| Getting out of the rut...my thoughts
For those of you that are thinking of hanging it up (for a variety of reasons)…no inspiration, no time, work, kids…I thought I’d try and give my perspective, and talk you out of it. I’ve been playing since I was 13. Started out with the typical garage band situation playing rock and roll covers. Didn’t have a clue what I was doing but kept thumpin’ away. Played pretty constant for the next ten years. Country and rock bar bands mostly. The college scene. Even did a couple of “tours”. Things changed though. Life happened. Got a married. Got a real job =). Had kids. And slid my bass under the bed for ten years. Didn’t touch it. Then one day when my youngest was in middle school, his band director called and said that my son had mentioned that I played bass. He was looking for a bassist for a big band. I told him I didn’t read and it had been a while…”not a problem…you’ll catch on”. I think he was desperate. I pulled the pbass out and dusted it off. Showed up and followed the guitar players hands for 2 hours. Didn’t have a clue what was written on the charts, but I kept showing up. Ten years later, I’m still with the big band, can sight read pretty much any chart that gets thrown in front of me. Met a lot of players. Bought a DB. Got a call from a jazz sextet (think Monk to Mulligan) looking for a bassist…sure, what the hell. 5 years later and we’re recording again next month. Recently hooked up with 3 players and I’m playing rock again and having a blast. Last week, I got a call from a pianist looking to do the duet thing…”I heard from a friend that you were a solid player”…I guess my point is, you never know. Don’t lose heart. Practice. Try a different style. Get out of your comfort zone. Adapt. Evolve.
__________________ Quote:
Originally Posted by relacey  If I were forced to play a bass equal to my talent/ability I'd have a washtub and a stick. And it would probably be a dirty stick. | | 
