Great Alain Caron solo on acoustic fretless bass

[jibreel]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j88ml...eature=related

[Sav'nBass]

This guy is just great!!!

[Funkturnal]

He is great. I discovered his acoustic bass guitar playing about a year ago and developed a new found respect for him.

His ABG playing sounds pretty darn close to an upright to me, more so than any ABG I've heard. I wonder if it's the particular bass that he plays, combined with the fact that it's fretless. I also noticed that he holds his ABG vertically, almost like an upright. I wonder if this is due to the body being exceptionally big, or if this is just an "artistic choice" on his part?

FYI, I have 2 albums of him playing ABG that are worth checking out IMO. The first is Frank Gambale's "Natural High" (with FG playing acoustic guitar). Lots of jazz standards with altered (re-written) melodies but the same changes. Also, he has a solo album called "Conversations" where he plays duets, mainly with different piano players.

[OldogNewTrick]

Thank you, great clip. I really enjoy his intelligent playing. His perfect technique is always awe inspiring.

[queevil]

[quote=Funkturnal;9118496] I also noticed that he holds his ABG vertically, almost like an upright. I wonder if this is due to the body being exceptionally big, or if this is just an "artistic choice" on his part?QUOTE]

I've seen a few bassists hold the bass that way when sitting down on acoustic or electric. Notice the way that body of the bass is sitting between his legs. It's basically the way to get the same angle while sitting that you would when standing. Many classical guitar players position their instrument this way. I've started playing my J bass this way while sitting down and it's really very comfortable. The biggest advantage for me is that it is well balanced so my fretting hand is free to move more efficiently since I don't have to use it to keep the neck from diving. It really frees up your left hand. Try it. It may work well for you.