shiftkitty · #4 07-22-2010, 07:31 PM

Thanks. I like all kinds of music, but if you want to see me melt, play Ron Holden's "Love You So" or the Penguins' "Earth Angel". I'm told I was born in the wrong era! (80's teenager)

bassics1975 · #5 07-23-2010, 10:23 PM

I just registered with the forum and hope to be able to exchange ideas over time.

I am a high school music teacher (instrumental) as well as a professional musican. My principal genres are classical and jazz and most of my work is done on the double bass. I do bring the electric out from time-to-time for jazz. I am passionate about the instrument and attempt to feed an insatiable appetite for new material/ideas. I look forward to being a part of many a discussion here, on the Talkbass forum.