Last week, I heard from my freshmen year roommate in college. I had not talked to him since 1983 when I was a groomsman at his wedding. My buddy is a great bassist and singer who has done jingle work, and also some studio time with Teddy Riley and Leon Sylvers.
My buddy mentioned how he tried to teach a guy who just wouldn't put in the time playing. He then mentioned how whenever he came in the room, I was playing and trying to learn something.
His saying that really brought back some memories! I spent a bunch of time playing and trying to learn records. Looking back, I would have benefitted from much more work on reading and theory, but I sure spent time playing, and learning scales and modes, and learning by ear. I never thought of myself as a hard worker, but I guess I did work pretty hard at trying to get better because there were so many killer bassists in college, and I felt completely outclassed!
I still feel outclassed, but I did improve at least a little bit.
