Low C Theory revisited.

Woodchuck · #1 05-15-2006, 07:22 PM

Okay, I've read the reviews, both good and bad of Jauqo III X's cd. I've had it for a while, and I like to live with cd's for awhile before I give an opinion. I look at this cd in a different way than most. Some people were upset because a bass player made an album that wasn't a wankfest or smooth jazz. After hearing this cd, it occurred to me that Jauqo III X was saying, "Here's a thang I've come up with and here's a starting point. Let's see if we can expand this." I took alot away from this cd, mainly that you can go MUCH deeper and stay clean, and I dug some of the journeys he took me on. He also played with some of the sickest musicians!! Larry Graham starting out just thumping the E string, and then he and others came along and expanded his technique. I could be VERY wrong, but it seems to me that this is all Jauqo III X is asking. These are just my opinions, of course.

MikeBass · #2 05-15-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodchuck

Okay, I've read the reviews, both good and bad of Jauqo III X's cd. I've had it for a while, and I like to live with cd's for awhile before I give an opinion. I look at this cd in a different way than most. Some people were upset because a bass player made an album that wasn't a wankfest or smooth jazz. After hearing this cd, it occurred to me that Jauqo III X was saying, "Here's a thang I've come up with and here's a starting point. Let's see if we can expand this." I took alot away from this cd, mainly that you can go MUCH deeper and stay clean, and I dug some of the journeys he took me on. He also played with some of the sickest musicians!! Larry Graham starting out just thumping the E string, and then he and others came along and expanded his technic. I could be VERY wrong, but it seems to me that this is all Jauqo III X is asking. These are just my opinions, of course.

I agree, while it may not be for "everybody", it's his vision. His art. His soul.
It isn't exactly my cup of tea, but then again, he may not like what ever I do either.
But, I do respect it for not being a Marcus Miller clone, or Wooten clone. See the tag line under my avatar- this rings so true in todays atmosphere reguarding bassplaying, that if you don't do the "Wooten/Marcus thing" then your mis-guided in some way.
He didn't follow the typical trends. Some railed him for it. Some hailed it as genius.
Which is it?? Mis-guided improvised noise?? Or something on a level in which we cannot yet grasp??
Maybe IMO a bit of both. Who really knows.
But one thing rings true, he's doing something a lot of us are not- Staying true to his vision and forging his own path.

I for one like the current state and don't have the time to really live up to the dream of pushing boundries or breaking from the typical restraints of our selected instrument.

Garry Goodman is a great example of this as well. I really don't care to much for his disc, but at the same time listen to it with a very large amout of respect because he's pushing the boundries and breaking from conventional bonds in what we do.
Hats off to him and a standing ovation as well.

Jaquo and I have met, talked and exchanged a few e-mails. He's a great person and if you met him, you would get it.
The disc alone isn't enough IMO. Meet him and you will get where he's from and where he wants to go.

Now, if it's a trip you wish to go on, you'll dig it. But I have a feeling he's just as Woodchuck said:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodchuck

Larry Graham starting out just thumping the E string, and then he and others came along and expanded his technique........

He may not be the best (and this is subjective), but he's the first.

JAUQO III-X · #3 05-16-2006, 12:17 PM

Thanks for the review Mr.Rodent.

I simply set out to display my concept of the Low C# string in a fast moving and controlled chaotic musical context.I think I succeeded in doing so and showing the none believers that it is possible.I'm the first to say and know(I knew this while making the recording)that this CD is not for every one,to be honest I'm shocked that there are some listeners who sincerely dig it and can recognize aspects of what I set out to do and just appreciate it for what it is.Some of the biggest names in the history of Bass have supported me and my CD and all have expressed some heartfelt positive comments about the CD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeBass

I agree, while it may not be for "everybody", it's his vision. His art. His soul.
It isn't exactly my cup of tea, but then again, he may not like what ever I do either.
But, I do respect it for not being a Marcus Miller clone, or Wooten clone. See the tag line under my avatar- this rings so true in todays atmosphere reguarding bassplaying, that if you don't do the "Wooten/Marcus thing" then your mis-guided in some way.
He didn't follow the typical trends. Some railed him for it.

Thanks Mike for what I feel is your honest opinion, again the CD is not for every body and that is what makes it so kool.I couldn't have done a wank fest recording if I wanted to because for the most part that's not my thing and I definitely can't play like Marcus M. or Victor W.it's to many other Kat's that's doing that.

