Bluegrass and Jazz... similarities?

[powellmacaque]

So I'm a newcomer to both jazz (pretty much all types) and bluegrass, but I have been asked to play for both types of ensembles lately.

I know this should probably be in the DB section, but I am quite scared to go to that area...

Are there any harmonic similarities with these two styles? What are some ways the bass roles play similar parts? Any help for somebody learning both (I'm a rock/blues/reggae player).

[JimmyM]

bluegrass music usually just wants the bass to stick to roots and 5ths while everyone else in the band tears it up, whereas jazz bassists are given much more leeway as long as what they do sounds good and appropriate to the music. i'd say there's more similarity with other instruments than bass. a lot of those bluegrass players these days study jazz and can rip at a jazz level.

[Plays_For_Dog]

+1 for Jimmy. I grew up in the NC foothills and had family in WV. Bluegrass was as common in my home as dishwashers were in others....

Since bluegrass (traditionally) has no drums, all instruments take turns in the structure of the song to keep tempo and rythm (while another instrument tears into knee slapp'n runs). The bass rarely gets spotlight time and is expected to hold rythm and keep time for everyone else to come back to after their pick'n frenzy. A simple walking bass line or arpegio usually suffices a "bass solo" in a blue grass song. Lonesome river band and Daily & Vincent are some hot groups right now in that circuit and can give you an idea where the current bluegrass trend is at.

[MalcolmAmos]

Originally Posted by Plays_For_Dog

Since bluegrass (traditionally) has no drums, all instruments take turns in the structure of the song to keep tempo and rythm (while another instrument tears into knee slapp'n runs). The bass rarely gets spotlight time and is expected to hold rythm and keep time for everyone else to come back to after their pick'n frenzy.

That is a great analogy on Bluegrass.