Help on what to do at a bass+drums+vocal gig

happycream · #1 08-25-2011, 08:21 PM

So I have a restaurant gig that I play off an on, always with a piano player. It's a 3-hour gig with 2 breaks, on friday and saturday night. This time the piano can't make it, and I'm a little unsure of what I should do.

I usually play a NS NXT 4 string EUB but I'm thinking I should play my 5-string electric bass guitar for comping purposes. The singer does a few standards and also a couple marvin gaye tunes and some motown tunes. The drummer is a consummate musician. I would say I am a journeyman when it comes to both upright and electric playing, but I have done some solo stuff at more informal coffeehouse shows.

I've never had to carry the melodic weight at a jazz gig. But I think I can do it sine I have the heads of most standards down. I'm thinking I should play some groovy stuff, stuff that is low-key enough for a restaurant, but still sounds 'legitimate'. I need some tips, advice, ideas though.

Swampman Cory · #2 08-25-2011, 08:38 PM

You can really make either work. Interested to hear what you end up doing.

Upright and drums can sound really cool, and you can do some cool things with upright and vocals. Personally I'd end up on bass guitar because I'm more comfortable with it (and making it versatile).

happycream · #3 08-25-2011, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swampman Cory

You can really make either work. Interested to hear what you end up doing.

Upright and drums can sound really cool, and you can do some cool things with upright and vocals. Personally I'd end up on bass guitar because I'm more comfortable with it (and making it versatile).

Yeah, that just made me think about how 'cool' upright and drums can sound. I'm a little nervous because some of the things like comping and stuff are skills that I have never put into play at a gig or anything. Do you have any specific tunes or bass grooves to recommend?

happycream · #4 08-25-2011, 08:51 PM

Just to add-I don't have funk/slap bass chops, that is for sure. And this isn't a funk gig.

Russell L · #5 08-26-2011, 06:29 AM

I'd play lines that help identify the harmony, especially when it comes to identifying whether the chord is major or minor. But, then again, oftentimes the ear will fill it in for the listener automatically. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry too much. There might be times when you might do something special when it comes along, but mainly you can probably play along like you usually do, I think. Don't lose the feel of the song worrying about it.

MalcolmAmos · #6 08-26-2011, 07:31 AM

Recapping what you mentioned. You've got two rhythm instruments and one melody instrument (the vocalist). You have already come to the conclusion this can be a problem. Couple of things can be done....... IMHO

You and the drums do your thing as you normally do and let the vocalist carry the melody. Now the vocalist is going to need some time to catch her breath - she is going to need to transfer the lead some of the time. You also mentioned you've played lead in less formal gigs.

Looks like you and the drums will be getting some lead breaks - or - the vocalist is going to carry all the melody.

See what you can do. I bet you can pull it off. Sounds like fun. There is always pentatonics just remember to pause and let the phrase breath.

Swampman Cory · #7 08-26-2011, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by happycream

Yeah, that just made me think about how 'cool' upright and drums can sound. I'm a little nervous because some of the things like comping and stuff are skills that I have never put into play at a gig or anything. Do you have any specific tunes or bass grooves to recommend?

Nope, I'm not that helpful

Just bringing my support.