Inspired by local talent?

[Mike M.]

I know everyone has been inspired by some of the big names out there. But have you ever heard some local, unknown player that blew you away as much as a big name player did? I heard one bass player this past summer who did just that.

The band was a three piece and this bass player had had one of the most solid and punchy styles I've ever heard anywhere. Played with his fingers and had a very strong attack but without over doing it. No fretboard gymnastics, didn't overplay but didn't underplay either but he did play some really nice unexpected things. No slapping at all but was very funky while being rock solid. Played with a lot of confidence and the guy could groove like I haven't heard in a long time. Hard to define, but he just had that "something" in his playing that was very inspiring.

He sure got me practicing differantly!

[tycobb73]

I got into music becaue my parents' best freinds were in a band and we would watch practice from time to time. This left the impression on me that msusicians weren't gods and I could do it too. Thus my real influences are Dave and Sherry Spencer.

[Rickett Customs]

Absolutely, hell yes. There are a ton of DC area players that Smoke!!!!!!

[gilla]

all over the Massachusetts scene people keep blowing me away

[TL5]

I live in Nashville, so..
[remembers the huge thread where a majority of TB's think Nashville sucks]
..uh nevermind.

[Fretless1!]

Originally Posted by TL5

I live in Nashville, so..

So do I and there are monster players here. Monster.

One that had a massive influence on me is one of our own members here at TB. I've been meaning to contact him directly but just haven't done so. Maybe he'll see this.

He has no idea how much I idolized him at one point. His playing opened my ears to a completely different role for the bass than I was used to hearing. Lost count of how many times I've heard him play.

So hat's off, Cheers, and here's to you Mr. Roy Vogt.

[baalroo]

I am pretty much just as or more inspired by local groups than nationally known acts, I actually fail to see much of a difference other than willingness to promote oneself... we all know fame has little to do with talent or musicianship and there's no reason to assume that in any decent sized cities there aren't at least a few bands in whatever genres you enjoy who would blow you away if you just bothered to go out and check them out.

Really the stuff I enjoy and am inspired by the most are those who are passionate about the music they play and seem to be trying their best to play it as "well" as they can, which (here in Wichita at least) there are a TON of guys who are doing just that.

[nickbear]

i think im more inspired by bassists in the uk underground music scene that my band plays with a lot more than bands and bassists that are widely known

[Woodchuck]

Inspired by local bassists in Atlanta? You've got no choice! MONSTER players down here, regardless of genre of music.

[DWBass]

Yep. Not too many cats suck anymore these days! Many are really really good. There are still some who feel they should play more notes than necessary but for the most part, all are really good players. In my area, there is a summer series at several parks and beaches and I go check 'everybody' out! I also see quite a lot of nice (and not so nice) basses. Smiths, Roscoes, Carvins, Ibanez', Fender, Spector, Schecter, Lakland (me) and I even saw a cat playing a Squier Active Deluxe 5 string and he was destroying it!

[Phalex]

Everyone I see play is an inspiration in some way.