Someone in another thread said "If you want to get good at something, spend the time!" Although I feel like I know how to play my instrument well, and often get compliments from audience and other musicians alike at shows, I've felt stagnant for a long time. I practice often, most every evening, but found myself just going over the same old stuff I'm already familiar with. So I decided it was time to dig deep into my library and learn new stuff.
For the past few evenings I've been working on "Sound Chaser" by Yes. The intro itself is an workout in timing and speed! I don't think the piece is beyond my capabilities -- I just have to learn it, and hone the techniques to play it well. It's a process of pushing myself past my current comfort zone and developing, just like physical exercise.
My goal is to move out of the pop/"classic rock" rut I'm in and actually develop myself in a more progressive rock direction. I've always liked Yes, King Crimson, Flash, ELP, etc., but never had the opportunity to play it. Even so, those artists are kind of "classic," too, aren't they? In my years as a mercenary bassist," I never paid too much attention to what was new in the music scene, if I wasn't paid to. Sad but true. . .
What could anyone recommend that might be a little more up-to-date, that would help me hone my skills? Or for that matter, what "classic" recommendations outside the standard "pop" prog could someone recommend? I'm mainly interested in getting ahold of pieces that have different bass lines, solos, etc., that would take me outside my current box.