EricF · #4 05-16-2006, 12:43 PM

Like MikeBass, the "C# Theory" CD isn't my thing, but I can certainly appreciate the artistry and skill behind it. I will always have respect for people who have the ability, drive, and genius to push the envelope in a new direction. Jaquo, keep doing what you're doing, man.

pointbass · #5 05-16-2006, 01:05 PM

I very much appreciate the concept behind the Low C# Theory, and I'm a supporter of the idea. There will always be individuals that see no logical application, and that's fine, too. I would think that as long as Jauqo is interested in expand the lower limits, he should have the support of the musical community at large, and in particular the bass playing community.

My concerns (probably too strong a word) are in the reproduction of these notes for the general population. As a bassist I find that I can not afford (financially or physically) to lug around the equipment needed to project these notes, therefore I see the application being quite limited at present. But I fully support Jauqo and his peers in their efforts and I'll be watching to see where the concept goes.

JAUQO III-X · #6 05-16-2006, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pointbass

My concerns (probably too strong a word) are in the reproduction of these notes for the general population. As a bassist I find that I can not afford (financially or physically) to lug around the equipment needed to project these notes, therefore I see the application being quite limited at present. But I fully support Jauqo and his peers in their efforts and I'll be watching to see where the concept goes.

Thanks for the support and you bring up A very valid and logical point,one can reproduce the low frequency of the low F#(23.12) & Low C#(17.32)string with the right 410 cab,a minimum of 500watts,the right pickups and on board preamp and the right tension on the string(it's not always about a longer scale Bass giving you a better responding Low string a lot has to do with the core wire of the low string).But I have to admit there are some Bass players who are dwelling in the low frequencies that are really not helping in validating an area of electric Bass that is still a young and less frequented range of the Bass guitar.

lomer · #7 05-19-2006, 12:13 AM

anyone think the Bass Guitar Mag review was a bit harsh?

I'll post it if you like, i just popped down the shops and bought it.....

jucas · #8 05-19-2006, 02:13 AM

I couldn't agree more about bass player being a little harsh. I haven't heard the disc in it's entirety, but even if it wasn't "your thing" how could you not give credit for doing something that hasn't been done ad nauseum. I would compare it to abstract art, there's a huge difference between the guy that throws paint at a canvas with no idea why, and someone that has a solid concept of the principles of what they are doing and pushes the boundaries. Jaqou in my mind was clearly the latter. Jaquo, I'm sure you've heard it before, but the album was great, and I for one appreciate your input and experience on TB.

edit... it sounds like I haven't heard any of it in my post, but I have.

JAUQO III-X · #9 05-19-2006, 08:36 AM

I thought that the magazines were about informing the Bass community about what is going on in our world but that is not the case,it really comes down to whether or not you want to buy some advertisement space,and you can always tell if a so called reviewer has really listened to a recording.there's no win situation for dealing with the mags unless you're all about putting out fluffy music and kissing A@#.I had one Bass magazine publisher tell me that he thought my CD was over most of his readers head and that he would like to help out but didn't know how and then he asked me how can he help me and I said well the magazine is to inform(at least that's what I thought)so maybe you could do a small mention of me,never heard from him again and the last time I saw him he acted like we had never ever had any conversation before.I am very proud of The Low C# Theory and I feel in my Heart that it is one of the heaviest Bass grooving recordings to come along in a while,if I would have done a Victor Wooten clone recording they would have dogged me out even more(and Victor told me that my recording was a great recording and that he really dug it).Again I have no problem with some one not digging my recording but there are some recordings from some very well known Bass players that we can agree is really bad in so many ways but the mags will say it's the greatest.

Here's a copy of the review of The Low C# Theory from the June 06 issue of(guitar worlds)Bass Guitar mag

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...IXBGreview.jpg

I can't wait to see what they have to say about my instructional CD/Book.

Garry Goodman · #10 05-20-2006, 03:34 AM

I am having an incredible time playing music I never thought possible due in part to Jauqo's concepts.His CD is a first.
It is real musicianship,real playing, not edited ,sequenced,midi tracks that are boring and predictable.It was created with a concept,just as avante guarde jazz was ala Miles Davis,Charles Lloyd,Weather Report.The sub-contra fretless is pure power-a real bass down in the register that counts.It's grown up music for people who have lived life.