Christmas Day 1975

[Dr. Cheese]

Christmas Day 1975, my Mother (God rest her soul) gave me my first bass guitar and amp. For the longest, I would her a really great song, and just say "I can't play that," and go back to easy stuff. Today, I put on a song that made me say that when I was about twenty. The song is "Brazilian Love Affair," by George Duke with Byron Miller on an incredibly funky P-bass.

It's funny playing along today, because it is pretty doggone easy now. I even came close to getting all of the solo by the second take. I am not a great player by any means, but it is nice to know that I have gotten somewhat better over the last thirty years.

George Duke - Brazilian Love Affair - YouTube

Here's one that I actually tried to play, but it was a bit tricky. I can play it now but it still is fairly tricky timing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unBfb2syL18

[MalcolmAmos]

Now that I think about it, there are a lot of things I do better now, and there are a lot of other things that I can no longer do. Some of those can not do things:

Run a 10 K. Run around the block for that matter.
Bend over and touch my toes.
Stay up after 10:30 PM.
See to drive after dark. That's why we do not do honka-tonks any longer.
Work in the yard all day. Thank goodness someone now does this for me.
The list goes on............

Things I do better:
Back in 75 I only played the Jew's harp and the harmonica. Today rhythm guitar, electric bass, and keyboard.
Understand my Wife - of 56 years - better.
Have quality time for the Grandchild.
Know that 1:30 to 3:00 PM is the best times for a nap.
The list goes on...........

I'm satisified with how the last 36 years have progressed, and no I would not like to go back and start over - if I changed anything; today would not be as it is.

Happy New Year.

[Dr. Cheese]

It's just funny how a lot of music seems slower now, and not just a mass of notes.
Even though my theory is the best, knowledge of just basic progressions and just hours of playing has made a very big difference.