First Session... looking for prep tips

[Lumpy_Bass]

Hey Guys,

I was part of collaboration of local players that recorded a Christmas CD to benefit Toys for Tots. The engineer (who is also a bass player) contacted me to do a session this Sunday, as noted this would be first and I would love to get on his short list. He described the musical style of the client as Country ,Gospel Rockabilly, like early Elvis or Jerry Lee Lewis. Since this is my first session I would really appreciate any tips that you guys could provide for prepping or in the actual studio.


Thanks!

[slybass3000]

First of all, bring reliable gear to the session. With the styles that you've mention, bring as many basses as you can for these styles like vintage bass,fretless may be, passive bass more then an active one unless you can bypass the preamp because you are looking for an organic and woody sound.

Bring some extras strings,tuner,tools to adjust the bridge,truss rod etc... Bring your best cables and i always bring my own DI that I trust very much.


For the rest,no sessions are the same: some are smooth and some are PITA. It all depends on who's in charge. Be prepared to change your part or your sound on the fly and stay open to any suggestions or even suggest your own if you feel it is appropriate to get involved !

Good luck

[Lumpy_Bass]

Thank you. I can not meet all of those suggestion though. I have have 2 basses. A Fender Jazz V and a Squire Jazz V. The Fender is a 2002 its my main player and the strings are about 6 months old. I was just about to change them but given nature of this session I will wait. I am hoping that will be enough to achieve the necessary tone.

Any tips on what to work musically for those styles? I am thinking I'll spend some time working a bunch of Nashville Numbered charts. I am open to any other suggestions as well.

[cnltb]

Originally Posted by Lumpy_Bass

Hey Guys,

I was part of collaboration of local players that recorded a Christmas CD to benefit Toys for Tots. The engineer (who is also a bass player) contacted me to do a session this Sunday, as noted this would be first and I would love to get on his short list. He described the musical style of the client as Country ,Gospel Rockabilly, like early Elvis or Jerry Lee Lewis. Since this is my first session I would really appreciate any tips that you guys could provide for prepping or in the actual studio.


Thanks!

Most important:
Show up on time.

[Raymeous]

I'd take the time to go listen to the artists mentioned, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc...

I know the person you're going to be doing session work for is not these folks but if the engineer is telling you that this is the guys style, absorbing his/her influences style and nuance a bit wouldn't hurt.

As said before, show up on time if not early. Showing up on time means that you have also already handled all the stupid stuff that kills time like eating lunch, grabbin a coffee, hitting the bathroom, handling whatever it is with the family phone calls, etc... Oh and a note on the phone thing, turn it off, or better yet leave it in the car. The phone can be too much of a distraction, and nothing will piss people off more than your phone ringing in the middle of a take.

Gear wise bring extra everything; strings, picks if you use them and even if you don't, new non-scratchy cables, whatever tools you need to work on your bass, straps, guitar and music stands, and don't forget the always needed paper and pencil/pen for quick notes.

It sounds stupid, but I have to say it, take a shower and wear some clean ironed clothes. Present yourself like you mean business and are treating this as a real deal professional, and check your ego at the door. Basically ask yourself "What would (insert the session player of your choice) do? How would he/she handle this situation?".


Well thats my dos centavos.