Jesus Christ Superstar

dtsamples · #1 02-01-2011, 11:11 AM

I'm going to be playing Superstar in April. This is like a bass player's dream show. So how do I pull it off correctly? Suggestions for tones? I really want this to be done perfectly. I play a MIA STD J V. Right now it has Chromes. The only amp I have is a Lowdown 300pro. I can't imagine I'll get another amp before the show. Any suggestions at how to approach this show, from tones, to strings, to improv, to specific recordings to listen to or players to check out to get me in the right mode, are appreciated. Any TB'ers out there done the show before?

Luckie · #2 02-01-2011, 11:22 AM

Never done the show, but I know Spenner played a P with flats through a mic'd b15.

How is the show being done? Are fakes being used? Full charts?

electracoyote · #3 02-01-2011, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luckie

Never done the show, but I know Spenner played a P with flats through a mic'd b15.

I haven't listened to it for a while, but the JCSS Original Soundtrack used to get heavy roatation on my turntable. That classic bass tone is still stuck in my head. P with flats, yep, that sounds about right, and I distinctly remember pick attack on at least a few tracks, so there's a chance he may be using a pick.

dtsamples · #4 02-01-2011, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luckie

Never done the show, but I know Spenner played a P with flats through a mic'd b15.

How is the show being done? Are fakes being used? Full charts?

We've got the actual pit books. It's a licensed production. It's the reduced orchestra version. We're going to play it with piano/keys, drum kit, reeds, bass, and guitar. A lot of the actual book is charts, though, and some of the numbers are fast.

John Wentzien · #5 02-01-2011, 11:33 AM

Definately go "Old-School" on this!
The tone on the screenplay was Killer!

Luckie · #6 02-01-2011, 11:42 AM

I just busted out that record, man does that line kick. My hands get tired after 45 seconds of that funky mess.

dtsamples · #7 02-01-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luckie

I just busted out that record, man does that line kick. My hands get tired after 45 seconds of that funky mess.

Right? And then that whole next section is ad libbed. I'm in trouble...

Febs · #8 02-01-2011, 11:55 AM

With all of the theater work I've done, I've always wanted to play JCS, and have never gotten the call for it.

Where and when is your production? Maybe I'll try to come see it.

dtsamples · #9 02-01-2011, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Febs

Where and when is your production? Maybe I'll try to come see it.

It's at the Delaware Children's Theatre. This is the "Adult Wing Fundraiser" show. Don't let the name fool you, it's an all adult cast, and it should be really well done. And if it isn't, at least my part is going to be!

But seriously, the people there are great. You should definitely come check it out.

http://www.dechildrenstheatre.org

Febs · #10 02-01-2011, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtsamples

It's at the Delaware Children's Theatre. This is the "Adult Wing Fundraiser" show. Don't let the name fool you, it's an all adult cast, and it should be really well done. And if it isn't, at least my part is going to be!

But seriously, the people there are great. You should definitely come check it out.

http://www.dechildrenstheatre.org

It looks like every one of your performance dates conflicts with another show I'm playing.

Bummer.

Narberth Community Theater is doing a production of JCS in March. I have no idea who they use for musicians, but maybe you'd want to go see it to get some ideas for your production.

JimK · #11 02-01-2011, 12:16 PM

Alan Spenner at Woodstock (black P-bass)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpp-X...nofeather=True

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGbK5...nofeather=True

pauliebass · #12 02-01-2011, 12:27 PM

I've played broadway tours for 10 years, but never went out on JCS. Funny thing is that was the only show I had ever payed any attention to before I started doing these things. Every show is a different beast. All the normal things apply for preparation: in time, in tune, know what you want to play on the charts, sit with the drummer as long as he has good time - otherwise its up to you. (I spent a year driving a drummer) Be heads up with the conductor... very important. There should only be one focal point between the actors and the orchestra. If the "talent" starts "back phrasing" (as they call it in the theater) DONT DONT DONT go with them if the conductor does not pull back. Sometimes you need to keep a conductor "goosed" or held in place, but only ever do this if you know beyond a doubt that you are right. That's bad advice, but true in the real world. Finally, beyond everything else, keep a positive output in the pit. It's very easy for a group in these situations to go to a dark place. Been there, done that! Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions about the gig. These things can be really fun and rewarding if done right. I wish you the best of luck.

pauliebass · #13 02-01-2011, 12:35 PM

Also, don't stress on your equipment. The audience can't tell one bit, and a Jazz is good for any pit. The stuff I wrote above is way more important than worrying about having a P or J/ rounds or flats. I don't mean to downplay how much time we put into our setups and sound, but what you have will totally work.