Bored of learning rock song, time for change

[yamaha]

I know about 250 songs on bass pretty much by heart, or just a quick look up of the key changes, and I'm set. I'm a bit bored. I want something exciting and new.

I do try a bit of classical, and it's fun. Also a touch of basic exercices.

What I really want to try is jazz, and-or melodies with chords. How do I start. The web, a teacher, a dvd, a book?

thanks

[DaBassman]

I'd start by listening to it a lot. Search the threads here, a lot of useful info and helpful people in talkbass. Try the Double Bass side too. Have fun!!

[Bassist4Life]

I would try some jazz; however, that genre is very broad (just like rock genre covers a lot).

Listen to a bunch of jazz styles and see what grabs your ear. I like groove oriented funky jazz like Medeski, Martin, and Wood. I also dig Jimmy Smith. Check out The New Mastersounds. There's a lotta' groovy stuff out there. iTunes is a great way to browse through different styles.

Peace,
Joe

[DaBassman]

And go to the big Jazz Festival in Montreal this summer!

[jschwalls]

When I was bored of playing in rock and metal bands, I joined a country band. There I found a whole new understanding of rhythm and the importance of the bass note in relation to the chords the guitarist and keyboardist where playing. I still say that it was the best thing I did for my playing.

After about 1 1/2 years I switched back to rock and found I was playing the songs I was tired of, in a whole new way.

Learning a totally different style of music is good.

have fun.

[Bassist4Life]

Originally Posted by jschwalls

When I was bored of playing in rock and metal bands, I joined a country band. There I found a whole new understanding of rhythm and the importance of the bass note in relation to the chords the guitarist and keyboardist where playing. I still say that it was the best thing I did for my playing.

After about 1 1/2 years I switched back to rock and found I was playing the songs I was tired of, in a whole new way.

Learning a totally different style of music is good.

have fun.

Cool! I had a similar experience. I play rock tunes in a different way now. After began studying jazz, I learned so much about harmony and how to connect chords.

Joe

[yamaha]

Originally Posted by DaBassman

And go to the big Jazz Festival in Montreal this summer!

Of course I go to the jazz festival. It's 20 minutes from my house. But you know what, it was (to me) really something about 15 years ago, when it was still on St-Denis street instead of Ste-Catherine's. Lots of small clubs on St-Denis, so there were the usual free outdoor stages, the big shows at night, plus every damn club had a jazz band playing either inside, on a backyard terrasse, or just move a few tables and set up a band, during those 10 days.

So back then, 1 drink at bistro a jojo with great jazz trio, walk outside to a few free shows, 1 drink at Picasso for another great band, and so on. Inexpensive, fun, lots of people, yet not as crazy as it is now. Plus, the outdoor stages felt more friendly and fun. Now, even the free stages run 80,000 watts of meyersound PA, with 24 moving lights, and 24 security guards. I guess they're a victim of their own popularity (jazzfest organizers).