Finding Tour Work

[ninnlangel]

BassTerd, I started another thread about that in Janek's Forum.

[janekbass]

BassTurd,

Ninn is right, there's a whole section on synth bass playing in one of the other threads.

And my name is Janek........... not Jane. I am actually a man.

Easy,

Janek

[lo_register]

besides your own music, how often do you find opportunities to play jazz with the electric bass?

i'm a student at berklee and i just took up upright because it seems like EVERYONE who's good at jazz REALLY wants an upright player. I LOVE playing electric bass though.


thanks in advance,

alex

[musicman5string]

I don't mean to jump in here, but if I was a band leader looking for a bassist, I'd look for a guy (or gal) that could PLAY, regardless of electric vs. upright.
If you look at Janek's credits, it seems plenty of high profile Jazz musicians feel the same.

[janekbass]

Alex,

musicman is right on there. It really has a lot to do with how you play as opposed to what you play.

That's mine and musicman's view.

but it isn't always the case with band leaders around the world.

There is a lot of dislike for electric bass players in a jazz context. I rarely work in NYC in a traditional jazz setting these days. That's to do with me being on the road most of the year, and also because cats just don't want to play with electric bass palyers in a swing setting.

And I understand what they mean. It's a completely different thing. the whole attack of the acoustic bass is so much different and it's one of the main components of swinging hard. The electric bass (although I and many people I listen to can make a swing tune feel good) is not meant for this kind of music in the traditional sense. Not that the traditional sense is the only option out there, but you will find many people who refuse to believe electricity has been invented and will not hire electric bass. You have to really ask yourself if you want to play a music that has been played to death, and if you're really going to make a living out of it.

It's great to be able to play that music and get called for a few gigs, but I would really concentrate on writing your own music, making a scene for yourself, and playing new music with people in your peer group.

That's how the music will grow, and how you will make a career for yourself without having to rely on a few bebop gigs here and there.

To answer your direct question before I sign off....

I am very fortunate to be able to play with cats like Terri Lynn Carrington and Tim Miller on gigs like last night. So I do get to play jazz on a pretty regular basis. But my main focus is my own group and my own music right now. I have a band with some legendary musicians as well as young cats. It's something where I'm trying to write music that bring people that have been around for years into a new setting and pair them with younger cats and play something that hopefully comes out as being fresh.

Easy,

Janek

[BassJunkie730]

Intersting thread

I just quit my job of 2 years here (I'm freshly minted 24) (after graduating from college in Ohio)
in favor of a rigid 9-5er.

Why?

To spend more time playing and meeting others who share the craft.

I stumbled on Bass two years ago after I was asked to pick it up (a guitar player at the time - it WAS a massive shift not only in how I approached music - but also my responsibility to other musicians that I work with - namely I can no longer jerk off and expect accolades - bass is turning me into a serious worker)

No I do not read, my very close friend was a piano priniciple at Berklee and We;ve been playing together off and on for nearly 10 years now - so things rub off - namely ear training.

I can vouch for one thing - for NYC in the "original rock band" arena

Looks and timing are key - but a huge amount of right place right time and underscorde DIY ethic are also crucial.

You can't just be the next big thing - it's like advertising

you have to make the next big thing wish it was as cool as you.

[MikeBass]

Originally Posted by BassJunkie730

I stumbled on Bass two years ago after I was asked to pick it up (a guitar player at the time - it WAS a massive shift not only in how I approached music - but also my responsibility to other musicians that I work with - namely I can no longer jerk off and expect accolades - bass is turning me into a serious worker)

That right there is a golden piece of information.

Originally Posted by BassJunkie730

- namely I can no longer jerk off and expect accolades - bass is turning me into a serious worker

Brilliant.

[adam on bass]

One important piece of advice is get the payment upfront. I have been duped a couple of times and it isn't fun. You do the time and you get home for the break and the check doesn't cash.

Make sure the funds are there.

[BassTerd]

Originally Posted by firkinahsoul

One important piece of advice is get the payment upfront. I have been duped a couple of times and it isn't fun. You do the time and you get home for the break and the check doesn't cash.

Make sure the funds are there.

And if you get duped, don't be afraid to take something as a form of compensation.

[adam on bass]

Originally Posted by BassTerd

And if you get duped, don't be afraid to take something as a form of compensation.

I am getting monthly checks in little amounts, I am getting paid just not right away. At this rate I will be paid in full in 2008.

[BassTerd]

Next time take something as colateral. It will give who ever your dealing with an incentive to not dick around and pay you right away.