Wasted my time...

[JazzbassArt]

Worrying what other musicians thought about my style and playing abilities. I wish I could do it all over again. Unfortunatly, I (we) can't. I wasted my best years trying to be someone I wasn't, or didn't want to be. I'm a pop, rock, soul, country and blues bassist. I love to listen to, and marvel at the talents of musicians such as, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Pat Matheny, Jaco, Bunny, Victor, Steve Bailey and myriads others, but it's not my strength, and I don't and never will have the time and situations to build those skills. I wish I would have just been myself, I would have been so much happier. I guess aging has it's merits. It's been a little over 30 years since I was in the last actual full time band. I feel I'm a stronger player now, just because I understand what my strengths and weaknesses are, and adapt accordingly. Any time I can encourage or pass along what I've learned, I do. I only wish I could do it more often. Thanks for listening. Everybody have a great Christmas with their families and friends.

Leigh A. Vail

[chicago_mike]

Merry CHristmas and happy Festivus to you and yours.

Self realization is a motherf*&%.

[ZeSharc]

Ditto... I feel lucky to have learned the basic truth behind my playing and abilities a few years ago. It's never been about being the fastest, craziest, most innovative player (either on guitar or bass), but about having fun, making people move when listening, and providing the most suitable part (simple as one note over however many measures sometimes) in the grand scheme of the song.

Other people might be better and more adept at an instrument, but if I'm the one having the most fun, i'll call it a good gig.

Happy Holidays to all.

[Hamrhed]

Originally Posted by ZeSharc

Ditto...
Other people might be better and more adept at an instrument, but if I'm the one having the most fun, i'll call it a good gig.

Thank you- I concur 100%

I am amazed every time I hear Jaco or Marcus play- and I enjoy those two and many other amazing players... but I can equally appreciate someone like Cliff Williams or Andy Hess: they arent flashy but I dig what they do as much as anyone! If I can catch a groove and help the people around me do the same, then the day is a good one!

Merry Christmas to all

[DistantTremor]

It is always important to distinguish aspiration from competition.

[Kindofblue]

Im glad to say thats never happend to me. But I do know what makes me comfortable. it really depends on the mood but the genres I feel more into and down with playing are funk,jazz,motown,reggae type music? grooves.

[Cygnus X-1]

Originally Posted by JazzbassArt

Worrying what other musicians thought about my style and playing abilities.

You said it right there, "your style". You are, who you are.

In my teenage years I grew up listening to hard rock an metal (Rush, Maiden, Scorpions, Priest, Metallica, Megadeth etc). Though when I pic up a bass (or even a guitar on occasion) I lean more towards more melodic jazz and blues (I can't get enough of SRV).

Bottom line, you will enjoy making music more when you let your style find you and not force something upon yourself that makes you feel like you are puling teeth.

Merry Christmas.

[Adam Bomb]

Thank you for that, JazzbassArt. I'm no kid, but I'm just starting out on bass. And even as I grow I am working hard to respect and appreciate where I am at.

Merry Christmas, everybody!!!

--Bomb