Flash but still tasteful - can it be done?

**bassybill** · #1 12-18-2008, 12:25 PM

I think so. How about you guys?

This guy's got some serious chops but still manages to be really musical once he gets going, imo. I like it even though I'm not always a massive fan of solo bass stuff.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=iy3V2Tl4g3s

(I haven't seen this before - apologies to those who have if it's been posted on other occasions.)

baalroo · #2 12-18-2008, 12:44 PM

To me the definition of "flash" is technical playing without regards to tastefulness. So I say, no. I like that guys piece and it seemed to be technical for the sake of creating the song, not for the sake of showing off. It's so difficult to judge since it's all very subjective.

**bassybill** · #3 12-18-2008, 12:53 PM

We're using the word slightly differently, then. By "flash" I just meant a lot of notes played with some pretty impressive technique that makes you think "Wow, he's a bit good."

By your definition it's clearly a contradiction, but I think this guy pulls it off pretty well if you use the word the way I do. That shows how important it is to keep terms well defined, I suppose.

baalroo · #4 12-18-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

We're using the word slightly differently, then. By "flash" I just meant a lot of notes played with some pretty impressive technique that makes you think "Wow, he's a bit good."

By your definition it's clearly a contradiction, but I think this guy pulls it off pretty well if you use the word the way I do. That shows how important it is to keep terms well defined, I suppose.

absolutely, and I think you're getting at what I was trying to imply. A lot of the disagreements here about "flash" I think come from a different definition of the term. I think a lot of the "anti-flash" people use a definition similar to mine. There's nothing wrong with a technical approach as long as it's accomplishing something that's musical.

Of course "musical" in and of itself is a subjective term and one man's music is another man's noise. This is why it's always such a heated and confusing topic I think.

MikeBass · #5 12-18-2008, 01:09 PM

Flash to me is like NAMM show or GC chops- fun for the masses to go "OOoo" & "AAHhhh!!!!", but not really useful for much else.
Now, I DO believe that you can have taste in those flashy chops. And that's what splits right down the middle of mature and wanker bass players.

Anyone can learn a bunch of Flea licks and light up Guitar Center, but to sit there and light it up without soul or some feel......why bother.

I also think hat you CAN wail away at 10 ba-zillion notes a min and have it still be tastful.
Just gotta pick the right notes!!!

NWB · #6 12-18-2008, 01:14 PM

Victor Wooten pretty well proves that you can be dynamic and still very tasteful. I don't think anyone can do it better than him.

greenboy · #7 12-18-2008, 01:15 PM

I try to come at listening as if I'm not a player of instruments because I've noticed a lot of non-musicians can hear something outside their normal comfort zone and still appreciate its emotional/spiritual content, and connect with the statement instead of the vehicle for it. It seems to dispense with a lot of baggage - the kind you see when four guys are in the back of a club going, "What a showboater, if he wants to do that he should be on guitar. Jamerson would be rolling in his grave, and look at the way he uses his hands blah blah woof woof" ; }

Fetusyolk · #8 12-18-2008, 01:16 PM

ive seen this video before, ive watched it probably a million times. great song

not to steal the thread but anyone have any idea what kind of bass hes playing?

StyleOverShow · #9 12-18-2008, 01:17 PM

As my user name suggests (I hope anyway), if you have the essence down, capturing the style significantly that is better than just 'showy' licks. IMO, this dude has both. The chordal progressions are interesting, the melody/solo has very good phrasing, and his thumb slapping gives it rhythm.

He is out there on a street playing because he feels compelled to make music, not just to show off (and probably make a few Euros too - Italian or So. Am.?). I my book, he's got it down!

MikeBass · #10 12-18-2008, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baalroo

absolutely, and I think you're getting at what I was trying to imply. A lot of the disagreements here about "flash" I think come from a different definition of the term. I think a lot of the "anti-flash" people use a definition similar to mine. There's nothing wrong with a technical approach as long as it's accomplishing something that's musical.

Of course "musical" in and of itself is a subjective term and one man's music is another man's noise. This is why it's always such a heated and confusing topic I think.

"Musical"...yeah, left to the ear of the beholder!!!

This may be a WAY over generalization, but most "anti-flash" guys I meet, couldn't play half of what they think is done just for the sake of showing off, and also don't understand most of it as well.
Not saying that you need all the ability and know-how behind a piece of music to be able to judge it or have an opinion, that's no what I'm saying at all. It's just been my experiance of the "I could play like that if I wanted to, I just choose not to".
No, it's not a choice buddy, you just can't!
People who can't draw/paint become art critics and art directors........

I've had comments said to me at NAMM and at my local GC, my reply is usually by playing "My Girl" until they walk away.

paganjack · #11 12-18-2008, 01:32 PM

i would say that player has a nice balance. the chords are interesting, and it's a pretty song that grooves. he's clearly skilled and not simply wanking on the bass.
flashy yes but not contentless

greenboy · #12 12-18-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeBass

This may be a WAY over generalization, but most "anti-flash" guys I meet, couldn't play half of what they think is done just for the sake of showing off, and also don't understand most of it as well. {...} It's just been my experiance of the "I could play like that if I wanted to, I just choose not to".
No, it's not a choice buddy, you just can't!

I've kinda sensed that when looking at a lot of threads here and there too. Gaudang - I can't play 1/10 of a lot of the cool stuff I hear. My hands are slower than my brain too (at least I have theory and band experience on saxes and stuff). But I sure don't want to stop listening and learning and copping at the level I am able. Music's so wide, why do people want to shrink it?

MikeBass · #13 12-18-2008, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fetusyolk

not to steal the thread but anyone have any idea what kind of bass hes playing?

Yamaha BB5G

Dr_Funkdamental · #14 12-18-2008, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenboy

Music's so wide, why do people want to shrink it?

The 700 billion dollar question of Talkbass. I want to ask this question to 98.9999 of the threads about genres, bassists, and techniques. Its so ironic that possibly the most free form of expression is so largely confined in the minds of those that perform it.

Terry Funk · #15 12-19-2008, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr_Funkdamental

Its so ironic that possibly the most free form of expression is so largely confined in the minds of those that perform it.

Astute insight, sir, +1.

Terry Funk · #16 12-19-2008, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

I think so. How about you guys?

This guy's got some serious chops but still manages to be really musical once he gets going, imo. I like it even though I'm not always a massive fan of solo bass stuff.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=iy3V2Tl4g3s

(I haven't seen this before - apologies to those who have if it's been posted on other occasions.)

Yeah man, dude was wailin'. I'm like you in that I usually dont go for the solo bass stuff, but that guy actually has some serious groove to go along with those monster chops.