If you once played bass and then decided to move onto some thing else in life

[JAUQO III-X]

If you once played bass and then decided to move onto some thing else in life and choose to never played bass again,Would that mean that you are forever a bassist?

[LilRay]

No.

Musicianship is an art form that must be practiced.

God Bless, Ray

[Rocker949]

Originally Posted by LilRay

No.

Musicianship is an art form that must be practiced.

God Bless, Ray

It would depend on the circumstances. If you were forced through circumstances to not play but still had your heart in music, you still might be considered a bassist. Maybe not one who is still polished, though.

[etoncrow]

I have tried to walk away from the drums three times in my life. The last time I quit was in 1982 when I began my relationship with the bass. Two years ago one of my best friends called and asked if I wanted to play in his band. We had played together in a group in the early 90's. I said, man you already have one of the best bassists in the area in your son. He said, yeah, but I'm talking about drums. I had three weeks to get equipment, get my chops back and learn the drums and backup vocals to forty songs. No problem. What's that tell you?

[reedo35]

IMO, You're only as good as your last gig.

[thumpbass1]

It's all relative really. I've had a chance to meet a few blues legends, and their careers were the epitome of being up and down and doing it for the love of their music. Their life experiences usually included a need for doing non music related hard work just keep beans on the table and a roof over their heads, and they hit dry patches of not playing anymore, but came back to music later in their lives. I'd say they were musicians and artists through it all and to the end.

[makanudo]

Originally Posted by etoncrow

I have tried to walk away from the drums three times in my life. The last time I quit was in 1982 when I began my relationship with the bass. Two years ago one of my best friends called and asked if I wanted to play in his band. We had played together in a group in the early 90's. I said, man you already have one of the best bassists in the area in your son. He said, yeah, but I'm talking about drums. I had three weeks to get equipment, get my chops back and learn the drums and backup vocals to forty songs. No problem. What's that tell you?

That tells me music is the most powerful thing ever
i love it

[bggeezer]

Music is performance art, if your not performing, your not an artist, ergo your not a bassist.

[thumpbass1]

Originally Posted by bggeezer

Music is performance art, if your not performing, your not an artist, ergo your not a bassist.

That's as ridiculous as saying that my brother who is an MD is not a doctor when he goes home, or is on vacation, or were to take a break from his profession to write a book or do something else for awhile.

[reedo35]

On the other hand, I would be a bit nervous about him operating on me after, say a 4 year hiatus.

[MakiSupaStar]

I'd move on to play banjo. Reggae banjo. That was make me an iriebanjoist formerly known as a bassist.

[etoncrow]

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

I'd move on to play banjo. Reggae banjo. That was make me an iriebanjoist formerly known as a bassist.

I tried that the first time I quit playing drums; it didn't take...

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

I'd move on to play banjo. Reggae banjo. That was make me an iriebanjoist formerly known as a bassist.

[waleross]

I havn't played live in over 25 years. Slowly I'm getting back into it. My thinking as a bass player is coming back to me. I no longer have an upright bass. I have more equipment than I used to have when I played full time. I'm 6 months to 1 year from being able to play live. In order to help me, I'm taking guitar lessons....

[thumpbass1]

Originally Posted by reedo35

On the other hand, I would be a bit nervous about him operating on me after, say a 4 year hiatus.

That's why he's a shrink.